InterContinental opens in the heart of Chiang Mai

January 3, 2024

Classic_King_-_Guest_Room_City_View_640 — King guestroom with a city view

The InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping has risen in Chiang Mai’s historic district, marking the first milestone in a strategic partnership between IHG Hotels & Resorts and Thailand’s real-estate group, Asset World Corporation (AWC).

The property stands next to Wat Chang Kong, a beautifully preserved 600-year-old stupa built by a local gong-making community. The manicured lawn in front of the temple will host regular dance shows and performances as part of the resort’s cultural programming.

Event planners will have several event venues to choose from, such as the Grand Ballroom, five smaller event rooms, or the temple’s central lawn.

There are 240 rooms and suites available, facing the old town or Doi Suthep mountain. Guests staying in Premium Rooms and suites will enjoy Club InterContinental benefits, including a deluxe breakfast served in a private zone, daily afternoon tea and evening cocktails.

Leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and The li Spa, while F&B venues aim to showcase northern Thailand’s rich flavours.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Gad Lanna evokes a traditional market with seasonal, organic ingredients spun into comforting northern dishes using traditional cooking methods. Overlooking the hotel’s main pool, Kam Lobby Lounge brings the spirit of Yi Peng Lantern Festival alive through its décor, while the menu offers light meals, coffee and organic Monsoon Tea produced in the mountains of Northern Thailand, with expertly crafted cocktails served after dark to a soundtrack of live jazz.

On the 16th floor, its signature restaurant Hong’s Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar pays homage to the historic Lanna-Chinese trade links in the décor and on the menu featuring fiery Sichuan, Cantonese and Taiwanese dishes.

In-depth experiences that would work for incentive groups range from tea blending workshops and local chocolate tasting to adrenaline-filled activities such as white-water rafting, jungle walks and hot-air ballooning followed by a lakeside Champagne picnic. The hotel will also be hosting rotating art exhibitions and music performances curated by the hotel’s Concierge team in partnership with The Center for the Promotion of Arts and Culture of Chiang Mai University.

For business travellers with their young ones in tow, Planet Trekkers programme for the young will offer such activities as clay figurine marking, banana leaf folding and coconut shell crafts.

Flights disruptions at Haneda Airport following airplane collision

By TTGmice

January 3, 2024

About 100 flights flying into and out of Tokyo’s Haneda Airport are expected to be cancelled today as a result of an airplane collision on the runway on Jan 2 afternoon.

Flight cancellations at Haneda Airport will impact 19,000 passengers

The accident between a Japan Airlines (JAL) passenger jet arriving from Hokkaido and a Japan Coast Guard aircraft left five coast guards dead and the JAL aircraft in raging flames. All 379 passengers onboard the JAL jet were able to escape to safety.

The flight cancellations are expected to affect 19,000 passengers, said an NHK report.

Central Japan Railway Company will provide additional bullet train services on Wednesday to support affected domestic connections.

DMO Osaka Umeda rises, uplifts area’s brand value as a MICE hub

By Rachel AJ Lee

January 2, 2024

Osaka,Japan,Cityscape,In,The,Umeda,District. — Osaka Japan cityscape in the Umeda District.

Thirty-four different businesses including hotels, commercial facilities, and event halls have come together to form DMO Osaka Umeda, in a bid to attract more business events to Osaka’s Umeda area.

To kick things off, the DMO plans to leverage the upcoming Expo 2025, as well as massive development projects in the pipeline, such as Grand Green Osaka and an integrated resort, slated to come online in 2024 and 2030 respectively.

Currently in the second phase of its redevelopment project, Grand Green Osaka will boast luxury hotels, conference facilities, and a large park, apt for large corporate events, said Akihiko Kondo, secretary general of DMO Osaka Umeda.

When asked what were some of the DMO’s priorities, Kondo told TTGmice: “As there are no large-scale conference or exhibition facilities in Umeda, our initial strategy is to attract medium-sized international conferences, especially those related to the promotion of innovation and life sciences.”

