The NGL Grant is about creating space for emerging leaders to experiment and drive change
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has opened applications for its Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Grant programme.
Now in its ninth year, the programme seeks to identify and nurture emerging talent within the exhibition industry, offering a platform for innovation and change.
The NGL Grant is about creating space for emerging leaders to experiment and drive change
Supported by industry giants Clarion, dmg events, Informa Markets, and RX, the NGL Grant challenges applicants to tackle critical issues facing the sector. The 2025 mission focuses on exploring innovative and unconventional formats to inspire the next evolution of event models.
Up to five winners will be selected by an international jury chaired by UFI president Hugh Jones (CEO of RX) on April 17. Applicants must have worked full-time in the exhibition industry for no more than 10 years.
The seven-month programme will allow participants to contribute while maintaining their current roles. Winners will collaborate on the 2025 mission, receive support from the UFI team and NGL alumni network, and benefit from mentorship.
The programme kicks off at the UFI European Events Week in Thessaloniki, Greece, from June 3-7, 2025. It culminates in a special session at the 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong from November 19-22, 2025, where the winners will present their findings to industry leaders.
Applications are open until April 3, 2025, with grant winners announced in late April 2025.
Despite facing the challenges of Storm Éowyn, the BestCities Global Forum concluded its annual meeting industry event in Dublin with resounding success, raising US$5,000 for the Solas Project, a local children’s charity.
Held from January 24-26, 2025, in partnership with the Dublin Convention Bureau, the forum welcomed international association representatives, trade media, industry thought leaders, and representatives from 13 BestCities destinations.
BestCities Global Forum 2025
The event, capitalising on Dublin’s status as the European Capital of Smart Tourism, focused on how technological innovation can build more resilient, connected, and compassionate communities. A key highlight was the first-time use of Snapsight, an AI tool that captured event content in real-time, providing actionable insights. Summaries, key takeaways, transcriptions, and idea clouds from each session are available online.
Attendees experienced the best of Irish culture, history, and music, visiting iconic venues such as the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, The Convention Centre Dublin, Trinity College, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Croke Park, and the Guinness Storehouse.
BestCities also partnered with Trees4Events to offset 74 tonnes of carbon emissions generated by the forum, planting 450 trees in Mozambique and contributing to a UN carbon offset renewable energy programme in China.
The forum’s “Engage for Good” programme, which encourages attendee participation in charitable activities, raised US$2,500 for the Solas Project, an organisation empowering at-risk children and youth in Ireland. The Dublin Convention Bureau matched this amount, bringing the total donation to US$5,000.
The next BestCities Global Forum will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico, from February 5-8, 2026.
Budget cuts by the Indonesian government leading to widespread cancellation of official meetings and travel have left hotels across the country – particularly those outside of Java Island – grappling with significant revenue loss.
Data from the Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) showed that budget cuts could result in losses of nearly 25 trillion rupiah (US$1.5 billion) for the national accommodation and hotel industry. This includes 16.5 trillion rupiah from room occupancy and 8.2 trillion rupiah from meetings and events.
Hotels across Indonesia are losing revenue as government budget cuts impact official meetings and travel
Hariyadi Sukamdani, chairman of IHRA, stated that hotels outside Java have been significantly impacted, as many rely on government contracts for up to 70 per cent of their revenue.
Anggiat Sinaga, chairman of the IHRA South Sulawesi chapter, shared that since January 2025, average occupancy had dropped to between 15 and 20 per cent – the lowest seen since the Covic travel disruption.
Anggiat noted that hotels in Makassar were hit hard by reduced spending power since 3Q2024.
“We were still holding on with about 60 per cent occupancy, thanks to government business. But once the new policy took effect in January, occupancy immediately dropped to 30 per cent and is continuing to fall, reaching just 15 per cent now,” he said.
IHRA chapters in Lampung and West Sumatra are suffering similar effects, with bookings slipping away since November 2024. Some hotels have lost up to 60 per cent of their occupancy by January 2025.
Hoteliers in Yogyakarta are reporting a 40 per cent decline in projected income for 2025.
Deddy Pranowo Eryono, chairman of IHRA Yogyakarta, said: “The (leisure) business has yet to recover from Covid-19, and (hotels are) only full during the peak season from May to June. The rest of the year, we’re relying on government business. Without that, the average occupancy is a maximum of 50 per cent.”
While acknowledging that national finances are not in the best shape, Dodi Ahmad Sofiandi, chairman of IHRA West Java, urged the government to revise its efficiency policy as soon as possible.
“If cuts are unavoidable, please don’t take everything at once. We need some breathing room – focus the cuts on certain events and, if possible, apply them only until the end of the year,” he beseeched.
“Right now, we don’t have the budget to promote inbound tourism, and with government (events) being cut off, we’re left without any support,” Dodi added.
