The St. Regis Macao has appointed Stuart-Wayne Douglas as general manager.
Douglas began his hotel career in 1996 at the Sheraton Airport Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 1999, he became director of rooms at the Hilton Longboat Key Resort in Florida. He later moved to The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall in Jamaica, where he served as executive assistant manager starting in 2007. In 2017, he became resident manager of The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah.
Before moving to The St. Regis Macao, Douglas held the position of hotel manager at The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan in China.
South Korea’s Air Busan will no longer allow passengers to keep power banks in luggage stored in overhead cabins – a cautious move following a fire that devastated one of its airplanes last week.
Only bags cleared of power banks and tagged at the boarding gates will be allowed to be stored in overhead cabins
Starting this February 7, all passenger carry-on bags will be inspected at the boarding gates. Those not containing power banks will be tagged and allowed for storage in overhead cabins. This measure will begin on trial routes before being expanded to all flights.
The airline will require power banks to be kept with passengers so overheating, smoke or fire incidents can quickly be dealt with immediately.
Furthermore, crew will undergo additional fire training and aircraft will carry additional fire containment equipment.
Building on last year’s success, what are your projections for 2025?
Last year, we hosted nearly 1,900 events and welcomed around 300,000 international delegates which was a growth of 200 per cent over 2023. These conferences were in sectors like semiconductors, engineering, science, and medical care, due to Penang’s strong manufacturing base.
This growth in 2024 can be attributed in part to increased venue availability, where several properties with meeting facilities opened last year, stimulating interest in hosting events.
The upcoming Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), a purpose-built venue capable of hosting both exhibitions and conferences, is expected to further enhance Penang’s MICE appeal when it opens in the 4Q2025.
We anticipate a bumper year for 2025, driven by strengthened air connectivity within the Asia-Pacific region. Direct flights have increased from key markets like China, Indonesia, and Singapore, and we launched our first direct flights from India (Chennai to Penang) in November 2024. Flydubai recently became the first UAE airline to offer direct flights to Penang. We are also actively targeting Eastern European markets to further boost international inbound MICE demand.
As a result of these efforts, we project a 100 per cent increase in international business events delegates in 2025 compared to 2024.
You’ve been working for several years to secure direct air connectivity with India. Now that IndiGo has launched daily flights between Chennai and Penang, what kind of growth in demand from India do you anticipate?
We have been pursuing direct flights to India for nearly seven years. Previously, Indian MICE travellers had to transit in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to reach Penang, hindering our ability to effectively tap into that market.
Now, with the launch of direct connectivity, we anticipate reaching a much wider audience, including conference organisers and incentive groups. Currently, India accounts for about 10 to 15 per cent of our international MICE arrivals. However, since the introduction of these direct flights, we have seen a surge in inquiries from the Indian market regarding hosting business events in Penang. We are also actively working to secure direct flights from additional Indian cities. By year’s end, we expect India to be among our top five source markets for international MICE arrivals.
Beyond your general outreach efforts, what specific strategies do you use to attract PCOs and event planners?
We maintain a regularly updated database of PCOs and PEOs, keeping them informed about our diverse business events facilities and experiences.
Our convention bureau distinguishes itself through tailored support models, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. We offer customised solutions based on each group’s specific needs. For example, whether an organiser needs DMC support for a 100-person event or assistance with hosting dinners, we connect them with the appropriate resources. We are always available for consultation, providing a range of options and then analysing requirements to deliver the best possible support, even for groups as small as 20.
Furthermore, we regularly organise fam trips for PCOs from various international markets. Our signature event, the Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE), hosts approximately 200 international buyers, primarily meeting planners and PCOs. PITE includes B2B sessions and provides attendees with two days to experience Penang’s wide range of MICE-ready products and experiences.
The formal organisation of the Cebu MICE Alliance is underway, to position the province as a world-class destination for both international and domestic events, leveraging its unique selling points.
Initiated by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) led by its president, Jay Yuvillos, together with other stakeholders, the Alliance held a strategic planning workshop on January 22 facilitated by Octavio Peralta, founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE).
Cebu MICE Alliance strategic planning workshop
Peralta shared with TTGmice that during the “milestone event”, 53 participants sat down to craft the Alliance’s purpose, mission, vision and core values and provided inputs on objectives, KPIs and targets.
The Alliance’s governance structure was also finalised during the meeting. This included the formation of various working committees for core areas such as marketing, policy advocacy, infrastructure, training and sustainability. Plans are underway for a research-driven MICE Roadmap for Cebu, which will incorporate accurate data and specific targets.
CCCI’s Cebu Business Mobilization unit told TTGmice that the strategic plan will guide the Alliance’s activities which, in the coming months, “will likely focus on capacity-building initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and promotional activities to showcase Cebu’s MICE capabilities”.
Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, a member of Cebu MICE Alliance, is anticipated to play a prominent role in shaping the alliance’s direction. This is important given Cebu’s upcoming hosting of the ASEAN Summit and ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2026. The expertise of Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld and a key figure in the development of the Iloilo and Boracay MICE Alliances, is expected to be instrumental.
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has unveiled its new Changing Places facility, a state-of-the-art bathroom designed to provide accessible and welcoming amenities for visitors with high support needs.
The new facility, a result of collaboration between MCEC, Folk Architects, and the Victorian Government – who provided funding through a Changing Places Grant – incorporates feedback from community members with lived experience to ensure it meets their specific needs.
The design prioritises creating a comfortable and safe environment, featuring warm materials, an inviting colour palette, and soft lighting. Comfortable bench seating for carers enhances the overall experience.
Universal Design principles are evident throughout the space, with fully functional and hygienic fixtures and fittings. These include a height-adjustable adult changing table, a ceiling track hoist system, and a centrally located peninsula toilet.
Strategically located near the Plenary theatre, Goldfields Café, the Exhibition Centre car park, and the surrounding retail and dining precinct, the facility will enable more individuals with profound or multiple disabilities to participate in the diverse range of events hosted at MCEC.
Alongside the new Changing Places facility, the adjoining Parents Room has been upgraded, maintaining a consistently warm and inviting atmosphere throughout both spaces and providing accessible facilities for all ages and abilities.
The opening of the Changing Places facility marks a significant step in the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust’s Accessibility Action Plan, launched last year.
Adelaide (pictured) has made a great start to the year
Business Events Adelaide has announced remarkable mid-year sales figures, surpassing its record annual performance from last year.
The city has secured over A$540 million (US$337.7 million) worth of business events in the first six months of the current financial year, exceeding the A$336 million secured in all of 2023/24.
Adelaide (pictured) has made a great start to the year
This surge in business event bookings is highlighted by a multi-year agreement with the Asia-Pacific International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX). The agreement will bring five iterations of the event to the Adelaide Showgrounds between 2025 and 2033. However, even excluding the AIMEX win, Business Events Adelaide has already outperformed last year’s total in just six months.
Damien Kitto, CEO at Business Events Adelaide, said: “Interest in Adelaide is currently high, and there is a real sense of positivity about what the city can offer business event organisers.”
Kitto credited several factors for this success, including strong backing from the Malinauskas Government for attracting business events and promoting Adelaide’s key industry sectors, such as health and medical research, future energy solutions, AI and space technologies, defence, and AgTech.
He also pointed to Adelaide’s affordability. “Recent data from STR demonstrates that Adelaide is one of the most affordable capital cities in Australia,” Kitto explained, noting that hotel rooms are significantly cheaper than other Australian cities.
Looking ahead, Kitto sees even greater potential for 2025. “We certainly feel there is a lot more scope for growth,” he said. Focus areas include securing more international opportunities, showcasing Adelaide’s innovation districts, and attracting more business events during the winter events.
NTUC Club has revealed its newly rebuilt D’Marquee events venue at Downtown East in Singapore, where the venue boasts a striking contemporary design, significantly increased capacity, and a commitment to sustainability.
The new D’Marquee – which opened last month after a year of construction – sports a modern, industrial aesthetic, featuring a corrugated steel facade inspired by shipping containers and designed by award-winning Freight Architects.
The interior of D’Marquee
The pillarless, open-concept interior now spans 2,400m2, a 40 per cent increase in floor capacity, with an eight-meter ceiling height. This allows for versatile layouts, accommodating up to 2,200 guests in theatre-style seating (up from 1,400), 500 in classroom style, and 1,320 in banquet style (up from 70 tables to 132). The venue can also hold up to 2,278 attendees for arena-style concerts, a 60 per cent increase. NTUC Club anticipates hosting at least 30 large-scale events annually.
Lim Eng Lee, CEO of NTUC Club, said: “The new D’Marquee is part of our ongoing evolution to refresh our facilities in Downtown East. The upgraded venue will be another platform for our UPlay ecosystem, hosting mega events such as consumer shows, corporate events and concerts. It would help to bolster even higher footfall in Downtown East. By creating a seamless synergy between event spaces, leisure facilities, and hospitality, we hope to create an even more vibrant hub that resonates with our members and guests.”
In partnership with technical production firm ExpoAV, D’Marquee is equipped with state-of-the-art features, including high-definition audio, soundproofed interiors, echo-absorbing ceilings, and cinematic LED lighting. The standalone structure also includes a new suite of integrated back-of-house facilities, such as a VIP lounge, storage and operations spaces, a nursing room, changing rooms, and accessible restrooms.
