Alaxys Liu has been appointed the new SACEOS (Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers) executive director.
Liu is a veteran association professional, and her extensive experience spans across local and international associations.
Before joining SACEOS, Liu served on the internationalisation chapter of the Singapore Business Federation, where she oversaw the implementation of national-level initiatives, programmes, and services benefiting Singapore companies as they ventured into markets such as China, Korea, and Japan.
An immersive adventure at JIDAIYA sees fam trip participants dressing up in elegant yukatas and then transported “through time” on rickshaws cutting through the streets of Asakusa, Tokyo
An immersive adventure at JIDAIYA sees fam trip participants dressing up in elegant yukatas and then transported “through time” on rickshaws cutting through the streets of Asakusa, Tokyo
Tokyo’s unique appeal as a business events destination of choice lies in its fascinating fusion of its traditional and modern elements, where the crossroad of old-meets-new awaits delegates.
Whether it is sourcing for unique venues or coming up with novel programming, event organisers and planners are spoilt for choice as the boundary-pushing metropolis stands out with these opposites existing side by side.
Corporate groups also have no lack of teambuilding activities of both traditional and trendy kinds to foster bonding between employees, as the recent fam trip organised by Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) clearly showed.
Director of Business Events Tokyo, TCVB, Hironobu Fujimura told TTGmice: “We have a long history and the buildings from the Edo period are still here. Next to a very tall modern building could be a small alley that has an old town feel where it’s as if you have stepped back in time.
“After a convention, delegates can go to a good izakaya (casual bar/restaurant) in one of these small alleys to enjoy a meal and some drinks. This is a good example of Tokyo’s contrast between the old and new. We have so many such spots within walking distance in the city centre.”
Traditional & cultural blend A hot favourite among MICE organisers and planners attending the fam trip was the TAIKO-LAB (drums) programme where participants got to try their hand at the traditional instrument, commonly used as a lively accompaniment at sporting and cultural events.
Tokyo's unique appeal
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The TAIKO-LAB (drums) programme, where participants got to try their hand at the traditional instrument, is ideal as a teambuilding activity for corporate groups
A wide variety of kimono designs is available for participants at the Edo-styled cultural experience facility, JIDAIYA
At JIDAIYA, ladies get dressed up in yukatas (cotton summer kimonos), complete with their hair done up in a chic bun to complement the outfits
The fam trip featured an indigo dyeing workshop for participants to experiment with the traditional art form of fabric dyeing
Ideal as a teambuilding activity for corporate groups – of varying sizes – seeking an engaging cultural experience, delegates can beat their drums in joyful unison, under the fun instruction of a Taiko master.
The centre has three studios which can hold 50, 25 and 25 people respectively so in total, it can cater to 100pax-strong delegations.
Another itinerary highlight was an immersive adventure at Edo-styled cultural experience facility, JIDAIYA, where kimono advisors dressed participants up in elegant yukatas (cotton summer kimonos), complete with the ladies getting their hair done up in a chic bun to complement the traditional outfits.
The participants are then transported “through time” on rickshaws cutting through the crowded streets of Asakusa, a historic neighbourhood lined with nostalgic craft shops and bustling street food stalls.
Also at Asakusa, the fam trip incorporated an indigo dyeing workshop at Wanariya for participants to experiment with the traditional art form of fabric dyeing.
For a taste of Japanese religious traditions, participants visited the Meiji Jingu shrine, located at the heart of the capital. Nestled amid greenery, the historic shrine is only a few minutes walk from Harajuku Station and the popular Yoyogi Park. Here, the group partook in a solemn purification kigansai (private ritual).
As part of the itinerary, fam trip delegates also took part in a calming Zazen (sitting meditation) session led by a monk at a Korin-in temple.
Contemporary aspects To introduce the group to trendy new venues that boast equally awe-inspiring sweeping views of the capital, apart from the famed Tokyo Tower, they were brought on site inspections to explore Shibuya Sky and Tokyo Skytree.