DMO Osaka Umeda will also promote itself as a base for incentive tours to the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe region. Primary target markets in this case, stated Kondo, are countries in East Asia and South-east Asia, as they are geographically close.

“Many business travellers or tourists from these countries already visit Osaka, but they tend to pass through Umeda and head to Minami in the city centre, or to surrounding areas like Kyoto. (By forming the DMO, we) want to showcase the charms of the Umeda area to visitors,” said Kondo.

Looking beyond the Expo in the medium- to long-term, the organisation plans to attract large-scale business events of about 100,000 attendees, which will be able to utilise the various new public spaces brought about by Expo 2025 and Grand Green Osaka, he added.

“To build the Osaka brand further, the DMO – where its formation was supported by the City of Osaka and the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau – will also collaborate closely with relevant authorities,” Kondo noted.

Ascott incorporates more meeting, F&B facilities in newer properties

By Rachel AJ Lee

January 2, 2024

The_Robertson_House_Entrepot_640 — The Robertson House's Entrepot restaurant

Serviced residence provider Ascott is diversifying its revenue streams to provide more meeting facilities and F&B services in its newer properties, a move away from a business model that was traditionally focused on long-stay accommodation.

Tan Bee Leng, managing director, brand & marketing, The Ascott Limited, told TTGmice: “As we expand our reach into the transient space where demand for Ascott’s properties is growing from both corporate short stay and leisure segments, it gives rise to opportunities for growth in the F&B, and small meetings and business events market.”

The Robertson House’s Entrepot restaurant

For instance, Ascott Gurney Penang, in the heart of Georgetown, offers a ballroom that can take up to 900 persons in theatre-style. Over in Thailand, with Pattaya growing in status as a business events destination, Somerset Pattaya has a ballroom that can accommodate 110 people in banquet-style.

Properties under the Oakwood flag such as Oakwood Premier Melbourne and Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh, are also “popular choices among planners for their space, facilities, and prime locations”, shared Tan.

Aside from building its meetings and events capabilities, Ascott is dialling up the focus on its F&B offerings, in locations where “they will be of greatest impact and value to both guests and owners”.

One such example, Tan pointed out, was the recent opening of The Roberson House by The Crest Collection in Singapore, which boasts all-day dining restaurant Entrepôt and speakeasy cocktail bar Chandu.

She shared: “These F&B concepts incorporate elements inspired by Singapore’s history and further enrich The Robertson House’s narrative, showcasing the storied stay experience that sets The Crest Collection apart.”

As to what prompted Ascott to create a dedicated F&B taskforce, Tan elaborated: “The acquisition of Tauzia Hotel Management in 2018 and Oakwood in 2022, where F&B operations feature in the properties, has provided opportunities to harness the required operational expertise to expand our F&B capabilities with the growing demand.”

Tan added that in Oakwood’s upcoming refresh in 1Q2024 – part of the company’s Brand360 exercise – Ascott is planning to “elevate Oakwood’s brand signatures to incorporate experiences through F&B activation”.

“Traditionally, hotels are for people looking for one-nighters, while serviced apartments are for those on project work or relocation business. Increasingly, the lines between hospitality asset classes are blurring – where we see more and more guests are choosing to stay on a transient-basis with us in serviced apartments, as an alternative to hotels,” she observed.

Marriott presses ahead with sustainability in 2024

By Rachel AJ Lee

January 2, 2024

Marriott International is laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability, and has marked the new year as one of “activation”.

According to Neeraj Govil, senior vice president of operations, Asia Pacific (excluding China), “2024 is going to be the year of activation, where what gets measured gets done”.

From left: Neeraj Govil (second from left); Ranim Ben Romdhane (second from right); and Christian Metzner (right) at the Marriott sustainability event held at The Singapore Edition

He said: “We are building accountability into our systems this year (previously, Marriott’s hotels handled in their individual capacity), and have made sustainability a business imperative.”

To achieve this, Marriott has created a new role – director of sustainability, Asia Pacific excluding China – that will lead the company to a more positive impact.

