The Royal Albatross, hailed as the first luxury tall ship in Asia, has reached the shores of Singapore and will begin operations from the middle of this year.
To be berthed at Resorts World Sentosa’s waterfront for the next three years, this 47m long, four-mast ship can be chartered for private and corporate events.
It has five cabins, two bars and spacious open decks with a maximum passenger capacity of 200 when docked, up to 149 guests for day or evening cruises, and up to 10 for overnight voyages.
Peter L Pela, Tall Ship Adventure’s owner and managing director, said: “The Royal Albatross is targeted at discerning high-wealth private charter or senior executives for corporate charter and is ready to take on their events.”
To create tailored experiences “on a scale unlike any other”, Pela said the ship, which is fully equipped with audiovisual equipment for presentations and satellite communications, offers the romance of a magnificent tall ship with historical and traditional elegance.
Pela pointed out that the multifunction Grand Salon which contains a bar will appeal particularly to corporate guests. This space can hold approximately 60 guests in a fully air-conditioned environment and has built in audiovisual systems and customisable lighting.
Depending on the client’s needs and requirements, they can opt for an alongside charter – where the ship is docked throughout the event – or a cruise voyage where the ship will sail around Singapore. – Paige Lee Pei Qi
Popular Hong Kong attraction Ngong Ping 360 is gaining a new lease of life with a sensory tourism programme to debut this year, including fresh performances and MICE space.
The Monkey Theatre at Ngong Ping Village will be relaunched in 2Q with a 3D theatre and a live theatre for action-packed performances themed on classic Hong Kong movies. By the end of the year, additional themed activities such as movie stunt demonstrations will commence at the Village.
Stella Kwan, head of commerce for the attraction, said the revamp of Monkey Theatre costs more than HK$30 million (US$3.9 million).
Part of the Ngong Ping 360 terminal will be converted into a new, 310m2 MICE venue from 3Q, called 360 Dialogue.
“Our team started approaching corporates in recent months to market our new one-day MICE programme, combining a half-day Dining In Silence session for food appreciation and interaction in total silence, with optional activities such as hiking and visits to Tai O,” said Kwan.
Other programmes to begin in the second half of 2014 include the Aerial Wire Experience, while it will offer accommodation packages and aftenoon tea tours for the first time.
Ngong Ping 360 has also implemented a new online ticketing system allowing mobile ticketing and reservation of return trip tickets. A new audio guide can be downloaded via WeChat. – Prudence Lui
Stretch those limbs after a meeting and learn to move like K-pop idols at DEF Dance Studio Picture by DEF Dance Studio
After years of successful courtship with global congresses, Seoul is now flaunting more of its fun side to garner more incentive wins. By Karen Yue
In a marketplace where competition for international congresses is intensifying by the minute, South Korea’s capital city has managed to retain fifth spot on UIA’s ranking of top international meetings cities for three years running – in 2010, 2011 and 2012 – while raising its count of qualified meetings from 201 in 2010 to 253 in 2012.
Now that it has developed a forte in hosting international congresses, Seoul is eager to boost its performance in another events sector.
Maureen O’Crowley, vice president of Seoul Convention Bureau at the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO), said: “It is time for us to shift our focus onto incentives. The great thing about incentives is that they materialise much faster than conventions and exhibitions which take years to prepare and happen.”
In general, Seoul Convention Bureau is strengthening communications and cooperation with DMCs and incentive professionals to garner more incentive wins.
Since intensifying its courtship of incentive clients last year, Seoul Convention Bureau has supported 66 corporate meetings/incentives in 2013, compared to 45 in 2012.
One of these events was a teambuilding programme for 200 members of McDonald’s Singapore in May. Activities were an interpretation of Running Man, a popular Korean TV game show, in Lotte World amusement park. Another was a 1,000-pax Nuskin Japan gathering in July.
“We also had many small-sized incentive groups,” said O’Crowley.
The number of meeting/incentive footfalls in Seoul registered an even more spectacular jump – from 5,265 in 2012 to 18,665 in 2013.
“Much of this can be attributed to the expanded support programme we offer to DMCs,” she explained.
The enhanced support by the bureau included its first-ever financial subvention. To qualify for this, groups must have at least 50 international attendees who stay a minimum of two consecutive nights in Seoul. The scheme provides 20,000 Korean won (US$18.70) per delegate, up to a maximum of 20,000,000 Korean won, as well as souvenirs, welcome events at the airport, ground transfers, banquets, performances and city tours.
The financial portion of the scheme is dispensed in two ways: a financial credit of 10,000 Korean won plus a small gift, or a premium gift valued at 20,000 Korean won.
The financial credit goes to the local organiser who will use it to cover certain expenses incurred in Seoul, such as transport, dinner and performances, O’Crowley explained.
“We have also created new programmes to support our DMCs through workshops, newsletters and advertisements,” she added, pointing to a soon-to-release 38-page Incentive Guide as an example of the bureau’s initiatives.
The guide will spotlight existing products and venues in Seoul that can up the fun factor for incentive programmes. Event planners will be presented with ideas that feature traditional venues, cultural experiences, technology and medical tours.
