Asia/Singapore Friday, 24th April 2026
Page 185

Hyatt Regency Sydney welcomes new DOSM

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Gavin Maloney has been named as director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Sydney.

With a career spanning over 25 years, he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success with top luxury brands across four continents. He will lead the sales and marketing team at Hyatt Regency Sydney in his new role.

Throughout his career, Maloney has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have revitalised and repositioned several esteemed hotel brands across Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

At the height of hospitality with Amari hotels

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Amari Bangkok's ballroom can host up to 1,200 guests

Brought to you by ONYX Hospitality Group 

With their unique, vibrant cultures, modern infrastructure and strategic locations in Southeast Asia, Malaysia and Thailand are noteworthy MICE destinations in their own right. 

For those considering organising events in these countries, there are a wealth of meeting venues and facilities available in Amari hotels, part of the Onyx Hospitality Group, across both countries. 

Well-connected venues in Malaysia 

The Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, boasts world-class convention centres and hotels. 

Setting a new standard for business events is Amari Kuala Lumpur. Situated within the KL Eco City mixed-use development in the upscale Mid Valley district, the hotel offers easy access to major corporate offices, a retail mall, and rail hub with inter-city and inter-state rail connections.

For business meetings, stay at any of the Club Deluxe or Club One Bedroom Suites and get complimentary evening cocktails and use of the meeting rooms. Its flexible meeting rooms can accommodate small groups of 20 people, while its Veria Ballroom can host up to 200.   

In the northern state of Penang, the Amari SPICE Penang is the largest business hotel in the area. Directly connected to the Setia SPICE Convention Centre and SPICE Arena, it offers seamless access to the world’s first hybrid solar-powered convention centre. 

The hotel’s extensive facilities include a 240m² pillarless ballroom and six function rooms equipped with audio-visual equipment. These rooms can be transformed into various layouts depending on your event needs. The largest space, the Jadeite function room, can accommodate up to 250 people.

From city hub to beachside in Thailand

Neighbouring Thailand is another dynamic hub for business events, offering excellent transport connections, modern amenities and cultural experiences. 

Amari Bangkok provides an elegant, luxurious setting venue for various occasions, be they banquets or corporate retreats. Located in the bustling Ratchaprasong district, the hotel blends contemporary design with Thai elements. Its versatile event spaces, including the Bangkok Ballroom, which accommodates up to 1,200 guests, and can be divided for smaller gatherings.

Beyond Bangkok, Thailand’s beachside towns provide scenic backdrops for memorable events, complete with luxurious resorts and state-of-the-art venues.

Amari Phuket, located on a secluded part of Patong Beach, offers a private paradise with stunning ocean views and easy access to water sports and local shopping. The hotel’s modern Thai decor and floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the breathtaking seascape. Exclusive lounge benefits are available for Coral Lounge and Club Suite guests, including daily breakfast and all-day refreshments. 

Amari Phuket is ideal for various events, from small meetings to full-day conferences, offering both indoor and outdoor venues like the Voyager Lounge, Coral Roof Terrace, and the resort’s landmark, The Jetty, perfect for sunset gatherings and stargazing dinners.

On Thailand’s eastern coast lies Amari Pattaya, a lush resort that offers a tranquil environment amidst busy business meetings.

There is the pillarless Grand Ballroom at a spacious 584m² that can hold up to 700, while various event spaces such as meeting and function rooms can be customised to different layouts. Take the event outdoors to the Beach Lawn, which can hold 500 guests for a reception, or up to 1,000 for an evening of cocktails.

Each hotel also has a team of dedicated event planners on hand to carefully plan and execute events according to different needs. 

Looking for a space for your next event? Contact onyx.sales@onyx-hospitality.com for a special offer now. 

TFE Hotels announces key GM appointments

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TFE Hotels has announced several key hotel general manager appointments across its Adina, Vibe and Travelodge network in Australia and New Zealand.

Having been with TFE Hotels for 15 years, Shaarn Letele is the new hotel general manager of the soon-to-be-refurbished Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour.

From left: Annabell Javinez, Shaarn Letele, and Frances Ryall

Frances Ryall joins TFE Hotels fresh from a stint with IHG, where she was operations manager of Crowne Plaza Coogee. She will head as hotel general manager at Vibe North Sydney.

Meanwhile, Arthur Rojas, who started his career with TFE in 2011, has been named cluster general manager of Travelodge Melbourne Docklands and Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank.

In Auckland, New Zealand, Annabell Javinez takes on the role as general manager of Travelodge Hotel Auckland Wynyard Quarter, while Suzanne Pentecost has been appointed general manager of the 164-key Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart.

