G HOTEL Penang has appointed hospitality veteran Michael Hanratty as general manager.
Originally from Australia, Hanratty has more than 20 years of experience in international hotel operations, with stints in Hong Kong, Thailand, Dubai, Brunei, Indonesia and Australia. He has worked at properties such as The Fairmont Dubai, InterContinental Bangkok and Conrad International and Treasury Casino Brisbane.
SEVERAL Malaysian MICE players will intensify their marketing reach in China this year, following an encouraging growth in business from the market in 2012.
Observations of improved MICE business from China correspond with Malaysia’s 24.6 per cent rise in Chinese tourist arrivals from 2011 to 2012.
Fu Kei Cheong, general manager of Reliance Conventions & Events, said the company saw a 50 per cent growth in incentives from China last year, as companies and sales staff had been able to meet their targets.
Fu believes that the year ahead looks good, adding that the company’s participation in roadshows organised by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau to Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai last September had yielded good business leads. Six incentive groups from Guangzhou have been confirmed and are slated to take place this year and the next.
To further business growth out of China, Reliance Conventions & Events will continue to make sales calls through its joint venture office in Shanghai.
Columbia Leisure assistant sales director, Alex Chee, said the company saw a 20 per cent increase in incentives and meetings last year, mostly from Shanghai and Beijing. He anticipates a doubling of business this year, based on strong enquiries and the fact that the company is intensifying its efforts to market in China.
Resorts World Genting, which recorded eight to 10 per cent year-on-year growth in Chinese MICE business last year, is expecting a similar upward trend in 2013. Supporting this projection will be a series of efforts to target high-end MICE planners in China, as well as continued partnerships with major local tour operators who are strong in the Chinese MICE market.
According to Andrew Leong, Resorts World Genting sales & marketing manager, the Chinese MICE market makes up 25 to 30 per cent of the company’s total business.
THE Japanese city of Yokohama will host several major meetings, conventions and exhibitions from across various industries this year, according to the Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau (YCVB).
In a press statement, YCVB noted that the destination’s calendar of events included the 5th Tokyo International Conference on African Development from June 1-3. To be held for the second time in Yokohama, the event is expected to draw 3,000 attendees.
Other key conference wins for the year include the 2013 IDF World Dairy Summit, the 18th Congress of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology, the 6th International Conference on Fog, Fog Collection and Dew, the 28th International Congress of Chemotherapy and Infection, the 12th International Wheat Genetics Symposium, and the 12th Annual World Congress of the Human Proteome Organisation – the latter being a first win for a Japanese city.
A YCVB spokesperson noted that Yokohama “is also hugely popular with national meetings and exhibitions (and) the city can expect a massive turn out of local visitors”.
For instance, the Japan International Boat Show and the Camera and Photo Imaging Show are expected to welcome 60,000 and 50,000 visitors respectively, while the three-day 77th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Japanese Circulation Society next month will see 10,000 delegates in attendance.
The spokesperson told TTGmice e-Weekly: “One of Yokohama’s strengths is our ability to cater to (large) numbers of attendees, and we are highly successful in this aspect because of various factors including our dual airport accessibility, our flagship venue PACIFICO Yokohama and our facility package in this (accessible) port city.”
WHILE economic challenges are expected to retain the familiar sense of uncertainty among Asian meeting and incentive players, many have stepped into 2013 with greater confidence compared to a year ago.
Echoing the sentiments of most event specialists in this region, Pacific World’s regional director, Singapore and Malaysia, Selina Grocott, said: “2013 is likely to remain challenging with the uncertain global economic outlook (but) we remain optimistic as Asia-Pacific is set to continue to lead in global tourism.”
Jere Tala, director consulting APAC, Advito, said: “In 2012, most companies in Asia-Pacific had continued their spend on meetings and incentives because the region was still seeing business growth. We saw a lot of intra-Asia movements and fewer long-haul trips. This year, companies in the region will continue to spend on meetings and incentives, and again, this region will be self-sufficient.”
However, Asian event experts told TTGmice e-Weekly that familiar obstacles to business growth remained. For instance, profit margins will continue to be impacted by tight budgets and clients’ focus on returns on investment.
E T Quah, owner of Feature Tour Malaysia, noted that clients would not be “splashing out” on meetings and incentives, although a slight “upward shift in budgets for gala dinners and meals” for incentives was expected.
“It will be a pressing year for industry players to continue to balance clients’ increased demand for quality and expectations of value. Strong partnership with vendors, attention to details and creative planning have been some of our focus to ensure the success of an event,” said Grocott.
Tight lead times will also continue to be an issue, with some MICE players saying that bookings will come in only a month in advance.
Koushik Goswami, general manager-outbound, Travelcorp India, said: “Lead times will continue to be nerve-wreckingly short, and there will be last minute changes.”
– Find out how other segments of MICE are expected to unfold this year in Running Strong, TTGmice February/March issue
HILTON Worldwide has opened its second mid-priced Hilton Garden Inn brand hotel in India with the launch of the 201-room Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon Baani Square.
Operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by the Baani Group, the hotel sits near prime corporate, commercial and residential districts, and is a 10-minute drive from the DLF Cyber City central business hub.