“It is important to work creatively with what the city already offers,” she said. “It is very interesting how groups are coming up with great ideas themselves. Last April a pharmaceutical company in China got its participants to take photos that captured determination, confidence and passion – the three key traits of Korean businessmen that the company’s CEO liked.”
The bureau also assists incentive planners in customising programmes with the help of its Seoul MICE Alliance, which now boasts 144 members including unique venues, hotels, convention centres, PCOs, transportation specialists, travel agencies, entertainment providers, shopping centres and other suppliers.
The bureau will focus its marketing efforts on incentive buyers in Asia-Pacific – China and South-east Asia in particular – due to proximity, ease of air access and familiarity with Seoul as a destination.
O’Crowley credited the Korean pop – or K-pop – culture for helping to establish great incentive interest from China and South-east Asia, and said Seoul’s new Klive – said to be the world’s first dedicated K-pop hologram performance hall – would get delegates from those regions excited.
Located in Lotte FITIN building, a new shopping mall in Dongdaemun, Klive (www.klive.co.kr) utilises state-of-the-art technology and K-pop content to create a fantasy world where visitors can go in search of Psy and catch idol bands in action.
Incentive winners can also ride the K-pop wave at DEF Dance Studio (www.defcompany.com), which can customise content for corporate groups. It has two dance studios which can each take up to 40 trainees. Exclusive use of a dance studio costs 20,000 Korean won per pax per hour, and clients can choose their preferred song to dance to.
South Korean cosmetics have also garnered a strong following worldwide, the effectiveness of these products promoted by the country’s numerous beautiful celebrities. Incentive delegates keen to learn about the history and development of South Korean cosmetics can visit Space C (www.spacec.co.kr), a venue managed by Coreana, a local cosmetics company.
Coreana Cosmetics Museum within the building displays more than 5,300 beauty-related items used by women in the Joseon Dynasty, as well as plants that provide crucial ingredients for beauty products. At the end of the learning journey, top achievers can adjorn to The Beauty Space where a therapist at the skin clinic will prescribe various indulgent body treatments.
Appreciate South Korea’s love for fashion and creativity at Simone Handbag Museum Picture by Simone Handbag Museum
Alternatively, feature Kwangdong Traditional Medicine Hospital (english@ekwangdong.co.kr) in Gangnam, where visitors can learn about traditional health treatments that have withstood the sands of time.
Beside granting sufficient time for delegates to comb the myriad shops in downtown Seoul, incentive planners can include Simone Handbag Museum (simonehandbagmuseum.co.kr) in the itinerary. A reflection of South Korean’s passion for fashion, the museum carries a collection of 300 bags, some dating back to 1550.
When delegates have gotten their fill of the big city, whisk them off to scenic Namsangol Hanok Village which showcases five traditional houses from the Joseon Dynasty as well as traditional activities such as archery and performances.
Need to know
Hot, new stay in Seoul’s fashion enclave
The 170-room JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul has opened, making it the first international luxury business hotel to be located in the heart of the city’s popular fashion district.
Featuring a stylish urban facade and elegant interiors, the property offers five meeting rooms over 972m2 of space. The grand ballroom can accommodate up to 750 guests.
F&B offerings include BLT Steak, an internationally renowned New York steakhouse; Tavolo 24, a casual all-day dining restaurant featuring live cooking stations; The Lounge, which specialises in artisan chocolates, martinis and afternoon tea; Seoul Baking Company, which serves fresh cakes and pastries from its open kitchen; and the roof-top Griffin Bar overlooking the East Gate.
Eat your way through Seoul
O’ngo Food Communications organises a series of food-themed tours in several destinations across South Korea.
In Seoul, it serves up a variety of tours such as the Korean Street Food and BBQ Tour that combs through seven classic shops, street stalls and restaurants; the Korean Night Dining Tour that celebrates good food and imparts local eating and drinking customs to participants; and The Great Korean Pub Crawl that focuses on traditional pubs and new watering holes.
Tours are led by English, Spanish, or Japanese speaking guides. Private tours are available. Contact ongofood@ongofood.com for details.
Artistic souls
The Naksan Art Project in Dongsung-dong district features a range of art installations and more than 70 beautiful murals, decorated walls and houses, and more, making it a fun place to explore as part of a pre/post-meeting tour.
Indulge in a visual feast
Occupying a black and white building with clean lines in a neighbourhood of international embassies, Si Wha Dam positions itself as a sophisticated gallery that specialises in fine-dining cuisine. Dishes celebrate traditional Korean cooking styles and ingredients, but are presented in artistic forms, offering diners a feast for both the eyes and palate.
Set lunch and dinner options carry beautiful names, such as A Lyric Poem, A Beautiful Painting and Pleasant Story. Dishes featured under A Beautiful Painting set dinner include an artistic interpretation of the humble rice cake sandwich, among others.
Advance reservation is necessary. Visit www.siwhadam.com or call (82-02) 798-3350.
Bond may prefer his martini shaken, but celebrated cocktail master Javier de las Muelas shows that a stirred martini – a dry martini to be exact – can be as remarkable. In fact, if Bond was real, he would have to admit that de las Muelas’ gin and vermouth concoction was the most remarkable liquid to ever pass his lips – the master had spent 35 years to perfect this cocktail after all.
