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.
Reduced budgets have created a challenging environment for event agencies and DMCs
Asian companies keep budgets depressed for meetings and events
Companies seek savings from nearby destinations and simplified programmes
High airfares continue to be a major obstacle for corporate events
Reduced budgets have created a challenging environment for event agencies and DMCs
A combination of business uncertainty and rising cost of operations has led Asian companies to maintain a tight meetings and events budget this year and the next, forcing event agencies and DMCs to recalibrate programmes and offerings to win projects.
Michael Chong, managing director of GEMT, a DMC with offices Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar, told TTGmice that budgets this year are down 20 to 30 per cent compared to years before, with some half of what they used to spend.
“This is a challenging situation for us and our tourism partners, especially since the cost of travel has gone up post-lockdown. Airfares are persistently high over the past few years while fuel prices are also up, causing ground transport fees to rise,” explained Chong.
GEMT’s customers are largely Asian-based companies.
Justin Culkin, business development director of Beijing-based A Trails, shared the same observation. Many multinational companies as well as small- and medium-sized enterprises in China have budgets that are 20 to 30 per cent smaller than pre-Covid days.
Cutting corners
When asked how cost-conscious clients were balancing tight budgets with event needs, Culkin said preference for domestic incentive trips in China was on the rise.
“For overseas travel, North Asia and South-east Asia remain popular due to flight connectivity and good value-for-money offerings,” he said, adding that savings were also sought from a reduction in expenditure on gifts and downgrading accommodation class.
Irene Huang, CEO and owner of Flying Travel Service based in Kaohsiung, shared that some of her corporate incentive clients from Vietnam and the Philippines had trimmed down entertainment, hotel, and transportation expenses.
Kaohsiung-based Welcome Wonder’s inbound sales director, Saisuri Wong, added that some companies are choosing local five-star hotels over international equivalents for savings while their programme features a mix of standard meal options and higher-end experiences to better manage expenses.
Chong shared that as airfares would not budge while ground transport arrangements could go no lower due to fuel prices, he and his team have had to rely on strong relationships with hotel partners to come up with affordable event packages.
Shifting event groups away from four- and five-star hotels is not an option, according to Chong, as three-star hotels often do not have a large room inventory or sufficient function rooms to support the types of corporate groups GEMT typically serves.
“Our hotel partners understand the current situation and are doing their best to support,” said Chong.
Jason Pinto, director of business development with Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, told TTGmice that the property is being “very flexible” with enquiries from agent partners.
“We are in the business together. They (the agents) need us as much as we need them, so we will be as flexible with their requests as we can,” added Pinto.
However, the 469-key hotel is in high demand, running about 80 to 85 per cent occupancy throughout the year, with bookings from both leisure and corporate segments.
“We will have to see what we can do. If F&B cost is high and fixed, we could play with room rates or talk to our ground partners to see how else we could support the client,” he added.
Yet, not all hotels are able to lower rates substantially to meet reduced budgets.
The Slate, a five-star hotel in Phuket, is doing “excellently” across its peak months from November to April, with repeat leisure and corporate clients ready and willing to pay.
David Barrett, events consultant with the property, said demand for Phuket is strong enough to “sustain Phuket hotels without them having to drop rates”.
“If corporates are looking for a three-star rate in a five-star hotel here, then they are in the wrong destination. If the budget isn’t there, then corporates should consider other destinations in Thailand,” stated Barrett, who added that there are many beautiful and more affordable alternatives in the country.
When quizzed if corporate events insisting on Phuket could be shifted to off-peak months for better rates, Barrett warned that the rain during Phuket’s quiet period could be disruptive for events.
“Quite frankly, the issue is with the airlines. Airfares are just too high, and it should not be the responsibility of hotels and DMCs to dump their rates to make it possible for their clients,” said Barrett. – additional reporting by S Puvaneswary
In light of growing concerns about sustainable tourism, business event organisers and planners are evaluating the long-term effects their programmes have on host destinations and communities.
