Overall business travel spend is projected to reach around US$1.7 trillion this year, with an eight per cent year-on-year increase, according to the Global Business Travel Association’s latest market report.
Elle Ng-Darmawan, senior director for Asia-Pacific at the organisation, describes this growth as being “very robust, very encouraging”, but warns that higher trade barriers in many economies with reduced exports, increased trade policy uncertainty, and geopolitical challenges will impact business travel appetite.
In this episode of TTG Conversations: Five Questions, Ng-Darmawan lays out business travel projections for each global region; and details Asia-Pacific’s bright spots, the factors driving both inbound and outbound traffic, and how uncertainties are affecting contracting and planning in the region.
Vietnam is rapidly planting its position as a regional business events powerhouse, with corporate travellers accounting for about one fifth of the country’s total visitors and the market forecast to hit US$7.8 billion in 2025.
“Major economic hubs like Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Hanoi are clear anchors in Vietnam’s drive in becoming a leading business events destination,” said Sebastien Kaeuffer, Hilton’s vice-president of commercial operations and South-east Asia.
Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline
Vietnam’s early 2026 event schedule is geographically diverse: major international trade events – such as the International Food Expo (April 15 to 18), HortEx Vietnam (May 20 to 22), and Home Show Vietnam (June 24 to 26) – will be held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in HCMC, alongside a key academic conference (International Conference on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Practices) in Hue, and a manufacturing fair in Hai Phong.
“The country’s growing network of business spaces and unique cultural and natural landscapes presents an attractive proposition for event organisers,” opined Kaeuffer.
Further proof lies in the fact that Vietnam is currently Hilton’s third-largest market in the region, with 21 properties in operation and plans to double its presence in the coming years.
He added that the brand’s expansion plans aim to meet the evolving demands of the business events segment, which today spans beyond large conventions to include corporate retreats, incentive trips and smaller, high-impact gatherings.
“Attendees increasingly combine business with leisure, seeking immersive experiences alongside meetings”, he noted, adding that Hilton recently signed an agreement with long-term partner Sun Group in Vietnam to introduce its Conrad Hotels and Resorts, LXR Hotels and Resorts, and DoubleTree by Hilton brands in both established and emerging business events cities.
Vietnam has also flagged business events as a key segment for 2025 to 2030. According to Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, the sector is slated to grow from US$7.8 billion in 2025 to US$10.8 billion by 2030. This is being driven by infrastructure improvements, including upgraded airports, convention centres and visa-facilitation policies.
“Combined with cost-efficient luxury services, these give Vietnam an edge as a destination for business events,” said Donna Tran, cluster director of sales and marketing at InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, which opened in October 2025 with a strong focus on business events.
“Vietnam is increasingly positioning itself as a very competitive destination for business events in the region, offering a strong value proposition compared to more established hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong,” she pointed out.
InterContinental Halong Bay Resort’s Cat Ba Ballroom
Kaeuffer said another factor driving demand is the rise of secondary business events cities such as Danang and Phu Quoc, where major developments, such as the expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport and the launch of Sun Phu Quoc Airways, are adding appeal. The island will also host the Phu Quoc has also been selected to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2027.
However, Kaeuffer noted that this comes with challenges.
“While the outlook is transformative, we acknowledge that there are also headwinds, such as infrastructure gaps in secondary cities. Emerging destinations may encounter challenges with limited Tier Two venue capacity and robust digital infrastructure, such as high-speed connectivity and seamless ticketing ecosystems, which is required for large, high-tech exhibitions and conferences,” he said.
Tran noted a “clear uptick” in business events demand in north Vietnam over the past 12 to 18 months, especially in Halong Bay and the broader Quang Ninh province, which are strongly positioning themselves for business-events and incentives.
She added that across Vietnam, the finance, insurance, property and real‑estate sectors are among the most active in the business events sector, with manufacturing, technology and industrial firms increasingly exploring incentive and conference programmes.
“Vietnam sees big opportunities in business events over the next three years in premium, luxury-driven MICE, where clients increasingly seek venues that combine world-class meeting infrastructure with unforgettable experiences,” Tran said.
She also predicted that demand for hybrid and incentive-integrated formats that blend business with leisure, wellness and cultural experiences will continue to grow.
Kamal Munasinghe has been appointed general manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, while continuing his responsibilities as senior vice president – Colombo hotels at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.
