Star Alliance has opened its first lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (GBIA) in Guangzhou, China, which is available to First and Business class passengers, and Star Alliance Gold status customers on member airline flights departing from Terminal 1.
The new Star Alliance branded lounge is located on the upper level of the existing GBIA lounge in the Terminal 1 international area, offering exclusive access to Star Alliance member airline guests. Ideally situated close to the departure gates for Star Alliance member airlines, the lounge features an open layout and offers 750m² of space which can accommodate up to 100 guests and is open around the clock.
Star Alliance has unveiled its first lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China
The lounge features a glass facade offering tarmac views, filling the space with natural light. It also includes amenities such as shower suites, workstations and seating areas, with a 100m² VIP room ideal for group or private business meetings available upon request.
Offering a sense of connection to Guangzhou and the Pearl Delta River region, the lounge is adorned with art pieces by local artists, and has an exclusive Tea Appreciation Corner that will be available on special occasions. Guests can also enjoy a range of food options, with light bites and regional delights featuring local cuisine served throughout the day, as well as enjoy drinks at the dedicated bar counter.
Given Guangzhou’s growing importance as a major travel hub in Asia, Star Alliance also plans to open a new branded lounge in the upcoming Terminal 3 of GBIA.
Qi Yaoming, deputy general manager of GBIA, said: “The fact that Star Alliance has chosen to open its first branded lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is not only a sign of trust and support for us, but also an acknowledgment of the status of Baiyun Airport as an important international hub.”
“As a key strategic hub in Asia, Guangzhou serves as an important gateway for our guests. We are excited to inaugurate our first lounge in Asia, given the significance of the continent to aviation growth today and in the years to come,” shared Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias.
PDMF participants on Technical Tour Route No. 1, Sweet and Sour Tastes of Phetchaburi, gather for a photo in front of the Phra Ram Ratchaniwet royal palace
Phetchaburi, Thailand, took centrestage at the recently-concluded PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024 (PDMF 2024), as the event delved deep into the importance of community tourism and effective strategies for local engagement, while showcasing the province’s unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
PDMF 2024 attracted 400 participants, including 100 international attendees. The event was co-hosted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Phetchaburi City, and Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) with support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
PDMF participants on Technical Tour Route No. 1, Sweet and Sour Tastes of Phetchaburi, gather for a photo in front of the Phra Ram Ratchaniwet royal palace
The rise of local tourism has led to the development of new business events experiences in emerging destinations like Phetchaburi, where PDMF 2024 attendees had the opportunity to explore some of these MICE Routes, said TCEB president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya.
“By hosting PDMF 2024, the province also showcased its capacity for hosting international gatherings and its cultural and natural heritage draws for MICE travellers,” he added.
Participants spent the first day following these new MICE Routes curated by DASTA, a public organisation focused on helping secondary and tertiary destinations to develop sustainable tourism – also a long-standing goal of PATA’s PDMF event.
The technical tours allowed participants to experience Phetchaburi’s “Three Tastes” – salty, sweet, and sour – through toddy palm desserts, local limes and the province’s salt fields. Activities included making fragrant salt at Yung Gleua Restaurant & Café, and indulging in Thai traditional desserts at Lung Anake Thai Desserts Factory.
Visits to key sites such as the Old Phetchaburi Town Riverside Community, Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, Mrigadayavan Palace, Phetchaburi Aquacultic Demonstration Farm, and Pak Thale Nature Reserve – a draw for birdwatchers – showcased the province’s rich history and biodiversity.
The forum further highlighted the role of community-driven efforts, such as the renewable energy and zero-waste practices adopted by the province’s Koh Jik and Padeng communities, and engaged participants in a workshop to explore opportunities for community tourism.
Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), explained: “The tours not only showcase Phetchaburi’s attractions, but also provide a roadmap for other destinations to adopt similar practices. This collaborative approach helps to promote responsible tourism development.”
A social media contest hosted by PATA underscored the power of user-generated content, effectively raising awareness of Phetchaburi’s hidden charms.