Sustainability is also a key focus. Starting in April 2024, solar panels will be installed on the roof, further enhancing the venue’s energy efficiency and aligning with NTUC Club’s “Go-Green” initiatives.
The original D’Marquee, a dome-shaped landmark since 2003, has played host to over 3,000 events in its two-decade history, from family-friendly shows like Sesame Street Live to major gatherings such as the May Day Rally.
Fili Hotel at NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu has appointed Onelle Pacheco-Verzosa as its director of sales for the wholesale market.
Pacheco-Verzosa was previously the director of sales at Millennium Heritage Hotel Manila. She has held sales and marketing positions at other properties including Boracay Tropics and Hotel Celeste, Holiday Inn and Suites Manila Galleria and Camp John Hay Manor.
Centara Hotels & Resorts has appointed Prapaijit Thongma as general manager of Centara Villas Phi Phi Island, set to open in 1Q2025.
Having joined Centara Hotels & Resorts in 2001, Prapaijit’s journey began as front office manager at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, where she quickly rose to director of rooms. She further honed her skills in various leadership positions, including executive assistant manager at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi and resident manager at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection.
Her expertise proved invaluable during the successful openings of both Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, where she was appointed hotel manager in 2013 and promoted to general manager in 2014.
From there, she advanced to area general manager, overseeing both Maldives properties – Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives.
Singapore (pictured) continues to attract high-quality business events
A robust performance for Singapore’s tourism sector in 2024, fuelled by rising international visitor arrivals (IVA) and tourism receipts (TR), points to a successful year for the city’s business events sector.
TR reached S$22.4 billion (US$16.4 billion) between January and September 2024 – an increase of 10 per cent when compared to the same period in 2023. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) expects the full-year TR to reach the upper bound of its 2024 forecast, setting a new record in tourism spend.
Singapore (pictured) continues to attract high-quality business events
All spend categories have shown year-on-year growth, led by sightseeing, entertainment & gaming (SEG) at 25 per cent, followed by accommodation at 17 per cent. Meanwhile, F&B and shopping saw a six and five per cent increase respectively, with other categories such as airfares and business spending contributing to TR as well.
China, Indonesia, and Australia emerged as the top TR generating markets, contributing S$3.6 billion, S$2.1 billion, and S$1.4 billion respectively (excluding SEG). Notably, China and Japan showed strong year-on-year growth in TR.
IVA increased by 21 per cent over 2023 to reach 16.5 million, with China (3.1 million), Indonesia (2.5 million) and India (1.2 million) topping the source market charts. Other markets that exhibited healthy year-on-year growth included Japan, Taiwan, the UK, and the US, representing a good mix of short, mid and longhaul markets.
In addition, Singapore’s hotel industry demonstrated positive growth in 2024, with ARR and RevPAR increasing year-on-year, reaching S$276 (1.4 per cent increase compared to 2023 ARR) and S$226 (three per cent increase compared to 2023 RevPAR) respectively. AOR was 81.8 per cent in 2024, a 1.3 percentage point increase compared to 80.5 per cent in 2023.
Beyond these specific achievements, the business events sector also benefited from the overall strength of Singapore’s tourism industry. Strong visitor arrivals from key business travel markets, coupled with increased hotel occupancy rates, provided a solid foundation for growth.
In 2024, Singapore played host to several significant debuts, including the Asia Photonics Expo, SuperAI 2024, UTECH Southeast Asia 2024, World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders Summit 2024, and GSTC2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference. Long-standing tradeshows like the Singapore Airshow and Food & Hotel Asia also contributed to a diverse and dynamic business events calendar.
A major highlight for the sector was Singapore’s climb to second place in the 2023 ICCA Worldwide City Rankings, its highest ever position. This significant jump of more than 10 places from the previous year underscores the city’s growing prominence in the global business events landscape and its ability to attract and host world-class events.
Sustainability also took centrestage in 2024. Singapore demonstrated its commitment to environmentally responsible business events practices through the development of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) MICE Criteria, in partnership with the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers. The recognition of the standards for MICE Event Organisers and Venues within Singapore’s MICE Sustainability Certification Framework by GSTC, a world-first, underscores the city’s leadership in sustainable MICE practices. The launch of the MICE Venue Sustainability Playbook provided further support for this crucial initiative.
Looking ahead, STB expects 2025 IVA to reach between 17 to 18.5 million, bringing in approximately S$29 billion to S$30.5 billion in TR.
This year, Singapore will welcome even more tourism developments, as well as leisure and business events, such as Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventuremaiden sailing and year-round homeport, Anime Festival Asia 2025, World Aquatics Championships 2025, and Usana Regional Convention 2025.
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