To take a swig of de las Muelas’ dry martini, one no longer need to travel miles from Asia to his award-winning Dry Martini bar in Barcelona. One only has to strut down to Four Seasons Singapore’s One-Ninety Bar by Javier de las Muelas.
Tucked away in a quiet corner on the hotel’s ground floor, the rejuvenated bar offers a handsome indoor space that is furnished with a long marble bar, plush seats and bottle-lined shelves, as well as Terraza, a lush outdoor seating area and cigar bar. The sophisticated setting makes it perfect for intimate business gatherings and celebrations, although full private hire is not allowed.
One-Ninety Bar by Javier de las Muelas also seduces patrons with a selection of classic and signature cocktails, such as the refreshing Frozen Apple Martini. Tantalising bar bites such as crispy calamari with lime and chipotle aioli and mini Wagyu sliders complete the whole experience.
Stop by from 08.00 to 01.00 or call (65) 6831 7671 for reservations.
Gili Trawangan, a small island off Lombok island, is an emerging MICE destination
With better infrastructure and connectivity, secondary cities are making headways in capturing the MICE market. By Mimi Hudoyo
A s demand for meetings and incentives increase on the back of a growing economy and improving accessibility from neighbouring countries, secondary destinations in Indonesia such as Jogjakarta, Lombok and Padang are now putting more focus on developing the MICE market.
In cooperation with MICE Centre, an Indonesian MICE research and development, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has finalised mapping and rating 16 cities/islands it is focused on developing and promoting as MICE destinations, according to Achyar Rudin, director of MICE and special interest development at the ministry’s directorate general of destination development.
“The mapping tells us the strengths and weaknesses of each destination. Not every destination is ready to accommodate all MICE sectors,” Achyar said. Based on the ministry’s criteria, Jakarta and Bali are rated as “existing” destinations, Jogjakarta is a “potential” destination, while Lombok and Padang fit in the “emerging” destinations category.
Corporate and association meetings combining incentive or leisure components are a major market for Jogjakarta, according to ATA Travel Service director, Malia Sayuti.
Said Bagus Dewa Karuniawan, director of sales and marketing at Royal Ambarrukmo Hotel, where MICE contributed 30 per cent of business last year: “The city has lost a number of businesses to other (Indonesian) destinations because we did not have a big convention facility.”
To meet the growing MICE demand in Jogjakarta, Royal Ambarrukmo Hotel has added the 2,000-pax Kasultanan Ballroom – currently the biggest venue in the city – to its existing 1,000-pax Kraton Ballroom.
The new 193-room Eastparc Hotel Yogyakarta, with a ballroom of 1,000 pax capacity plus 20 breakout rooms, was built to cater for MICE. The hotel’s general manager, Erny Kusmastuti, explained: “With MICE, there are a lot of segments to sell, from the rooms and meeting facilities to F&B and dinner celebrations.”
Lombok, in eastern Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province, has enjoyed the steady growth of domestic MICE in recent years, thanks to aggressive promotion efforts by the regional government in the last decade. In 2013, NTB recorded over 1.3 million arrivals, increasing 22 per cent from 2012.
“Of this number, some 900,000 arrivals were from Indonesia, of which meetings and incentive contributed 55 per cent,” said Awan Aswinabawa, chairman of NTB Tourism Promotion Board.
Gili Trawangan, a small island near Lombok, has gained popularity with MICE groups as its remoteness enable clients to have fruitful and effective meetings by staying within self-contained resorts, according to Imam Wahyudi, general manager of Villa Ombak and Ombak Sunset on Gili Trawangan.
Christina Rudatin, advisor of MICE Centre, said: “Lombok is a promising destination, but venues, the people’s readiness to be hosts and the availability of vendors to provide things MICE organisers need are among the things it needs to improve.”
In West Sumatra, Padang’s burgeoning room supply and air connections, including 28 daily flights from Jakarta and direct links with Medan, Batam, Pekanbaru and Kuala Lumpur, are “start-up capital” for Padang to develop its MICE sector, said Yusran, who is also chairman of Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association West Sumatra Chapter.
Minangkabau International Convention Centre (MICC) is due to open mid this year with a 4,500m² convention hall. Maulana Yusran, board member of Sungai Tanang Sinergi, which owns MICC, has noted “the development of new hotels in Padang following the 2009 earthquake”.
Padang’s inventory grew from 1,500 rooms before the earthquake to 2,800 rooms at end-2013, with several hundred more rooms expected to enter the market this year, he added.
Having recently organised Tourism Indonesia Mart and Expo (TIME) 2013 in Padang, the destination has the potential to host regional events of about 1,000 participants although facilities and human resources need to be improved, noted Pacto Convex president director, Susilowani Daud.
Christina agreed: “There are many things the destination needs to improve to catch up with other cities.” she added that while it was natural for Padang to rely on PCOs from mature destinations like Jakarta or Bali, the destination needs to develop skilled manpower at the operational level.
Ideas
One-day outing in Jogjakarta
MORNING
Take a cycling or walking tour of Kotagede, a historic neighbourhood which in the 16th century was the capital of the Mataram kingdom. Wander around the narrow lanes lined with century-old houses showcasing traditional Javanese wooden houses combined with elements of Dutch brick architecture. These houses were homes of rich merchants during the colonial era. If you are lucky, some owners might be willing to open their houses for guests to go in and take a closer look at the unique architecture and living traditions.