Looking ahead, PDMF 2025 will be hosted in Chiang Rai, continuing its mission to responsibly grow secondary tourism destinations, and highlighting the transformative power of community-driven tourism.
Albatros Expeditions has appointed Jakob Lunøe as the company’s new CEO.
With an extensive background in the travel and technology industries, Lunøe will be in charge of evolving Albatros Expeditions into an even more dynamic and guest-centric company, deeply rooted in its Nordic and family values.
He also recognises the critical role of agents in the company’s future success, particularly as the industry adapts to shifts toward direct-to-consumer bookings, and will be introducing a real-time booking system, and expanding educational initiatives.
Event brief
Atomy – a network seller of health and wellness products in South Korea – recognised the achievements of its top 720 sellers with a trip to Cebu. The company sent five batches of 80 individuals each between April and June, followed by four more batches of the same size from September to November.
In keeping with the incentive trip theme “Recovery”, event management company Yoohan Travel crafted a 3D5N itinerary with substantial free time, except for a day of island hopping.
Yoohan Travel director Eom Jonghyun said the event management company (EMC) has many Korean and Filipino tour guides already residing in Cebu so language was not a barrier.
Event highlights
The Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu resort provided the ideal setting for tranquillity. Its luxurious rooms offered breathtaking ocean vistas, while the resort’s expansive facilities, overlooking the sea and sky, created an atmosphere of peace and serenity.
For the seventh batch of the Atomy incentive group that stayed September 25-29, aquaerobics was organised in the resort’s 100-metre-long infinity pool as the group comprised mostly women in their 40s and 60s.
They also went island hopping on Olango Island, a protected wildlife sanctuary – home to a number of wildlife, including migratory birds, coral reefs and marine life.
Challenges
While everything went well with the assistance of the Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) and its marketing arm, Tourism Promotions Board, there are some suggestions on improving eTravel registration and customs procedures for a smoother experience.
As part of the Philippines’ ongoing digital transformation, inbound travellers are required to register on the eTravel platform 72 hours before their arrival. While this requirement aims to streamline immigration processes, it can pose difficulties for large groups and those less tech-savvy.
To alleviate these challenges, EMCs are now providing eTravel registration services for group travellers. Additionally, the DoT is collaborating with the Bureau of Immigration to reintroduce paper-based registration options at airports, offering a more traditional approach for travellers who may prefer it.
To further enhance accessibility, the DoT is actively working on a Korean translation of the eTravel portal. DoT-Korea is also providing comprehensive guidance on its website, as well as offering assistance through phone calls and in-person support.
Event name Atomy group incentive trip Organiser Yoohan Travel Venue Dusit Thani Cebu Date From April to November 2024 Attendees 720 pax
BCD Travel’s latest research highlights expanded duties, increased stakeholder collaboration and rising demand for technology and tools
A recent survey conducted by BCD Travel reveals the evolving role of travel managers, who are increasingly taking on strategic responsibilities and navigating a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities.
The survey, which polled 187 travel buyers worldwide, highlights the expanding scope of travel managers’ duties.
BCD Travel’s latest research highlights expanded duties, increased stakeholder collaboration and rising demand for technology and tools
Their roles have since expanded to include travel sourcing (68%) and payment and expense management (51%), with some taking on procurement or management tasks beyond travel.
Their biggest time investments go into managing TMC relationships (53%), followed by working on travel programme strategy and communicating with travellers (47% each), as well as reporting and managing suppliers (44% each). In recent years, priorities have shifted toward cost control, data analysis, industry changes (such as NDC) and technology.
To measure programme success and prove its value to the C-suite and other stakeholders, travel managers prioritise quantifying savings, aligning travel strategy with corporate objectives and sharing KPIs.
Stakeholder interaction
Travel managers collaborate the most with finance and procurement teams, with 58% engaging with procurement and 43% connecting with finance daily or weekly. Cross-departmental collaboration is on the rise, with 71% of travel teams involved in multi-departmental projects, reflecting an expanded, strategic role in company-wide initiatives. In the past years, engagement with finance, sustainability, and security teams has increased the most, aligning travel management with cost control, environmental responsibility and duty of care.