Tokyo's unique appeal
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A trendy new venue that boasts equally awe-inspiring sweeping views of the capital, apart from Tokyo Tower, is Shibuya Sky, a 360-degree open-air observation deck
The world’s tallest self-standing broadcasting tower, Tokyo Skytree, provides panoramic views of the capital
Newly added unique venue, Sumida Aquarium, is suitable for planners looking to explore an unusual setting for cocktail receptions and small-scale cosy events
Event organisers who prefer to expose participants to Japanese pop culture can consider including a hands-on manga class in their programme
Shibuya Sky, which rises about 229m into the sky, is a 360-degree open-air observation deck overlooking the well-known Shibuya Scramble Crossing. It is located within the Shibuya Scramble Square building, the tallest building in the area that comprises an observation deck, offices, an industrial exchange facility, and retail spaces.
The world’s tallest self-standing broadcasting tower, Tokyo Skytree, also provides panoramic views of the capital. Visitors can relish an exhilarating ride on the transparent Tembo Shuttle from Tembo Deck Floor 350 to Tembo Galleria Floor 445, where the three-dimensional view makes them feel as if they are “floating”.
The Tokyo Skytree Tembo Gallery stands 450m above ground and is outfitted with a stretch of glass-walled corridors. This space welcomes private hire, and organisers can also utilise Sky Restaurant 634 to host events.
Housed within the same Tokyo Skytree Town is a newly added unique venue, Sumida Aquarium, suitable for planners looking to explore an unusual setting for cocktail receptions and small-scale cosy events. Occupying two levels on the 5th and 6th floors, guests can admire a magnificent array of aquatic life on display and get up close with penguins and seals in one of Japan’s largest indoor open tanks.
Event organisers who prefer to expose participants to Japanese pop culture can consider including a hands-on manga (comics) class in their programme. Professional manga artist, Kazuo Maekawa, will lead the class in some basic drawing techniques.
New stays are aplenty in Tokyo. Interesting choices now come in the form of HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU and BELLUSTAR TOKYO at the heart of Shinjuku.
HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, a PARKROYAL Hotel, features 538 rooms, including some that double up as art installations. The reception floor, home to the hotel’s restaurant and bar, acts as a social space to connect both locals and overseas guests. The open terrace and party room on the same floor can also be utilised for wedding celebrations.
The 97-key BELLUSTAR TOKYO, a Pan Pacific Hotel, presents a luxury haven where all guestrooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city skyline.
Both are located at the new Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, one of Japan’s largest hotels and entertainment establishments, close to Shinjuku’s nightlife district, Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai, Isetan Shinjuku and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Sam Lee, product manager from Nam Ho Travel Service (Singapore), who was part of the fam trip delegation, welcomed the Shibuya Sky showcase, as the new observation deck has been gaining popularity among travellers.
Another delegate, managing director, orbitz travel & car hire, Veronica Lim, counted the TAIKO-LAB (drums) programme as well as yukata dress-up and sightseeing by rickshaw as stand-outs for her during the fam trip.
To add more wow factor to the offerings, Lim suggested that the drumming activity could be conducted not only at a studio but outdoors or at unique spaces, such as a shrine or Japanese garden, for a “different feel”, while the manga drawing workshop could feature some cosplayers for participants to draw and take photos with.
Indian hospitality stakeholders expect improved growth in 2024, with domestic travel, corporate travel and the revival of inbound tourism contributing to the positive outlook.
Credit rating agency, ICRA has projected a double-digit revenue growth for the country’s hotel industry in FY2024.
ICRA estimates that Delhi and Mumbai, pictured, are likely to report occupancy rates of above 75 per cent in FY2024
Gaurav Shetty, managing director, Goldfinch Hotels (a unit of MRG Group), said: “Last year had been a promising one for the industry on the back of strong domestic demand and India’s hosting of events like G20 and Cricket World Cup. We expect about 10 per cent growth in average occupancy rates in 2024 compared to last year.
“Both domestic and corporate travel will drive demand this year. We are also hoping for improved inbound tourism in 2024, which will further boost the hospitality industry’s overall performance.”
ICRA estimates that gateway cities like Mumbai and Delhi are likely to report occupancy rates of above 75 per cent in FY2024.
“I anticipate a robust surge in demand for domestic travel, ranging from weekend getaways to extended vacations, shaping the market in 2024. The MICE and wedding segments will remain key demand generators for the sector. We are hoping for about 15 per cent growth in RevPAR in 2024,” said Sarbendra Sarkar, founder, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.
