This announcement reflects the company’s commitment to the Philippines, where it sees long-term potential
Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of Radisson Serviced Apartments Salcedo Makati, a new upscale property slated to open in 2026.
This marks the group’s first Radisson-branded hotel and upscale serviced apartment in Metro Manila, and its 16th property in the Philippines, both operating and under development.
This announcement reflects the company’s commitment to the Philippines, where it sees long-term potential
Located in the heart of Makati, Manila’s central business district, Radisson Serviced Apartments Salcedo Makati will offer 162 spacious, contemporary apartments designed for corporate and long-stay guests. The property will feature a dining outlet serving local and international cuisine, flexible meeting spaces for business and social events, a state-of-the-art gym, and a pool.
Radisson Hotel Group has plans for further expansion in key Philippine cities. In addition to the Radisson Serviced Apartments, the group has six operating hotels and 10 more under development, including the Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Cagayan de Oro, and the Fridays Boracay, A Radisson Collection Resort, the first Radisson Collection property in the Philippines, both expected to open in 2028.
1. The Sugar Shed at Yorkeys Knob Cane Farm
Set amid the lush green sugarcane fields of Tropical North Queensland, The Sugar Shed brings the rich history of the region’s sugarcane industry to life. Its machinery shed with open sides blends rustic country charm with modern facilities, inviting groups to enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding cane fields against a setting sun.
With both indoor and outdoor spaces available, The Sugar Shed can accommodate events of up to 250 pax for banquets, or 1,000 pax cocktail-style. Uniquely Queensland elements, such as sugar cane cocktails on arrival and barbecue dinners, can also be incorporated into the event.
2. Trinity Beach Palace
This luxurious private beachfront estate located just 20 minutes north of Cairns is available for exclusive hire for high-end corporate events. Offering 135 metres of beach frontage and set among tropical gardens, this venue has both indoor and outdoor entertainment areas. The estate also features five rooms that can accommodate up to 10 guests.
The intimate media lunch on Day 1 of Australia Next 2024 was held here. As a prelude to lunch, guests were handed mocktails and snacked on roving canapes while listening to local aboriginal tunes, before being ushered to the lawn. The menu that day, crafted by acclaimed chef Nick Holloway of Nu Nu Events & Catering, showcased the fresh, seasonal produce of Tropical North Queensland. Dishes included paperbark-roasted coral trout, desert lime and mountain pepper; and rice with barbecued wild ginger mudcrab.
3. Tanks Art Centre
Situated in the Cairns Botanic Gardens precinct, Tanks Arts Centre is a multi-use, contemporary arts and events facility creatively housed in three repurposed WWII oil storage tanks.
Choose from the Tank 4 gallery for events of up to 150 people with a backdrop of beautiful artwork, or the open space of Tank 3 for corporate events for up to 500 people. For smaller workshops and community events of up to 100, there is the multipurpose Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre and its amphitheatre. Should planners need a large performance space, Tank 5 boasts a world-class sound system, stage, green room and bar, and is suitable for up to 800 people. Each tank can be artistically lit to set the perfect mood.
4. Reef Magic Pontoon
Groups of approximately 50 to 250 can set sail on a private charter from Cairns to the all-weather Reef Magic Pontoon at Moore Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef. At over 1,000m2, the pontoon has capacity for 450 guests, although numbers are usually kept to a maximum of 250 for a better experience.
Corporates can avail a diverse range of activities, including snorkelling in the sheltered coral lagoon, scuba diving, helmet diving, glass-bottom boat tours, and scenic helicopter flights. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea with complimentary water and tea or coffee are included.
5. Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal
Originally built over a century ago, the historic wharf shed has been carefully restored to preserve its heritage charm and beauty while offering modern amenities and state-of-the-art technology for events. The interior features high ceilings and large windows, allowing natural light to fill the space, while original features such as the exposed timber, and clock tower and bell demonstrate the glory of the building’s past.
Although the terminal can take 400 people for banquets or up to 600 pax for a cocktail, the space has been designed for guests can spill out onto the breezeway or decked areas to enjoy the sparkling backdrop of Trinity Inlet.
Corporate Travel Management (CTM) has appointed Darren Toohey as chief sales & customer officer.
In this newly-established role, Toohey will focus on advancing CTM’s five-year growth strategy by focusing on driving new customer acquisition and delivering enhanced value to customers.
Toohey has two decades of experience in senior sales and leadership roles, including leading CWT’s global sales and customer retention team.
Global business class travel for corporates soars into Asia
Corporate travellers are increasingly opting for business class when flying to Asia, with the region leading the world in year-on-year growth for premium travel.
Data by the flagship corporate travel businesses of Flight Centre Travel Group, FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller, revealed that Malaysia (31%), Hong Kong (19%), India (18%), Philippines (9%), and China (8.8%) were growth standouts for 2H2024 versus 2H2023.