“This survey reflects just how essential travel managers are becoming to organisational success,” said Jorge Cruz, executive vice president of global sales & marketing at BCD. “They’re managing complex stakeholder relationships, driving sustainability and making data-informed decisions that align with broader business goals…”
Travel teams and reporting structure
Over two-thirds of travel teams report to procurement (39%), finance (19%) or HR (11%), underscoring
the close alignment between travel management and corporate budgeting functions. A third have between four to six people in their travel team globally, while a quarter operate with more than 10 team members. Nearly half (46%) use the service of external consultants to help manage their travel programmes, highlighting the need for outside experts.
Tools and job satisfaction
While six out of 10 travel managers feel they have the necessary tools to do their job, many face budget constraints, with 46% lacking budget for travel technology and services. Despite these challenges, travel managers are most satisfied with their authority level, stakeholder support and work-life balance, though career development remains an area for improvement.
Grab Malaysia, South-east Asia’s leading superapp, has partnered with Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) to empower communities through a CSR initiative.
As part of their Outer Cities Offsite 2024 corporate incentive retreat, 70 Grab employees donated 500 children’s books to BESarawak’s Books Build Legacy programme. The donated books will be distributed to schools and community centres in Sarawak, providing children with access to educational resources and inspiring a love of reading.
The Outer Cities Offsite 2024 brought together Grab Malaysia employees from various locations to foster teambuilding, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of Sarawak’s rich culture and heritage. The event included teambuilding activities, a pickleball workshop, and a city exploration tour of Kuching.
This also marks Grab Malaysia’s first time hosting a corporate incentive retreat in Sarawak.
“Books Build Legacy has become a powerful partnership programme to bridge the gap between corporate organisations and the local community – – especially marginalised communities,” said Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak.
“It’s important to recognise that the smallest actions lead to larger outcomes. My team and I are very proud to support the Grab Malaysia Outer Cities Offsite 2024 and their mission of empowering people. We hope that more business event planners are inspired to be part of the change.”
Multitasking travel managers are emerging as pivotal figures in the business events industry
In the fast-evolving events industry, a new kind of professional is quietly rewriting the rules.
With only 11 per cent of companies maintaining a dedicated travel department, the majority are increasingly relying on multitasking travel managers (MTMs) – a versatile group that is transforming how organisations approach business events. These professionals juggle multiple roles, but their fast-growing influence on the industry is undeniable.
Multitasking travel managers are emerging as pivotal figures in the business events industry
MTMs are driving a shift in how events are planned, executed, and optimised for business impact. Armed with data-driven insights, digital tools, and strategic partnerships, they are not only focused on cutting costs but also on enhancing compliance and maximising the value of each event. By balancing price sensitivity with comprehensive spend analysis, MTMs are pivotal decision-makers who significantly impact a company’s bottom line.
Our research has found pivotal areas where MTMs are shaping smarter decisions. For providers of business events, adapting to the evolving role of MTMs is crucial. This includes offering better digital solutions for cost transparency, predictive budgeting, ROI tracking, and enhanced policy compliance and risk management. The question is no longer if MTMs will reshape the industry – but how quickly the industry can adapt to them.
Providing cost transparency and budget forecasting
In a typical organization, employee overspending can consume 20 to 33 per cent of total travel and expense (T&E) budgets, making T&E the second-largest operating expense after payroll. This financial strain is particularly significant in the business events sector, where precision and cost control are critical to delivering successful events.
MTMs are rising to the task, using data analytics and real-time expense tracking to provide organisations with clearer insights into spending patterns. This allows them to identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste, and create more accurate budget forecasts – a key need for the 63 per cent of companies struggling with T&E forecasting.
However, MTMs do not operate in isolation. Their ability to drive smarter decisions depends heavily on the support and adaptability of providers of business events. As MTMs gain more control over cost management, they seek event service providers that can offer more than just basic services. They need partners who understand the nuances of budget forecasting, ROI tracking, and compliance management. Above all, providers must deliver tools and insights to streamline costs without sacrificing quality.
