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.
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.
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