Visit the remains of the Mataram kingdom including the royal mosque, royal cemetery, defensive walls and moats.
Kotagede is known for its silverware, so do not miss the opportunity to drop in to one of the smith shops to see the jewellery making and take home some souvenirs.
Lunch at a local restaurant that serves traditional Jogjakarta food.
AFTERNOON
After lunch, drive north to Kaliurang, a small town on the southern slopes of Mount Merapi and take a four-wheel Jeep Tour (three pax per jeep) to visit villages, fields, bridges and roads destroyed by the lava and hot clouds during the 2010 eruption. Cold lava covering creeks, heaps of sands and boulders still remain, bearing witness to the devastating eruption.
Meanwhile, the majestic Mount Merapi itself is a beautiful backdrop for photoshoots while the off-road ride on the old Willys Jeep is an experience in itself.
Off-road ride on an old Willys Jeep is an experience on its own
Need to know
BICC sports refreshed meeting facilities
Following a recent full refurbishment, the Bali International Convention Centre (BICC) has updated its meeting facilities.
The renovated facility now boasts 26 revitalised meeting rooms and two VIP holding rooms to accommodate heads of states, in addition to the Mangupura Hall, a spacious 2000m², 10m-high venue that can accommodate up to 2,500 pax in a theatre style set up, and the 506-seat auditorium with a built-in stage – the only tiered theatre of its kind in Bali.
A brand-new facility is The Lounge, located on the second floor with full-length windows, a fully-stocked bar and an assortment of table settings.
BICC also incorporates accessible hallways, wide doors and elevators, making it a wheelchair-friendly venue.
Website: www.baliconvention.com
Experience local living
Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy is currently working with villages across the country to develop and showcase themselves as unique cultural destinations.
International travellers to these destinations can observe villagers’ daily lives and take part in their activities, while MICE travellers can also conduct CSR programmes. Activities offered include
learning to play the gamelan (a traditional musical ensemble), rice field ploughing, coconut picking and cooking classes.
In Jogjakarta, these villages include Desa Wisata (Tourism Village) Pentingsari, Brayut, Sambi and Tembi. More information available at http://desawisatasleman.wordpress.com
Transformation completed
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali has unveiled new additions as part of its multi-million revitalisation project last year.
In the Premier Wing, each of the 99 rooms and suites boast contemporary decor adorned with Balinese artistic elements, a balcony and a spacious bathroom. The new wing also has its own swimming pool.
The Heavenly Spa by Westin, the first in Indonesia, features 16 treatment rooms and a hair spa. There are separate thermal facilities for male and female guests, including hydro-pools, salt-wall saunas and steam rooms, plus an inner relaxation lounge for snacks and drinks before or after treatments.
Prego is the new Italian restaurant, offering an open-plan kitchen and convivial atmosphere.
Website: www.westinnusaduabali.com
New adventure hub in Ubud
Bali Adventure Tours has opened the Ubud Adventure Centre, a 4000m², four-storey complex overlooking the Ayung River gorge in Kedewatan, Ubud.
The destination is also home to nine separate leisure facilities, including restaurants, cafes, gift shops and a rooftop function area, plus two Adventure Suites with a private outdoor dining pavilion and swimming pool. It also serves as the new check-in facility and finish point for the company’s white water rafting operations.
Website: www.baliadventuretours.com
Wider MICE perspective
Hilton Bandung has rolled out Panorama, a multi-purpose, integrated rooftop event space.
Panorama combines an open-air area consisting of the outdoor Fresco restaurant featuring an open kitchen concept, next to which is the 181m2 contemporarily designed indoor meeting room, which with its floor-to-ceiling glass sides overlooking the swimming pool, also offers meeting planners “in the pool” long table meetings and dining options.
Altogether, Hilton Bandung has 13 adaptable meeting rooms, including Panorama and the pillar-less ballroom.
Event planners looking to host gatherings in historical Kyoto will get a new option. UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Nijo Castle, in central Kyoto, will welcome business events from April and has appointed 12 coordinators to market and promote events on site.
Ovation Global DMC’s strategic partner in Japan, The J Team DMC, is the only specialist DMC on the list, which comprises local hotel, media, event, travel and catering companies.
James Kent, sales and marketing manager, The J Team DMC, told TTGmice: “Our bid included a wide range of ideas that covered teambuilding, reward and award, workshops and training, as well as parties. I see potential for smaller, tailored events at the castle.”
Kent said Nijo Castle was included in a couple of proposals for autumn, and it is possible for a piece of business to materialise by spring or summer.
The castle’s exterior space is available for gala dinners for up to several thousands of people depending on the size of the marquee, while an indoor area can be booked for meetings with about 200 guests.
The primary concern is damage to the property, so no catering is allowed within the castle building and proper preparations in marquee set-ups are needed.
Kent said: “One of the reasons Nijo Castle is opening up to MICE events is to help raise funds for its current restoration projects. This is a fantastic opportunity for CSR-minded companies to make a valuable contribution to the preservation of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site by donating to the fund, and receiving recognition for it.”