Guided by Marriott International’s Serve 360 environmental goal – launched in 2017 – to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the company recently announced 10 initiatives. These include sourcing for renewable energy, the installation of EV chargers, serving responsibly-sourced seafood, tracking waste, and conducting energy audits.

“In every major market, our general managers come together for a Business Council, where they will discuss key issues. We have a Business Council focused on sustainability, as there is value in collaborating,” shared Govil.

However, the journey towards sustainability is unique for each hotel, be it a new establishment like The Singapore Edition, or a decade-old property like W Singapore – Sentosa Cove.

Ranim Ben Romdhane, general manager of The Singapore Edition, highlighted how the design of the hotel incorporated sustainable features from the outset. Aside from the harvesting of rainwater for plant irrigation to energy-efficient room systems, chef uniforms are also made from recycled plastic bottles.

“We also build partnerships, such as the one we have with chef Josh Niland, who has built his reputation around sustainable seafood. Our restaurant receives fish as a whole, and our team processes it and uses every part (95 per cent of the fish except the gallbladder),” he elaborated.

The Singapore Edition also boasts an Edition Lab, a space in the hotel’s underbelly which the F&B team uses, for example, to explore how the pulp of carrots can be used to make gin or carrot soda, to create new tipples for its zero-waste bar.

He added: “Technology can also help us run a more sustainable operation. We do not have a large breakfast buffet, we have a breakfast table (with a smaller selection), and we use technology to capture guest preferences, what dishes or items they are looking for.”

Meanwhile, Christian Metzner, general manager of W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, emphasised the importance of creating a clear roadmap for integrating sustainability into operations, and being receptive and learning from other hotels across the Marriott portfolio.

Metzner elaborated: “There are so many stakeholders and partners, we can’t just change everything in one day. What I’ve learnt is to focus on the low-hanging fruits, such as the procurement of our coffee beans (from sustainable sources), and the removal of single-use plastics across the hotel. Other changes include the replacement of more efficient chillers, but this is not something you can do overnight.

“Next year, fingers crossed, we will be going to change all our guestrooms. After this, we will work on water filtration and so on. We’re also exploring solar and wind energy.”

Similarly, Metzner has also established sustainable partnerships with One Marina, as well as the Sentosa Development Corporation.

Accommodation safety – The missing piece of a travel risk management plan

By Industry Expert

January 2, 2024

As the festive period high slowly wears off, organisations must plan their business travels for the rest of the year. With accommodation options offering discounted fares, promotions and deals to sell as many stays, it is not surprising that January is usually reported to be the busiest month for travel bookings.

However, organisations should not just look at the financial side, but also consider the safety and security of the accommodation options for their business travellers.

For a start, four in 10 travellers worry about hotel staff inadvertently giving their room key or their confidential information to strangers, and disruptions caused by the actions of other guests.

Hence, how can organisations ensure the safety and security of their business travellers when selecting accommodation options in their business travel policies?

What are the accommodation risks that business travellers may face?
Having their confidential information shared with strangers and disruptions caused by other guests are some of the risks that are associated with the accommodation options of business travellers. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg in the accommodation risks that they may face. Here are some other risks.

Poor air quality: Airborne diseases can easily spread and infect business travellers if their accommodation options are not well-cleaned or have poor ventilation systems. This can lead to illnesses such as influenza, Covid-19, tuberculosis and pneumonia.

Criminal activity: Accommodation providers must continue to balance convenience, customer service and ensuring a proper duty of care to their guests in ensuring their safety and security during their stay. Proper lift and room access control measures, surveillance systems and vigilant staff play a critical role in keeping guests in an accommodation safe from malicious actors and deterring criminal activity from occurring in the premises.

Geopolitical and environmental risks: Civil unrest, lone wolf attacks and extreme weather events are getting more frequent and dangerous, endangering the safety and security of travellers. Accommodation options must have appropriate measures to protect its guests from direct threats and indirect secondary effects from an incident. Having robust checking mechanisms for IED (improvised explosive devices) for locations which have terror-related incident threats is key while the property must possess critical backup systems to deal with inclement weather, power outages and flooding in the vicinity.