For organisers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. However, those who adapt and help MTMs maximise the value of each event while delivering impactful outcomes will rise above competitors and lead the sector.
Offering data on past event ROI
The business travel sector is predicted to hit an all-time high of US$1.5 trillion by the end of 2024. However, in the past year, many companies, especially in the tech sector, have strongly tightened their belts to weather economic uncertainties and budget constraints. As a result, MTMs are more rigorously evaluating event spending with a heightened focus on ROI.
Now more than ever, organisations need clear metrics about events. They especially need to know how much participation will cost so they can better track ROI and allocate resources accordingly. As a result, there is more pressure on organisers to demonstrate the value and ROI of their events.
In particular, they must highlight how their events contribute to business goals, provide opportunities for meaningful networking, and offer additional concrete benefits.
Ensuring policy compliance and risk management
MTMs shape how companies navigate the intricate landscape of MICE travel, where compliance and risk management are particularly challenging.
Unlike general travel, the business events space involves complexities associated with group bookings, large-scale international conferences, and event-specific travel logistics. Compliance in these contexts is crucial – not just to control costs but to manage legal, safety, and operational risks.
For instance, group travel often brings unique obstacles in adhering to company travel policies, with fluctuating rates, last-minute changes, and varying attendee preferences. We also overlook the complexity of just booking, these are group bookings which are tiresome due to the need for airline direct communication and Online Booking Tools (OBTs) not allowing bookings typically over six at a time.
International events add layers of complexity, including visa regulations, cross-border tax considerations, and health and safety standards. MTMs help mitigate these risks by leveraging advanced travel solutions that monitor compliance in real-time, ensuring every booking aligns with company policies while maintaining traveller autonomy.
Providers of business events can better support MTMs by offering enhanced data and reporting tools tailored to event-related travel, along with flexible booking options that accommodate group needs and potential itinerary changes. Additionally, transparent cost structures and detailed reporting empower MTMs to maintain strict budget oversight and manage ROI more effectively. Aligning with MTMs’ priorities can help companies mitigate risks and ensure seamless, compliant event execution while staying within budget constraints.
Syncing success: business events, MTMs, and the future of business travel
The bottom line: Travel managers’ perspectives vastly influence how travelling professionals book and choose events. To that end, providers must tailor their offerings accordingly. As organisations face tighter budgets and increased scrutiny on ROI, MTMs are leveraging data and advanced travel solutions to enhance compliance and manage expenses more effectively.
For providers to thrive in this new chapter, they need to focus on crafting strong partnerships with MTMs. This includes focusing on local resources, offering flexible booking options, and delivering clear performance metrics. Through these collaborative relationships, both providers and MTMs can achieve growth, drive their mutual success and maximise business travel cost.
Darren James Riley is a country manager at TruTrip. He leads the local operations and strategy of a travel technology company that provides sustainable solutions for corporate travel. With over a decade of experience in B2B and B2C sales across multiple global markets and industries, Riley has a proven track record of growing and retaining client base, increasing revenue and profitability, and delivering exceptional service and value.
The Collective debuts in Tokyo as the first luxury coworking space operated by JustCo
JustCo, a provider of flexible workspace solutions in Asia, has launched The Collective, a premium co-working brand designed to elevate the workspace experience.
The inaugural flagship, The Collective, opens its doors on the ninth floor of GranTokyo South Tower – one of Japan’s tallest buildings with direct access to Tokyo Station. The 2,230m2 space offers a selection of private offices (both private and enterprise suites), as well as meeting and event rooms.
The Collective debuts in Tokyo as the first luxury coworking space operated by JustCo
For SMEs and start-ups, private suites grant personal workspaces with 24/7 secured access and advanced soundproofing features. Larger enterprise suites also provide tailored workspace design and furniture solutions, with luxury fittings and exclusive entrances.
All members will also have access to on-demand meeting rooms integrated with the latest in video conferencing technology, as well as workspaces equipped with Benel adjustable desks and ergonomic Herman Miller Aeron Chairs.
