Troy Williams has joined Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre as director of building services.
Dusit Thani Bangkok adds to leadership team
Dusit Hotels and Resorts has appointed key leadership talent to spearhead the return of its flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, which is set to officially reopen its doors on September 27.
Somruedee Getwansopon joins as executive assistant manager of rooms and will oversee several departments at the property. Nuengruethai Sa-nguansakpakdee is the director of sales and distribution and will oversee all aspects of sales, revenue management, and distribution for Dusit Thani Bangkok.
Peeradej Charoendireksup, will drive Dusit Thani Bangkok’s strategic marketing and communication initiatives as director of marketing, while new director of food & beverage Jonathan Forestier brings over 10 years of experience working in Thailand for luxury brands such as Sofitel and Anantara, most recently leading the food and beverage team at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa makes two appointments
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has named Laurent Driole as its general manager and Ali Arushad as the front office manager.
Previously the resort manager of Lily Beach, Driole will lead the team in maintaining standards and providing experiences that delight guests under the Lily ethos.
Arushad, who also works closely with Laurent to boost in-resort sales and enhance guest experiences, initially began his career as a receptionist. His most recent role was as butler manager at the sister property of Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
SWISS welcomes new CEO
Jens Fehlinger has been named the new CEO of Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS).
He started his professional career at the Lufthansa Group in 2006, where he held various management positions. He was in charge of strategy and business development at Lufthansa Airlines and the operational performance management for Lufthansa Group.
In recent years, Fehlinger has been co-managing director of Lufthansa Cityline and managing director of the new airline Lufthansa City Airlines.
Jesper Larsen to helm at InterContinental Halong Bay Resort and Residences
IHG Hotels & Resorts has appointed Jesper Larsen as general manager for its upcoming property InterContinental Halong Bay Resort and Residences.
With a career spanning over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Larsen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from across Greater China, Japan, Vietnam and Europe to his new role.
Marriott International names area VP for South Korea, Philippines, and Vietnam
Duke Nam’s role as area vice president for South Korea and the Philippines has been expanded to now include Vietnam.
With 38 years of hospitality experience, Nam spent more than 25 years with Marriott International’s portfolio of brands, including senior leadership roles across Asia-Pacific.
Based in Seoul, South Korea, he will be responsible for over 70 operating properties across 16 brands in South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Outdoor corporate retreats in Cambodia gain in popularity
A post-pandemic trend has seen a surge of remote campsites in Cambodia that are catering to the growing number of domestic incentive and teambuilding trips seeking to tap into nature.
Sinan Thourn, chairman of B2B Cambodia, said he has witnessed a rise in outdoor teambuilding and incentive activities, particularly in sought-after mountain destinations such as Kirirom National Park, Pursat, Koh Kong and Kampot.
He has attributed this to two main factors, the first is Cambodians’ tendency to mirror each other’s activities.
“Upon observing others partake in certain pursuits, they are inspired to explore them as well. The enforced period of seclusion during Covid-19 has driven individuals to seek solace in the natural world,” Sinan noted.
“Secondly, the allure of outdoor activities lies in their cost-effectiveness. Against the backdrop of climate change and the pervasive digital landscape, individuals are increasingly recognising the intrinsic value of reconnecting with nature and embracing verdant surroundings.”
In 2023, Sam Sakada created Chumkiri Exclusive Camp on a remote patch of land nestled in rolling hills on the border of Kampot and Takeo provinces. Since opening, the retreat, which is so remote there is no Internet or mobile reception, has proved popular with businesses seeking off-the-grid teambuilding activities.
“People come here for training or teambuilding because it’s quiet and private. No one bothers them, and being outdoors seems to help them focus better,” Sakada said.
Currently, the site has basic tent and camping facilities. However, Sakada plans to build villas to further expand the business.
In the same year, San Vannary opened Kampot Eco-Village, which has been welcoming an increasing number of incentive and teambuilding groups.
“Since Covid, there’s been a surge in interest for outdoor experiences and activities that promote wellness, like teamwork, social good, yoga, and meditation,” she explained.
The eco-village offers a range of activities and offers camping or villa options, meeting rooms and a hall for small conferences, meetings and events.
“More corporations are increasingly prioritising employee well-being. Connecting with nature offers a powerful way to boost team building, revitalise staff, and ultimately drive better results,” stated Vannary.