What should organisations do then?
Organisations can take steps to offer safer and more secure business travels through accommodation evaluation, making use of real-time intel and accommodating individual traveller profiles.

Accommodation evaluation: Accommodations require more than just standard security measures; a one-size-fits-all approach is often insufficient. Instead, a layered security strategy should be adopted, considering factors like the location’s risk level and the threat environment in the vicinity. For high-risk locations, it is recommended for organisations to carry out regular physical assessments of the accommodation to ensure the security measures are adequate in overcoming the threats in its immediate vicinity. The risk landscape of the accommodation should be assessed regularly in conjunction with an expert.

Making use of real-time intel: Organisations need to integrate up-to-date location-specific information into their travel risk management plans. Through dynamic itinerary tracking, organisations can check in with their business travellers if they require assistance, identify the exposure of crisis that they may be facing and communicate with them to facilitate repatriation services if needed.

Individual traveller profiles: Organisations need to evaluate the gender, religion, and health vulnerabilities of their business travellers, and whether the accommodation option is suitable for them. The proximity to medical facilities with an appropriate level of care for the traveller’s health conditions is as essential as having appropriate security measures in an accommodation for a solo female traveller.

How will organisations know if their business travel policies are sufficient?
Organisations can make use of the ISO 31030. It is an internationally recognised guideline, to provide a structured approach to the development, implementation, and evaluation of business travel policies in a continuous improvement cycle.

Leveraging ISO 31030’s best practices as a foundation is a good starting point, but establishing an effective business travel policy in conjunction with the organisation’s risk appetite and profile demands substantial time and effort. By gaining a deeper understanding of the risks faced by business travellers and identifying proactive measures, organisations can take proactive steps to enhance the safety of their business travel journey and ensure the effective execution of an employer’s duty of care obligations.

Bala Selvam is a regional security manager at International SOS.

Amari SPICE Penang

By S Puvaneswary

January 2, 2024

Amari SPICE Penang

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Rooms
I was thoroughly impressed with the design of my premier twin room on the 22nd floor – an expansive haven that perfectly catered to the needs of a business traveller like myself. The room’s thoughtful layout and generous space provided an ideal environment for both work and relaxation.

The high-speed Internet was a game-changer, ensuring seamless communication and allowing me to meet article deadlines during my stay effortlessly. The bright lights in the room created a conducive atmosphere for late-night work sessions, enhancing productivity.

When it came to rest, the mattress surpassed expectations in terms of softness and comfort, leading to numerous restful nights. It was a welcome retreat after long hours of focused work.

The bathroom amenities under the Breeze Spa label were a delightful touch. The sweet fragrance of the shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel added a luxurious feel to my daily routine.

MICE facilities
This 453-key property is the largest business hotel on the island. It has a 240m2 pillarless ballroom complemented with a spacious pre-function space and six function rooms good for small- to medium-size meetings and events.

All event spaces are located on the fourth floor and equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and facilities. Adjacent to these spaces is the all-day dining restaurant called Amaya Food Gallery which can fit up to 350 people. The restaurant extends to a charming open-air terrace, beautifully manicured and accommodating an additional 100 people for al-fresco dining.

Delegates who drive to the hotel get to enjoy secure basement parking with direct elevator access to the ballrooms and function room floors.

The lobby area is expansive, and with advance notice from the event organiser, hotel personnel can efficiently arrange for a dedicated check-in desk tailored to corporate groups. This thoughtful service ensures a seamless check-in process without compromising the overall walk space in the lobby.

Aside from its event spaces, Amari SPICE Penang offers convenient connectivity to the Setia SPICE Convention Centre. Guests can easily access the convention centre through an indoor walkway on the ground floor or an outdoor garden on the fourth floor.

Other facilities
Recreational facilities include a well-equipped 24-hour gym, spa, separate swimming pools for adults and children, and an outdoor roof garden complete with a playground for children and a jogging track.