When Singapore hosted the 14,000-pax Rotary International Convention in May, the Foundation of Rotary Clubs Singapore (FRCS) pledged S$680,000 (US$530,043) over three years to a new Mangrove Conservatory set up by the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).
SIT-FRCS Mangrove Conservatory signing ceremony
The Conservatory will focus on preserving genetically diverse mangroves and reintroducing lost species, serving as a hub for knowledge, innovation and test-bedding efforts.
For example, SIT staff and students will conduct experiments and simulations to identify mangroves that can help Singapore and the region address global warming and rising sea levels, increase biodiversity and maximise carbon sequestration. The facility will also be open to the public, and SIT will also collaborate with Rotary Clubs to engage the community, particularly the youth.
“The establishment of the Conservatory is a huge opportunity for us to make a lasting impact on the world and community around us, by helping to mitigate effects of climate change and maximise carbon sequestration,” said Chew Ghim Bok, board of directors, Rotary International, and 2024 Rotary International Convention organising committee chair.
In Malaysia, Sarawak is the first state to focus on legacy impact as a sustainable method of measuring the value of business events.
Books Build Legacy is a CSR programme by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) to enhance educational opportunities for rural communities. It partners with local, national and international associations and organisations so that rural children have access to resources to succeed academically and beyond.
“Since the launch of Books Build Legacy in 2022, we have collected 15,000 books. We’ve drawn support not just from business event planners, but also organisations beyond our usual network and members of the public,” said Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak.
“This transforms the CSR into a cross-industry partnership programme that is easily adopted, adaptable to any event, and guarantees a strong impact on the rural community.”
She cited the Singapore Association for Continuing Education (SACE) team-building and retreat in Miri and Mulu this March.
Inspired by tribal principles of unity, the 39-pax SACE group donated more than 200 books to Batu Bungan National School, reaffirming its mission to empower communities and shape a more promising future for all.
Songkhla’s (pictured) proximity and shared border with Malaysia make it a prime inbound market
Songkhla, designated a MICE City by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) in 2020, saw its development in the business events sector disrupted by the pandemic.
Today, industry players are now revitalising efforts to bolster the province’s capabilities in hosting international business events, spurred by increasing interest from Malaysian companies due to the province’s proximity and shared border with Malaysia.
Songkhla’s (pictured) proximity and shared border with Malaysia make it a prime inbound market
In recent months, Songkhla’s local administration has ramped up collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Hat Yai Songkhla Hotel Association, Songkhla Chamber of Commerce, TCEB, and the Thai Consulate in Penang.
As part of this initiative, Songkhla hosted the Songkhla MICE City Roadshow in Ipoh and Penang on May 14-15, 2024, to raise awareness of Songkhla’s business tourism potential among Malaysian companies, government offices, and travel agencies.
Earlier in August 2024, Songkhla concluded the Songkhla MICE Bazaar 2024, an event supported by TCEB, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Songkhla Provincial Office of Economic Development, and other local organisations. This event highlighted the province’s capacity to host large-scale business events while emphasising its significant economic potential.
Looking ahead, Songkhla is hosting a major industry event titled Unlocking Global Potential: The Future of Songkhla Exhibitions, from today (September 30) until October 2, 2024, at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Center in Hat Yai.
“Currently there are many local entrepreneurs interested in tapping the international MICE market, but they still lack the awareness and tools of how to do so,” explained Tieamjai Boonyanak, association manager of Thailand Exhibition Association, the event’s organiser.
“The roadshow will feature case studies of three successful international events held in Hat Yai – the 13th World HAPEX (Halal Tourism, Hospitality & Wellness), the Southern Innovation and Technology Expo (SITE), and the Healthy Living and Innovation Expo. Attendees will learn valuable lessons on attracting international buyers and exhibitors, enabling them to capitalise on opportunities in the global MICE industry,” she elaborated.
Japan’s affordability, thanks to the weaker yen, has significantly boosted its appeal as a business events destination. This, combined with the country’s unique cultural experiences and novelty, makes it an attractive choice for corporate groups.
