Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 8th April 2026
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Accor gathers industry leaders to transform business travel

By TTGmice
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Accor will compile the GLC's findings into a report

Accor, together with executive travel managers and buyers from 17 international corporations, has launched the Accor Global Leadership Council (GLC), an advisory board aimed at reinventing the future of corporate travel and meetings.

Established to create a forward-looking vision for business travel and corporate meetings, the GLC connects business leaders responsible for corporate travel across diverse industries with senior executives from Accor. Council delegates include representatives from sectors such as financial services, engineering, manufacturing, transportation, energy, professional services and technology.

Accor will compile the GLC’s findings into a report

The first session, which was hosted earlier in June in Paris by Sophie Hulgard, chief sales officer at Accor, discussed shifting corporate and traveller expectations; the importance of recognition, personalisation and B2B-focused loyalty; the evolving importance of sustainability; emerging traveller trends; the role and impact of distribution and pricing; and a deep-dive on the hosting hotel brand, Sofitel.

The Council delegates, who have a combined employee base of over 2.7 million travellers, unanimously agreed on the top three priorities for business travel. They are traveller experience and well-being, including corporate employee engagement, wellness, traveller security and digital efficiencies; cost management and optimisation, including programme compliance, pricing, cost-reduction and cost avoidance; and sustainability, including sustainable action, carbon budgets and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion)

Hulgard, chief sales officer at Accor, and host of the GLC, said: “The dynamics of corporate travel are evolving rapidly. It is essential for both our clients and hospitality businesses to adapt to new demands and priorities. The GLC is a critical forum for sharing insights and collaborating on solutions that meet the changing needs of business travellers and delegates.”

The GLC aims to generate valuable insights and actionable strategies to drive and transform business travel, impacting the sector globally. Accor will compile the council’s findings into a comprehensive report to be released later in the year.

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas welcomes new GM

By TTGmice
0

Minor Hotels has appointed Syahreza Ishwara as general manager of the newly opened Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas in Thailand.

Ishwara started his career with Minor Hotels in 2014 at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, and has since served as general manager at Anantara Ubud Bali and Rayavadee Resort Krabi, as well as held key positions at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi in Malaysia.

Singapore, China, and Japan are the top business travel destinations in APAC

By TTGmice
0

According to BCD Travel’s Cities & Trends 2023 Asia Pacific Report, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok are the most visited cities in the region by Asia-Pacific (APAC) business travellers.

Cities & Trends 2023 Asia Pacific Report
1 of 4
Top 10 cities
Top five countries
Top 10 routes
Rail travel

Top 10 cities
Singapore is clearly leading the way in APAC, reclaiming its status as a major business events destination post-pandemic with robust government support. It has maintained its position as the primary financial hub in the region ahead of Hong Kong and now ranks as Asia’s top financial centre and the third globally. In 2023, Changi Airport recovered to about 86% of its pre-pandemic passenger volume, driven by a strong rebound in North-east and South-east Asia traffic, making Singapore an accessible and convenient destination for business.

“According to GBTA’s 2023 Business Travel Index, the APAC region is set to play a significant role in global business travel spending this year, accounting for 42% of the total,” said Greg O’Neil, president of Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Global Network at BCD Travel.

Top five countries
Singapore was the most visited APAC country last year, followed by China. The recovery of international travel to and from China has lagged behind the rebound in the country’s domestic travel industry following the end of its zero-Covid policy. Domestic air travel is at 17% above 2019 levels, while international air travel is still recovering. Factors such as a shortage of flights, high ticket prices and administrative hurdles in obtaining visas have contributed to this slower recovery.

The US is the most visited country globally, followed by Germany. This is not surprising considering that four American cities are among the top 10 intercontinental cities.

Top 10 routes
The most frequently travelled routes for APAC flights primarily depart from Singapore, which accounts for four positions in the top 10 city pairs. Hong Kong follows with two city pairs in the top 10. The top 10 arrival hubs for APAC routes are predominantly in South-east Asia and North Asia, with Singapore being the most popular destination.

For intercontinental routes, Bengaluru to Frankfurt tops the chart. The most frequently travelled routes for intercontinental flights from APAC mainly depart from Tokyo and Singapore, together holding seven positions in the top 10 routes. The top 10 arrival hubs for intercontinental routes are largely dominated by European cities, with Frankfurt being the most popular.

Rail travel
Rail travel is a popular choice for domestic business travel in China and Japan. Unlike air travel, which requires lengthy check-in and security processes, rail travel offers quicker boarding and deboarding, significantly reducing overall travel time especially for distances up to 1,200km.

