Bouncing Back

Belinda Shillcock, regional managing director of Abercrombie & Kent Southeast Asia, shares how the travel industry’s stability has been tested and strengthened during times of crisis.

- Anastasia Prikhodko

Belinda Shillcock loves what she does. For two decades, the avid traveller has worked her way through the industry covering diverse roles and exotic destinations. She returned home to Australia in 2015 and co-founded a business combining her two passions, philanthropy and travel. Soon after, Belinda swapped her Sydney life to return to Bangkok, where she joined the leaders of luxury travel, Abercrombie & Kent (A&K).

“Every day, we’re providing the chance for somebody to have an unforgettable experience,” Belinda says. Her passion is evident and so is her mission: to show people the marvels of the world. “Whether that’s enjoying a delicious Thai treat on the street or a having a philanthropic experience in Cambodia, where the travellers can donate a water well to give families access to clean water for the first time. We have this opportunity to constantly excite, educate, entertain, surprise, delight and intrigue travellers to learn about a destination. These novel experiences enable people to open their minds and hearts. Travel fuels the soul and creates opportunities beyond the norm.”

In the past 12 months, a shift has occurred in the five-star sector luxury sector.

“The wants and desires in luxury are starting to evolve,” Belinda explains. “While having that five-star luxury hotel is an absolute must, travellers are becoming more adventurous in their chosen experiences during the day.”