Business travellers staying at the hotel will enjoy the brand’s signature offerings such as complimentary Internet access, 24-hour complimentary business centre facilities, complimentary remote printing service from the guestroom to the business centre and the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry convenience mart.
Other facilities in the hotel include four meeting rooms and various dining establishments.
“With the launch of this property, Hilton Worldwide now operates seven hotels in Delhi NCR and a total of 12 hotels in the country with a presence in Mumbai, Chennai, Shillim, Vadodara and Goa,” said Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.
“We continue to grow our India portfolio through a multi-brand, multi-partner and high-growth strategy. While we are exploring opportunities across all segments, for which we are well positioned with the six brands we are developing in the country, we are placing significant emphasis on the expansion of our mid-market and focused-service brands, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton, to accommodate the exponentially growing demand for mid-priced hotel rooms in the country”.
THE 125-room Best Western Premier Khaolak Southsea has opened in southern Thailand.
Equipped with luxurious trimmings expected in a five-star property, the new resort boasts a classic design, public areas with natural lighting, an outdoor swimming pool and two restaurants.
There are also event facilities and a 24-hour business centre.
“We are delighted to expand our footprint to yet another fantastic Thai destination,” said Glenn de Souza, Best Western International’s vice president International Operations – Asia & the Middle East.
“The stunning shores of Khao Lak’s Andaman Coast offer some of Asia’s most beautiful beaches, and with a vast array of leisure facilities close-by, including world-class diving sites in the Similan and Surin Islands, this exciting destination has something to offer everyone.”
The Best Western Premier Khaolak Southsea is the hotel company’s 16th property in Thailand, and the fourth to carry the top-of-the-tier brand in the Kingdom.
Amway India leads a group of 4,000 top achievers to Melbourne and other fun destinations in Victoria, an adventure made easy with help from the Melbourne CVB, writes Warren Beaumont
Amway India’s Mega Leadership Seminar 2012, held in Melbourne from December 9 to 15, was the company’s largest biennial mega incentive group. It was attended by more than 4,000 independent business owners out of a pool of 10,000 competing to qualify for the incentive event.
The seminar sought to recognise participants for their achievements during the past year and motivate them towards future goals and plans such as the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in India.
Transporting that many participants from India to Melbourne is no easy feat. Rita Tandon, senior manager special events for Amway India, said 48 flights were used to transport all delegates to the destination on December 9 and 10, and assistance in securing travel visas was provided by the Australian embassy and Tourism Australia in Delhi.
Besides tailoring an itinerary for Amway India, which included highlights such as a visit to Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill outdoor museum on the second day, a welcome reception at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on the third, a trip to Phillip Island on the fourth, and a closing ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on the fifth, the city’s MICE bureau also helped with the logistical aspects of the massive event.
According to Karen Bollinger, CEO of Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCVB), efforts were made to ensure that all 4,000 delegates were accommodated in eight centrally located city hotels and catered for in one sitting at events such as the gala dinner at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
MCVB also made sure that transportation services went smoothly for the Amway India delegation, which allowed everyone to travel as “one group” instead of waves to various destinations in and around Melbourne.
For instance, a total of 88 coaches were chartered to take the entire delegation to Philip Island, some 140km south-east of Melbourne. Delegates enjoyed exclusive access to the island’s nature parks, including the Koala Conservation Centre and the penguin sanctuary.
Besides hosting the welcome reception, MCEC was also utilised for various dining events and business sessions. The centre’s executive chef, Tony Panetta, led a team of multicultural chefs to cater lunch and dinner for some 4,500 guests over several days, and were able to satisfy all dietary needs.
Amway CEO, Bill Pinckney, noted that delegates were delighted to be able to feast on a balanced mix of Indian and local cuisine. “They were able to enjoy raj, dhal and curries, and were very happy as they were all together and had the kind of food they like,” he said.
He revealed that participants were also pleased with their accommodation, especially Crown Towers.
“Amway India’s business sessions also went really well. The environment (MCEC’s plenary hall) was excellent and support staff were very competent,” he said.
However, it was the finale at MCG that won the hearts of Amway India’s star achievers. Delegates enjoyed a 20/20-style cricket match between two Indian teams and were entertained by Indian pop singer and Bollywood star Mika Singh. A spectacular dinner and fireworks display signalled the end of the incentive programme.
“Clearly the MCG event made this incentive trip and we cannot speak highly enough of how professional and accommodating the MCG staff were in handling such a large group,” Pinckney said. “Catering was outstanding and the cricket match went well, as did other aspects. It was truly a day and night to remember.”
The only weakness in the Mega Leadership Seminar 2012, according to Pinckney, was the logistics and catering during the trip to Phillip Island. He noted that the destination had a very difficult time hosting “such a large group” and the food component “did not work” for the participants.
Fortunately, the weak spot hardly left a dent in participants’ overall view of the incentive experience.
“Amway India is pleased that the Melbourne tourism team and other providers really delivered. Feedback from the delegates has shown that this trip exceeded expectations,” said Pinckney.