Train stations in both countries are typically located in city centres or business districts, providing easy access to key areas. Train tickets can also be more economical compared to airfares, especially when considering hidden costs such as transportation to and from airports and baggage fees.

“Sustainability has become a top corporate priority, with travel buyers increasingly aware of business travel’s environmental impact,” said Jonathan Kao, managing director of North Asia at BCD. “Chinese companies lead in sustainability, favouring high-speed rail over air travel for its cost-effectiveness, efficiency and convenience, especially for distances between 800 and 1,200 km. As the rail network expands, it’s becoming more competitive with air travel.”

The full Cities & Trends 2023 Asia Pacific Report with insights about APAC business travellers can be found here. The report is based on BCD flight and rail data from 2023 in a range of APAC markets.

Christchurch stadium prepares for 2026 launch

By Rachel AJ Lee
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A rendering of a space set up in banquet-style at the northern end One New Zealand Stadium

Though Christchurch’s Te Kaha Stadium will only officially open in two years’ time, the venue, managed by the Christchurch City Council, Venues Ōtautahi, is actively preparing for its launch.

The One New Zealand Stadium (recently named through a 10-year partnership from 2026 to 2036) will boast a 36,000-person capacity for concerts. Scheduled to open in April 2026 in the city centre, the multipurpose, roofed venue will also aim to attract large-scale corporate events.

A rendering of a space at the northern end of One New Zealand Stadium set up in banquet-style 

Danny Schroder, general manager, commercial, of Venues Ōtautahi, told TTGmice on the sidelines of Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s Meetings 2024: “The playing field, for example, is available for private and business events, and can host 10,000 people cocktail-style, or 5,400 banquet-style.”

He pointed out that the venue will also feature a main function room on level one, 23 smaller meeting rooms on level two, as well as two long terraces on each floor where tables can be set up for a seated dinner with the stadium serving as a backdrop.

At the northern end of the venue, there will be a 2,705m2 space – decked out with high-impact technology – that would also work for gala dinners or cocktail functions for 1,400 and 2,500 pax respectively.

“We estimate that the One New Zealand Stadium will attract over 200 multiple sporting events, major entertainment events and concerts, over 180 business events, and will welcome over 500,000 guests per year. The economic impact of the venue is expected to be around NZ$50 million (US$30.7 million) per year for the Canterbury region,” he added.

When asked if the wider stadium precinct would also be activated to include tourist attractions like the Optus Stadium in Perth, Schroder indicated that this will only come into play once the venue is fully operational.

Schroder pointed out: “Venues Ōtautahi delivers over 250 business events annually and the One New Zealand Stadium will provide a unique offering for events in Christchurch. The business events team will continue to have a presence at industry tradeshows and focus on account management and business development promoting the portfolio of venues.”

Inaugural SIGEP Asia blends the best of new and old favourites

By Gerardine Donough-Tan
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Official opening ceremony at SIGEP Asia 2024 and Restaurant Asia 2024

The first SIGEP Asia – an offshoot of SIGEP World in Rimini, Italy – introduced new artisanal gelato, pastries and beverages to the South-east Asian markets while retaining the strengths of Restaurant Asia (5th edition) and Speciality Food & Drinks Asia, Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia, and Food2Go takeaway and delivery exhibition.

Held at Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore from June 26-28, 2024, the event was a combination of the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG)’s tradeshow with those acquired from Conference & Exhibition Management Services and Montgomery Asia.

Official opening ceremony at SIGEP Asia 2024 and Restaurant Asia 2024

“IEG Asia is thrilled to present this unique opportunity to explore the synergy between innovative speciality products and food service excellence from Italy, Singapore and other participating countries,” said Ilaria Cicero, CEO of IEG Asia.

The event attracted over 11,000 attendees from South-east Asia and around the globe, bringing together industry professionals for a comprehensive programme of exhibitions, conferences, seminars, business meetings, masterclasses, and even a coffee championship. Over 300 exhibitors and brands from 30 countries and regions showcased their products and services at the tradeshow.

New features included a technology and innovation pavilion and sandbox showing new technologies for F&B operations, many with sustainability in mind; sparkling sake and coconut water; fancy coffee and tea flavours, cordial concoctions, and fruit-infused spirits and edible wafer spoons. Besides the many coffee stands, gelato and dessert creations also drew huge interest.

