From Humble Beginnings to Global Leadership. In this exclusive Indo Thai News feature, Barry Robinson opens up about going from making beds to leading 100+ resorts — and why the future of Club Wyndham Asia is just getting started.
Barry Robinson didn’t start his career in a corner office.
He started by making beds.
“I did everything,” he says, reflecting on his early days at his family’s hotel in New Zealand’s North Island. “Waiting tables, housekeeping—you name it.”
Today, he’s the President and Managing Director of International Operations at Travel + Leisure Co., the global developer of Club Wyndham Asia. He oversees the strategic growth of the company’s vacation ownership business outside North America, managing more than 100 properties across four vacation clubs, including Club Wyndham Asia and Accor Vacation Club.
It’s a long way from changing sheets. But if you ask him, the heart of the job hasn’t changed much at all.
“It’s always been about people,” he says.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
There’s no such thing as “typical” when you’re leading operations across Asia Pacific and beyond.
Barry is based in the Middle East but frequently travels across Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, Fiji, and New Zealand. His days are a mix of:
-
Planning long-term strategy
-
Visiting resorts
-
Reviewing sales performance
-
Exploring new acquisition opportunities
-
Meeting members and teams on the ground
At the core of it all? Growth and guest experience.
“My role is about balancing daily operations with long-term vision,” he explains. “We need to stay competitive, agile, and above all, guest-obsessed.”
Leadership development is also high on his priority list. The company invests heavily in structured interviews, upskilling programs, and succession planning.
“We believe in identifying future leaders early,” he says. “Then giving them the space to grow.”
Why Hospitality? Why Now?
Even after briefly stepping into entrepreneurship, Barry found himself pulled back into hospitality.
“It’s the chance to create unforgettable experiences,” he says. “For members, for guests, and for our teams.”
And Asia Pacific is where much of that excitement is happening right now.
Club Wyndham Asia’s member base continues to grow across Thailand, India, and other emerging markets. Its resort network now spans Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Japan, and even Italy.
“The potential in Asia Pacific is enormous,” he says. “Rising affluence, strong digital connectivity, and a growing appetite for shared ownership models—it’s all coming together.”
But success in Asia isn’t just about expansion. It’s about cultural understanding.
“It’s not just about speaking the language,” Barry notes. “It’s about understanding the nuance.”
That, he says, is the real challenge—and the real motivation.
Leading Across Cultures
Managing teams across multiple countries requires more than business skills. It requires empathy.
“Leading across cultures demands adaptability and respect,” Barry explains.
From celebrating Songkran in Thailand to Ramadan in Muslim-majority markets and Chinese New Year across the region, cultural traditions are embraced company-wide.
“These shared celebrations strengthen our team spirit,” he says.
Open communication is key. So is empowering local teams.
“We combine regional insight with global alignment,” he explains. “That’s how you stay culturally relevant and future-ready.”
The Toughest Tests
Two defining moments shaped Barry’s leadership journey: the 2007 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both hit the travel industry hard.
“We acted decisively,” he recalls. “We focused on supporting our people and maintaining transparent communication with our members.”
Instead of pulling back completely, the company prioritised talent retention and service continuity.
“What made it rewarding, despite the hardship, was seeing the strength and adaptability of our people,” he says.
The result? A more agile organisation, better prepared for the future.
Travel Is No Longer a Luxury—It’s a Lifestyle
If there’s one big shift Barry sees across Asia, it’s this: travel isn’t a once-a-year treat anymore.
“Travel is increasingly becoming a lifestyle choice rather than a luxury,” he says.
Remote work and flexible schedules have changed how people vacation. Professionals are blending work and leisure. Families are seeking deeper, more meaningful experiences.
Younger travellers, in particular, are prioritising:
-
Experiences over ownership
-
Wellness-focused stays
-
Cultural discovery
-
Sustainable travel
At Club Wyndham Asia, that means designing stays that combine comfort, connectivity, and purpose.
“We use technology and personalised insights to create authentic, engaging experiences,” Barry says.
Thailand’s Influence
Although he isn’t permanently based in Thailand, Barry visits often and works closely with Thai teams.
Thailand’s hospitality culture has left a strong impression.
“The warmth and attention to detail are inspiring,” he says. “Thai culture reminds us that hospitality is about connection—not just service.”
That philosophy shapes how he leads: with empathy, recognition, and a focus on joy.
When it’s time to recharge, he heads to Phuket—particularly Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay and Zenmaya Oceanfront Phuket—to catch Andaman Sea sunsets. Hua Hin and Koh Samui are also favourites.
“I’d love to see a Club Wyndham resort in Koh Samui in the near future,” he adds.
Advice for Young Professionals in Hospitality
For aspiring leaders—especially young professionals or expats—Barry keeps it simple.
“Work harder than the person next to you and stay flexible.”
But effort alone isn’t enough.
“Be authentic,” he says. “Your leadership style should reflect who you are. Authenticity builds trust.”
And never underestimate small gestures.
“Remember a colleague’s name. Remember a guest’s story. Hospitality is personal—it’s the little things that create lasting impressions.”
What’s Next for Club Wyndham Asia?
Big things.
The brand recently added Club Wyndham Seminyak in Bali and Club Wyndham Shirakabaso Shiga Kogen in Nagano, Japan, bringing its portfolio to 25 destinations.
Members also gain access to more than 4,000 properties globally through RCI, Wyndham Rewards, and partner exchanges.
In Thailand, collaborations with brands like Krungsri, Bangkok Airways, UOB, and Air Asia are expanding reach even further.
At the same time, Club Wyndham Asia continues to see strong growth in Thailand, particularly among younger travellers. Millennials and Gen Z now make up around 50 percent of the Club Wyndham Asia membership base.
The vacation ownership model resonates with this generation because it offers the benefits of ownership while removing the usual responsibilities of a holiday home, such as depreciation and property management.
“We’re focused on more destinations, more curated experiences, and deeper integration of travel as a lifestyle,” Barry says.
Because at the end of the day, travel is not just about where you go.
It is about how you choose to live.
And for Club Wyndham Asia, the next chapter is already unfolding.
–
Indo Thai News brings you the latest stories from Thailand and Asia—covering Travel, Lifestyle, Entertainment, and more.
Want your business, brand, or event to be featured? Submit Your Press Release to Indo Thai News and share your story with our growing community.