Ngo Thi Thu Ngan has been appointed director of human resources at Alma Resort Cam Ranh.
A hospitality professional with two decades’ experience, the Vietnamese national joins the beachfront resort on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula after working as the director of talents and culture at Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh.
Her extensive human resources experience comprises roles at Wyndham Grand KN Paradise Cam Ranh, Glow Scenia Nha Trang Bay Hotel, Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa, Tan Viet Corporate, and Khanh Hoa Trading and Investment Company.
Megaworld Hotels and Resorts has appointed Sophia ‘Khendy’ Altamirano as group director of revenue management, distribution and business development; Yvonne Villacorte has joined as general manager of Belmont Hotel Mactan; and Geraldine Gaw as general manager of Hotel Lucky Chinatown.
Altamirano has over 27 years of experience in the Asian hospitality industry, including 17 years with Accor Hotels Group. She was formerly the market director of sales and distribution and director of the national sales office at Marriott Philippines.
From left: Sophia Altamirano, Yvonne Villacorte, and Geraldine Gaw
Villacorte, with 30 years of experience, was previously the general manager of Best Western Ivywall Panglao and has worked with several hotel chains in Vietnam and the Philippines.
Gaw joins Hotel Lucky Chinatown after serving as the area director of sales and marketing at Megaworld Hotels and Resorts. With over three decades in the industry, she has primarily focused on sales and marketing before transitioning to operations.
Longer flights, stable fares, and advanced bookings dominate 2024
Global travel management company Corporate Travel Management (CTM) has published its second Global Corporate Travel Trends Report providing a comprehensive analysis of the corporate travel industry’s performance in 2024.
The report reveals robust growth across key travel metrics, highlighting the resilience and expansion of the corporate travel industry. Air travel capacity is above 2019 levels, business travellers are flying longer distances, booking lead times are extending and average daily rates (ADRs) for accommodation are beginning to plateau globally.
Longer flights, stable fares, and advanced bookings dominate 2024
Air travel rebounds with increased capacity and stabilised fares According to CAPA Centre for Aviation, the global corporate air travel market has entered a period of sustained growth, with air capacity now 3% above 2019 levels and 6.4% higher than in 2023.
Airlines are scaling operations to meet the growing demand, particularly in major corporate travel hubs where full-service carriers have expanded networks. Record aircraft orders and over 1,600 new aircraft deliveries expected in 2025 signal continued investment in fleet expansion to meet demand.
Top three corporate travel routes for CTM customers in 2024 The top travel routes for CTM customers were:
London – New York
London – Hong Kong
Sydney – Melbourne
The Sydney–Melbourne route surpassed Hong Kong–Tokyo in the January–June 2024 Global Corporate Travel Trends Report.
Corporate travellers flying further Corporate travellers covered greater distances in 2024 than before the pandemic, with stabilised airfares in most regions providing corporate travel managers with greater budget certainty following sharp price increases in 2023.
British business travellers led the trend globally, flying further than any other nation compared to 2019. India’s rapidly growing corporate travel market also experienced a significant increase in travel distances compared to 2019, with North America emerging as a key destination.
French business travellers also saw significant distance increases due to government-imposed sustainability restrictions on domestic air travel in 2023.
Australian business travellers, who stayed closer to home in 2023, have returned to flying longer, surpassing 2019 distances.
Airfare trends and booking behaviour Following steady price increases since March 2020, globally airfares entered a downward trend in 2024. Economy fares declined more sharply, while business class fares maintained a consistent trajectory. This softening suggests a potential market correction following the strong price recovery period of the previous two years.
Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) saw easing international airfare pressures with increased competition boosting capacity to meet rising demand. Similarly, North America witnessed stabilisation in airfares with airlines adding Transpacific and Transatlantic capacity. International airfares in Asia continued to decline due to price corrections from supply shortages during the pandemic. In Europe, strong corporate and premium leisure demand and limited seats drove up international business class fares.
Air booking lead times While global booking lead times largely stabilised in 2024, regional variations continue to reshape these trends.
North America saw the most significant shift of travellers booking 21+ days in advance (35% vs 24% in 2023). Europe and ANZ also witnessed an increase in 21+ day bookings, however only marginal in comparison. Asia stands apart with travellers booking closer to departure, driven by a growing low-cost carrier presence.
Accommodation market sees strong demand and longer booking lead times Corporate accommodation demand remains strong, with average daily rates (ADRs) globally plateauing at 20-30% above 2019 levels.
Global hotel booking behaviour has shifted since 2019, with fewer reservations made within seven days of travel (52% vs. 61% in 2019) and more bookings secured 21 or more days in advance (24% vs. 18% in 2019). This trend suggests a desire to lock in rates and secure availability in advance based on the strong return to travel in key markets.
ANZ, Europe and Asia were at the forefront of this shift, with 34% of bookings in ANZ, 36% in Asia and 32% in Europe made 21+ days in advance. This marks a notable increase from 2019 when the figures were 23%, 24%, and 28% respectively. Last-minute bookings remained dominant in North America, with 64% made within 7 days.