A hospitality veteran with over three decades of experience, Munasinghe most recently served as COO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, overseeing a portfolio of 17 properties across Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
He has held senior roles with Marriott, Hyatt, Mövenpick, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, and Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur.
Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA), a reputable international trade event for the region’s food, hospitality, and HoReCa industries, has planned four days of business opportunities and knowledge exchanges for its 48th edition. The event is set for April 21 to 24 at the Singapore Expo.
Organiser, Informa Markets, will introduce several new initiatives and partnerships designed to enhance attendee experience and address emerging industry trends.
FHA 2026, taking place in Singapore this April, is designed to be the definitive platform to shape the future of food and hospitality
FHA 2026 is proud to announce the European Union (EU) as the Region of Honour. This partnership will highlight the EU’s culinary heritage, innovative food production, and commitment to sustainability. Attendees can look forward to curated EU showcases, chef demonstrations, and networking events that celebrate the region’s leadership in food and hospitality.
Also new is the Singapore Seafood Pavilion. Organised by the Seafood Industries Association Singapore, this pavilion will spotlight fresh, live, frozen, and processed seafood, as well as aquaculture and value-added seafood products from global suppliers.
Additionally, the new Future Forward zone will highlight technology’s impact on food service, hospitality, and retail, including a four-day conference on technology integration challenges and opportunities, supported by a stellar steering committee.
FHA 2026 attendees can also look forward to the new Epicurean Gallery, a curated platform spotlighting premium products daily, hosted by various companies or country groups. It combines exhibition and networking, bringing together culinary professionals, gourmet enthusiasts, and buyers to explore offerings, connect with brands, and build industry relationships
Another fresh highlight is the Young Chef Grand Prix. Co-organised with the Singapore Chefs Association and Singapore Junior Chefs Club, this competition will nurture the next generation of culinary talent, targeting skilled individuals aged 25 and below.
Informa Markets promises to maintain FHA 2026 as a global showcase of excellence in food and hospitality through a programme comprising 18 dynamic segments, including the newly refreshed Food Service Technology segment, which highlights the latest advancements in foodservice operations; and the refreshed Coffee, Tea & Bar Segment, expanded to include bar equipment and solutions.
Attendees can explore a diverse range of exhibitors, including industry leaders such as Ben Foods, DKSH, and Euraco, and many more. More than 75 group pavilions will showcase the best of global food and hospitality innovation.
FHA 2026 also promises to be hotbed of competitions and seminars to inspire innovation among attendees. Prestigious competitions to watch out for include FHA Bakery Challenge, FHA Dessert Challenge, and Asian Pastry Cup.
Seminars are lined up to address crucial topics such as global market trends, food innovation, safety regulations, and sustainability. Highlights include the FHA Seminar on Global Market Trends and Trade and the Sustainable Summit, which will address critical issues like food security, sustainable agriculture, and supply chain resilience.
FHA 2026 is expected to welcome over 80,000 international attendees and feature more than 2,750 exhibitors from 115 countries and regions.
Ian Roberts, vice president of Informa Markets – Asia, said: “FHA 2026 is more than just an exhibition – it’s a transformative experience for the food and hospitality industry. This event is where innovation meets opportunity, bringing together the brightest minds, the most cutting-edge technologies, and the most influential players from across the globe. Whether you’re looking to showcase your brand, discover the latest trends, or build strategic partnerships, FHA 2026 is the definitive platform to shape the future of food and hospitality. It’s not just about staying ahead of the curve – it’s about defining it.”
Prime minister Christopher Luxon (centre) joins industry leaders for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at NZICC
A new study from Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) and Fresh Info, released at the official opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), revealed that multi-day business events contributed NZ$925 million (US$558 million) to the national economy in 2025.
Despite a softer year shaped by global uncertainty, the sector generated approximately 1.5 million visitor nights. Total expenditure included NZ$412 million in delegate spending, NZ$433 million in event operations – such as sponsorship and registration – and NZ$80 million from accompanying companions.
Prime minister Christopher Luxon (centre) joins industry leaders for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at NZICC
The data highlights the high value of these visitors, with international delegates spending an average of NZ$645 per day while in conference, significantly outpacing the average holiday tourist.
BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins noted that while international visitors are high-value, domestic delegates provide critical resilience when global travel fluctuates. Average total spend per delegate reached NZ$3,726 for international visitors, NZ$2,118 for domestic travellers, and NZ$999 for local attendees.
Hopkins emphasised that business events are “highly investable” contributors to New Zealand’s economic aspirations, delivering long-term returns through knowledge exchange and international connectivity that support productivity well beyond the events themselves.
This research framework is designed to be scalable and repeatable, enabling future updates at regular intervals and supporting ongoing improvements to New Zealand’s tourism data system.
With the NZICC now open and hosting events, New Zealand’s national network of purpose-built convention centres, alongside Takina in Wellington and Te Pae in Christchurch, is now complete, according to BEIA’s press release.
Consensus delegates visited the HKTB’s new Visitor Service centre at HKCEC
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has opened its first dedicated Visitor Service Centre at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
Located at the Harbour Road entrance, the facility serves as a primary touchpoint for international business delegates, providing information and practical tips to encourage exploration of the city beyond professional events.
Consensus delegates visited the HKTB’s new Visitor Service centre at HKCEC
The launch coincided with Consensus Hong Kong 2026, a major global cryptocurrency and Web3 conference.
HKTB’s executive director Anthony Lau stated that the centre aims to help business events visitors balance business commitments with Hong Kong’s diverse tourism offerings to enrich their overall experience.
Michael Lau, chairman of Consensus Hong Kong, noted the value of having immediate access to curated travel advice – ranging from local dining to scenic hikes –directly within the venue.
The centre features self-service kiosks displaying the latest on mega events, festive celebrations, and thematic campaigns, alongside practical guides for accommodation and transport. It operates daily from 08.00 to 19.00, with HKTB staff stationed on-site during large-scale exhibitions to provide personalised itinerary planning and assistance.
Adaptation Futures Conference 2025 included an Indigenous innovation and leadership workshop at Ōnuku Marae in Akaroa
New research released by ChristchurchNZ and Tourism New Zealand confirms that business events in Ōtautahi Christchurch generate significant social and professional legacies far exceeding traditional tourism spend.
Phase two of The Conference Legacy Project, presented at AIME 2026 in Melbourne, transitions away from purely economic metrics to track long-term impacts on talent recruitment, global reputation, and scientific advancement.
Adaptation Futures Conference 2025 included an Indigenous innovation and leadership workshop at Ōnuku Marae in Akaroa
The three-year study, led by researcher Carmel Foley, found that one in five delegates proactively looked for work or study opportunities in Christchurch following their conference. Additionally, 93.3 per cent of attendees reported that hosting these events positively transformed their perception of the city, citing its modern facilities and natural environment.
Cultural integration emerged as a primary driver of these results. Delegates ranked Māori heritage and values among the highest-rated impacts, describing Indigenous-led programming as “transformative”.
This research provides evidence-based insight into the long-term impact conferences create for the places that host them, said Bree Jones, ChristchurchNZ Business Events Manager. They help attract global talent and position the city for future investment, she added.
The data also highlighted strong sector-specific gains, with 88 per cent of respondents stating that conferences in the city directly contributed to scientific progress and industry innovation within their respective fields.
Business Events Adelaide has released its 2026 Planners Guide, featuring a built-in AI Agent to streamline the event-sourcing process.
The digital platform moves beyond the traditional directory, serving as a real-time digital concierge that recommends venues, answers logistical questions, and navigates Adelaide’s connected infrastructure.
Screenshot of the 2026 Planners Guide
By leveraging AI, the tool aims to remove friction for the 6,000+ global decision-makers who receive the guide, accelerating the transition from initial inquiry to confirmed booking.
The interactive guide also integrates South Australia’s priority industry sectors and sustainability credentials, allowing organisers to align events with specific economic and social legacies.
Business Events Adelaide CEO Damien Kitto stated that the AI integration fundamentally changes destination engagement.
“It’s an active planning tool,” Kitto said. “The AI capability transforms advertisements into interactive discovery tools, giving organisers richer insight into our members’ products and delivering significantly greater value from a single listing.”
The 2026 Planners Guide is now available via the Business Events Adelaide website.
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.
During his tenure, he also held the roles of chief people and ESG officer and chief marketing officer at Wizz Air Group.
He has held senior roles with Marriott, Hyatt, Mövenpick, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, and Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur.