Amaya Food Gallery is the signature all-day dining restaurant which offers east-meets-west international cuisines, popular local cuisine and Thai-infused selections in an interactive street market-inspired setting with live kitchens. Within the Amaya is The Cellar, a private dining wine room for up to 12 persons.

Located adjacent to Amaya Food Gallery, is the Amaya Bar, set in a tropical tropical landscaped oasis with soothing water walls.

There is also Cascade, a chic and cosy lobby lounge by day with light meals and afternoon teas for casual meetings. At night, Cascade transforms into a stylish bar lounge with an extensive selection of the world of wines.

Located by the swimming pool deck, Aqua Bar offers refreshing cold-pressed juices, blended smoothies, cocktails and light bites perfect for an after-swim snacking or lounging by the pool.

Service
The operations staff were efficient and prompt, but what stood out was their consistently cheerful demeanour. Their positive energy added a personal and uplifting touch to every aspect of my stay, making it an unforgettable experience.

Verdict
Beyond its strategic location to Setia SPICE Convention Centre, Amari SPICE Hotel ensures an exceptional experience through meticulous attention to detail. The personalised service and warm hospitality of the staff add an extra layer of comfort, making guests feel not just accommodated, but truly cared for.

No. of rooms 453
Contact details
https://www.amari.com/penang

Harbour 220 reopens as Sydney’s newest rooftop venue

By TTGmice

January 2, 2024

Harbour 220, an event space on the 15^th floor of 131 Macquarie Street in Sydney, has reopened after an extensive renovation.

Harbour 220 features a 220-degree view of Sydney Harbour and is suitable for corporate events and social gatherings in the heart of the CBD. In total, the venue can accommodate 140 guests for sit-down gala dinners and up to 200 for cocktail parties.

Harbour 220

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Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space with natural light, allowing the beauty of Sydney to be on display for corporate conference guests during the day. The venue can be easily transformed in the evenings for gala dinners and cocktail parties with an outdoor balcony offering views over the lit-up city.

A standout feature of Harbour 220 is its two private terraces, providing additional space for guests to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Exclusive catering services will be provided by Laissez-faire Catering, which offers a range of catering options, from formal dinners to exquisite cocktail parties.

Nights to remember

By TTGmice

January 1, 2024

2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar

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Event brief
Around 10,000 top Amway China performers were treated to an extensive programme of events and excursions which rewarded exceptional performance and elevated brand allegiance. The massive delegation was flown to New Zealand in 12 waves over two months from October 9 to December 5, 2023, visiting Auckland and Queenstown for five days.

Encore Event Technologies produced sessions and the gala night for the 2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar, while the Auckland Convention Group and Queenstown Convention Bureau managed both the pre-event activities and local tourist attractions.

This bid win saw visitors filling 20,000 hotel nights in Queenstown and Auckland, funnelling an estimated NZ$40 million (US$25 million) into the economy.

Event highlights
Encore dedicated its heavyweight creative, production and technology expertise to deliver a brand-defining set of moments that matter. These included leadership sessions, cocktail receptions and 15 gala dinners with main show performances – embracing the organisation’s values and the best of New Zealand.

The highlight of the event was the stunning final gala night dinner which was staged 15 times for groups of approximately 600 per event. Held at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland and Queenstown Ice Arena, the galas – which took a year to plan – treated guests to a spectacular night full of technological wizardry and heart-pumping entertainment.

A wide range of innovative technologies were used with panoramic scenes of New Zealand’s natural wonders played across a 3D-mapped 180-degree projection screen via 80 table projectors. Snow machines, special effects and multi-sensory interactive displays of earth, water, fire and air also dazzled guests. In total, more than 600 hours of custom motion design content were created across the two locations.

During the meal service, the room underwent a dramatic transformation with lava projections oozing over the stage, creating an impressive backdrop for performers, Strings of Fire, who combined pyrotechnics and acrobatic stunts to music setting the stage ablaze.