Regent Bali Canggu has appointed Manish Puri as its new general manager, tasked with ensuring the brand’s return marks not just a homecoming but a significant advancement in luxury travel.
With over 28 years of global hospitality experience, Puri has led luxury hotel brands such as Oberoi, Kempinski, Jumeirah, Grand Hyatt, Six Senses, and Potato Head.
China’s inbound corporate travel market is experiencing a resurgence, fuelled by the nation’s visa optimisation policies, and a growing interest in diverse destinations by corporates.
“With simplified visa processes and expanded visa-free policies for more countries, it’s now easier for international business travellers to visit China,” said Carol Chung, vice president – commercial, Greater China, Hyatt.
Park Hyatt Changsha
When asked which countries were showing strong growth in inbound corporate travel to China for the company, Chung pointed to Japan, South Korea, and the US.
“Japan and South Korea remain key feeder markets for inbound travel to China. According to a Ctrip whitepaper, these two countries South Korea and Japan respectively ranked second and third for inbound tourism to Beijing, and in 1H2024, they accounted for the highest flight volumes to China,” Chung noted.
The US has also emerged as a major source market for inbound travel. According to data from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the US ranked first for inbound travel to Beijing in 1H2024, with a mix of business and independent travellers.
Additionally, China has seen significant inbound growth from South-east Asian countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, according to data from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.
There has also been a shift in the corporate travel landscape in China.
Chung elaborated: “Key economic hubs like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, remain primary business travel destinations. However, emerging cities such Chongqing, Chengdu, Jingdezhen, and Zhangjiajie are gaining traction, particularly among corporate travellers from South-east Asia and South Korea, who are seeking unique cultural and experiential offerings (as bleisure destinations).”
To further support corporate travellers, Hyatt offers exclusive corporate rates and enhanced loyalty benefits through the World of Hyatt programme, as well as the Elite Trial Tier offer, designed specifically for key corporate accounts in the market. This allows eligible travellers to experience the benefits of Explorist status for 90 days, with a fast-track opportunity to earn Explorist or Globalist status.
Business Events Adelaide has announced that Australian Hotels Association SA (AHA) CEO Anna Moeller has joined its Board as a specialist director.
Moeller brings with her a strong background in the visitor economy and in member-based organisations, not only with the AHA but also from her time with the Motor Trade Association. A trained lawyer, Moeller has also worked as a legal practitioner and is a former elected Councillor for the City of Charles Sturt.
Moeller commenced her tenure in February 2025, completing Business Events Adelaide’s eight-person volunteer Board.
New Zealand’s business events industry is celebrating a significant win, with the government announcing an additional NZ$3 million (US$1.7 million) in funding to attract international conferences and incentive business.
Tourism and hospitality minister, Louise Upston, unveiled the funding at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, stating the investment from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy aims to “supercharge the Conference Assistance Programme work that is already happening in Tourism New Zealand”. The goal is to secure events that will generate over NZ$30 million in incremental spending for the New Zealand economy.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
The funding is available to various organisations, including universities, to bid for hosting international conferences in New Zealand, and will also support efforts to attract high-value incentive business.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa hailed the move as a crucial step towards bolstering the sector and driving economic growth.
The association’s chief executive, Lisa Hopkins, described the announcement as an “exceptional day” for the sector, highlighting the government’s recognition of business events as a key driver of growth.
“It signals that New Zealand is actively recognising the importance of business events, and this new funding helps level the playing field with our main competitor, Australia,” she said.
Hopkins emphasised the high-value nature of the industry, noting its global worth of US$1.6 trillion. She also highlighted the significant investment in world-class infrastructure, with new convention centres like Te Pae Christchurch, Tākina in Wellington, and the upcoming New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland.
These centres are projected to create 1,400 new jobs, generate over 300,000 room nights annually, and contribute over NZ$150 million in direct spending.
“Our industry association has been seeking support for the sector for two decades. We know that we have brilliant infrastructure and the downstream financial effects are proven,” Hopkins stated. She cited Infometrics analysis showing Te Pae Christchurch contributed NZ$77 million to New Zealand’s GDP and supported 693 full-time equivalent jobs in the year to November 2024.
Beyond economic benefits, Hopkins stressed the broader impact of business events, including positive societal outcomes, community engagement, and enhanced international recognition for New Zealand.
“Business events are much more than economic contributors, they also heavily influence positive outcomes for society, communities, and create long-term legacies, and they lift New Zealand on the world stage,” she said.
The initiative is part of the government’s Tourism Boost package, designed to foster immediate growth in visitor numbers, drive export activity, and stimulate economic growth. The funding is a collaborative effort between Tourism New Zealand, regional convention bureaux, professional conference organisers, venues, hotels, and a wide range of businesses across sectors such as hospitality, technology, and creative services.
The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) has unveiled its Business Events Penang 2024 Annual Review, showcasing a record-breaking year for the state’s business events industry, with an estimated economic impact of around RM1.3 billion.
The announcement was made at a launch event held at the Iconic Marjorie Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, graced by the chief minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow; the Penang State Exco for Tourism & Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai; and the CEO of PCEB, Ashwin Gunasekeran.
