The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has appointed Gloria Guevara as president and CEO. She returns to the role she previously held from 2017 to 2021.
In her new term, Guevara will lead WTTC’s work with members globally, with a focus on advocacy, member engagement and sector development.
Guevara has more than 30 years of experience across government and the public and private sectors. Her previous roles include secretary of tourism in Mexico, chief special adviser to the Saudi Arabia minister of tourism, special adviser on government affairs at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, and board positions at AMEX Global Business Travel, HSBC Mexico, Playa Hotels and Resorts and Palace Company. She also played a role in coordinating public and private sector efforts during the Covid pandemic.
1. Lindt Home of Chocolate Aside from a Chocolate Museum that offers tours that last around 1.5 hours, this attraction features two main event spaces: Auditorium (Ground Floor) and Lounge (Third Floor), where each can hold up to 100 people.
For a memorable incentive activity, consider the Chocolate Figures & Pralines course. Held in the Chocolateria (Third Floor), this hands-on workshop can accommodate 60 people every 75 minutes. Participants will get to pour chocolate into a bear mould, and decorate custom pralines with nuts and dried fruit.
2. Mount Titlis Located about 1.5 hours from Zurich, Mount Titlis is able to deliver unparalleled experiences for corporate groups. Delegates can engage in winter teambuilding challenges, race each other on snowtubes, ride on electric snowmobiles at SnowXpark on Trübsee, or traverse the suspended Titlis Cliff Walk – Europe’s highest suspension bridge.
Opening end May 2026 is the Titlis Tower, a cross-shaped steel landmark at 3,000 metres above sea level. When fully open, the Tower will feature a viewing platform, an exhibition/event space, as well as a restaurant and lounge offering casual fine dining for 120 pax.
3. Christmas Markets Zurich Tourism provides event planners with the exclusive opportunity to arrange private bookings for select Christmas Markets, before the market’s official opening hours during the winter season. For example, the restaurant within the popular Christmas Village at Sechseläutenplatz (in front of the Opera House) can seat a maximum of 500 guests for a private brunch event, while also accommodating smaller groups of 20 or more during its standard operating times.
4. The “Churchill” Red Arrow This historic two-carriage mobile venue can be privatised for up to 96 people, seated at comfortable tables of four. The train is also equipped with a built-in kitchen and bar, allowing for culinary experiences – from aperitifs to full-course meals – to be provided throughout the ride that typically comes with amazing landscape views. Journeys normally start from Zurich, though it is possible to enquire about other starting points, such as Lausanne.
5. Uto Kulm This 54-key property perched atop Zurich’s Uetliberg mountain offers comprehensive facilities for corporate groups, including several restaurants, numerous meeting spaces, and a viewing tower. A standout venue is the Winter Garden, a light-flooded glass pavilion that accommodates up to 100 guests while offering panoramic views of Zurich and its lake.
Additionally, the car-free hotel grounds are ideal for various teambuilding activities, ranging from wooden cart-building workshops and Farmer’s Olympics to seasonal curling and art sessions.
6. Bachlihof Jona A counterpoint to more formal spaces, this adventure farm in Rapperswil-Jona, just outside Zurich, specialises in in experiential events built around the seasons. There are two farm buildings: Schopf can hold up to 150 theatre-style, while Heugade can hold up to 200 theatre-style.
Groups can also engage in rustic, hands-on teambuilding activities such as launching a rubber chicken with a catapult accurately into a frying pan, throwing horseshoes at a target, or test their dexterity during a challenge where a golf ball must be titled and shifted on a wooden board to drop through the hole that offers the most points.
Minor Hotels has appointed Karim von Alvensleben as general manager of Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane, ahead of the hotel’s opening in 2Q2026.
Von Alvensleben brings experience in hotel pre-openings and operations, having held senior leadership roles with Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton, Wynn, Regent, One&Only and Six Senses.
In his new role, he will oversee the pre-opening and launch of the 197-room Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane, with responsibility for operations, team development and brand positioning in the Lao capital.
Sarawak’s business events sector reached a historic milestone in 2025, driven by the Tribe Legacy Sarawak campaign.