Among seldom-seen country pavilions were Inner Mongolia with several booths displaying a huge array of pumpkin and sunflower seeds; Mexico with chilli peppers, meat and dairy products; and Kuwait promoting spices, sauces and dates.

A HoReCa (hotel, restaurant and catering) section went beyond equipment to include AI applications, while the Italian Trade Agency and Italian Chamber of Commerce Singapore made for a strong Italian presence.

An F&B industry jobs portal was also launched at the show to attract locals to join the industry.

Cicero concluded: “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response. The co-located shows spotlighted the enthusiasm and vitality of the F&B industry in Singapore and the region. The new-found networks, connections and opportunities forged will thrust the industry to new heights.”

Brisbane to host Global Paediatric Gastroenterology Congress in 2028

By TTGmice
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The Star Brisbane and Queen's Wharf pictured

Brisbane, Australia, has secured the World Congress of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition (WCPGHAN) in 2028, which will also mark the first time the international event will be held in Australia.

The congress, expected to attract over 2,000 delegates, will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) from June 6-10, 2028. The conference is set to inject more than A$10 million (US$6.7 million) in direct and incremental spend.

The Star Brisbane and Queen’s Wharf pictured

The bid was spearheaded by the director of the gastroenterology, hepatology and liver transplant service at Queensland Children’s Hospital Professor Nikhil Thapar. Thapar chairs the paediatric faculty of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia, as well as the Gastrointestinal Motility Subcommittee of the Congress host organisation, the Asia Pan-Pacific Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.

WCPGHAN is held every four years, with the 7th World Congress being hosted in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, in December 2024.

Thapar said the importance of research and best practice in gastroenterology and its related areas, specifically nutrition and its impact on children, as gastrointestinal conditions account for some of the most common reasons for children presenting to hospital.

“This World Congress is designed to assist countries that really need it, specifically in terms of education, and there are many in the Asia Pacific that will benefit,” he said.

“There are still too many children dying in the world from gastrointestinal-related illnesses. We want this Congress to be the catalyst for change in this part of the world by providing those who are not able to attend a congress in Europe, with the opportunity to attend the Brisbane Congress.

“We intend it to have a strong education platform where practitioners will be able to take back to their hospitals and countries new ideas and new practices to implement immediately.”’

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre General Manager, Kym Guesdon, said the BCEC had been working on securing WCPGHAN 2028 since 2018. “The Centre’s team works closely with medical, research and scientific leaders to secure major sector meetings of this calibre, which are an endorsement of Queensland’s strengths in the key science and research sectors.”

Malaysia leads Islamic tourism growth at upcoming conference

By TTGmice
0
The conference aims to bridge destinations, foster cultural exchange, and promote sustainable practices within this growing travel sector; Kuala Lumpur pictured

The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) of Malaysia is set to host the 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC) from September 12-13, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur.

Building on the theme Forging Connections, WITC 2024 brings together over 500 key industry players to explore the booming Islamic tourism sector, fuelled by the global Muslim population exceeding two billion. The conference aims to identify upcoming trends and strategies to tap into both established and emerging Muslim travel markets.

The conference aims to bridge destinations, foster cultural exchange, and promote sustainable practices within this growing travel sector; Kuala Lumpur pictured

The conference delves into the Muslim tourist experience through four tracks – Understanding Muslim Tourists, Muslim-Friendly Travel and Community, Growth and Opportunity, and Inclusivity.

ITC’s director-general, Nizran Noordin, shared: “This 4th WITC comes not long after Malaysia’s achievement – being named the Top Ranking Muslim-Friendly Destination for an unprecedented nine years in a row by the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index Report released in May.

“As the region’s leading conference on Islamic Tourism, WITC promises information-packed dialogues with renowned homegrown and international industry experts. Malaysians, as well as tourism industry decision-makers, stakeholders and practitioners from across the globe eager to explore the Islamic Tourism sector and the US$225 billion Muslim tourist market, are welcome to attend.”

SATS opens new executive lounge space in Terminal 3

By TTGmice
0
The upgraded lounge in Changi Airport Terminal 3

SATS Ltd. (SATS), an airport service company which handles ground handling and inflight catering service, will enhance its network of airport lounges in Singapore to improve the pre-flight and transit travel experience for its airline customers.

The first to be upgraded is the SATS Premier Lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 3, which now features private pods, family seating, and shower facilities. The floor and wall tiles take inspiration from the ornamental designs of Peranakan tiles, and feature the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid and the Crimson Sunbird, the unofficial national bird of Singapore.