Enrique Illarina, group reservation officer at U-Travel Services in the Philippines, pointed out: “We have many outbound clients, and one of the destinations catching their attention is Japan. They are specifically looking for teambuilding activities in Japan.
Tokyo (pictured) is a top choice for corporates
David G S Powell, managing director of Asia Ability – a consultant for creative teambuilding that works with destinations throughout Asia-Pacific – also stated that the agency is noticing that clients are “more open” to Japan as a destination now that prices are more accessible. Tokyo, in particular, is a top choice for corporate groups and conferences.
“We’re seeing increased interest in Japan because of the currency. Last time, Japan was always perceived as an expensive place, but clients now are more open to it,” he shared.
Powell also noted that Japan stands out because many Asia-Pacific headquarters, such as those in Singapore or Hong Kong, do not frequently visit Japan for business.
“We find that meeting and MICE groups prefer destinations where they don’t often go for business.
“For instance, companies from Malaysia or Thailand going to Singapore for a MICE event isn’t that appealing because they already go there for business. Japan, on the other hand, remains a unique and interesting destination for many,” he opined.
Global business travel and events prices appear to be moderating following the dramatic increases seen in recent years, according to the 2025 Global Business Travel Forecast, published by CWT, the business travel and meetings specialist, and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
The forecast further reveals that while costs will continue to rise, the pace of these increases will be notably slower through 2024 and into 2025. This reflects a stabilisation in market conditions and a more balanced growth trajectory, according to the report, which uses anonymised data generated by CWT and GBTA, with publicly available industry information, and econometric and statistical modelling developed by the Avrio Institute.
Prices for business trips and events worldwide are stabilising after a surge in recent years
“While the past few years have seen significant volatility in travel costs, our latest data suggests a period of relative stability is on the horizon,” said Patrick Andersen, CWT’s president & CEO. “Businesses can expect to navigate a more predictable pricing environment through 2024 and 2025, allowing for better budget planning and cost management. However, price regularity is fragile. The focus on geopolitical factors, inflationary pressures and ESG concerns remains critical.”
Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA, added: “The research shows that while a more stable period for travel costs is likely, businesses should remain vigilant to evolving pricing dynamics influenced by global trends. The next few years will require a strategic approach that balances cost management with sustainability, innovation, and responsiveness to market changes. At GBTA, our goal is to empower travel buyers and suppliers with the knowledge they need to adapt their strategies effectively in this shifting landscape.”
Air
In 2023, the global average ticket price (ATP) was US$688, representing a slight decline of -1.6% from the previous year.
Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) recorded an ATP of US$785 last year, the highest of any region. North America (NORAM) was the region that saw the steepest growth rate, with the ATP climbing +4.3% to US$777. Conversely, the ATP in Asia-Pacific (APAC) slumped -7% in 2023 to US$488, following a meteoric post-pandemic rise the year before.
Demand for flights remains strong globally. A record 5 billion air passengers are expected in 2024, according to IATA, surpassing the 4.5 billion peak in 2019. Meanwhile supply chain constraints such as aircraft production issues and delays, as well as a focus on profitability, will also keep prices high.
The forecast indicates global ATP will increase to US$701 (+1.9%) in 2024 and US$705 (+0.6%) in 2025. NORAM is expected to record the sharpest increase globally this year with the ATP reaching US$804 (+3.5%), followed by US$808 (+0.5%) in 2025. The ATP in Latin America (LATAM) is forecast to climb to US$673 (+2.6%) in 2024, and US$684 (+1.6%) in 2025.
In EMEA, the ATP is projected to increase to US$797 (+1.5%) in 2024 and $808 (+1.4%) in 2025, reflecting moderate growth amidst inflationary pressures. For APAC, the ATP is expected to rise to US$677 (+2.3%) in 2024, and to $688 (+1.6%) in 2025 as the region continues to ramp up intra-regional travel.
Hotel
The global average daily room rate (ADR) rose +3.9% in 2023 to US$158, after a +30% rise in 2022. LATAM saw the biggest pricing gains in 2023, with the ADR increasing +10.7% to US$93. APAC was not far behind, recording an ADR increase of +7.4% to US$131.