The Collective operated by JustCo also offers exclusive lifestyle services and community-first programming. Highlights include daily breakfasts served with Kyoto-originated % Arabica drip coffee, aperitif hours mixed by a resident mixologist, and refreshments from the TWG Tea bar throughout the day. Members will also enjoy access to exclusive networking and knowledge-sharing events, alongside wellness and recreational spaces.
Kong Wan Sing, founder and CEO of JustCo, said: “Guided by our commitment to innovating to the needs of the evolving co-working landscape, The Collective raises the bar for luxury co-working spaces through a seamless blend of purpose-built spaces and unparalleled services. We will continue to expand our global network to primary business districts across Asia Pacific, including Taipei, Osaka and Singapore in 2025.”
The unveiling of the company’s first The Collective location in Tokyo underscores its growth strategy and plans to strengthen its market position in Japan and the rest of Asia, further adding to JustCo’s expansive portfolio of upscale and premium workspaces across six markets and over 40 locations in Asia Pacific. Over the past year, JustCo tracked a double-digit per cent growth in revenue and occupancy in Japan and across the Group.
Beijing’s Niding International Travel Agency (NITA) is banking on sister company QIan Liang Technologies Co. (QLTech) to develop AI and Large Language Model (LLM) applications to expand into inbound travel and beef up its business events segment.
Kang Rui, founder and CEO, said the companies founded in 2012, specialise in personalised outbound travel services for mid- and high-end customers through a reverse-customisation model.
The partnership leverages AI and LLM technology to enhance NITA’s offerings in inbound tourism and corporate events
He noted: “Tourism is a long-tail market with a vast audience and addresses users’ fundamental emotional needs. I believe generative AI is best suited for the leisure segment due to low standardisation of products and services and the diverse nature of leisure travel demanding highly customised solutions, making it difficult to standardise offerings.”
AI makes time-Intensive processes such as designing and planning leisure itineraries more efficient and addresses high knowledge and creative experience requirements to cater to a wide range of customer preferences.
“However, the development and application of generative AI will provide significant support and opportunities for the entire tourism industry, including FIT, MICE, and all facets of the travel ecosystem,” Kang added.
QLTech, he shared, will develop AI and LLM applications tailored to business events and corporate travel scenarios in the near future.
The company’s internal system Fullroutes will also be offered to travel suppliers in the next phase with the primary function of generating and storing data of customised travel products and providing a structured framework for collaboration with travel suppliers.
NITA has a base of more than 600,000 middle- and high-end customers, with an annual revenue of more than US$500 million, split into US$30 million for MICE, US$250 million for small leisure groups, and US$220 million for FIT.
It covers destinations in nearly 200 countries and regions globally.
Kicking off the three-day event, the AIME Knowledge Program is the launchpad for the global events industry to come together and immerse in learning, growth and inspiration.
Some of the brightest brains of the Asia Pacific meetings and events industry help to guide the curation of the AIME Knowledge Program as part of the Advisory Committee, working to produce a program that sparks interest, stirs debate and engages all areas of the events industry.
AIME24
The Knowledge Program will launch AIME on 10 February 2025, with keynote speakers from AIME’s speaker bureau partners, along with industry business leaders and renowned professionals who will address 1500 global event professionals attending the first day of AIME 2025.
The Knowledge Program is hosted and curated by BEAMexperience Founder El Kwang, who says the team’s ambition is to craft a program that sets new standards in content leadership.
El Kwang, BEAMexperience Founder, at Knowledge Program 2024
“Our objective is to solidify AIME’s reputation as the quintessential hub for gathering and learning, thereby advancing our industry,” he says.
The theme for the AIME 2025 Knowledge Program is “We Matter!”, which seeks to highlight and celebrate the global business events industry as a powerful catalyst for economic growth.
Kwang says the theme underscores the intrinsic value of each individual within the industry, and “aims to fortify unity among industry stakeholders, empowering us to sustain and strengthen our sector for future generations”.