Hong Kong’s hotels see limited MICE recovery

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The outlook for MICE events in Hong Kong (pictured) is cautiously optimistic

Business events hotels in Hong Kong report that recovery has so far been limited to shorthaul markets due to restricted longhaul air capacity and high airfares discouraging business events in the city.

Anna Wong, director of marketing at Four Seasons Hong Kong, shared that there were factors hindering full recovery and growth, such as the “strong Hong Kong dollar, slow longhaul flight recovery, and high interest rates”.

The outlook for MICE events in Hong Kong (pictured) is cautiously optimistic

However, she believes that Hong Kong is still in a good position to host business events, playing to its strength as a global financial hub. In fact, the Four Seasons Hong Kong hosted a large-scale buyout from a global banking institution for four consecutive days.

Wong shared that the hotel stays ahead of the competition by creating a slew of experiences to enrich on- and off-site experiences, such as sunset cruises, Michelin-star dining, and cultural tours. The Four Seasons Hong Kong also recently completed its renovations to its guestrooms, lobby area, and F&B offerings.

General manager of JW Marriott Hong Kong, GP Yeow, told TTGmice that his property currently relies on shorthaul markets. However, even if events are held in the hotel, some delegates opt to “stay in Shenzhen as it is only a 40-minute ride by MTR and room rates are lower”.

Yeow too, is confident that business events will eventually pick up, and is trying to entice business events with two brand new event venues onsite. These include the PRESIDEN dining room featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, and HarborDen, a semi-outdoor space with harbour views. Located on Level 7, both venues can be combined to accommodate 80-100 persons in cocktail style.

Meanwhile, the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, is undergoing renovations, and will soon welcome a new ballroom opening in Autumn 2024. It recently completed renovations of The Library & Atrium, and added modern technology to meet the needs of today’s business events.

A spokesperson shared that business has been relatively brisk, having hosted a number of business events organised by international organisations.

Auckland expands Destination Partnership Programme

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Collaboration between all parties is crucial for Auckland's (pictured) success as a tourism destination

The Destination Partnership Programme (DPP), launched in 2023 by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, has expanded into its second year to include a wider range of tourism businesses.

Initially developed as an interim funding solution, the DPP aims to attract more business events and leisure travellers to Auckland.

Collaboration between all parties is crucial for Auckland’s (pictured) success as a tourism destination

Starting July 1, 2024, the second DPP will offer seven partnership levels. This includes “Love AKL” for small and emerging tourism businesses, as well as businesses indirectly benefiting from tourism, such as restaurants and retail stores. Another new level is “Destination Services Partner” for companies providing tourism marketing and support services.

According to Annie Dundas, director destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the DPP generated NZ$1.9 million (US$1.2 million) in industry support in its first year (ending June 30, 2024). This funding allowed them to promote Auckland in key markets like Australia and North America, attract business events, and collaborate with other tourism organisations. She credited the DPP with improving Auckland’s global conference ranking from 173 to 84.

Funds from the DPP were used for various marketing initiatives, including consumer campaigns in domestic and Australian markets, public relations support, trade familiarisation events, and participation at key trade events such as AIME, TRENZ, and MEETING.

In its first year, the DPP saw participation from over 140 hotels, local tourism operators, and business event venues, which helped to secure 72 business events expected to bring 161,000 visitor nights to Auckland between 2024 and 2026.

“All DPP funds generated go towards an activity that directly benefits the region and are not used for Tātaki Auckland Unlimited overhead costs, nor to attract or invest in major events,” added Dundas.

Despite the programme’s success, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill supported mayor Wayne Brown’s call for a long-term funding solution involving central government, local government, and tourism industry partners.

Businesses interested in participating in the second year of the DPP can register now for more information.

BestCities Global Forum heads to Dublin in 2025

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Dublin will provide an inspiring setting for Global Forum delegates; EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum pictured

BestCities Global Alliance’s annual industry event, the 2025 Global Forum, will be held in Dublin, Ireland, from January 24-26, 2025.

Through the theme Creative Collaborations: Innovating for Greater Communities, BestCities’ flagship event will explore the ways creative connections can ignite innovation, foster inclusivity, and transform global issues into community-driven solutions.

Dublin will provide an inspiring setting for Global Forum delegates; EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum pictured

In addition to workshops and sessions designed to challenge and inspire attendees, the forum offers plenty of opportunities for peers from diverse industries to network and get to know the 13 BestCities Global Alliance destination partners.

“We are thrilled to host the 2025 Global Forum in Dublin – a thriving technology hub that has so much to teach the world in terms of innovation and transformation,” said Loren Christie, managing director of BestCities Global Alliance.