However, a section of hospitality players see rising costs as a challenge.
DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square general manager, Jai Chugh, commented: “Over the past two years, hotels have managed to partially offset the impacts of rising costs with increased pricing. We have all come off a prolonged period of very strong ADR growth coupled with factors like increasing cost of living and inflation. We can further sustain that pace of ADR growth by 10 per cent in 2024, but cost (spikes) don’t seem to be slowing down.
“So, it’s about figuring out how we maintain or increase our bottom line in a very challenging environment going ahead as the occupancy will be saturated,” Chugh added.
Discova has appointed Mike Chan as its new regional general manager for Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand in South-east Asia.
He will engage in close collaboration with these four destinations for a comprehensive understanding of the business.
Chan previously served as the company’s country manager for Singapore and Malaysia, and has over 20 years of work experience in the travel industry with an extensive knowledge of the region.
Air travel demand has topped 99 per cent of 2019 levels, revealed the International Air Transport Association (IATA), based on its November 2023 air travel performance data.
Total traffic in November 2023 (measured in RPKs) rose 29.7 per cent compared to November 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 99.1 per cent of November 2019 levels.
IATA reveals that air travel demand has reached near 99 per cent of 2019 levels
International traffic rose 26.4 per cent versus November 2022. The Asia-Pacific region continued to report the strongest year-over-year results (+63.8 per cent) with all regions showing improvement compared to the prior year. November 2023 international RPKs reached 94.5 per cent of November 2019 levels.
Domestic traffic for November 2023 was up 34.8 per cent compared to November 2022, while total November 2023 domestic traffic was 6.7 per cent above the November 2019 level.
Growth was particularly strong in China (+272 per cent) as it recovered from the Covid travel restrictions that were still in place a year ago.
As for international passenger markets, Asia-Pacific airlines had a 63.8 per cent rise in November traffic compared to November 2022, which was the strongest year-over-year rate among the regions. Capacity rose 58 per cent and the load factor was up 2.9 percentage points to 82.6 per cent.
Middle Eastern airlines saw an 18.6 per cent traffic rise in November compared to November 2022. November capacity increased 19 per cent versus the year-ago period, and load factor fell 0.2 percentage points to 77.4 per cent.
“We are moving ever closer to surpassing the 2019 peak year for air travel. Economic headwinds are not deterring people from taking to the skies. International travel remains 5.5 per cent below pre-pandemic levels but that gap is rapidly closing – and domestic markets have been above their pre-pandemic levels continuously since April,” said Willie Walsh, director general, IATA.
He also highlighted on the need to ramp up Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.
“In parallel to aviation’s recovery, governments recognised the urgency of transitioning from jet fuel to SAF for aviation’s decarbonisation. Airlines agreed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and every drop of SAF ever made in that effort has been bought and used. There simply is not enough SAF being produced,” said Walsh.
“So, we look to 2024 to be the year when governments follow-up on their own declarations and finally deliver comprehensive policy measures to incentivise the rapid scaling-up of SAF production.”
Thai Airways will recommence its daily non-stop service between Bangkok and Perth from March 27.
The daily service will be operated on a B787-8 aircraft.
Thai Airways will recommence its daily service between Bangkok and Perth from March
The resumed service also provides an additional flight option for visitors from the UK and continental Europe, which are priority markets for Western Australia.
Macao Government Tourism Office’s (MGTO) mascot Mak Mak led celebrations at Macau International Airport yesterday evening as Air Macau’s first flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia arrived with Malaysian travel trade and media representatives along with other passengers.
The new service is expected to increase airlift between Macau and South-east Asia, thereby boosting the diversity of visitations as Macau steps up promotions in international visitor markets.
MGTO mascot Mak Mak welcoming Malaysian travel trade and media representatives
The arriving delegation will participate in a four-day fam trip.
MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, who was also present at the landmark event, said Air Macau’s direct flight will enable more Malaysian and international visitors to be attracted to Macau’s breadth of tourism appeal.
Exchange and cooperation will be enhanced in tourism, culture and commerce between the two destinations.
Malaysia is Macau’s first largest international tourism source market. Along with Air Macau’s operations, the destination has 17 direct flights per week between the two lands.
