Marking a step further in its journey towards a sustainable future, Kempinski Hotels has rolled out its Responsible Meetings & Events by Kempinski toolkit. This is expected to empower meeting planners and organisers in assessing and reducing the environmental impact of their events.
Newly created by EarthCheck, a scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for sustainable hotels, destinations and tourism organisations, the toolkit includes a suite of solutions created in response to heightened regulatory demands placed on event planners, as well as the growing environmental expectations of delegates.
Thirteen Kempinski hotels in Asia-Pacific are EarthCheck certified while three are VenueCheck verified and part of the Responsible Meeting & Events by Kempinski campaign
Core to the initiative is VenueCheck, a meetings management system that provides organisers with a checklist of actionable items to help reduce the environmental impact of events, and EventCalculator, which accurately estimates their carbon footprint.
In order to participate in VenueCheck, hotels must already hold EarthCheck certification. At present, 43 Kempinski hotels have attained EarthCheck certification – seven are Gold certified, 21 are Silver and 15 are Bronze. In Asia. A further 17 properties have embarked on the certification process and are working towards Bronze.
Specifically in Asia-Pacific, 13 hotels are EarthCheck certified while three are VenueCheck verified and part of the Responsible Meeting & Events by Kempinski campaign. They are The Apurva Kempinski Bali in Indonesia, and Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok and Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok in Thailand.
By the end of 2025, Kempinski hopes all EarthCheck-certified hotels will have enrolled in the programme.
Barbara Muckermann, chief executive officer, Kempinski Group, said: “By providing event planners with a framework allowing them to calculate the potential environmental impact of their events, we are empowering them to make positive changes to the world.”
As EarthCheck’s global launch partner, Kempinski has early access to the tools and will provide further input into their design and development, cementing the brand’s role as a leader and pioneer in sustainable events.
In line with the ambitious goals and objectives set out in the Kempinski Environmental, Social & Governance Report 2023, Responsible Meetings & Events by Kempinski extends the company’s environmental initiatives to other stakeholders and helps them to meet increasingly stringent regulations around meetings and events.
Both VenueCheck and EventCalculator are aligned with the recently refreshed ISO 20121 standards for Event Sustainability Management Systems, which means customers will not only comply with best practices, but also stand out as leaders in the creation of more sustainable events. Verified hotels will be able to display an EarthCheck Responsible Venue and EarthCheck Responsible Event logos across their marketing materials and meeting and events venues, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability across all areas of hotel operations.
The Taipei City Government is actively working to expand its corporate incentive market in Southeast Asia, particularly targeting Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.
These countries offer significant growth potential due to their direct air connectivity and visa-free travel arrangements for short trips to Taiwan.
Wang: committed to showcasing Taipei’s strengths
Wang Chiu-Tung, commissioner of the Department of Information and Tourism, said: “While Taipei has steadily gained recognition as a business events destination, we believe more exposure is essential in key South-east Asian markets.”
To maximise this growth opportunity, the Taipei City Government works closely with outbound travel agents and business planners from these countries. Additionally, it promotes Taipei as a leisure and business events destination through social media and participates in major B2C travel fairs in these countries, Wang shared.
For instance, the Taipei Pavilion at the MATTA Fair held in Kuala Lumpur in September, showcased the city’s wide range of natural attractions, including new products such as Taipei Dome.
Wang said: “Taipei is a safe and welcoming city, renowned for its diversity and inclusiveness. Our city’s commitment to accommodating diverse travellers was reinforced last year when Taipei was awarded the “Most Promising Muslim-friendly City Destination of the Year – Non-OIC” by CrescentRating.”
To further encourage international conferences, exhibitions, and incentive travel groups, the Taipei City Government offers a sponsorship programme that provides financial support and access to tourist attractions through admission tickets. Applicants must fulfil specific criteria for foreign attendees, such as using adomestic service enterprise or travel agency.
Conrad Bali
The 368-key Conrad Bali offers corporate guests a range of wellness experiences, such as a sound healing experience, or a monthly Purnama (Full Moon) Celebration, featuring a traditional Balinese ritual at the resort’s temple, followed by a beachfront dinner and meditation session.
Alternatively, event planners can look into Sway, a 60-minute sleep therapy, which starts with a brief meditation before lying in an aerial hammock, tucked under a weighted blanket, and provided with a heated-eye pillow. Participants will also enjoy a soothing head and back massage accompanied by calming aromatherapy and nature sounds.
Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara
Nestled amid the lush greenery of Damansara Hills, the 312-room hotel provides a serene retreat for corporates seeking a balance of work and rejuvenation.
Corporates can unwind at the Sofitel Spa, which features a Turkish Hammam; swim in the outdoor pool; and nourish their bodies with healthy cuisine crafted from locally-sourced ingredients at Kwee Zeen and Nizza restaurants. At Sofitel, sleep is a priority, with expertly-designed bedding, pillow menus, and nightly turndown service complete with herbal teas to ensure a restful night’s sleep.
JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa
The 197-room resort in South Korea offers several wellness options that can be included into any meeting plan. Guests can enjoy picturesque views along Jeju Olle Trail Route 7 during a leisurely morning stroll, or arrange for sound healing, yoga or pilates sessions. For cultural enrichment, the resort offers folk art and ink wash painting classes, which also provides guests with an opportunity deepen their appreciation of Korean culture.
The resort also boasts its signature Spa by JW with sauna facilities, and four swimming pools fed by the island’s volcanic springs.
Grand Hyatt Singapore
The first phase of this reimagined urban sanctuary launched in 2024 after a multi-year transformation, offering 292 rooms in the nature-inspired Terrace Wing. Its Grand Wing is slated to open in early 2025, adding another 407 keys.
At its heart is a tropical garden with waterfalls complete with wellness facilities such as a 24-hour Fitness Centre, a 25-metre lap swimming pool, and an outdoor lawn area, where groups can organise guided meditations and invigorating bootcamps.
The property’s event menus are guided by Hyatt’s philosophy, Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served, and feature a selection of dishes that emphasise fresh vegetables and fruits, with reduced meat options.
Nicholas Wong has been named the new general manager of Destination Asia Singapore.
Having first joined Destination Asia as director of leisure in 2018, he will lead the team in capitalising upon the demand growth across the company’s three core business divisions of leisure, MICE and cruise.
Fusion Hotel Group has beefed up its leadership team with four appointments in Vietnam.
Bui Duc Khiem helms as cluster general manager of HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong and HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong New City. Prior to joining the HIIVE brand, he was the pre-opening hotel manager for a four-star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and has more than 10 years’ experience in the hospitality sector.
From left: Bui Duc Khiem, Tran Huu Thanh, Van Vu and Cang Lam
Tran Huu Thanh (Colin) has been promoted from executive assistant manager to general manager of Fusion Suites Vung Tau.
Van Vu takes up the role of hotel manager at the newly-opened Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang. Fluent in Vietnamese, Spanish and English, she brings 15 years of experience in luxury hotel management, operations, and revenue management to her new role.
Lastly, Cang Lam is now the cluster resort manager at Maia Resort Quy Nhon and The Ocean Resort by Fusion Quy Nhon. He was most recently executive assistant manager at Maia during the pre-opening and opening periods from February 2020.
Frasers Hospitality has named Chew Hang Song as chief operating officer and Ian Loe as managing director of technology and innovation.
Chew will oversee the operational strategy and financial performance of Frasers Hospitality’s portfolio of over 100 properties spanning more than 20 countries. He first joined Frasers Hospitality in March 2019 as deputy country general manager of China.
From left: Ian Loe and Chew Hang Song
Loe will lead and execute Frasers Hospitality’s global IT infrastructure and transformation, as well as the innovation strategy to enhance its capabilities. He is tasked to drive synergies and foster innovation to enhance Frasers Hospitality’s operational excellence and market leadership.
Expansion highlights Dubai World Trade Centre’s commitment to tripling the economic contribution of the business events sector to AED54 billion
The Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai is set to undergo a massive AED10 billion (US$2.7 billion) expansion, positioning itself as the region’s largest purpose-built indoor events and exhibitions venue.
DEC’s expansion will be carried out in three phases, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2026. This phase will increase the exhibition space to 140,000m2, nearly two and a half times its current capacity of 58,000m2.
Expansion highlights Dubai World Trade Centre’s commitment to tripling the economic contribution of the business events sector to AED54 billion
Phase two, expected to be completed by 2028, will expand the total exhibition space to nearly 160,000m2, along with enhancements to supporting infrastructure, road networks, and dedicated multi-story parking.