In FY2025, Sarawak secured 160 business events, achieving 115 per cent of its annual target. These secured events, scheduled between 2025 and 2030, are projected to generate a total economic impact of RM483.5 million (US$119.2 million).
BESarawak team and board members
Projected direct delegate expenditure stands at RM262.8 million, generating RM29 million in tax revenue across 177,453 delegate days. Sarawak also maintained a 100 per cent bid success rate from 2022, demonstrating sustained international confidence in Sarawak’s destination leadership and ecosystem readiness.
On the hosting front, Sarawak successfully delivered 159 business events in 2025, a 27 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The events generated RM491.4 million in total economic impact, including RM267 million in direct delegate expenditure. These events attracted 59,926 delegates, contributed RM29.5 million in tax revenue, and supported more than 38,000 jobs across the state.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, stated that the results have repositioned Sarawak from an overlooked destination to the “legacy capital” of business events in the region.
He added that as Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, the sector is entering the final phase of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
The next five years will focus on deepening data intelligence and digitalisation. Under the legacy initiative, 13 high-value international events have already been aligned with strategic sectors like hydrogen, the digital economy, and aerospace. Additionally, a pilot programme is currently measuring the social and community outcomes of 60 legacy-focused events to ensure sustainable value for the state.
Song: the hotel’s collaboration with BESarawak is centred on positioning Kuching as a future-ready destination for business events; Colosseum Grand Ballroom pictured
Pullman Kuching has completed a major refurbishment of its key event spaces, supporting the hotel’s plans to work more closely with Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) as demand for business events in the state capital is expected to grow in 2026.
Sunardi Song, general manager, Pullman Kuching, explained: “Working in tandem with BESarawak from the co-bidding stage, we will shape destination proposals with clear venue capabilities, tailored hospitality solutions, and curated site inspection experiences that build confidence in both scale and delivery.
Song: the hotel’s collaboration with BESarawak is centred on positioning Kuching as a future-ready destination for business events; Colosseum Grand Ballroom pictured
“Any direct MICE enquiry that comes to us is promptly escalated to BESarawak, ensuring a unified state-wide strategy that positions Sarawak as a single, compelling proposition.”
Central to Pullman Kuching’s refreshed offering is the newly-transformed Colosseum Grand Ballroom, now Sarawak’s largest pillarless ballroom, accommodating up to 2,800 guests, alongside flexible exhibition space for up to 30 booths.
This is supported by 13 purpose-built meeting rooms, hybrid-ready technology, and an accommodation inventory of 389 guestrooms.
“The hotel is designed to support complex, large-scale events with ease. Our transformation responds directly to the evolving expectations of modern meeting planners, where flexibility, reliability and experiential impact matter most,” Song said.
He added that corporate and group business is expected to remain a substantial share of the hotel’s revenue mix in 2026, supported by Sarawak’s broader business events pipeline.
The state has secured 150 events from 2025 to 2030, with an estimated economic impact of RM445 million (US$94.7 million), signalling long-term opportunities for Pullman Kuching and Pullman Miri Waterfront under the Interhill Hospitality portfolio.
Meanwhile, Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak, forecasted 2026 as a strong year, describing it as the “harvesting” phase of the Tribe Legacy Sarawak campaign launched in 2020.
Major events include the Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition 2026, an inaugural homegrown event taking place from January 26 to 29 and expected to attract 1,000 participants; 51st World Polymer Congress in July with an estimated 800 delegates; and 24th Asian Congress on Occupational Health 2026 in August with around 2,000 delegates.
As for source markets, Amelia said the strongest demand pipelines for 2026 are coming from Asia Pacific, particularly Singapore and Indonesia, as well as from Europe, where BESarawak participates with an independent pavilion at IMEX Frankfurt.
“We have also been receiving strong interest from China, hence we will be participating for the first time at the China International MICE Exchange in November,” she added.
A previous edition of Electrify Queenstown; photo by Will Nelson
The Electrify Queenstown summit returns this May, offering a comprehensive three-day programme dedicated to the practical and strategic transition to electric energy.