Business Events Penang 2024 Annual Review
The 2024 Annual Review highlighted significant growth across key performance indicators. Penang successfully hosted 2,059 business events, a remarkable 240.9 per cent increase from the previous year. These events attracted 305,259 delegates, representing an 87.3 per cent rise, and generated 558,543 room nights, a 3.6 per cent increase. Most notably, the Estimated Economic Impact (EEI) surged to almost RM1.3 billion, marking a substantial 24.8 per cent increase compared to 2023.
Wong emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships and government support in achieving these results.
“These achievements reaffirm Penang’s reputation as a premier business events destination in Asia. As we look ahead, we will continue to strengthen our offerings, attract high-impact events, and expand our industry collaborations to further enhance Penang’s appeal,” he said.
Gunasekeran also outlined PCEB’s strategic vision for continued growth in 2025, focusing on deeper industry engagement, targeted promotional efforts, and enhanced incentives.
“Our goal is to sustain and accelerate this growth by leveraging our extensive industry network, embracing digital advancements, and continuously elevating the quality of events hosted in Penang. The rising number of business events has led to greater economic opportunities, increased employment, and a strengthened global presence for Penang,” he remarked.
Asian firms monitor geopolitical risks and visa changes, but
maintain travel policies
Asian corporates with travel programmes focused in the region say their risk policies since the start of the year have not changed based on advice from their security and other related service providers.
They were responding to six areas addressed during the recent Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Asia-Pacific 2025 Global Risk Outlook webinar.
Asian firms monitor geopolitical risks and visa changes, but maintain travel policies
They are Geopolitical Risk; Civil Unrest and Political Violence; Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events; Cybersecurity and Al-driven Misinformation; Changes to Entry Visas and Potential Immigration Bans; and US Political Uncertainty.
A buyer in heavy equipment manufacturing noted changes to entry visas and potential immigration bans can pose a problem if “your workforce has a significant number of employees with passports requiring visas to visit other destinations”.
For this corporate, “international hostility happening around an area” is the main reason for restricted or no-go for certain destinations.
“We have imposed no travel to Russia and Belarus, and restricted travel to Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Ukraine, Iran, Libya, Israel, Syria and Yemen,” he shared.
A corporate travel manager in the pharmaceutical sector said the year started with no major disruptions or concerns, but air crashes, geopolitics in the Middle East and Europe and the Trump effect after the Lunar New Year have been grabbing attention.
He commented softness in travel demand is due to global economics rather than risk and safety concerns, and there have been no travel advisory changes.
“As long as visa, logistics and shipping requirements are not impacted all at the same time, there won’t be trouble and we won’t face the kind of impact caused by the pandemic.”
Similarly, a buyer in financial services said the risk outlook is not a major concern, but noted more countries are now introducing travel authorisation initiatives.
“For us, we look at the 3Cs, cost, care and conservation or travelling with more responsibility.”
He acknowledged the impact of climate change and extreme weather is affecting travel and getting travel insurance to certain countries and regions has become a challenge.
The areas outlined in the GBTA webinar will impact travellers at some point, he observed, so the company works with its service providers “to know what is happening and to guide us”.
“Meanwhile we are stepping up travel safety and awareness training for our employees with roadshows and more can attend online sessions with our service providers.”
India International Convention Centre in Dwarka, New Delhi
The India International Convention Centre, better known as Yashobhoomi, located in Dwarka, New Delhi, is preparing to initiate the bidding process for the second and final phase of its development.
The first phase of Yashobhoomi was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023. The upcoming second phase will add 180,000m2 of indoor exhibiting area, significantly enhancing the venue’s capacity.
India International Convention Centre in Dwarka, New Delhi
“The government of India will officially announce the bidding process to develop the commercial land adjacent to the existing facility. After the completion of the second phase, the Yashobhoomi facility will reach around an area of 300,000m2,” Phil Chung, CEO of KINEXIN Convention Management – the South Korean company which is the venue operating partner of Yashobhoomi – told TTGmice on the sidelines of SATTE Conference 2025.
Since its opening less than two years ago, the venue has hosted more than 300 events including an international textile sourcing show, Intex South Asia; Amazon Global Selling Export Connect 2024; and India Warehousing show.
As venue operators, Chung shared that they are actively engaging with global event organisers from countries like the UK, US, South Korea, and China to bring renowned international exhibitions to India.
“We are aiming to get one of the world’s largest semiconductor tradeshows to Yashobhoomi, which is expected to take place later this year.”
Attracting more globally renowned tradeshows will “help position both Yashobhoomi and India as a preferred MICE destination”, Chung added.
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Her extensive human resources experience comprises roles at Wyndham Grand KN Paradise Cam Ranh, Glow Scenia Nha Trang Bay Hotel, Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa, Tan Viet Corporate, and Khanh Hoa Trading and Investment Company.
With over 28 years of global hospitality experience, Puri has led luxury hotel brands such as Oberoi, Kempinski, Jumeirah, Grand Hyatt, Six Senses, and Potato Head.
