Niseko in western Hokkaido is expanding its tourism offerings to provide more experiences featuring nature, culture, adventure, gourmet and learning.
Led by DMO MICE Niseko, the initiative is designed to attract more micro incentive groups seeking unique programmes, particularly during the area’s Green Season (May to November).
Fam participants at Niseko Green Farm
Outdoor activities feature prominently, including sunrise climbs up Mount Yotei and rambles along the Kutchan Trail, which features a rare alpine plant zone designated a national natural monument.
In sports, padel was launched at Niseko Hanazono Resort this year, and the town has secured the UCI Gran Fondo World Series cycle championships in August 2026. Hosting the event is expected to enhance Niseko’s already extensive provision for cyclists, which includes bike rental, three top-tier bike parks,. and tours by bike or e-bike.
In addition, new products include the Mountain Lights and Fire Goddess Performance on select dates from July to October. The act synchronises the mukkuri (a plucked idiophone indigenous to the Ainu) and other music to fire dances, fireworks and the flaming Ainu sword dance.
There are also options combining F&B and nature, such as a picnic served in a gondola or on a canoe, or afternoon tea by luxury pastry brand Pierre Hermé Paris served in a boat on a lake. At Niseko Green Farm, groups can harvest organic vegetables and herbs to make and enjoy pizza fresh from the oven.
With MICE Niseko’s new guest speaker programme, it is also possible to hear from more than 20 local experts, each with insights relevant to a wide range of organisation, for 55,000 yen (US$361) per speaker.
Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty and rising costs in other regions, APAC's business travel sector is performing strongly
Asia-Pacific has cemented its position as the world’s most cost-effective region for business travel despite ongoing global economic uncertainty and rising costs, according to the latest FCM Consulting Insights Report.
The report finds that in 1H2025, the average hotel rate across Asia was just US$170 per night, with total trip costs averaging US$972 – well below the global average of US$1,600.
Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty and rising costs in other regions, APAC’s business travel sector is performing strongly
This cost advantage is fuelling robust demand for corporate travel, meetings, and events regionally.
“Asia’s pricing advantage is a key reason corporate travel is strong, even as global headwinds weigh on demand,” said Felicity Burke, FCM’s consulting director, APAC. “The region’s diversity means a one-size-fits-all tactic doesn’t work – flexibility and local adaptation are vital for maximising value.”
The report highlights that domestic air travel in the Asia-Pacific continues to operate at high capacity, with China and India leading the way. Passenger load factors are among the world’s highest (China: 84 per cent, India: 86 per cent), and international load factors across APAC are at 83 per cent.
While airlines have little incentive to discount fares, intense intra-regional competition is helping keep prices competitive for corporate buyers.
Asia’s diversity, however, presents both opportunities and challenges for travel managers. Markets like Japan and Singapore sustain higher per-trip spend due to premium pricing, while India and Indonesia remain highly cost-conscious.
“We recommend that travel policies be tailored to local realities, with market-specific hotel caps and differentiated allowances to ensure value and traveller satisfaction,” Burke said.
With Asia’s competitive pricing and high-quality venues, the report suggests that organisations consider shifting conferences, leadership meetings, and large team gatherings to Asia to maximise budgets and deliver unique experiences.
“As we move into 2026, our advice is to plan, use market-specific policy levers, be willing to adapt event and travel strategies, and stay agile to shifting demand and pricing trends,” Burke added.
“The companies that actively manage these levers will be the ones containing costs while still delivering great travel experiences for their people.”
Another trend gaining momentum is the rise of ‘bleisure’ travel, with more business travellers extending trips for leisure, particularly in South-east Asia.
This can be a win-win for companies, said Bertrand Saillet, FCM Travel’s managing director, Asia.
“By allowing travellers to benefit from negotiated corporate rates for their leisure component – provided the personal segment is cost-neutral for the organisation – companies can support work-life balance while maintaining control of programme costs,” he added.
The FCM Consulting Insights Report is based on corporate booking data from January to June 2025 from FCM Travel and Flight Centre Travel Group, with additional aviation data from Cirium.
The Asia Pacific Circular Economy Roundtable & Hotspot 2025 (APCER & Hotspot 2025) successfully concluded in Taipei earlier this week.
Co-hosted by Taiwan’s key ministries and the Circular Taiwan Network, the four-day event brought together over 500 participants from 50 countries, including policymakers, industry leaders, and academics, to accelerate circular cooperation across the region.