He warned that if occupancy continued to fall below 50 per cent, hoteliers in West Java would only be able to survive until April 2025.
“There will definitely be adjustments to operational costs, including reducing daily workers and cutting working hours for permanent staff,” Dodi noted.
The situation in South Sulawesi, a destination that depends heavily on government activities, is dire.
“We’ve been bleeding for over three months now, with nearly 20 per cent of staff across South Sulawesi already let go. Those still working will inevitably face salary cuts. Right now, we’re just fighting to keep the hotels open and avoid a second ‘pandemic’ for the industry,” shared Anggiat.
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has added 11 new destinations for 2025 to meet growing travel demand, fuelled by a 16 per cent increase in international guest numbers in 2024.
Saudia now flies to Bali, Indonesia as it continues to expand its global network
The additions to Saudia’s network include Vienna (Austria), Venice (Italy), Larnaca (Cyprus), Athens and Heraklion (Greece), Nice (France), Malaga (Spain), Bali (Indonesia), Antalya (Turkey), El Alamein (Egypt), and Salalah (Oman), joining Saudia’s existing network of over 100 destinations across four continents.
Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group, said: “Following last year’s operational success, we’ve implemented a strategic plan for 2025 to ensure continued excellence and meet rising international travel demand. Our destination selection is based on comprehensive feasibility studies and guest preferences. We are committed to providing our international guests with exceptional travel experiences that combine comfort, efficiency, and authentic Saudi hospitality.”
Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific (NRF 2025 APAC), presented by Comexposium and the National Retail Federation (NRF), is set to return to Singapore from June 3-5, 2025, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
Under the theme Retail Unlimited, the event promises to explore the boundless possibilities of modern retail, from enhanced customer experiences to cutting-edge digital transformation strategies. The three-day conference will feature 11 major keynotes, 18 breakout sessions and multiple networking opportunities.
NRF 2024; photo by Comexposium
Comexposium, anticipating continued growth following the success of the 2024 show, has announced a dynamic lineup of speakers and participating brands.
The roster of speakers includes prominent figures such as Dione Song, CEO of Love, Bonito; May Chin, global onsite growth lead, Castlery; Rio Popeye Inaba, chief digital innovation officer, Suntory; Alin Dobrea, marketing director, Zalora; and Ian Bailey, managing director, Kmart.
“As we look back on the tremendous success of the show in 2024, we are confident that the momentum will drive further substantial growth into 2025,” said Ryf Quail, managing director for APAC at Comexposium.
“Our speaker line-up reflects the dynamic energy and innovation shaping the industry, and with APAC at the forefront of retail transformation, NRF 2025 APAC continues to be a vital platform for industry leaders to share insights and opportunities that are powering the future of retail.”
Flamingo Beach Club, which opened last month in Panwa, Phuket, is now available for corporate bookings.
The exclusive area on the first floor can hold up to 30 people, while for buyouts, the maximum capacity indoors is 60, and 75 outdoors cocktail-style.
Flamingo Beach Club
Prices start from 25,000 baht (US$743) minimum spend for buyout of the first floor area from Mondays to Sundays from 11.00 to 16.00, and go up to 150,000 baht minimum spend for the entire restaurant for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Menu customisation at Flamingo Beach Club is entirely possible, with reservations to be confirmed one week prior to the event. For a 10 to 15 pax sit-down lunch or dinner, planners are looking at 3,000 baht per person, which includes a four-course meal with a standard beverage selection.
Planners can choose from dishes such as the Flamingo Poke Bowl, loaded with avocado, sweet corn, and crispy tempura vegetables; or Miso Snow Fish paired with sautéed spinach and mashed potatoes.
Beverages run the gamut from fine wines to cocktails, such as the Champagne Colada, a tropical blend of Bacardi-infused pineapple, coconut, and sparkling wine; or Grilled Picante, a mix of tequila, chili, and grilled capsicum.
Kandima Maldives has announced that Dermot Birchall will be the resort’s new general manager.
Dermot has over 20 years of experience across leading luxury resorts and five-star hotels in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, and a strong track record in driving operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and commercial success.
The global travel and tourism industry has reduced its carbon footprint at the end of 2024, contributing 6.7 per per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions globally compared to 7.6 per cent in 2019. Emissions reduction was made possible by “renewable electrification” in ground transportation, which contributes to 40 per cent of carbon footprint in the travel and tourism industry.
However, WTTC’s president & CEO, Julia Simpson, warned that in absolute terms, the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions were still rising, as travel and tourism is a growth sector.
Simpson: Ground transportation and aviation are travel and tourism’s top two greenhouse gas contributors respectively
“People often think that the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions is aviation, but it is actually ground transport – the tiny trucks coming to hotels for delivery and the vehicles transporting customers around,” said Simpson, addressing select media during a forum in Singapore.