Max Jantasuwan, Knowledge Program Advisory Committee member | Founder and CEO of Events Travel Asia Group based in Bangkok
Knowledge Program Advisory Committee member Max Jantasuwan is the Founder and CEO of Events Travel Asia Group based in Bangkok and says this year’s theme is important as it highlights the breadth and depth of the contribution the industry makes globally.
“It is important because we need governments and policy makers to know that we contribute positively to the global economy,” he says. “On a human front, we must value our energy, intellect and efforts because no one can value us more meaningfully than ourselves.”
Ronald Lim, Knowledge Program Advisory Committee member
Knowledge Program Advisory Committee member Ronald Lim says one of the biggest challenges he sees for the industry is a lack of recognition – something that this year’s Knowledge Program will explore.
“The market or our clients do not see us as professionals, (for instance) our industry is not included in the drop-down list in all the forms that we fill,” he says.
The Business Events Strategist for Think Event by Think Tank Productions based in Kuala Lumpur says it’s vital to address this in order to attract the next generation of talent into the industry.
“With our current issue of talent crunch, it is even more vital for us to look into ways to entice and encourage the new generation of event planners to come on board,” he says.
This exposure and education should start at the grassroots level, he says, which is where such initiatives as AIME’s Accelerate Program play an important role.
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AIME24 programme attendees
AIME24 programme attendees
The AIME Accelerate Program invites junior members of the industry – called “Rockets” – to shadow their Hosted Buyer managers at AIME, providing unparalleled learning and networking opportunities throughout the event.
“AIME’s Accelerate Program can definitely help to inspire the up-and-coming event planners, creating a community that brings this new or younger generation of event planners together,” Lim says.
El Kwang says the role of the AIME Knowledge Program in professional development is critical.
“Beyond learning, it sparks dialogues and explorations of what the future might hold, opening doors to new possibilities and insights,” he says.
“We are committed to creating a dynamic program that encourages both professional growth and personal reflection, ensuring that each participant leaves with valuable perspectives and renewed vigour for their roles within the industry.”
Knowledge Program attendees will experience two standout speakers who will explore the crucial link between personal wellbeing, innovation and industry success.
Neuro-performance scientist and award-winning author Dr Kristy Goodwin is celebrated for turning cutting-edge neuroscience and technology research into performance-boosting strategies. In her keynote sponsored by speaker bureau Ovations!, she will arm attendees with insights to thrive in today’s digitally driven world.
Former executive director and CTO of Lonely Planet Gus Balbontin takes a disruptive approach to innovation. With his unique brand of rebellious thinking, in his keynote sponsored by ICMI, he promises to challenge the audience to embrace discomfort as the starting point for breakthrough ideas.
In her keynote address Powered-Up Performers: The Neuroscience of Sustainable Peak Performance in a Digital Age Dr Goodwin will equip AIME delegates with cutting-edge insights and practical brain-based micro-habits to enhance productivity, manage stress, and maximise energy in today’s digitally intense environment.
Balbontin is equally eager to push the AIME audience out of its comfort zone in his session titled, Adapt.
“I’m excited to challenge them, to provoke fresh thinking, and help them reconnect with the rebellious mindset that fuels innovation,” he says.
“I always say to the audience, if I don’t make you uncomfortable, you’re not going to learn anything new.”
AIME 2025 will run 10 –12 February 2025 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. The AIME 2025 Knowledge Program is open to Hosted Buyers, Hosted Media, Exhibitors and Visitor Buyers who upgrade their tickets.
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
The five-star property excels in backing its expansive facilities with seamless service and personalised attention, setting the benchmark for luxury in Bangkok.
He also recognises the critical role of agents in the company’s future success, particularly as the industry adapts to shifts toward direct-to-consumer bookings, and will be introducing a real-time booking system, and expanding educational initiatives.
Darren James Riley is a country manager at TruTrip. He leads the local operations and strategy of a travel technology company that provides sustainable solutions for corporate travel. With over a decade of experience in B2B and B2C sales across multiple global markets and industries, Riley has a proven track record of growing and retaining client base, increasing revenue and profitability, and delivering exceptional service and value.