Attendees at APCER & Hotspot 2025
Taiwan highlighted its robust circular economy sector, which generated over NT$500 billion (US$16.4 billion) in added value in 2024, representing two per cent of GDP. This sector leads the nation’s seven green-technology sectors in both value-added output and employment, growing annually by nearly 10 per cent.
The event’s main feature was the unveiling of the draft Taiwan Circular Economy Roadmap. This policy blueprint was immediately utilised in a co-creation format, allowing international and domestic attendees to provide feedback and collaboration ideas in real-time.
In his remarks, minister Peng Chi-ming reaffirmed Taiwan’s regional commitment: “This forum marks a new starting point – a platform for creating circular solutions together. The circular transition requires collective efforts from global partners, and Taiwan will continue to be a key partner in advancing regional circular cooperation.”
The summit concluded with a handover to Sydney, Australia, which will host the 2026 Asia Pacific Circular Economy Hotspot.
Motenas Japan focuses on journeys that allow guests to feel and connect deeply with the essence of Japan
Cresson Inc., led by CEO Takeshi Aoki, has launched a new premium travel service under its Motenas Japan brand, aimed at high-end international travellers and global corporations.
The new service, dubbed Experience-Designed Travel, moves beyond traditional sightseeing to offer a deeper, immersive encounter with Japan’s culture, spirit, and aesthetics. This launch capitalises on the country’s rapidly recovering inbound market, which welcomed approximately 36.9 million visitors in 2024.
Motenas Japan focuses on journeys that allow guests to feel and connect deeply with the essence of Japan
Bespoke programmes feature several key elements, starting with Tailored Cultural Experiences that incorporate genuine Japanese arts and philosophy, such as Ikebana, martial arts, and tea ceremony, all custom-designed for an unforgettable journey.
Guests also receive Seamless Concierge Support from a dedicated travel concierge, who handles every detail from airport arrival and luxury accommodations to transportation, interpreter services, and performer coordination.
Finally, experiences are enriched through Co-Creation with Local Communities, involving collaboration with local artisans, cultural masters, Shinto priests, and chefs to ensure unique, regional moments that provide deep, authentic engagement.
According to the company, it has gained global attention for its experiential incentive programmes, which utilise Japanese disciplines like Zen and martial arts to explore leadership philosophy and mindfulness. The company reports a growing number of global corporations using the service for executive retreats and team-building.
Looking ahead, Motenas Japan plans to expand its experiential programmes in regions where local culture and nature harmonise, including Kyoto, Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Hokkaido.
PCEB’s CEO Ashwin Gunasekeran at the press conference
The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) has announced the 9th edition of its flagship event, BE @ Penang 2025, which will take place on December 11 to 12 2025.
Under the theme Be The Wave, the conference aims to transform the business events and creative economy by challenging industry leaders and innovators to actively create the future of progress in Malaysia.
PCEB’s CEO Ashwin Gunasekeran at the press conference
PCEB is positioning the 2025 conference as a catalyst and benchmark for all events in 2026 and beyond. The goal is to inspire new ideas, foster crucial collaboration, and spark momentum that drives Penang toward greater innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth.
The main highlight of the event will be the keynote address by Hiroshi Tamura, known as the “father” of the modern Nissan GT-R and Nissan Z. Tamura’s session is expected to focus on visionary leadership, the courage to challenge the status quo, and the power of individual passion to transform an industry; a story that mirrors the conference’s forward-looking spirit.
In a continued commitment to developing future talent, BE @ Penang 2025 will also provide opportunities for students and young professionals to learn directly from leaders and build networks that will shape their careers.
Adding an engaging element, the pre-conference activity, Wave Makers: A Penang Discovery Adventure, will run on December 10 and 11, featuring team-based challenges and clue hunts to build camaraderie before the main event.
Mount Faber Leisure Group (MFLG) has added 13 new SkyOrb Cabins – the world’s first chrome-finished spherical cable car – to the Singapore Cable Car’s Mount Faber Line, bringing the fleet to 20 from mid-November 2025.
Each SkyOrb Cabin features illuminated rings, glass floors for panoramic views, and strategically-placed louvered windows to ensure optimal air ventilation and comfort. The expanded fleet now offers a full round-trip experience on the Mount Faber Line, which connects mainland Singapore to the resort island of Sentosa. This upgrade replaces the previous one-way ride and significantly increases the line’s capacity.
SkyOrb Cabin
“MICE agents told us that this product was not suitable for delegates beforehand, as the wait for one SkyOrb used to take around five minutes. It is now a three-minute wait, and guests can even bring their drink along on the ride (if planners opt to combine it with a networking session at The Mirabilis Bar),” Jennifer Wong, MFLG’s director commercial, told TTGmice.
