How IVT Could Change Tourism

Gary Bowerman, Co-Founder, High-Yield Tourism

19-Feb-25 12:00

Pause
Embed

Planning a trip has never been easier, or more overwhelming. With a few clicks, travellers can compare destinations, book flights, and even take virtual tours of hotels. But with endless options, misleading deals, and scams lurking online, making the right choice isn’t always straightforward.

That’s where Interactive Virtual Tourism (IVT) comes in. By allowing travellers to connect face-to-face with real travel experts, IVT combines the best of personalised service with modern technology. It promises a safer, more informed, and convenient way to plan trips… without stepping into a travel agency.

We speak with Gary Bowerman, Co-Founder of High-Yield Tourism, to explore how IVT is changing the way people experience travel. We discuss what it means for travellers and businesses, and how it fits into Malaysia’s tourism strategy.

Produced by: Carol Wong

Presented by: Richard Bradbury

This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories: markets, technology, managing, government, travel

Tags: Interactive virtual tourism, IVT, holiday bookings, tourism, travel planner,

Today’s Shows

6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer, The Macro Butler Newsletter tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Hj. Ihsan Zainal Mokhtar, Registered Town Planner talks about AI adoption in Malaysian cities.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Sri Murniati Yusuf, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Research Director, IDEAS Malaysia on the AG 2025 report and its findings

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia discusses Malaysia's ambitions in space, AI as well as politics within PKR.

8:30 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia discusses Malaysia's ambitions in space, AI as well as politics within PKR.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies on the deepening turmoil in the Middle East

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer, The Macro Butler Newsletter tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

Aidan YAO, Senior Investment Strategist, Asia, Amundi, discusses the resilience of Asian equities in the face of tariff uncertainties

9:35 AM

The Property Show

Entomologist Lim Say Piau and Regine Lim of the Malaysian Pest Management Association shares practical insights into how to address bed bugs.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

From mentalist to wellness entrepreneur, Warrior Plunge founder David Lai shares how he built a multi-million ringgit D2C business selling experiences featuring ice baths and saunas.

11:00 AM

The Workplace

EY’s Adeel Qaiser on why generative AI is reshaping the workplace faster than we can adapt, the tension between empowerment and replacement, and how leaders can make the tech a trusted ally—not a threat.

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Dr Paul Anthony on how Malaysia’s deindustrialisation is fuelling household debt, weakening income stability, and why urgent reform is needed to avoid a looming economic crisis.

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia discusses Malaysia's ambitions in space, AI as well as politics within PKR.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

3:05 PM

Earth Matters

The Malaysian Food Sovereignty Forum warns against proposed changes to the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act and the Plant Seed Quality Bill, citing a lack of engagement with farmers and civil society. FKMM Coordinator Nuritri Amir Bin Muhammad joins us to explain.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Most rare disorders have no treatment at all, and even in cases where there is one, access to it is often limited in LMICs. Two mothers share why and how they fight for better equity for all children.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Good Things

This World Brain Day, we explore the mysteries of the brain, and celebrate what makes every person’s brain unique.

7:00 PM

Made in Malaysia

We speak to an orchidologist about the unique species of orchids found across Malaysia and how we can protect them from poachers.

8:00 PM

Cruise Control

If you're in the market for a used, old school sports sedan, should you consider the Mitsubishi Lancer GT, or the Proton Inspira? Daniel Fernandez from dsf.my shares his thoughts!

PROGRAMMES