The final phase, expected to be completed by 2031, will increase the total indoor exhibition space to 180,000m2, featuring 26 halls on a single contiguous level that spans 1.2 kilometres. This will accommodate one mega event or up to 20 simultaneous smaller events. The final phase will include 300+ key hotel, retail outlets, commercial offices, and an industrial kitchen for fully-integrated operations.
The Dubai World Trade Centre Authority aims to triple the economic contribution of its business events sector to AED54 billion annually by 2033, which is in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
The expansion plan, approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE, and ruler of Dubai, is part of Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan which aims to transform Expo City Dubai into a dynamic economic hub.
Hospitality companies have long welcomed leisure guests who seek to add an element of wellness into their stays, but there has also been a growing number of corporates looking to host mindful meetings and events.
Ben George, senior vice president & commercial director, Asia Pacific, Hilton, told TTGmice: “We’re seeing growing demand for meetings packages that offer wellness offerings, from incorporating local and seasonal food and drink, to fitness programmes that allow guests to stay active and recharge while travelling.”
WestinWorkout Room Powered by Technogym at Westin Singapore
Kate Atkinson, vice president of global sales, Hyatt Sales Force, Asia Pacific, pointed out that “well-being has become a key differentiator in the eyes of event planners”, especially after the pandemic. This is because businesses are increasingly aware of the need to engage colleagues and clients for much-needed face time, as well as nurture the physical and mental health of their people.
She added: “We introduced a Meeting and Event Wellbeing Offer with complimentary well-being experiences in April, which was well-received among customers, showing there is a clear indication that well-being is a key factor to a planner’s decision-making.”
Ramesh Daryanani, vice president global sales, loyalty operations & partnerships APEC (Asia-Pacific excluding China), Marriott International, has also noticed “an increased interest from planners for wellness elements to be incorporated into meetings and events”.
Widespread requests
When asked if the surge in wellness programmes was primarily concentrated in resort or urban settings, hoteliers told TTGmice that there was a consistent increase across all property types.
Atkinson pointed out: “While customers spend more per event on average, they now opt for closer locations within Asia-Pacific, such as Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore or Vietnam. Therefore, the distinction is less between city hotels and rural resorts, and more about the distance, authentic experiences and ease of travel.
“Overall, there is a noticeable shift towards getting the best value for money while also providing an elevated experience for participants.”
A sound healing session at Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts
George pointed out that although resorts like Hilton Goa, Hilton Pattaya, and Conrad Bali have become “particularly popular for their wellness offerings”, urban hotels like Conrad Osaka and Conrad Hong Kong are also embracing this trend to “ensure event attendees can benefit from wellness programmes even in a fast-paced setting”.
Daryanani stated: “We have seen strong and sustained growth in meetings and events for our properties in APEC, with bookings increasing 25 per cent and revenue more than doubling in 1H2024 compared to pre-Covid levels in 2019. This growth was spurred by meetings and events secured in both city and resort properties.”
Within Marriott’s resorts segment, there has also been a noticeable increase in group demand for resorts in Danang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam, as well as Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand.
Under the wellness umbrella
In light of this, hotels are exploring a wide range of wellness offerings, such as enhancing sleep quality, curating immersive local experiences, and promoting healthier F&B options.
Accor’s culinary teams collaborate with nutritionists to develop menus that offer healthy, balanced meals, ensuring guests maintain their energy levels and stay focused during their corporate activities.
Plant-based dishes at a Hyatt event
With F&B being “a renowned strength of Hyatt brand”, Atkinson said the company has strategically positioned its culinary experiences as a critical component of its events business and brand identity as a whole.
“Our guiding principle for F&B is ‘thoughtfully sourced, carefully served’, as we seek to lessen our environmental impact by prioritising plant-forward and sustainably-sourced dining options,” she elaborated.
Similarly, Westin Singapore’s general manager, James Walkden, told TTGmice: “Bright Breaks is Westin’s signature break programme featuring energising activities, nourishing beverages, and beneficial snacks that help attendees perform at their best before, during, and after meetings.
“At Westin, one of our Brand Pillars, Work Well focuses on the notion that the best ideas aren’t always hatched in the boardroom.”
This is why some planners choose to have wellness-related activities incorporated into their coffee breaks, such as a 10-minute head and shoulder massage by the Heavenly Spa by Westin therapists. Westin Singapore has also transformed some of its rooms and launched the WestinWorkout Room Powered by Technogym, boasting state-of-the-art fitness equipment by Technogym.