The upgraded lounge in Changi Airport Terminal 3

SATS chefs will also present their take on traditional local favourites including the brand’s signature laksa, congee, biryani and international cuisine.

SATS also has a collaboration with six renowned Singapore F&B brands – Beach Road Prawn Noodle House, Boon Tong Kee, Killiney, Downstairs by Song Fa, Rumah Makan Minang and Ponggol Nasi Lemak – whose dishes will feature in the lounge.

Professional works of art from local artists Loy Yan Ling from Euphoramics and heritage crockery from the Intan, a private Pernanakan museum will also be featured at the lounge. The former is a result of the SATS Foundation, SATS’ first design institution programme to connect local tertiary institutions to give budding artists from Lasalle College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and Singapore Polytechnic Media, Arts & Design School a platform to showcase their digital artwork.

Over the next few years, SATS will extend the lounge refurbishment to the other Premier Lounges in Terminals 1 and 2.

Monaco reaffirms sustainability promise with a low-environmental impact booth at ILTM Asia Pacific 2024

By Karen Yue
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The sustainable Monaco booth at ILTM Asia Pacific 2024

Long recognised as a pioneer in sustainable travel and tourism, Monaco has decided to demonstrate its commitment in its latest destination marketing activation at the recently-concluded ILTM Asia Pacific, one of the region’s most prominent luxury travel tradeshows.

Its booth was furnished with sturdy, collapsible stools made from high-hardness kraft paper, as well as modular tables made from sustainable materials such as bamboo and recycled wood, that can be dismantled into slim panels, stored and re-assembled for future use.

The sustainable Monaco booth at ILTM Asia Pacific 2024

Benoit Badufle, regional director of the Promotion Bureau of the Principality of Monaco in Asia, told TTGmice that the tourism authority has several sustainability projects every year, but he has decided to attempt a low-environmental impact participation – for the first time – at the luxury event to combat the wasteful nature of exhibitions.

He said: “Exhibitions are one of the most wasteful segments in the hospitality industry because a large fraction of the materials used to build the booths are discarded at the end of the event.

“So we decided to hunt down a supplier in Singapore that can help us create a sustainable presence.”

Badufle said such suppliers were challenging to find. The usual suspects have yet to put sustainable booths “on their agenda”.

A start-up event contractor was eventually found, and Badufle challenged the new firm to source for sustainable options that would work for the Monaco booth, as well as inspire other exhibitors at ILTM Asia Pacific to consider similar structures in future.

“Sure enough, I had five to six stand managers who came up to us and expressed interest in meeting our contractor,” he remarked, adding that despite the low-waste nature of the booth, furnishing “did not look shabby”.

“We earned many compliments for our booth design and objective, and had a chance to talk about it to many people. I believe this would lead to more of such sustainable booths at trade events,” he said.

Cairns Convention Centre achieves AIPC Quality Standards Certification

By TTGmice
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Cairn Convention Centre

Cairns Convention Centre has once again achieved AIPC (International Association of Convention Centres) Quality Standards certification with the successful completion of their audit this month by the designated external auditor.

Having first achieved gold level certification in 2011, Cairns Convention Centre has now achieved re-certification at the Gold Level. The venue joins a group of 30 AIPC centres who have successfully maintained this international certification, with a number of additional centres in various stages of the certification process.

Cairn Convention Centre

“The AIPC Quality Standards programme was developed as an industry-specific certification for confirming and documenting a centre’s accomplishments in key areas of convention centre performance, and is the only such specifically purposed form of certification in the industry,” said AIPC president Greg O’Dell.

The programme standards identified and audited address 10 key areas, including Customer Service, Quality of Facilities and Operations, Employee Relations, Health, Safety, Security and Emergency Response, Financial Integrity, Community Relations, Environmental Responsibility, Industry Relations, and Supplier Relations.

Members who complete the audit process report that it not only serves to document their procedures but also enables them to clarify any shortcomings for corrective action. The process is also seen as being an teambuilding exercise because it involves all management staff in a collaborative effort with a clear accomplishment at the end.

The External Auditor for the AIPC Quality Standards Certification programme is Rick Knowlan, president of Knowlan Consulting Group of North Vancouver, Canada, which specialises in strategic management consulting.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTGmice | JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa entices event planners with more meeting perks
TTGmice | The Westin Desaru Coast Resort launches dedicated conference centre platform
TTGmice | ICC Sydney strengthens event accessibility via sensory maps and visual stories