TTGmice's weekly round-up of MICE developments outside of Asia-Pacific.
St Petersburg doubles subvention fund to lure global congresses
Russia’s St Petersburg is doubling its subvention fund to 50 million Roubles (US$755,250) for 2019 as part of its ongoing strategy to attract major international congresses to the city.
The fund, which is controlled by the St Petersburg government and the St Petersburg Committee for Tourism Development, will be available to socially oriented non-profit organisations that are stimulating business tourism and events in the city.
Subvention support will be granted as part of a competitive process, which will reimburse up to 50 per cent of the costs (or up to 10 million Roubles) of a qualified event.
To qualify, events must be aligned with the priorities of the St Petersburg Strategy for Economic and Social Development and satisfy other guidelines pertaining to the number of international participants, event duration and potential for domestic and international media reach, etc.
The subvention application process has also been simplified with support available from the CVB as well as local consultants to ensure associations maximise their chances of financial support.
Redesigned Malilangwe House opens
Set in the private, remote Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in southeast Zimbabwe, the relaunched Singita Malilangwe House offers sole use of its five luxurious suites for premium, intimate-sized C-suite corporate retreats.
Perched on a rocky outcrop with spectacular views of the dam below and surrounded by magnificent boulders and ancient fig trees, the Singita Malilangwe House makes optimum use of its location and takes its design and architectural cues from nature and local Shangaan culture.
Spacious interiors are connected, flowing seamlessly to a raised outside dining platform and stylish interactive kitchen – and onto oversized decks offering the ultimate in outdoor living. Each of the five luxurious suites also features its own private deck.
Guests will enjoy attention from a dedicated chef and a butler, and have access to a private game vehicle and an experienced Field Guide.
Anju Gomes now leads ICCA Middle East
After an intensive recruitment period which attracted major industry interest, ICCA has appointed Anju Gomes as its new director Middle East.
Gomes takes the helm of ICCA’s fastest-growing region, and will continue to be based in Dubai where she has been developing her career since 1996.
She has spent a significant portion of her career working in senior positions across both the association and corporate meeting industries, specialising in local and international stakeholder relations, sales and service optimisation, and event management.
She was the former MENA head of events, finance and administration for the International Association of Public Transport.