Also available for corporate events are The Mirabilis Bar at Mount Faber Peak, along with the adjoining Dusk restaurant, both of which renovated in July 2024 and can hold 130 pax seated or 180 pax standing. Other meeting spaces include a ballroom good for 200 pax banquet-style, and Angsana Glasshouse for 70 pax seated.
When asked what markets MFLG was keen to attract, Wong pointed to Indian incentives, as well as the longhaul market.
She added: “I work closely with World Express (a Singapore-based DMC), who helped to promote us at the IMEX Vegas 2025. World Express is also targeting longhaul MICE markets, markets where we are traditionally not strong in, but is direction we want to move in.”
Wong further shared how this partnership has helped to create a corporate events package, where groups can arrange for a one-hour networking session with free-flow drinks at The Mirabilis Bar – or hands-on activities like a cocktail-making workshop – before delegates board a SkyOrb.
“Targeting the business events sector is also in line with Singapore Tourism Board’s plans to triple MICE receipts by 2040,” said Wong, who pointed out that MFLG also recently confirmed their attendance at IBTM World.
“Our focus was previously predominantly leisure, but I notice that the MICE market has shifted, and there is talk about experiences. We can offer them experiences, meeting spaces, as well as F&B. It also helps we, together with Sentosa, have a variety of offerings that complement each other,” Wong stated.
For example, as Sentosa is a popular destination for beach-themed events for inbound corporate groups, she outlined how planners can have the gala dinner at Mount Faber, take the SkyOrb over to Sentosa, and continue with a party on Siloso Beach.
In addition, Wong also shared how MFLG creates innovative experiences around its cable cars, ranging from dining in a Peranakan heritage cabin, a champagne and truffles experience, as well as a fried chicken and beer package in the sky. All the above experiences can also be arranged for corporate groups.
Khoo: the event industry is moving away from production value and large-scale spectacles and focusing on creating meaningful connections
For decades, the measure of a successful corporate event was its sheer scale – the biggest ballroom, the most attendees, and the most dazzling spectacles. However, this approach is losing its effectiveness, driven by shrinking attention spans and an overload of digital content.
In a presentation on The Rise of Micro-Events and Decentralised Formats at ITB Asia earlier last month, Qinxin Khoo, head of APAC for the UK-headquartered Live Group, indicated there has been a significant change in event attendees after the pandemic.
Khoo: the event industry is moving away from production value and large-scale spectacles and focusing on creating meaningful connections; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
As the world has become more digital and connected, attendees are increasingly seeking “something real at events”, signalling a demand for more authentic and meaningful experiences over large-scale spectacle, observed Khoo.
“They don’t want to be spoken to or sold at; they want to connect more meaningfully. People want to be part of the dialogue, feel the heartbeat of your brand or leadership team, and not just watch it on a screen,” she said.
She cited an example of how Live Group helped a client shift their strategy from hosting a single, massive product training event for sales partners worldwide, to identifying key markets in Asia, America, and the Middle East the client wanted to be in.
This shift required the training team to deliver content across multiple locations and timezones. However, the results were highly successful, and “partner engagement nearly doubled”, revealed Khoo. This increase was attributed to the ability to localise the content, using relevant case studies and tailoring the message, including language, to the specific audience in each room. This also led to more effective networking and feedback sessions.
“Ultimately, the smaller, multi-city format enabled the brand to tell its global story while maintaining a crucial local heart, achieving an impact that the former single, global event could not,” Khoo explained.
However, the industry needs to have a mindset shift, away from the fact that smaller events are viewed as a result of shrinking budgets, and instead, a deliberate design choice, she opined.
Khoo elaborated: “Large-scale events tend to cast a wider net, but the message gets diluted. Smaller formats, on the other hand, lets corporates curate exactly who is in the room. A lot of organisations are finding that smaller groups lead to bigger brand loyalty, because when people feel seen and heard, they won’t just attend your event, they will also advocate for you.”
She provided an example of yet another client, where the team developed a “chase the sun” concept, requiring the CEO to deliver the live webcast across multiple timezones, as opposed to a single, global webcast broadcast from one timezone.
“Although it was more tiring for the CEO, this format allowed him to localise the message to employees, and we saw employee satisfaction go up. The win here isn’t high attendance, but relevance.”
“Connection doesn’t scale through size. It scales through sincerity. And in 2025, relevance is the real currency,” Khoo concluded.
Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre; photo by Jason Mann
Business Events Wellington, with support from Tourism New Zealand, has successfully won bids for three new international conferences focused on marine biology, network engineering, and music.
