Asia/Singapore Friday, 24th April 2026
Page 177

Amara Singapore ushers in a new era of meeting possibilities

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Amara Singapore’s new foyer

Amara Singapore has unveiled its refreshed meeting and event spaces on Level 3, comprising a Grand Ballroom, four function rooms, and an elegant foyer that anchors the meeting spaces together.

This transformation was crafted in collaboration with renowned hospitality design firm Studio HBA, a division of Hirsch Bedner Associates.

Amara Singapore’s new foyer

The crown jewel of the property is the Grand Ballroom, a column-free space featuring a 38-metre-long aisle, accommodating up to 500 guests. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, while a 7.6-metre-long LED video wall ensures attendees can view the screen from every corner.

Adjacent to the Grand Ballroom, are four Breakout rooms named Connection, ranging from 74m2 to 108m2. Each room is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual amenities, flexible seating arrangements and customisable layouts.

Central to the Grand Ballroom and Breakout rooms is a contemporary Foyer, which has built-in amenity counters and a modular seating element with a configuration that can be tailored for any event. The foyer is also adaptable for exhibitions, equipped with versatile ambient lights. At the heart of the conference area stands ‘The Locale’ bar which can provide everything from coffee to after-event cocktails.

On Level 17 of the property, The Parlor provides a more intimate setting for business events seeking a more versatile space, whether it be for product launches or business meetings. With a floor area of 63m2, The Parlor can seat up to 20 guests within a space irradiated by ample natural daylight.

Photo of the day: MITEC shines at Perfect China’s 30th Anniversary celebration

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The Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) has set a record by hosting and serving 10,000 guests at a full-day conference, featuring an eight-course Chinese set menu.

The 2024 Perfect China International Convention and 30th Anniversary celebration, supported by Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), attracted delegates from the Asia-Pacific region, including key markets like Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

The event generated an estimated economic impact of RM118.7 million (US$25.2 million) for Malaysia.

With a dedicated core team of 80 professionals, MITEC managed over 1,500 casual staff to ensure the event’s success. Locally-sourced ingredients – such as two tons of whole chickens, 1,200kg of pomfret fish, and 500kg of prawns – were also served.

“We are incredibly proud of the team at MITEC and the seamless execution of this monumental event,” said Jessie Tan, managing director at MITEC. “This accomplishment is a testament to MITEC’s dedication to providing world-class service and creating unforgettable experiences for clients and their guests.”

Mercure Singapore Bugis welcomes new GM

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Mercure Singapore Bugis has named Dino Lim as its new general manager. He will be responsible for the overall strategic management and operations of the property, spearheading the corporate acquisitions, operational initiatives and long-term growth in his new role.

With over 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Lim was previously the general manager of Momentus Hospitality, where he took charge of the entire Momentus portfolio including Momentus Hotel Alexandra and Momentus Serviced Residences Novena.

Olivia Yeji Jeung takes the helm at Discova Japan

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Discova has appointed Olivia Yeji Jeung as the country manager for Japan.

She will be responsible for the on-ground, day-to-day development and execution of Discova’s business in Japan.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Jeung has lived in Japan for over 15 years and has held several leadership roles in international firms like American Express, Booking.com, and Expedia during her career.

Hurtigruten Group expands in Asia-Pacific with new hires

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Hurtigruten Group has made new key appointments across its sales, marketing, PR and customer service teams.

Kirsty Fruin joins the Asia-Pacific commercial team as regional sales manager of Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. Based in Brisbane, she has accrued a wealth of cruise and travel knowledge through her previous roles, including in the UK at Fred Olsen Travel.

From left: Kirsty Fruin and Christina Koullas

Christina Koullas is the new PR & communications manager – APAC at Hurtigruten Group’s Melbourne office, bringing with her 20 over years of travel PR experience include working with Spirit of Tasmania, DMCs in Europe and running her own PR agency.

Accor gathers industry leaders to transform business travel

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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

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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

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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.

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

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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

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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.”

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