Global business class travel for corporates soars into Asia
From Australia and New Zealand, the top three destinations showing growth in business class bookings are Malaysia, India, and Hong Kong. Travellers from the Americas are also increasingly choosing business class for their Asian journeys, with Singapore, Thailand, and India leading the way in growth. Similarly, from the UK, the top three destinations for business class growth into Asia are Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
“Asia has two massive benefits for business travellers. Not only is trade critical with the likes of China, Hong Kong, and India for companies worldwide, but it also acts as the transit gateway that connects the Northern and Southern Hemisphere,” said Bertrand Saillet, managing director of FCM Travel Asia.
“Through our Meetings & Events business, we’ve also seen an uptick in Asia being the destination of choice for conferences, with the region centrally located for those coming from London, New York, or Sydney – the geographic location is of real benefit.”
He pointed out that Asia is now the world’s second-most integrated trade region, after the European Union, where in 2022, nearly 57% of the value of Asia’s trade originated within the region, up from 54%t in 2000.
According to McKinsey & Company, between 2017 and 2023, trade between the US and China fell, but South-east Asia emerged as a “connector” between these two economies. In this period, Southeast Asian imports from China surged, while Southeast Asian exports increasingly went to the US.
In the case of Vietnam, the value of imports from China doubled – an addition of US$50 billion – and its exports to the US increased by US$60 billion. A similar, although less pronounced, trend can be seen in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
“It’s no coincidence that the growth in business class to these destinations has coincided with the continued return of capacity into Asia region-wide from origins worldwide – choice and competition are the catalysts to greater availability and lower airfares.
“Trade will be in the spotlight in 2025 with a Donald Trump Administration, but the one thing that won’t change is the critical nature of business travel for companies that know it’s a necessity rather than a luxury, and that it’s a key facet to surviving and thriving,” Saillet noted.
Derek Sadubin is GBTA's country manager for Australia and New Zealand
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is expanding its commitment to the Australian business travel market with the formation of a new country-level Advisory Board and the appointment of a dedicated country manager for Australia and New Zealand.
These initiatives aim to support Australia’s thriving US$26.7 billion business travel market and further growth across the Asia Pacific region.
Derek Sadubin is GBTA’s country manager for Australia and New Zealand
“Australia is a vital market for business travel, and the new Board brings together diverse expertise from across the region,” said Catherine Logan, GBTA regional senior vice president for EMEA and APAC. “Their insights will help GBTA deliver tailored programmes and offerings in our mission to shape the future together for business travel and across the industry community.”
According to the latest GBTA Business Travel Index (BTI) report, Australia ranked 11th globally in 2024 for business travel spending, representing 12 per cent of the total US$1.5 trillion global spend.
Andy O’Mara, head of travel & expense for Canva, will chair the 18-member GBTA Australia Advisory Board, comprised of leaders from prominent companies and travel organisations. The board members represent a cross-section of the industry, bringing diverse perspectives to the table.
To further strengthen its regional presence, GBTA has appointed business travel industry veteran, Derek Sadubin, as country manager for Australia and New Zealand. Based in Sydney, Sadubin will provide strategic support to members and partners, reporting to Elle Ng-Darmawan, GBTA regional director for APAC.
GBTA also announced the continuation of its event partnership with the Festival of Aviation and Corporate Travel Summits, scheduled for November 25-26. The summit will feature airline and travel management executives discussing key strategic issues in corporate travel.
Additionally, GBTA will host its APAC Conference in Singapore from May 27-28. Co-located with the Worldwide ERC Global Mobility Summit for the third year, the conference will offer networking and educational opportunities for the APAC business travel community.
The Welcome Event for the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) 2025, AIMalfi FESTA, will be held at il Mercato Centrale Melbourne on February 10.
The event will kick off AIME’s 32nd year with an Amalfi Coast theme, from 19.00 to 22.00 at il Mercato Centrale, a 3,000m2 venue in Melbourne’s CBD, a short walk from Southern Cross Station.
il Mercato Centrale
Over 2,000 attendees, including hosted buyers, exhibitors, media partners, and industry VIPs, are expected to attend. Attendees are encouraged to embrace the blue, white, and yellow colour scheme, and they can look forward to enjoying Italian-inspired food and drinks from il Mercato Centrale’s artisan food market. The evening will also feature entertainment from special guest artists.
Merging the Italian heritage of food with the experience of a contemporary hospitality hub, Il Mercato Centrale offers bespoke experiences for private and corporate events alike, with the flexibility to host small groups and large functions of more than 2,000 people.
AIME 2025 will run from February 10-12 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
EventsAir’s CEO Chris Ridd (pictured) looks forward to continuing the company’s work with ICCA
Event management platform, EventsAir, and ICCA, have renewed their strategic partnership for another year, celebrating five years of collaboration.