The three events, scheduled for 2026 and 2027, will attract delegates from across the globe in fields where Wellington boasts research excellence.
Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre; photo by Jason Mann
“We maintain a strong focus on attracting conferences aligned to our intellectual capital,” said Business Events Wellington’s manager, Irette Ferreira. “Our close partnership with Victoria University of Wellington was the catalyst for securing these important conferences, maximising benefits to the city through international networking and global exposure.”
The International Symposium on the Ocean in a High-CO2 World will be hosted at the Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre in 2026.
VUW senior lecturer in marine biology, Christopher Cornwall, noted that Wellington is the perfect location due to the Taputeranga Marine Reserve being on its doorstep. He emphasised the conference’s importance in addressing the effects of climate change, such as ocean acidification and warming, at a time when New Zealand is poised to tackle these issues.
In the same year, the International Conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications 2026 will bring international networking scholars and researchers to the capital. Hosted by VUW professor of network engineering Dr. Winston Seah, the conference will serve as a key platform for sharing advanced research transforming modern life and work.
In 2027, the Conference of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music will capitalise on Wellington’s vibrant arts scene. Visiting scholars will engage with research from VUW and Massey University, and utilise resources like the Turnbull Archives.
Geoff Stahl, director of communication at VUW, said the event is an opportunity to showcase Aotearoa’s diverse musical cultures and celebrate the graduation of the first cohort of VUW’s new Bachelor of Popular Music degree.
Rooms
I was pleasantly surprised by how spacious my standard Club Floor room at Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown, turned out to be. Spanning 42m2, it exceeded the average size of similar five-star rooms in the city – and it certainly felt that way the moment I stepped in. The layout was thoughtfully designed, creating a sense of openness and calm.
Beyond the plush king-sized bed, the room featured a comfortable sitting area with a three-seater sofa, an ergonomic chair, and a round table that doubled as a work desk. Despite these furnishings, there was still ample room to move about, giving it a relaxed, residential feel. I also appreciated the high-speed Wi-Fi and 65-inch LED television with Chromecast, which allowed me to stream my favourite workout videos before breakfast – a small but convenient touch.
The property offers 410 rooms, comprising 306 guestrooms and 104 one- and two-bedroom serviced residences. Its thoughtful design extends to separate entrances and dedicated drop-off areas for hotel and residence guests, ensuring privacy and a seamless arrival experience.
MICE facilities
With 2,510m2 of meeting space across three floors, the hotel caters impressively to business events. The 1,011m2 pillarless grand ballroom on Level 2 accommodates up to 750 guests in banquet-style, supported by 15 other flexible venues equipped with advanced audiovisual technology and high-speed connectivity.
Natural light floods the foyers through floor-to-ceiling glass panels, offering uplifting views of the neighbouring Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre and its landscaped surroundings.
On Level 4, the four Courtyard meeting rooms open onto a tranquil al fresco terrace inspired by Japanese garden design. This breezy space connects directly to Enso Izakaya & Bar, ideal for cocktails or post-meeting dinners — a thoughtful integration of business and leisure.
Other facilities
Dining was another highlight. Mornings began at Midtown Brasserie, the all-day dining restaurant, with a generous spread of local and Asian favourites. Dinner at China House was unforgettable, especially the wood-fired Peking Duck roasted using Malaysia’s rambutan wood — crisp, succulent, and perfectly paired with Pu’er fermented Chinese tea. The team’s deep knowledge of over 50 curated tea varieties from across China made the experience even more engaging.
For a change of pace, Enso Izakaya & Bar offered authentic Japanese fare, from charcoal-grilled yakitori to comforting nabemono hot pots. As night fell, a resident DJ’s curated soundtrack transformed the venue into a lively social hub — the perfect close to an eventful day.
The fifth floor is entirely devoted to health and wellness, anchored by the Core Fitness Centre – one of the largest hotel gyms in Kuala Lumpur. Bright, airy, and well-equipped, it features state-of-the-art machines, a steam room, sauna, and a dedicated studio for group fitness classes. Guests enjoy 24-hour access via room key, while local residents can also join through paid memberships.
As a Club Floor guest, I also had the privilege of accessing the rooftop infinity pool on Level 32, typically reserved for serviced-residence guests. Floating in tranquil water with uninterrupted views of the city skyline, I could not help but feel it was the perfect reward after a productive day — a moment of stillness worth a million dollars.