Running from May 17–19 at the Queenstown Events Centre, the event brings together industry leaders, technology innovators, and policymakers to explore the scalable solutions driving the electrification movement.
A previous edition of Electrify Queenstown; photo by Will Nelson
The 2026 lineup features high-profile speakers, including renewable energy advocate Saul Griffith, Xero founder Rod Drury, and Rewiring Aotearoa’s Mike Casey.
The summit is structured to provide value across various professional levels by integrating high-level strategy with practical application. It features sessions focused on finance, investment, and long-term energy policy for decision-makers and boards, alongside hands-on workshops designed for business owners and operators seeking immediate cost savings and efficiency gains. These insights are complemented by immersive, real-world demonstrations of e-mobility, solar integration, and smart-tech solutions for both commercial and residential use.
A highlight of the event is a moderated discussion on the future of the national energy system, providing attendees with direct insight into the policy frameworks that will shape New Zealand’s infrastructure.
For the first time, Electrify Queenstown 2026 will also introduce ticketing, including early-bird pricing, to ensure the event remains financially sustainable into the future. There are options to to attend individual days, events, or the full three-day programme.
WorldTravellers has an office in Penang; Georgetown, Penang pictured
Kuoni Tumlare has announced a strategic partnership with WorldTravellers (WT), one of Malaysia’s most established DMCs.
Effective as of December 2025, the partnership combines Kuoni Tumlare’s global network with WT’s 30-year local track record and team of 140 professionals.
WorldTravellers has an office in Penang; Georgetown, Penang pictured
Based in Kuala Lumpur with offices in Penang, Klang, and Cheras, WorldTravellers provides end-to-end event solutions including incentive tours, teambuilding, and exhibitions.
A key feature of the affiliation is WT’s specialised expertise in Muslim-friendly travel, offering tailored packages that include halal dining, prayer facilities, and inclusive accommodation options across Malaysia.
Soh Swee Kim, WT’s managing director, commented: “By combining Kuoni Tumlare’s global strength with WorldTravellers’ local expertise, we are set to take the meetings and events business in Malaysia to new heights, expanding our footprint and delivering unmatched value to clients.”
Marco Russi, chief operating officer destination offices & MICE Europe, Kuoni Tumlare, added: “This partnership with WorldTravellers is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional MICE experiences in Asia. By joining forces, we can offer our clients innovative solutions, local insights, and the highest standards of service in one of the region’s most dynamic markets.”
Global Exhibitions Day's logo has been refreshed for a new decade
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced that the 11th edition of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
This year’s campaign, themed Exhibitions drive opportunities, arrives alongside a refreshed, contemporary logo designed to reflect the industry’s future-facing evolution.
Global Exhibitions Day’s logo has been refreshed for a new decade
The 2026 theme emphasises three core pillars of impact: People, Planet, and Performance.
Exhibitions drive opportunities for People by fostering collective effort, expanding skills, and creating meaningful connections that support careers, communities, and global collaboration. They also drive opportunities for the Planet by accelerating sustainable solutions, showcasing green innovations, and advancing responsible practices that help industries reduce their environmental footprint.
Finally, exhibitions drive opportunities for Performance by powering business growth, opening new markets, and enabling companies of all sizes to thrive through direct customer engagement and real marketplace connections.
UFI president Panittha Buri highlighted the industry’s role as a critical driver of economic progress, calling on governments and policymakers to recognise exhibitions as proven contributors to long-term growth and competitiveness.
Professionals are encouraged to engage with the #GED2026 campaign by hosting local activities and utilising the official toolkit to showcase the industry’s influence on global trade.
The Bomun Tourist Complex is a fully integrated MICE cluster that comprises convention facilities, hotels, and attractions, serving as a one-stop destination for MICE visitors
The Bosun Tourist Complex is a fully integrated MICE cluster that comprises convention facilities, hotels and entertainment venues, serving as a one-stop destination for MICE visitors
For a meeting destination that offers just the right combination of accessibility, convenience, modern infrastructure, and unique cultural heritage, Gyeongju may just be the one.