Entertainment included trio JGEEKS who combined traditional Māori moves with modern dance techniques and humour, C-Pop singer Laurence Larson, and multimedia performers Vosper Tron. Throughout the evening, care was taken to ensure the performances and scenography intertwined to reinforce Amway values of harmony, wonder and partnership.

Challenges
Undertaking 15 gala shows for around 600 people at one time was no easy feat. Requiring around 12 months of planning, the massive events took up more than 6,000 work hours to put up 155m² LED screens, 15 20K projectors, 80 table projectors, eight curved screen projectors, four floor projectors, six semi-trailers hauling equipment, and an ice rink.

Held at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland and Queenstown Ice Arena the galas, Encore was determined to bring the wow factor to the events using L-Acoustics L2D Loudspeakers as a key component. Encore is the only company in Asia Pacific to have used the new speakers outside of the global pilot programme.

“These aren’t your everyday speakers, they’re arguably one of the finest on the market,” said Encore’s director of innovation and technology, Daniel Lourenco. “We flew the speakers in from France, which was no easy feat, however, it was worth it to produce something incredible. These speakers reduce the amount of set up time and give greater horizontal dispersion at the front of the stage resulting in a sound quality that gives you goosebumps.”

“We haven’t done anything along this type of volume before,” said Andrew Priddle, Encore’s national head of production. “Logistically it’s been the biggest undertaking for us, and the sheer amount of rigging was a real challenge at times and ultimately a true accomplishment.”

The result of this was that delegates in Queenstown were treated to an incredible display on ice complete with a 3D-mapped “ice mountain”. Skater performers also wore 3D tracking beacons all driven by Disguise software – a real-time 3D simulator and media server that integrates traditional lighting fixtures, LED screens and projection surfaces.

“We used real-time generated tracking content using Notch and Zactrack automated follow-system, for video and lighting tracking of five skaters simultaneously. You’d see skaters followed by a visual trail of butterflies or fish which was stunning,” explained Priddle.

Scott Nodsle, Encore’s managing director of Asia Pacific, added: “Events can be a catalyst for change, whether it’s inspiring new ideas, fostering meaningful connections, or driving positive transformation within an organisation. Rewarding high performers beyond cash bonuses with an experience is invaluable. Colleagues having the time of their life with like minds is a proven motivator that enriches brand allegiance and we’re thrilled that this seminar was such a memorable success.”

Event 2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar
Organiser Encore Event Technologies, Auckland Convention Group, Queenstown Convention Bureau
Venue Gala nights – Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland, Queenstown Ice Arena
Dates October 9, 2023, to December 5, 2023
Attendance 10,000

IEG Asia acquires Montgomery Asia F&B Events

By TTGmice

December 26, 2023

The Italian Exhibition Group Asia has recently acquired the F&B titles – the Speciality Food & Drinks Asia, Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia and Food2Go – from Montgomery Asia.

Slated to take place from June 26-28, 2024, at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore, these three event titles will be co-located alongside the inaugural edition of SIGEP Asia, the International Trade Show of Artisan Gelato, Pastry, Bakery, Coffee & Tea, held in conjunction with the 5th Restaurant Asia, the International Restaurant, Kitchen and Culinary Equipment & Supplies Exhibition.

IEG stated in a release that “these consolidated events promise a highly-specialised trade event catering to the needs of the F&B sector”, and attendees can expect to hear the latest trends and innovations, as well as network through receptions, conferences & seminars, masterclasses, and demonstrations on the showfloor.

Corrado Peraboni, CEO of IEG, commented on the recent acquisition: “This move marks another significant advancement for our Group on the global front. Over the past few years, we have deepened our commitment to organising B2B events in fields which we are notably strong, with a particular focus on the growing F&B sector.

“The events we hold in Singapore are strategically positioned within this key business hub in Asia, offering access to vital markets that are crucial for the growth of the food sector. This positioning greatly enhances the value of our IEG fairs, bolstered by the extensive network of companies and operators we have incorporated through this acquisition.”