Glamorous Shanghai draws high-end incentives and trendy lifestyle events
Shanghai may not be the country’s top MICE destination, but no other Chinese city has the same star quality and power. Caroline Boey finds out more
MICE rankings are a useful yardstick to measure a destination’s success and popularity and ICCA’s annual ranking reports provide a glimpse into Shanghai’s standing.
In tracking regularly occuring association events, which rotate between at least three countries, ICCA’s 2012 Asia-Pacific International Association Meetings Market Rankings placed Shanghai in 10th spot with 64 meetings and Beijing second with 109, behind Singapore with 150.
In ICCA’s 2012 Top 20 Rankings for Cities and Countries, China was placed 10th with 311 meetings; Beijing, 13th. Shanghai was not on the list.
Janet Tan-Collis, chief executive of Singapore-based East West Executive Travellers who has been doing business in China for a dozen-odd years, observes that foreigners are fascinated by Shanghai but Beijing with ancient Chinese culture still intact is more real: “It satisfies their impression of what China is or should be.”
Glamorous, modern Shanghai tends to attract high-end incentives and trendy lifestyle events like watch exhibitions and car launches, aimed at the affluent domestic market. Anything new, curious or novel grabs local media attention.
With the likes of Accenture, Standard Chartered and other Fortune 500 companies operating in Shanghai, the international market wants to do business in the city. Tan-Collis said: “Event planners who choose Shanghai are willing to spend because the economy is strong and the pace is unbelievable. It’s F1, not Rolls Royce. There is a willingness and the ability to do things in Shanghai. There is total excitement and the perception is this is the future.”
If budgets are tight, Shanghai can be out of reach. The president of a PCO in Taipei said Shanghai is expensive and she has not done any business there recently.
Still, Shanghai manages to attract new events such as Global Business Travel Association’s China Conference, and retain longer-standing ones such as China Business Forum, ILTM Asia and IT&CM China.
In addition, ICCA picked Shanghai for the association’s 52nd congress in November last year. The event attracted 936 delegates from 61 countries, who stayed in four different hotels. The congress was held at the Shanghai International Convention Center; the welcome reception at Golden Hall, Expo Center; and the social networking CAT Night at Shanghai Exhibition Center.
CEOs and delegates whose companies plan to invest in China were taken to Shanghai World Expo to learn how a major event transformed a city. They also visited the R&D facility of SKF, a global engineering company, to learn how MNCs are engaging with China as a target business market, centre of innovation and source of highly skilled personnel.
Martin Sirk, ICCA CEO, told TTGmice: “The ICCA Congress in Shanghai not only attracted more attendees than any previous event held outside Europe – and the second highest number ever – it also scored some of the highest delegate evaluations ever, with combined ‘excellent/good’ scores for on-site instant surveys and post-event questionnaires on educational content and organisational efficiency of almost 82 per cent, on a par with the best results ever.
“About 65 per cent of delegates were visiting Shanghai for the first time, and the city excelled in delegate perceptions of its qualities: warmth of welcome scored 72.3 per cent combined ‘excellent/good’, overall level of services scored 64.2 and overall safety scored 83.4, while quality of hotel accommodation, air accessibility and suitability for international meetings scored 84.1, 87.9 and 70.5 respectively.
“It’s clear the congress has created an army of highly influential brand ambassadors for Shanghai!”
Sirk credited the highly motivated local host team which understood from the start what ICCA was trying to achieve, and that this was a rare opportunity to showcase Shanghai and China to the meetings world.
“The attention to detail was exceptional and every effort was made to bridge any gaps of cultural understanding or business practice. It was also critical that this was an event supported by China’s entire meetings industry, and the support from city authorities in Beijing and national tourism institutions was highly valuable and visible.
“I think the delegates found Shanghai to be such a success because of the incredible creativity shown during the social events, the genuine smiles of the host venue employees and volunteers and the opening of delegates’ eyes to Shanghai’s business buzz and economic dynamism.”
Market intelligence shows a decline in the MICE market in 2H2013, but the industry remains cautiously optimistic.
According to Adelina Ye, area director of sales and marketing, East China, Marriott International, business from the pharmaceutical industry and government fell. However, the group, which operates the most number of hotels in Shanghai with more than 20 properties, still enjoyed year-on-year market share growth of 8.9 per cent in 2013.
Ye said corporate meetings and exhibitions would continue to be strong in 2014, although the market witnessed a decline from Japan with Sino-Japan relations under pressure.
For Fairmont Peace Hotel, 2013 was “very challenging” and 2014 will be “equally challenging”, said George Wee, its general manager. “But the establishment of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone will propel the city to a world-class hub, attracting key corporate brand names to set up offices.”
Although targeted at the domestic market, Wee said Shanghai Disneyland Park, Asia’s biggest and opening in 2015, would increase awareness of the city as a choice destination and attract more Chinese corporates to hold their events in Shanghai.
Daniel Aylmer general manager, Le Royal Méridien Shanghai and area managing director, East China, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, said demand from state-owned enterprise and government-driven business will remain soft, but agrees there are opportunities for MICE and domestic business, and the opening of Shanghai Disneyland will generate demand. “With the addition of the world’s largest exhibition centre, the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) opening in Hongqiao (in 2015), there will be more reasons to visit one of the world’s most exciting cities,” he said.