BINTAN Lagoon Resort in Indonesia will unveil its new Conference Centre at the end of this month.
The three-storey building will house a column-free banquet hall capable of hosting up to 1,300 guests, an outdoor roof terrace and spacious pre-function and foyer areas.
It will also boast the latest in lighting and audiovisual capabilities and high-speed wireless Internet throughout.
Robert Ramey, managing director of Mozaic Hotels & Resorts, the management company of the 473-key beach resort, said: “The new Conference Centre will cover a combined…area of 1,858.1m2. Bintan Lagoon Resort will play a pivotal role in hosting sizeable company meetings, product launches and other exciting events.
“This brand new facility will not only significantly enhance our ability to draw large conferences and business groups, but also strategically position Bintan as a desirable location for meeting and incentive organisers.”
Henry Ng, vice president of sales, Mozaic Hotels & Resorts, added: “The convenience of a private ferry service, fast track immigration clearance, and 473 deluxe rooms and villas will enable us to exceed the demands of larger MICE groups.”
Meanwhile, an introductory offer is available for the new facility. Meeting and conference packages are priced from S$45 (US$36.40) nett per person. For more details, email reservations@mozaichotels.com.
Despite having to handle 1,200 delegates, staff at Branded Asia and The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore pull off the Herculean event through sheer teamwork, reports Linda Haden
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore hosted Digital and Music Matters, a regional digital media and entertainment industry event, for the second consecutive time from May 22 to 25.
Organised by Branded Asia, a media and entertainment brand marketing agency, this edition saw a line-up of 175 speakers, including Lady Gaga’s manager Troy Carter; Bob Ezrin, the music and entertainment producer for Pink Floyd, Nine Inch Nails and Alice Cooper; and Adam Smith, head of Asia Pacific, YouTube.
Over 1,200 participants from 497 companies across 30 countries attended the four-day conference, which comprised of 40 panels, including 17 keynote presentations and interviews, as well as six roundtables and workshops focused on digital publishing, gaming, music publishing, copyright, video and live music.
Branded’s president, Jasper Donat, stated that The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore was selected to host Digital and Music Matters again as it met the organiser’s requirements. “We wanted a venue that was large enough for our event yet still retained a sense of intimacy.”
The conferences were staged in the hotel’s various function places including the Grand Ballroom for keynote presentations. The foyer was transformed into an exhibition space while the Grand Gallery hosted a standing buffet luncheon and two evening cocktail receptions for 300 guests each time. On the second night, guests were treated to a poolside reception.
Communication was the crux to pulling off the event. The Ritz-Carlton and Branded teams consistently shared updates in the months before the event, and stepped up communications closer to the date. When Branded’s event planner arrived in Singapore, the hotel gave her a mobile phone loaded with complimentary local calls as well as a pre-saved contact list comprising key hotel staff members.
Despite the substantial number of delegates, there were no major logistical or operational hurdles. “There were no major hiccups per se as we had a good understanding of what expectations and results were to be, given that this is the second year that Digital and Music Matters has taken place at The Ritz-Carlton,” said the hotel’s general manager, Peter Mainguy.
He added: “With any event on this scale, last-minute changes were anticipated and the hotel team was able to react quickly to facilitate these changes… The schedule was rigorous and demanding however, with careful planning, close communication and tracking of event take-up numbers up to the very last hour.”
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore drew invaluable lessons from hosting the event the second time round, with “mutual understanding, trust and strong timely communication” being the key learning points, said Mainguy.
Donat said he was highly pleased with how the conference turned out. “The (hotel) was a terrific partner to work with because they were happy to go the extra mile, resulting in an absolutely flawless event. We did not get any complaints from attendees.
“For one session we had 400 delegates registered, but 600 showed up. The hotel staff responded really well and brought chairs from all over. Overall, this was an extremely great team effort between Branded, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore and Singapore’s government bodies.”
Branded Asia’s efforts paid off when the agency won Trade Show of the Year at the Singapore Experience Awards 2012.
The close partnership between Branded Asia and The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore will continue in 2013, when the latter plays host to Digital and Music Matters for a third outing in May 21 to 25.
STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts is giving away a tablet and double Starpoints to Starwood Preferred Planner members who place an event booking by March 31 this year.
Events must be held by June 30 at any of the 200 participating Starwood hotels and resorts in Australia, China, Indonesia, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.
For individual group bookings with spend of more than US$18,000, members will receive a mini tablet.
Individual group bookings with spend exceeding US$25,000 will earn members a tablet as well as two Starpoints for every US$3 spent.
The offer is valid for all group events and meetings, including those booked through travel agents.
Starwood senior vice president, sales – Asia Pacific, Alison Taylor, said: “As the world’s largest luxury/upper upscale hotel operator, Starwood’s growing footprint across nine brands offers meeting planners greater value and choices of venues to suit every budget and requirement.
“This limited time offer is also an excellent way to book meetings at our new hotels such as Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central; W Bangkok; the ITC Grand Chola, A Luxury Collection Hotel; or soon-to-open hotels such as W Guangzhou and Aloft Kuala Lumpur – Sentral.”