Other wellness programmes incorporate local cultural elements, allowing corporates to experience the destination through enriching experiences.
At Grand Mercure properties, local culture and traditions have been integrated into corporate wellness programmes. For example, at Grand Mercure Khao Lak, guests can participate in Thai yoga classes, known as Rue-Si Dat Ton, which combine physical postures and breathing techniques rooted in ancient Thai culture.
Ollie Ansell, vice president of commercial market strategy for Accor Asia, noted: “By incorporating local culture and traditions into corporate wellness programmes, we create meaningful and memorable experiences for guests.
“This approach enhances their well-being and deepens their connection to the destination, making their stay more enjoyable and fulfilling.”
In Bali, Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts’ The Lohma Spa blends personalised and holistic ancient healing traditions with contemporary therapies. These include collective sound healing, Holotropic breathwork, and cold-water immersion for cardiovascular, immune, and mental health benefits, as well as yoga, meditation, and sound healing sessions which corporate guests can benefit from.
A bike tour with JW Marriott Phu Quoc
Over at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, the hotel offers corporates activities that blend wellness and local culture, such as group yoga sessions, lantern making, and bicycle tours to local attractions.
Meanwhile, Hyatt properties’ wellness menu includes culturally immersive experiences like guided meditation led by esteemed monk Phra Maha Thada Jaranatharou at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, and mood-boosting activities such as laughing yoga at Grand Hyatt Bali.
Outside help
Individual properties and brands have also established partnerships to help expand their wellness offerings.
Walkden shared: “We provide complimentary yoga classes for our guests conducted by Pure Yoga, a morning guided scenic run led by our runWestin Concierge, and a quarterly two-night Westin Wellness Weekend retreat featuring fitness experts.”
Another example is Pullman Singapore Hill Street’s partnership with Strength Clinic Academy. This collaboration allows Accor to offer expert-led wellness programmes, providing guests with professional training and wellness advice to help them maintain their fitness routines while travelling.
Atkinson shared: “Our global partnership with Headspace means we can offer guided meditation via the World of Hyatt app, as well as in-room TVs in participating hotels. Meanwhile, our work with Masterclass enables us to bring engaging and inspiring content in-room, with World of Hyatt members able to also enjoy discounted subscriptions.
“And our partnership with Juliet Funt, a renowned author and Fortune 500 advisor, has seen us develop a Mindful Meetings guide. Based on seven key holistic principles, it aims to make business gatherings more intentional and meaningful.”
Another programme unique to Hyatt is Sleep@Hyatt, available across properties in Australia and New Zealand. It offers amenities to help guests get the best sleep possible. These include guided meditation, amenity packs with eye masks, aromatherapy and herbal tea, and Dreamers glasses available for purchase that filter out disruptive light before bed.
During events, Hyatt arranges for Care Stations that feature a variety of items that guests may want or need to ensure their comfort. These include cleansing wipes, mints, adhesive bandages, blankets, vitamins, stress balls and more.
Hyatt has taken a step further to curate a collection of properties offering well-being and mindfulness experiences that suit different event needs under a Wellbeing Collective umbrella. – Additional reporting by S Puvaneswary
Minor Hotels has named Erik Billgren as the general manager of Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort.
Bringing with him a wealth of expertise in experiential luxury hospitality, Billgren first joined Minor Hotels in 2021 where he served as general manager of Anantara Mui Ne Resort, and has since held other leadership roles at several of Minor Hotels’ key properties in Asia before joining Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle.
Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts, has appointed Brian D’Souza as its new director of operations.
With nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, D’Souza will manage the daily activities across all departments, with a focus on operational excellence, financial performance, and enhancing the guest experience.
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Having first joined Destination Asia as director of leisure in 2018, he will lead the team in capitalising upon the demand growth across the company’s three core business divisions of leisure, MICE and cruise.
Bringing with him a wealth of expertise in experiential luxury hospitality, Billgren first joined Minor Hotels in 2021 where he served as general manager of Anantara Mui Ne Resort, and has since held other leadership roles at several of Minor Hotels’ key properties in Asia before joining Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle.
With nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, D’Souza will manage the daily activities across all departments, with a focus on operational excellence, financial performance, and enhancing the guest experience.