The continued partnership reinforces both organisations’ commitment to innovation and growth within the global association events industry.
EventsAir’s CEO Chris Ridd (pictured) looks forward to continuing the company’s work with ICCA
EventsAir’s comprehensive platform, used by event planners to streamline operations and enhance event experiences, complements ICCA’s expertise and global network within the international meetings community. The partnership focuses on addressing the evolving challenges faced by association event organisers and raising industry standards.
“EventsAir is thrilled to celebrate five years of partnership with ICCA,” said Chris Ridd, CEO of EventsAir. “This milestone reflects our mutual commitment to empowering association event planners. We look forward to continuing our work with ICCA to provide innovative tools that help create impactful and engaging event experiences.”
CEO of ICCA, Senthil Gopinath, added that ICCA is committed to providing its members with the latest event tech tools and developing partnerships that make a real difference.
ICC Sydney elevates its menu by adding live cooking stations
The International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, has released its 2025 Menu Collection, building on its sustainably-designed F&B portfolio with new interactive culinary experiences that enhance delegate connection at events.
ICC Sydney’s interactive cooking stations range from the Burrata Bar featuring Vannella burrata, stracciatella wrapped in buffalo mozzarella with ICC Sydney custom-blend ALTO olive oil, and the Dumpling Station comprising assorted dumplings, dim sum, gyoza and pork buns, to the Smoke House experience championing in-house smoked New South Wales beef brisket, and Spice Box that injects the flavours of India and Thailand.
ICC Sydney elevates its menu by adding live cooking stations
The venue’s award-winning beverage team will also showcase their 100 per cent Local New South Wales wine list at events with interactive Sommelier’s Wine Tasting Bars.
ICC Sydney’s director of culinary services, Lynell Peck said: “This year, we set out to inspire event delegates of all generations by providing unique food and beverage experiences. Our 2025 Menu Collection has the power to connect people through food – not only to each other but to Sydney’s vibrant culture and community.
“Our culinary approach is underpinned by our commitment to make a difference as we support organisers and attendees to not only tread more lightly on the earth by selecting lower carbon menu options, but to enjoy fun dining experiences that remove barriers to engagement.”
The full 2025 Menu Collection includes six core menus that have again undergone a carbon calculation analysis with lower carbon menu items denoted within each. ICC Sydney’s new Interactive Cooking Stations can be found on the Canapes Menu which also features Food Stations and Pop Up Dessert Experiences catering to a broad range of tastes.
The global exhibition industry is gearing up for the 10th annual Global Exhibitions Day (GED), set to take place on June 4, 2025.
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has revealed that Exhibitions unleash potential will be the theme for this event.
Exhibition booths at FinTech Festival 2024 at the Singapore Expo pictured
Businesses and professionals across the sector are invited to participate in GED by showcasing how exhibitions drive growth across multiple industries, empower professionals, and contribute to economic and social progress worldwide.
To amplify the impact of the theme, UFI has outlined four key messages:
Exhibitions drive collaboration and innovation to transform businesses and industries.
Exhibitions enable new, emerging, and established talent to grow and succeed.
Exhibitions power economic development and societal progress for countries and communities.
Exhibitions amplify reach, build brands, foster connections, and drive revenue through face-to-face engagement.
These messages underscore the potential that exhibitions unlock for all stakeholders, from industries and individuals to communities and companies.
UFI has provided resources and tools on the official GED website to help organisations plan their celebrations. Suggestions for participation include hosting local GED activities or campaigns, engaging government officials to recognise the exhibition industry, personalising the GED toolkit, partnering with local media, and promoting initiatives on social media using #GED2025.
The Seed, a newly opened ultra-luxury beachfront estate on Bali’s tranquil east coast, is targeting corporate groups seeking privacy and bespoke experiences through exclusive buyouts.
While individual villa rentals are available, The Seed’s focus is on providing a complete takeover experience, allowing corporate bookers to enjoy the entire estate.
The Seed
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The estate features four one- and two-bedroom villas, alongside amenities such as a fitness and wellness centre, the Bloom Kitchen private restaurant helmed by culinary director Dom Marquez-Hammond, a poolside cinema, and games room. There’s even a private, soundproof nightclub, allowing for unrestricted enjoyment of music and celebrations.
A dedicated concierge service will be on hand to help corporates arrange experiences tailored to the needs of every group, ranging from organising elaborate banquet dinners to bringing in wellness facilitators.
Interested parties should contact The Seed directly for buyout pricing and availability, as these are subject to the specific requirements of each group and the time of year. For an idea, individual villa rentals start from US$3,500 in the low season, and go up to US$6,500 in the high season, inclusive of breakfast.
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.