“We’re fine-tuning an education-rich programme with thought-provoking workshops, valuable networking opportunities, and collaborations with local community-building organisations like the Gaelic Athletics Association and Gaelic Players Association. Everything ties back to our community-focused theme, with a goal of cultivating connections that lead to positive, meaningful and lasting change within the meetings industry.”

Named the European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2024, Dublin is home to experts in artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and digital transformation – many of whom will share their insights at the Global Forum. Attendees can also explore the city, with networking events hosted at local icons like the Guinness Storehouse, The Convention Centre Dublin, and the TradFest programme.

BestCities encourages Global Forum attendees to Engage for Good each year by raising funds for a local initiative. This year’s recipient is the Solas Project, a non-profit that supports Irish youth in building self-worth, character and motivation. Attendees earn points by engaging prior, during and after the Forum, with more points earned by the group translating to more money donated to the initiative.

Meetings 2024 gears up for biggest show yet

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Hobbiton Movie Set - Bagshot Row

Over 1,100 business events professionals from New Zealand, Australia and Asia-Pacific are heading to Rotorua next week for MEETINGS 2024 – the national tradeshow for the business events sector on 19 and 20 June.

BEIA’s annual showcase will welcome a record number of buyers and exhibitors for two days at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre, with a pōhiri and welcome function at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre on June 18.

Hobbiton Movie Set – Bagshot Row

MEETINGS 2024 coincides with Te Tau Hou Māori – the Māori New Year, when Matariki reappears in the dawn skies, and RotoruaNZ is also inviting hosted buyers to a special Matariki dinner on June 19 to celebrate.

New this year, MEETINGS Education sessions for buyers will be held during lunch breaks on both days, covering a wide range of relevant and trending topics.

Meanwhile, the Tourism New Zealand Knowledge and Destination Hub will host 23 different 15-minute targeted presentations throughout the two days of MEETINGS. Attendees can find out what’s new in New Zealand events with regional showcase updates from across the country,

Day buyers can register for free on the MEETINGS website. They can attend MEETINGS for any length and request priority registration for their choice of education sessions, complimentary activities in Rotorua, and return transport from Auckland.

MEETINGS-related activities will start this weekend, when more than 30 Australian hosted buyers will be treated to a pre-MEETINGS tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set to experience the brand-new Bagshot Row development.

There will also be a one-day destination fam in Rotorua on June 18.

Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) chief executive, Lisa Hopkins, said: “MEETINGS is so much more than a two-day tradeshow. It’s going to be a multi-sensory set of experiences that will leave guests with long-lasting memories.

“Our visitors to MEETINGS 2024 can expect a full immersion into Aotearoa New Zealand’s rich culture, and an extremely warm welcome in the heart of the North Island.”

New Zealand hosted buyers will have their turn to experience tours of Hobbiton Movie Set before and after MEETINGS on June 17 and June 21.

Many Australian hosted buyers will also be staying on after MEETINGS with the support of Air New Zealand and regional business events bureaux to visit Auckland, Taupō, Rotorua, Waikato, Wellington, or Christchurch.

Sands Expo earns highest tier of Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification

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Sustainability is a baseline for all events at Sands Expo & Convention Centre (pictured)

Marina Bay Sands’ Sands Expo & Convention Centre has become the first venue to be awarded the Singapore MICE Sustainability Certification (MSC) at the highest tier of Gold.

Launched this January, the Singapore MSC certifies businesses for adopting sustainable event practices and raises sustainability standards across the business events industry, in support of the Singapore Green Plan 2030. It was developed by the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), with support from the Singapore Tourism Board, and in consultation with SACEOS members and industry players.

Sustainability is a baseline for all events at Sands Expo & Convention Centre (pictured)

The new framework builds on the first MICE Sustainability Certification introduced in 2016 – which Sands Expo had been recognised under – and aligns with the targets set out in the MICE Sustainability Roadmap. It incorporates international benchmarks and covers applicants’ management approach to various sustainability pillars, including Carbon, Waste, Energy, Water Management, Social, Human Resource Competency and Procurement.

Sands Expo is built to be sustainable, with the venue holding triple platinum certification from leading bodies such as the Building and Construction Authority, Events Industry Council, and US Green Building Council. It is also Singapore’s first fully offset MICE venue, allowing clients to organise environmentally-friendly events. Last year, the venue was home to over 2,440 events.

Beyond infrastructure, Sands Expo focuses on reducing waste and extending the lifespan of single-use materials. While the venue previously introduced circular bottles made with recycled polyethylene terephthalate, it has also invested in over 100 mobile water dispensers and plumbed-in dispensers to increase refill points and promote the use of reusable glasses and bottles. Visitors will also notice menu cubes and dietary indicators crafted from repurposed chopsticks during banquets, eliminating the need for paper products. These innovative products are created in collaboration with a local vendor, contributing to the recycling of over a million used chopsticks to date.