Service
What truly elevated my stay was the impeccable service — warm, intuitive, and genuinely thoughtful. From the moment I arrived, every staff interaction felt natural and attentive, whether it was the housekeeping team anticipating my preferences or the restaurant staff offering tailored recommendations with a smile.
Verdict
This property delivers a rare kind of hospitality that makes you feel not just like a valued guest, but like you truly belong; it is the reason I left already planning my return.
Number of rooms
410 (306 guestrooms, 104 serviced residences)
Famous worldwide for its sticky rice, som tum (Thai papaya salad), moh lam folk music, muay thai, football, racing heritage, and colourful pah kao mah (Thai checkered cloth), Isan is also the birthplace of global icons such as Blackpink member Lisa Manobal, who hails from Buriram.
Today, its three business events cities – Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) – are proving they have the infrastructure, cultural depth, and strategic vision to welcome the world.
Sunset at Wat None Kum in Nakhon Ratchasima province
Earlier in June 2025, the Isan MICE Expo 2025, held at Thailand Creative Design Center Khon Kaen under the theme A New Chapter of Isan: Rooted Identity Ready for Global MICE, brought together industry stakeholders, chambers of commerce, embassies, and exhibition organisers.
Delegates toured facilities such as the Khon Kaen International Convention and Exhibition Center, and went on curated city experiences, including the new Muan Mue Lang café-hopping trail curated by TCEB’s Isan MICE Division.
For Punnaporn “Paula” Wongjunpen, founder of Paula & Co. DMC, Khon Kaen is a logical starting point for business events. The city offers affordable, flexible venues, vibrant nightlife until 02.00, and trusted hotel brands like Pullman and Avani.
“These brands are familiar and price friendly for Indian clients,” Paula said, adding that she has been actively reaching out to Indian planners via webinars and Zoom sessions. She even flies in chefs from Bangkok or Udon to cater Indian menus for groups.
What sets Isan apart, she added, is its unique cultural identity. For example, community-based tourism adds depth, with experiences including rot e-taen (a local tractor used in farms) rides through rice fields, textile-weaving workshops, and healthy local cuisine.
To showcase the destination, Paula curated a post-expo fam trip for expat Muslim buyers focused on wellness and medical tourism. Over three days, they explored Udon Thani and Sakon Nakhon via indigo-dyeing workshops, Halal dining, and wellness check-ups.
“Udon offers Bangkok-level medical standards at a lower cost,” she noted, pointing to the upcoming BDMS cancer centre as a medical and wellness asset.
While Isan lacks the beaches synonymous with Thailand, Paula does not perceive this as a drawback, likening it to Ubud – and its rice fields – in Bali, Indonesia. Cross-border proximity to Laos and Vietnam also creates potential for regional business events circuits.
The upcoming International Horticultural Expo 2026 in Udon Thani, set for a five-month run, is expected to be a transformative anchor event, which Paula opined will be a major draw.
Despite strong potential, Paula emphasises the need to prepare the local supply chain, as some cities still lack international-standard facilities.
For example, accommodation in Sakon Nakhon remains outdated, making it more suitable as an add-on to a main business events city. Local vendors in Udon Thani also require training to handle large-scale events, which is why Paula has been working with universities on capacity-building programmes, and connecting suppliers with Bangkok agencies for knowledge exchange.
It also helps that Isan’s business events appeal is supported by a packed cultural and sporting events calendar that aligns with Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau’s festivalisation strategy.
Paula poses with local performers at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan in Sakon Nakhon showcasing the province’s indigo-dyed Isan kram textiles
Among the cultural highlights is the Phanom Rung Festival in Buriram every March, where visitors can witness a rare astronomical phenomenon as the sunrise aligns perfectly through the ancient Khmer sanctuary. In July, the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival takes centrestage, captivating audiences with its elaborate wax sculptures and grand processions celebrating Buddhist Lent.
October brings the Naga Fireball Festival in Nakhon Phanom, an event steeped in local legend and mystique. Rounding out the year, the Christmas Star Parade in Sakon Nakhon in December showcases the province’s Catholic heritage.
Sporting events strengthen the appeal further. Buriram hosts the Buriram Marathon and MotoGP Thailand each January or February at the Chang International Circuit, while the Spartan Race Khao Yai in July provides high-energy incentive options. Long-boat races between river provinces from August to September add another visually-rich element.
The opening of the Intercontinental Khao Yai – a 2022 Bill Bensley-designed property featuring upcycled train carriages – and Khao Yai Art Forest (launched February 2025) adds to Korat appeal as a business events destination.
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
The five-star property excels in backing its expansive facilities with seamless service and personalised attention, setting the benchmark for luxury in Bangkok.