“So, we should be challenging all our governments to ensure that electric vehicles are utilised.”
She noted that international air travel was the second biggest contributor of emissions, “which is why we are vociferously campaigning all governments to incentivise the production of SAF (sustainable aviation fuel)”.
The aviation industry currently consumes 300 million tonnes of jet fuel, and the volume would rise to 500 million tonnes by 2050 “despite the industry’s net zero commitment”.
Currently, SAF usage has only reached one million tonnes, which makes up just 0.3 per cent of total aviation fuel. This might rise to 0.5 per cent.
WTTC’s Julia Simpson (right) and her team share updates on the travel and tourism industry’s achievements in the past year at a forum in Singapore; photo by Karen Yue
“This puts into perspective the big mountain we have to climb to achieve our emissions targets,” she remarked, noting that that the International Civil Aviation Organization has targeted five per cent of SAF usage by 2030, the EU has mandated six per cent by 2030, and the UK and Japan at 10 per cent.
When asked how these SAF mandates would be enforced when production remains so slow and price of SAF so high, Simpson acknowledged that “it is indeed a challenge”.
“We need to get to that happy place where there is enough SAF and where SAF is not that expensive,” she told TTG Asia.
She pointed to the Inflation Reduction Act in the US, which “massively” incentivises the production of SAF, as a solution.
“There are a lot of farmers in the US that are dependent on that stream of income; they are contributing different feedstock to SAF production.”
Further, in response to TTG Asia’s query on whether US president Donald Trump’s push back against some of the funding disbursement attached to the Inflation Reduction Act would impact output from the world’s biggest SAF producer, Simpson said: “We are all in this world at the minute trying to second guess what statements mean as opposed to action. But I do know that Trump is a big supporter of farmers in the US and this (renewable energy production) is a major scheme worth billions now. I would be very surprised if he chooses to upset that economy.”
Simpson is also quick to add that the aviation sector is not merely relying on SAF to reduce their footprint. It is making investments to cut emissions even in the face of slow SAF production. Efforts include investing billions from their investors and stakeholders cash in building aircraft that are more fuel efficient, and streamlining air traffic control with AI so that aircraft can fly more efficiently in a straight line.
She is also hopeful that the growth of rail travel globally will alleviate emissions pain in travel and tourism.
Rotorua and Hei Āhuru Mōwai Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa will co-host the World Indigenous Cancer Conference (WICC) in 2026.
The conference, scheduled for April 2026, will focus on culturally grounded solutions for cancer care within Indigenous communities. It will bring together 600 health professionals, researchers, and advocates from around the globe, and generate significant economic benefits for Rotorua, estimated at NZ$1 million (US$570,883).
Hei Āhuru Mōwai’s Nina Scott and Hei Āhuru Mōwai Tumuaki’s Gary Thompson standing in front of the United Nations building in Geneva
This fourth iteration of the biennial WICC will provide a platform for addressing the disproportionate cancer burden faced by Indigenous populations, identifying research priorities, and sharing innovative approaches. Hei Āhuru Mōwai led the successful bid, with support from Tourism New Zealand Business Events and RotoruaNZ.
The conference will be steeped in Māori tikanga (protocols), values, and storytelling. Beyond academic presentations, the program will showcase Māori culture and incorporate Rotorua’s attractions, providing delegates with a rich cultural experience.
Hei Āhuru Mōwai chief executive Gary Thompson emphasised the significance of Indigenous representation in driving global solutions.
“Aotearoa New Zealand has a wealth of knowledge to share in Indigenous cancer care, including Māori providers delivering hauora services. Hauora, our Māori view of health, embraces the physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions of well-being, placing whānau (family) at the heart of care.
“This holistic approach ensures that hospital cancer services and community providers are seamlessly connected to improve outcomes for our people. Through this conference, we aim to share these innovations with other Indigenous nations while learning from their experiences to foster mutual growth and collaboration.”
He also highlighted the stark inequities faced by Māori, who are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages and experience poorer outcomes compared to non-Māori.
“This conference is about solutions – turning these disparities around and empowering Indigenous communities worldwide. We aim to build a strong international network of Indigenous cancer leadership and formalise our collective efforts through the WICC.”
Lake Burley Griffin is Canberra's centrepiece, and is surrounded by museums, galleries, landmarks, cafés, and parks
Canberra, a city often overshadowed by its more popular counterparts, is working hard to expand its inbound corporate incentive market.
“We’re already well known in the domestic and association market, so international incentives are our next step to growing our business events sector. We have the products that will appeal to the incentive market, which would work well for groups of around 50 to 100,” Michael Matthews, CEO of Canberra Convention Bureau (CCB) told TTGmice.