Thailand targets tailored experiences for Koreans and Taiwanese
While Korean travellers seek social media-worthy experiences that deliver value for money, the Taiwanese market prioritises a more straightforward approach, according to industry insights on Thailand’s burgeoning tourism landscape shared at the recently-concluded Thailand Innovative Meetings Exchange (TIME) 2024.
June Kim, regional manager of the MPI Academy Korea and director for Kim’s M&T, shared observations that Korean travellers are drawn to unique and interesting experiences, where social media plays a significant role in their travel choices.
He remarked: “Korean people are looking for interesting stuff that nobody has done before. We are heavy on Instagram and social media like YouTube – and we want to be the select few that report about it.”
Kim also highlighted the impact of social dynamics on Korean travel behaviour.
As to how helping clients source exclusive content on their social media channels that garners likes and shares – will lead them back to the event planner, he explained: “Jealousy is a huge driver – Koreans want to be the first, or have a unique experience that no one has had that they can show off. That’s why some locations have become very popular with Koreans specifically. Someone, somewhere shared it on social media, and now everyone else has to follow.”
But when it comes to negotiations, being able to demonstrate value for money is paramount. This is the hurdle that needs to be overcome with most corporate Korean clients.
“Keep in mind that you’re typically dealing with middle management who have to work very hard to convince their C-level – and all the C-level has as a reference are the numbers from last year. If the numbers are different, there will be questions. The person you’re dealing with has to work so hard to sell you to their C-level so that they don’t want to go through the process again with a new supplier. That is why once they’re sold on you, they’ll be customers for life and keep coming back to you,” he elaborated.
Korean corporate travellers also rely heavily on reviews to make decisions and avoid scams, as many have fears from previous bad experiences.
He stated: “Reviews are one of the big things that Korean people reflect on, as many have experienced ripoffs during travel. That’s the reason why we are scared, and why we rely on worth-of-mouth reviews.”
On the other hand, the Taiwanese cultural similarity to Thailand creates synergy.
Napat Watthanasan, regional manager of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau – North America, Oceania and the East Asia markets, observed: “For the Taiwanese market, I think it’s pretty straightforward. The tagline is that Taiwanese and Thai are pretty much the same. They are identical in terms of cultures, and even the currency exchange. So what we like, they also like as well.”
He highlighted convenience and a seamless travel experience, safety and good quality at cheap or reasonable prices as strong draws for Taiwanese corporate travellers, with a bonus being if the locals can understand and communicate with them in Mandarin.
Photo of the day: GCCEC celebrates 20 years
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) recently celebrated its 20th anniversary on June 29.
The A$167 million (US$111.5 million) GCCEC opened in 2004 as Australia’s largest regional convention centre, and was later expanded in 2009 – two multifunction halls, three meeting rooms and three kitchens were added – to meet demand. Current total exhibition space is 10,000m2.
Nick Jeffrey, acting general manager of GCCEC, commented: “The Centre has been a major economic driver to the region, supporting local business and employment, attracting leaders of industry, sport and entertainment to our city. In fact, last month The International Communications Association Conference attracted more than A$8 million in economic benefit.”
Ras Al Khaimah offers free visas to attract Indian corporates
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is rolling out the red carpet for Indian corporate travellers with a new visa-free initiative.
Valid from July 2024 to March 2025, this initiative aims to boost Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a premier destination for Indian corporate events. To qualify for the complimentary visas, groups must book a minimum two-night stay in one of Ras Al Khaimah’s hotels and have at least 100 guests per night.
Aside from its 8,000 hotel rooms, business events venues include the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre, which boasts a capacity of 3,000 attendees and 4,500m2 of flexible event space.
India is key to Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism growth plans, with the country consistently ranking among its top five visitor source markets worldwide. In 2023, the emirate recorded a 20 per cent increase in Indian visitor numbers, while business events revenue grew 23 per cent in the same year.
Getting to Ras Al Khaimah from India is also easier than ever, with direct flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad with IndiGo. The emirate’s proximity to Dubai International Airport also ensures excellent connectivity.
Event organisers are encouraged to contact RAKTDA for more information and assistance in planning their events.
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Williams was previously responsible for asset management, sustainability and safety at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium and Dunedin Town Hall. During his tenure, these venues played host to some of New Zealand’s biggest events, including All Black rugby tests, FIFA World Cup games and major international concerts, as well as a wide range of conventions and meetings.
Williams also has a background in managing major infrastructure and large buildings for significant manufacturing businesses.