Marriott’s Ye believes Shanghai will continue to be “the champion of the modern service sector” and drive the economic engine of the Yangtze delta boosted by the opening of SNIEC: “Shanghai aims to be one of the leading MICE destinations in Asia, competing with Hong Kong and Singapore.”
MICE mission possible
With 24 18-hole championship golf courses, to-date, Mission Hills wears the Guinness World Records crown as World’s Largest Golf Club. While the company is still expanding its golf courses, it has also taken mega steps to add a new feather in its cap.
Gaining popularity as a meetings mecca in China’s southern Guangdong Province, the company’s Mission Hills Shenzhen opened in 1990 and is only 15 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport, while Mission Hills Dongguan opened in 2000, 40 minutes from Guangzhou.
Both locations are a 20 minutes’ ride from each other and a regular shuttle bus service operates between them, with a stop in-between at the Mission Hills Mid-Valley Clubhouse.
Mission Hills Dongguan houses a 334-room hotel, and the hotel in Mission Hills Shenzhen has 188 rooms.
The total meeting space in Shenzhen and Dongguan is 7,348m², with rooms of various sizes for board meetings, accommodating up to 3,000 pax in The Grand Ballroom in Mission Hills Dongguan’s Convention Center, and everything in-between.
The Dongguan ballroom measures 2,000m2 and other spaces include 38 multi-purpose function halls, an auditorium and a media centre, making it a popular venue for international events. The Grand Ballroom at Mission Hills Shenzhen’s resort is 400m²; the Clubhouse Ballroom, 324m².
Companies which hosted events in both locations last year included Australian Trade Commission, Callaway, Credit Suisse, China Resources Power, Dell, and more. Group size ranged from 10 pax for a meeting, 100 for a teambuilding event, 300 for an exhibition, 800 for a tradeshow, and 1,600 for an annual meeting, according to hotel manager Brian Cheng.
Cheng said Dongguan with its convention centre was developed with MICE in mind, and Missions Hills has begun to adopt a green programme to meet RFPs with such requirements and to grow the business.
It is sourcing for produce within a 5km radius to maintain freshness and to reduce transportation. It will be introducing recycling bins in its hotel rooms and meeting spaces and replacing bottled water with reliable drinking water, among others.
Cheng added: “Stations for freshly prepared sandwich and fruit have been introduced, and more healthy meals with less salt, sugar and oil will be used for buffet menus.” Semi-buffet and live cooking stations help prevent hot food wastage, and butter and sugar are provided in loose form.
New teambuilding activities will include activities that teach better nutrition and how to cook more healthily. Mission Hills Dongguan also runs a small organic farm. Other green Mission Hills initiatives include the use of solar-powered golf carts.
Fun teambuilding activities can also be tailor-made for non-golfers at the Golf Academy, as well as other sporting activities around its tennis facilities and swimming pools.
Meanwhile, the opening of Mission Hills Centreville late-2014, at the entrance of Mission Hills Shenzhen, will enhance its MICE appeal, Cheng noted. Attractions include a Hard Rock Hotel and a second 700-room property, a spa, an auto exhibition centre and a cinema, among others.
Mission Hills, which also operates in Hainan, plans to expand into Yunnan, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Chongqing. – Caroline Boey
Mission Hills Dongguan houses a hotel and offers spaces for meetings and events
Ideas
One-day tour of Puxi
Start your delegates’ day with a ride in the side-car of a vintage 1930s motorcycle along the tree-lined streets of Shanghai’s old French quarter, as they catch a glimpse of locals going about their everyday chores.
After the ride, put your group on a coach to Nanjing Road shopping area. This pedestrian-only area is said to be the busiest retail district in China. Watch people from all over the country and the world flock together to hunt for local craft and brand name merchandise.
Before leaving the busy People’s Square/Nanjing Road area, delegates will visit the best Bronze Age collection in China, housed in the nearby Shanghai Museum.
It is now time to sample authentic Shanghai cuisine and the famous xiao long bao – soupy dumplings – are not to be missed. Lunch is at the Lubolang Restaurant just outside Yu Garden, next to the pond and the Bridge-of-Nine-Bends.
After lunch, travel back in time and discover a typical Chinese landscaped garden built by a high-ranking court mandarin. The numerous pavilions, corridors, cobbled pathways, man-made rock and water scenes provide the perfect backdrop for more photos.
From the peace and tranquility of the garden, head back to modern-day Shanghai. Explore the famous Bund riverbank with its wide boulevard lined with awe-inspiring, restored historical buildings of the 1920s. Take in the sights from across the river, a contrasting picture of new Shanghai and the Pudong skyline.
Itinerary by Associated Tours, Hong Kong
Need to know
Peace Hotel adds spaces
Shanghai’s iconic Fairmont Peace Hotel has added 1,200m² of meeting space on its roof terrace and mezzanine level.
The roof terrace houses the 25m² Scotland Room and the 35m² England Room. Adjacent to the roof terrace is the Nine Heaven Hall, which has been restored to its original 1920s splendour. The roof terrace doubles up as a recreational area where guests can practise tai chi before breakfast.
The mezzanine level houses the 215m² Chun Shen Room with floor-to-ceiling windows and capacity for 160 pax, theatre-style. Adjacent to this is the 110m² Thames Room which can accommodate a 50-pax banquet.