Lake Burley Griffin is Canberra’s centrepiece, and is surrounded by museums, galleries, landmarks, cafés, and parks
For corporate incentives, Canberra’s primary target markets are South-east Asia – in particular Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore – as well as India.
“I think South-east Asia knows Australia really well, and they’re looking for that next destination,” he said.
For India, as the Australian Capital Territory already receives many VFRs (visiting friends and relatives) due to immigration, there is potential to drum up interest for incentive groups.
“Groups from India are quite happy to do two or three cities. They want to get as much of Australia as they can because they are travelling from much further and want to make the most out of their trip,” Matthews opined.
Industry stakeholders in Canberra are backing CCB’s push to attract more international incentive groups.
One of the newest operators to get onboard is Corin Forest. While the facility has been hosting large groups for years, they have primarily been educational tours.
Ashleigh Harrow, group marketing manager, Corin Forest Mountain Resort, told TTGmice: “Corin Forest has not marketed outside of Australia in the past, but we are now actively moving in that direction. Our first steps are focused on building relationships with inbound operators by attending industry events, hosting famils, and working closely with VisitCanberra. The shift to focusing on MICE groups has been very recent.”
Meanwhile, one of the latest additions to Canberra’s outdoor adventure offerings, Treetops Adventure Canberra (which opened in April 2024) has partnered with VisitCanberra and the CCB on campaigns to help promote the park and its teambuilding possibilities.
Rebecca Williams, marketing manager at Treetops Adventure, shared: “As a brand new business, we haven’t yet done marketing outside of Australia, but such partnerships have allowed us to reach event planners locally and regionally.
“We are planning to boost our international presence by partnering with more international travel agencies, and participate in more trade shows.”
Love Boats Canberra is another new tourism business that started in January 2024.
The company offers several boats that can be chartered for private events, with a yet-to-be-named, newly-renovated boat that can hold up to 70 seated, or 105 standing; and MV Reliance, a smaller craft that can hold up to 27 passengers. The charter fee for the larger boat starts from A$3,300 (US$2,148) for three hours, while MV Reliance starts from A$2,010 for three hours.
Alternatively, Chatain shared that smaller groups can also hire pedal boats, or electric boats, to simply enjoy a day out on the water.
“We were included in CCB’s Meeting Planner’s Guide – launched at AIME 2024 for the APAC MICE market – and we participate in any inbound international famils when asked by the CCB,” shared Charles Chatain, the owner of Love Boats Canberra.
“As we only started the business in January, we are still developing our marketing strategies as we learn more about the people we host. For example, we noticed that the lake experience is popular with Asian tourists generally.”
Kristy Ryan, general manager of Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection, also actively supports CCB in hosting fam trips. “Though international MICE isn’t yet a huge part of our business in Canberra, we want to drive and explore this opportunity.”
However, Canberra’s business events potential is hindered by both limited air connectivity and a lower global profile compared to its more famous counterparts like Sydney and Melbourne.
Harrow indicated that currently, there was a “lack of direct flights to Canberra”, and potential visitors may have the “tendency to overlook Canberra in favour of more iconic Australian destinations”.
“I believe that by making Canberra more accessible by air, and putting more effort into promoting (the destination and all) it has to offer will have a significant impact on groups choosing to travel here,” she explained.
Williams agreed with Harrow on the “limited number of direct flights from key markets”, as well as having to compete with “other Australian regions who have well known outdoor adventure experiences (i.e. Great Barrier Reef)”.
“There is a need to effectively communicate and showcase what sets our outdoor attractions apart.
“Moreover, depending on where they are located, groups may also face long travel times and high expenses associated with flights, which could deter companies from choosing Canberra as their destination,” stressed Williams.
Matthews is well aware of such concerns, and stressed that the CCB and state government are “working hard” and in talks with Singapore Airlines – among other airlines – to restart flights to Canberra. The airline scrapped its Singapore-Canberra-Wellington leg in 2018.
He added that the city is only a short one-hour hop from Sydney, or a 1.5-hour flight from Melbourne, or “three hours by road from Sydney with many things to do along the way”.
“Canberra is a two- or three-day proposition in addition to Sydney or Melbourne. It’s for those who want to see more of Australia. That is why famil activity is important, because the other challenge is getting the word out there that Canberra has activities suitable for incentive groups,” Matthews pointed out.
With CCB’s varied efforts, stakeholders are confident that their efforts will
bear fruit.
“Canberra is often dismissed as a boring place to visit, but there’s so much variety in such close proximity. In a single day, groups can learn about our country’s history and culture, explore the natural beauty of the Australian bush, challenge themselves with thrilling outdoor adventures, discover unique local art, and indulge in incredible dining experiences.
“This city is constantly evolving, and with something new to discover every day, this is Canberra’s time to shine,” Harrow opined.
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
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
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
