RateHawk Is Now Expanding to Asia: Interview with Jennifer Chua and Erik Akhmetgaliev

Introducing our Asia team

• Jennifer Chua, Head of Business Development for Southeast Asia 
• Erik Akhmetgaliev, Launchers Team Head

Explore RateHawk’s expansion in Asia

1. What are your plans for the Asia region?

Erik Akhmetgaliev: We have quite huge plans for the Asia region!

First, we plan to form the East Asia Team (China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan) and hire a Head of Business Development who will identify the market strategy for mainland China and Japan for the upcoming and following years.

Second, we need to reach the market fit in South Asia, specifically India (this region is currently in the launching stage). 

Third, we plan to diversify our financial footprint by launching bank accounts in Singaporean, Malaysian, Indonesian, and Thai currencies. This will elevate revenue streams and enhance our market presence in Southeast Asia.

Finally, the hiring plan for 2024 in Oceania must be completed, and at least four more commercial people will be hired.

Jennifer Chua: Also, we plan to establish and expand local sales teams in each market and other regional functional support teams with local language support. 

2. What trends do you see emerging now in the Asian region?

Jennifer Chua: First, now, travel is now a need, not a want. Travel expenditures are increasing, but travelers are more careful and prudent about their travel spending. FIT travel is the trend, and unheard-of destinations are more popular. People are traveling more throughout the year, too. 

Erik Akhmetgaliev: Second, the number of OTAs and traveltech solutions is growing, especially in India and mainland China.

3. Why is RateHawk a strong player in the Asian market, and what are our key advantages?

Jennifer Chua: Asians like to try new things and welcome new providers who can add value to their businesses. RateHawk’s commitment to localization will be greatly appreciated in the market.

More than that, RateHawk is a fast and easy product with excellent 24/7 support and high quality and quantity supply in most countries worldwide. 

4. Why do we launch an Asian legal entity?

Jennifer Chua: Committing to the region instills confidence in our presence there. The Singapore entity is our Asian hub, supporting the Asia-Pacific region. 

Erik Akhmetgaliev: We also aim to solve the problem of launching bank accounts for several key markets, which will reduce the charges our partners face when paying in their local currencies. 

5. What value can we offer to local players?

Jennifer Chua: We’re offering global inventory that local players may be unable to access independently, expanding their options.

Erik Akhmetgaliev: And, to this end, we’re providing an instrument that will make the lives of travel professionals easier and allow them to earn more money and be confident.

6. Are we planning on opening an office, and what are the hiring plans for the region?

Erik Akhmetgaliev: First, we already launched an office in Singapore at the end of last year.

The hiring plan is also aggressive — to grow the team by more than x4 and meet 2025 with 100+ employees working for Ratehawk in the APAC region, from India to New Zealand.

RateHawk is committed to growth. We can continue offering our valued partners the best and most comprehensive solutions when we grow. With growth come endless opportunities, and we encourage any travel professional or business to join us and experience more with us.

We look forward to meeting you at all our future events in Asia!

Sign up and join RateHawk here!

Emerging Travel Asia Pte. Ltd, the number of the license: TA03682

Contact information: +65 6679 5630, [email protected]