These spaces are equipped with advance audiovisual technology and high-speed wireless Internet access.
Email peacehotel@fairmont.com.
On a mission to go green
Mission Hills Resorts (www.missionhillschina.com) has launched green meeting programmes for its properties in Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Haikou, valid for groups with a minimum of 10 people. The half- and full-day Green Meeting Package goes for RMB418 (US$68) and RMB518 respectively, and includes use of a meeting room, audiovisual equipment, stationery, candies, refreshment, healthy lunch/buffet lunch for groups of more than 30 people and Wi-Fi. Half- and full-day Meeting Business Package options are also available, and are priced at RMB420 and RMB520 respectively.
Eco-themed activities such nature walks – led by naturalists – that showcase the flora and fauna in and around the resorts are available too.
Tall order
J Hotel Shanghai Tower will become the world’s highest luxury property when it is completed in 2Q2015.
Timur Senturk, managing director, said an opening date had not been confirmed as the hotel was still under construction and in the design phase. Many details are yet to be finalised.
Located in Pudong’s Lujiazui CBD and sitting on levels 84th to 105th floors in Shanghai Tower, J Hotel will have 180 rooms, each about 70m2 in size. The lobby will be on the 101st floor.
Managed by Interstate China Hotels & Resorts, the property carries the J Hotel label, the new prestige brand of Jin Jiang Group.
Shanghai Tower itself is being developed as a mixed-use complex with exhibition, shopping and leisure facilities.
Holiday Villa beefs up software to better cater to international business events
Holiday Villa Hotel & Residence Baiyun Guangzhou (holidayvillaguangzhou.com) is hiring more English-speaking staff and management personnel with experience in organising large international conferences in a bid to grow its MICE business. It is targeting regional seminars and conferences from North and South-east Asia in particular where Holiday Villa’s brand image is well established and where many companies are keen to penetrate the growing China consumer market.
International companies which have held meetings in the hotel recently include Hong Kong’s Watsons and South Korea’s Hanhoo. The hotel’s MICE business so far has come from established Chinese consumer goods companies, with groups of between 100 and 600 people coming from all over China attending annual planning meetings.
THAILAND Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) yesterday unveiled its 2014 exhibition industry strategy.
The bureau is driving the exhibition industry under the three-year exhibition industry roadmap by playing three key roles, including as connector/facilitator by establishing connections and providing support for the private sector to enable business opportunities; marketer/partner by developing international marketing campaigns and helping to accommodate business needs; as well as creator/initiator by identifying and winning new exhibition business opportunities into Thailand.
According to the 2014 strategy, TCEB will focus on its role as marketer/partner. It will strive to win new shows for Thailand, especially those industries that are in demand by ASEAN, including the health and beauty industry (Beyond Beauty ASEAN 2014, Cosmobeaute 2014 and Cosmex 2014); transportation and automobile industry (Automotive Aftermarket Industry and Tuning Trade Fair – AAITF, and Smart Rail Congress & Expo 2014); and others (Pulier Asia Pacific 2014, International, Security & Safety Expo & Forum 2014 and Pharmex Asia 2014).
As connector/initiator, TCEB will emphasise the strength of business opportunities in Thailand as a springboard into success in the AEC. It also supports joint ventures between Thailand’s exhibition organisers and foreign corporations specialising in various industries. The rapport reflects the reputation of Thailand’s international exhibition industry, which is attractive to international MICE operators looking into expanding their success towards the AEC.
An example is the JV between Kavin Intertrade, a Thai exhibition organiser, and Diversified Communications Asia, a leading exhibition organiser from the US specialising in the food industry. Both parties will join forces to upgrade the Thailand Franchise and Business Opportunities and Thailand Retail, Food & Hospitality Services shows.
There is also the JV between Inter-Media Consultant, organiser of Motor Expo, and Tarsus Group, to bring the Automotive Aftermarket Industry and Tuning Trade Fair to co-locate with the Thailand International Motor Expo 2014, which will heighten the reputation of Motor Expo as a comprehensive exhibition for vehicle and automobile accessories in South-east Asia.
TCEB president, Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, said: “The trend of joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions as well as strategic partnerships in the exhibition industry from Europe and the USA is rising, in accordance with rapidly growing demand for business opportunities in ASEAN.
“Thailand must move fast to enhance its marketing strategy…By highlighting our strategic location at the heart of ASEAN, the readiness of our transportation system and infrastructure connecting the whole of ASEAN and the strength of the country’s key industries, international exhibitions held in Thailand will also become regional exhibitions.
“TCEB is confident that Thailand will be able to attract eight new exhibitions into the country while upgrading 32 existing exhibitions towards high industry calibre, from a total of 83 – 85 exhibitions in 2014.”
TCEB also places importance on direct marketing via digital media, which include the iFair smartphone application for information on international exhibitions in Thailand, a newly launched website www.businesseventsthailand.com, as well as an online monthly magazine.
In 2014, TCEB expects the number of MICE travellers for the international exhibition segment will grow to 181,200 travellers, representing a five per cent increase from the previous year’s target, while revenue will grow 10 per cent from the previous year’s target to 15,400 million baht in total revenue.
OKINAWA is set to increase MICE visitorship with the construction of a major convention venue to accommodate events as large as 10,000 to 20,000 people.