Fathimath Thaufeeq has been appointed as chief executive officer and managing director of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).
She brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having held key positions at Oilbiz, Jalboot Maldives, and Waste Management Corporation Limited. She was most recently the human resources consultant at Mile & Associates.
The new state-of-the-art events centre is the final addition to the campus
The BDMS Wellness Campus in Bangkok, Thailand, has completed the final stage of its opening with the unveiling of BDMS Connect Center.
BDMS Connect Center boasts over 3,400m2 of dedicated meeting, exhibition, and social spaces, across four levels.
The new state-of-the-art events centre is the final addition to the campus
Inspired by the layers of a forest ecosystem, on the Forest Floor level are the Lobby Reception, Pre-Function, and Exhibitions areas including a cocktail platform and waterfall, the ambience is akin to the bottom layer of a rainforest, essential for the ecosystem’s proper functioning.
The Understory level features the Grand Ballroom, VIP Rooms, and Pre-Function area, while the Canopy level comprises the Creative Rooms, Pre-Function areas, and a Makeup Room. Finally, the Emergents level features the Junior Ballroom, Creative Rooms, Pre-Function, and Outdoor Terrace, representing the top layer of a forest.
A multitude of meeting spaces are equipped with cutting-edge AV technology, including a 15x5M LED screen and an 8×3 curved LED. Natural daylight floods through every corner of this facility including the Harmony ballroom, which features an 8m-high ceiling, while the Radiant Junior ballroom boasts a 6m-high ceiling with Bangkok’s only skylight, connected to a rooftop bar.
The facility is LEED-certified, incorporating sustainability practices such as electric vehicle chargers, light-coloured pavements, high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, and a photovoltaic system. Non-toxic building materials, LED bulbs, and recycled plastic carpets ensure a green and eco-friendly environment.
A distinguishing feature of the centre is its commitment to incorporating wellness elements into meetings and incentives, establishing a reputation for offering the most desirable wellness activities. From yoga sessions to mindfulness workshops and healthy catering options, the goal is to ensure that attendees value experiences that prioritise their well-being.
The BDMS Connect Center joins other existing facilities such as the BDMS Wellness Clinic, and 211-key Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort.
Kyu-jin Cho presenting at the IEEE RAS Board Meeting
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is set to return to Seoul in 2027, marking its presence in the city after a hiatus of 26 years.
Taking place at COEX from May 24-28, 2027, ICRA is anticipated to draw approximately 10,000 global experts in the field of robotics and automation. Aside from the academic conference, attendees can also expect tours of Seoul’s robotic facilities and research centres to be weaved into the agenda.
Kyu-jin Cho presenting at the IEEE RAS Board Meeting
The announcement was made during the 40th International Conference on Robotics and Automation board meeting in London last June, where Seoul triumphed over Bangkok, Thailand, as the chosen venue for ICRA 2027.
The bid was actively supported by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization.
Chairman Kyu-jin Cho, who leads the ICRA 2027 organising committee and is a professor at Seoul National University in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. highlighting the significance of ICRA in elevating the position of Korea’s robotics industry on the global stage.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has been actively promoting the robotics sector, introducing the Seoul Robotics Industry Promotion Comprehensive Plan in July of last year. This initiative allocates KRW 200 billion (US$151.8 million) until 2026 to foster the growth of the robotics industry and support technological development.
Seoul aims to make robot services more widespread by deploying on-site robots for tasks such as delivery, patrol, and caregiving. The city is actively encouraging the establishment of resident experience spaces and robot clusters.
In alignment with these efforts, the ICRA 2027 organising committee plans to develop more programmes, including industry and local tours and robot competitions, to showcase Seoul’s robotics industry to the global experts attending the conference.
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
The five-star property excels in backing its expansive facilities with seamless service and personalised attention, setting the benchmark for luxury in Bangkok.
Chan previously served as the company’s country manager for Singapore and Malaysia, and has over 20 years of work experience in the travel industry with an extensive knowledge of the region.
She brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having held key positions at Oilbiz, Jalboot Maldives, and Waste Management Corporation Limited. She was most recently the human resources consultant at Mile & Associates.