Occupancy levels recovered to pre-pandemic levels in some markets, while the benefits from group business travel for meetings and events. However, there is still a lack of new hotel supply. These factors will continue to support elevated prices, with the global ADR forecast to +2.5% to US$162 in 2024 and a further +1.9% to US$165 in 2025.
ADRs in LATAM are projected to climb to US$102 (+9.7%) in 2024 and US$110 (+7.8%) in 2025, owing to various factors including healthy domestic and intraregional travel demand and broader inflation trends in the region. The ADR growth in APAC is expected to cool, reaching US$136 (+3.8%) this year and US$139 (+2.2%) next year. Smaller increases are anticipated in EMEA and NORAM as leisure demand softens.
Ground transportation
Car rental companies are offering greater versatility, including airport and railway transfers, as well as one-way intercity transfers. Meanwhile, the cost of buying and operating cars is easing, and fleet concerns have stabilised, so suppliers are keeping rates in check, to stimulate demand.
Global car rental prices rose +3% to US$44.30 per day in 2023. LATAM saw the most pronounced increase, with prices shooting up +14.2% to an average of US$35.30 per day. NORAM and EMEA saw more modest increases, with prices rising to US$55.60 per day (+1.3%) and $48.80 per day (+2.5%), respectively.
Looking ahead, global price growth in 2024 will likely be tempered, slowing to +2.5%, with an average daily rate of US$45.40. A similar growth rate of +2.4% is predicted for global rates in 2025, with prices rising to $46.50. LATAM is forecast to continue seeing sharp price gains of +11% in 2024 and +7.9% in 2025. On the flipside, APAC car rental rates are trending downwards, with prices expected to drop significantly by -6.8% in 2024, followed by a further -3.4% reduction in 2025.
Meetings and events
The meetings and events sector has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, with heightened demand for in-person engagements. In 2023, the average daily cost per attendee fell to US$155, down from US$160 in 2022, representing a -3.1% decline. This decrease can be attributed to a shift in the types of meetings being held. Many organisations opted for smaller, more business-focused meetings, often without costly incentive components, to manage budgets more effectively. This focus on cost control, including selecting more affordable venues and destinations, helped offset rising accommodation and F&B prices.
Looking forward, the average daily cost per attendee is projected to increase to US$162 in 2024, a +4.5% rise from 2023, and to approximately US$169 in 2025, an additional +4.3% increase. This upward trend reflects the sector’s continued recovery and growing appetite for larger and more complex in-person events. As organisations anticipate rising costs, they are advised to plan with a 12-month horizon and consolidate travel and meetings spend to enhance negotiating leverage.
Marking a decade of insights
To commemorate this 10th edition of the Global Business Travel Forecast, CWT and GBTA have also produced a special supplement to the report, which will be released in the coming weeks.
The supplement envisions three potential trajectories for the future of business travel – Base, Boom, and Bust – between now and 2040. It predicts how key megatrends such as technological advancements, demographic shifts, sustainability pressures, and geopolitical volatility, will shape the way how business travel is viewed, managed, and experienced in these three distinct scenarios. It also provides strategic recommendations for navigating these changes, emphasising how organisations can adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities in the evolving business travel landscape.
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has selected Chris Skeith as the organisation’s next CEO, taking over from Kai Hattendorf on January 1, 2025.
Skeith will join UFI from the AEO (Association of Event Organisers), the an association for organisers of events in the UK and internationally, where he has served as the organisation’s CEO since 2014.
Skeith started his career in media auditing at the Audit Bureau of Circulations, where he later led on the development of their auditing products for the events sector.
In 2006, he moved to the Events Industry Alliance (EIA), overseeing the merger of AEC & BECA to form ESSA (Event Supplier & Services Association). In 2010, he became director of ESSA’s sister association, AEV (Association of Event Venues), driving venue engagement through numerous special interest groups before moving on to AEO in 2014.
He continues to be a director of EIA, which represents the sector to government and regulators.
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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.