Koji Niimoto, supervisor for MICE marketing section of Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB), told TTGmice e-Weekly that discussions and research are ongoing for a suitable location to build the venue, preferably near to Naha Airport, hotels and key attractions. A final decision is expected in the next year or so.
Currently the largest convention centre in the prefecture is the Okinawa Convention Center, which offers a maximum seating capacity of 5,000 people in its biggest event space at one time.
Said Niimoto: “Okinawa is looking to expand its MICE business from overseas source markets, hence efforts are ongoing to increase capacity in terms of MICE venues.”
Apart from its main source markets Taiwan, Hong Kong, China and South Korea, OCVB is also seeking to lure more traffic from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Europe, he said, adding that at the moment, the convention business is contributed mainly by mainland Japan, while incentive groups hail from overseas.
When asked how Okinawa intends to stand out as an incentive destination against other Asian competitors, he said: “While other destinations also offer beautiful oceans and nature like Okinawa does, we have our own unique culture that is different from that of mainland Japan (due to historical influences).
“In other words, we offer a different type of Japanese culture to the world. To top this off, we are known for our people’s hospitality, which transcends the language barrier.”
Akira Kakazu, manager for OCVB’s MICE marketing section, revealed that a seminar in Singapore for the local media and trade is being planned for July to reach out to more Asian markets.
Meanwhile, Singapore Changi Airport and Okinawa Prefecture last week signed an MoU to enhance direct air connectivity between the two destinations and bring more inbound traffic from Singapore and its nearby destinations.
Currently, only Taiwan, Hong Kong, China and South Korea offer direct flights to Okinawa.
Traffic is also expected to increase with Okinawa’s new Naha Cruise Terminal, which opened this week. About 130,000 cruise arrivals are targeted for the new financial year starting this month, according to OCVB.
A memorable shopping experience has been ordered for 1,700 top achievers, and the team at La Roca Village knows exactly how to execute a luxurious welcome, writes Karen Yue
La Roca Village in Barcelona, part of the collection of Chic Outlet Shopping villages, welcomed 1,700 Indonesian incentive winners in May 2013.
For smoother logistics, the event organiser, Panorama Leisure France, arranged for the massive group to visit La Roca Village on two different days, with 850 delegates flocking to the luxury shopping paradise each day. A staggered arrival was arranged each day, which saw coaches arriving within a few minutes of each other.
Although it was business as usual for La Roca Village on those mornings, a special welcome was arranged for the delegates.
Four top VIPs from Prudential Indonesia, including its president, received a personal welcome by members of Chic Outlet Shopping’s tourism and retail teams.
A welcome banner was also provided.
La Roca Village then distributed welcome bags, personalised with the insurance giant’s striking corporate colours and logo, to all 1,700 delegates. These goody bags contained a VIP card that granted holders a 10 per cent discount off their purchases.
These came on top of a Welcome Pack that was delivered to the hotel room of 40 special guests prior to the day of their visit to the shopping destination. These gift packs contained a welcome letter from La Roca Village and a small leather bag from GOES-Guy Laroche Furs.
Four hostesses – one at every entrance of La Roca Village – were on hand to greet the delegates in English and Bahasa Indonesia and to assist with enquiries.
And all that was just the beginning.
Several branded boutiques arranged for special hospitality for all visiting top achievers. Refreshments in the form of champagne, juices, water, pastries, sweets and chocolates were served to all delegates, in addition to gifts with purchases and further price reductions.
As it was business as usual for these boutiques, other shoppers were also treated to these surprise perks, said a spokesperson from La Roca Village.
“Some boutiques presented small gifts to the incentive delegates who were identifiable by their welcome bags,” added the spokesperson.
The spokesperson pointed out that La Roca Village is no stranger to hosting high-level incentive groups, and had welcomed 1,360 Indonesian guests in organised groups in 2012. Some 824 of these guests were top achievers participating in incentive programmes.
The same level of hospitality was extended to all visiting incentive groups.
Following Chic Outlet Shopping’s success with hosting corporate groups, the company launched in September last year a dedicated group and events strategy to appeal to the MICE market.
Organiser
Panorama Leisure France
Client
Prudential Indonesia
Venue
La Roca Village
Dates
Early May, 2013
No. of participants
1,700
Objective
To provide a luxurious shopping experience for top achievers of Prudential Indonesia as part of a broad incentive programme
Challenges
A personalised welcome was required, as La Roca Village was opened to members of the public at the time of the incentive delegates’ visit
Behind the imposing, Brutalist concrete that defines Zurich’s Oerlikon district lies a surprising secret. While its exterior honours the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, stepping inside Mama Shelter reveals a vibrant, neon-soaked world that is a far cry from its rigid shell
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Start your delegates’ day with a ride in the side-car of a vintage 1930s motorcycle along the tree-lined streets of Shanghai’s old French quarter, as they catch a glimpse of locals going about their everyday chores.
Shanghai’s iconic Fairmont Peace Hotel has added 1,200m² of meeting space on its roof terrace and mezzanine level.
Located in Pudong’s Lujiazui CBD and sitting on levels 84th to 105th floors in Shanghai Tower, J Hotel will have 180 rooms, each about 70m2 in size. The lobby will be on the 101st floor.