Chefs also frequently harvest fresh herbs and leafy greens from the onsite herb gardens and mobile hydroponic displays, which supports Singapore’s goal to strengthen food security and reduce carbon emissions from the transportation of produce. Post-event, unserved food is frozen in blast chillers and donated regularly to partners such as The Food Bank Singapore, or to communities in need. Since 2016, over 17,500kg of food has been donated.

Beyond these practices, Sands Expo offers dedicated Sustainable Event Advisory Services, customising sustainable solutions for clients. Last year, the team collected bottles from Vinexpo Asia, a global wine and spirits event, and diverted over 34,000 glass bottles to a glass recycling firm to be crushed, melted and repurposed into new products. In another example, over 2,000 radios and headsets were collected during the MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table) Global Conference 2023 and donated to the Migrant Workers’ Centre as gifts for the migrant worker community.

The venue’s MICE Team Members are trained to be sustainability champions, with the venue targeting to have 100 staff undergo the Events Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Professional Certificate programme this year.

Guided by the Sands ECO360 programme, Marina Bay Sands has also been recognised for its sustainability efforts. Earlier this year, ArtScience Museum was certified LEED Platinum by the US Green Building Council – the first museum in Asia Pacific to receive this highest level of recognition – while the property was accorded the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Industry Criteria for Hotels and Accommodations last year.

Panittha Buri elected as UFI President for 2025-26

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From left: Panittha Buri; Hugh Jones; and Geoff Dickinson

The UFI Board of Directors has elected Panittha Buri, vice chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group, as the UFI President for the 2025-26 period.

Panittha will join the UFI Presidential Trio as incoming president next November, and become UFI President at the 92nd UFI Global Congress in November 2025 in Hong Kong.

From left: Panittha Buri; Hugh Jones; and Geoff Dickinson

The UFI Presidential Trio for the November 2024 – November 2025 term will be Hugh Jones (CEO of RX), president; Panittha, incoming president; and Geoff Dickinson (CEO of dmg events), outgoing president.

This decision will become effective at the conclusion of the 91st UFI Global Congress, which will take place from November 20-23, 2024 in Cologne, Germany.

As UFI’s incoming president, Panittha will work closely with Jones and Dickinson, managing UFI at the highest level and furthering UFI’s mission to connect, support and promote the exhibition industry around the world.

Panittha has served as the vice chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group since October 2022. Previously, she held various roles at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre, such as managing director and director of marketing & sales.

Since 2023, Panittha has taken on several prominent roles: chair of the UFI Asia Pacific Chapter; president of the Thai Exhibition Association (TEA); and Board Member of the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau. She is also a board member of both UFI and AIPC (International Association of Convention Centres).

The UFI Board of Directors has elected Panittha Buri, vice chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group, as the UFI President for the 2025-26 period.

Panittha will join the UFI Presidential Trio as incoming president next November, and become UFI President at the 92nd UFI Global Congress in November 2025 in Hong Kong.

The UFI Presidential Trio for the November 2024 – November 2025 term will be Hugh Jones (CEO of RX), president; Panittha, incoming president; and Geoff Dickinson (CEO of dmg events), outgoing president.

This decision will become effective at the conclusion of the 91st UFI Global Congress, which will take place from November 20-23, 2024 in Cologne, Germany.

As UFI’s incoming president, Panittha will work closely with Jones and Dickinson, managing UFI at the highest level and furthering UFI’s mission to connect, support and promote the exhibition industry around the world.

Panittha has served as the vice chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group since October 2022. Previously, she held various roles at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre, such as managing director and director of marketing & sales.

Since 2023, Panittha has taken on several prominent roles: chair of the UFI Asia Pacific Chapter; president of the Thai Exhibition Association (TEA); and Board Member of the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau. She is also a board member of both UFI and AIPC (International Association of Convention Centres).

Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi welcomes new executive chef

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The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi welcomes Moreno Gianfranco Miotto to the team as the resort’s new executive chef.

Born in Canada, Miotto started his career in independent restaurants, honing his skills in Italian cuisine before joining the hotel industry in 2007, as executive chef at the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany, Italy, before moving back to Canada where he continued to build his career as an executive chef.

From there he joined The Ritz-Carlton, Doha as chef de cuisine for two years, before returning to Canada for two years to join the Sequoia Company of Restaurants as corporate executive chef.

Miotto returned to the Marriott Group in 2019, joining W Hotel Doha first as chef de cuisine before being elevated to executive sous chef. After his time with W Hotel Doha he moved to the Rosa Grand Milano, then Sheraton Ammam, and finally his last role at The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest as executive chef.

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