The eastern coastal city in South Korea’s Gyeongsangbuk-do successfully hosted the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 Summit Meeting — a milestone for the historical city that was once the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom.
Rather than just a one-time event, hosting the APEC Summit set the stage for Gyeongju to make its mark on the world stage as an international meeting destination.
The city is building its long-term legacy in the MICE space. Whether it is large international conferences, association meetings or government-led events, it is well positioned to welcome events of all kinds from around Asia-Pacific.
The city has expanded its global network with policy makers, business leaders, and international organisations across the Asia-Pacific region.
Infrastructure upgrades
Following the successful hosting of the APEC Summit, Gyeongju has strengthened its conference infrastructure and operational expertise.
The 8,000km2 Bomun Tourist complex functions as a fully integrated, one-stop MICE cluster, that comprises a wide range of accommodation, unique venues and entertainment attractions such as an amusement park, water parks, botanical garden, golf clubs and various museums.
HICO’s design was inspired by the Silla Kingdom – a representation of the city’s cultural heritage
It also houses convention facilities including the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO), the main meeting site for the APEC 2025 Summit and the Gyeongju Expo Grand Park.
Around Gyeongju, other venues including Bulguksa Temple, a historic Buddhist site and Hwangnyongwon have been upgraded to facilitate visits and events.
Support system for international events
Building on its legacy as a world-class summit host, Gyeongju has established a sophisticated one-stop support framework designed to provide international planners with a seamless, high-impact experience.
Behind this system is the Gyeongju Convention Bureau (CVB).
It also provides an end-to-end ecosystem that includes bid assistance and proposal development, venue coordination, on-site operational support, site inspections and familiarisation tours, as well as serves as a liaison with its network of local hotels and transport providers.
As the city gears up towards attracting mid- to large-scale international meetings, Gyeongju places a heavy emphasis on reliability and planner-friendly logistics, even offering ESG-oriented support for organisations prioritising sustainable MICE practices.
The result is a destination where efficiency and modern coordination meet cultural heritage, ensuring that every MICE visitor to Gyeongju meets their goals.
How is SCIB working with local players to grow international meetings and events? SCIB was the first national convention bureau to be established in Europe over 60 years ago, back in 1964. Today, we work closely with around 30 destination partners across Switzerland and coordinate meeting and incentive offers in collaboration with local suppliers.
Additional partners include transportation companies such as Swiss International Air Lines, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/STS) and Chauffeur Drive from Europcar, who enhance the value of our offers by ensuring seamless mobility. All our core partners have dedicated staff for meetings and incentives within their own convention bureaus.
What is SCIB doing to attract a larger number of international conferences and events? Our dedicated staff in 13 Switzerland Tourism offices across Europe, North America and Asia maintain direct contact with current and potential clients. This proximity allows us to understand their specific needs and match them with tailored solutions.
Switzerland’s reputation for excellence in innovation and technology, life sciences and finance gives us a significant advantage, where a substantial share of the international events we attract are closely tied to these sectors.
A key challenge for many destinations is overtourism in a few hotspots. How is SCIB actively working to disperse events and tours to a wider range of cities and regions beyond the traditional main hubs? To begin, Switzerland is not confronted with overtourism on the scale of some European cities like Venice or Barcelona. Our country is a premium destination with much smaller scales and sizes, and thus is not equipped to transport and accommodate large volumes of tourists. Beyond that, we are landlocked and lack any cruise ship ports, which are a significant driver of overtourism.
That said, we are proactively working to prevent potential future tensions between visitors and local communities.
Whether in the context of leisure travel or business events, our philosophy Travel Better is based upon five strategic fields of action: promoting year-round tourism, encouraging travel to lesser-known destinations, increasing the length of stay for a deeper experience, strengthening the integration of tourism into local communities, and preserving the quality of the visitor experience.
The SwissTourism4SDGs initiative is very interesting. What is the business events industry’s role in helping Switzerland achieve those goals? Sustainability plays an important role in all of Switzerland’s business events activities.
We have a dedicated programme, aptly named, Swisstainable. This initiative has a dual purpose: first, it helps Swiss tourism providers strengthen their efforts in the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development; second, it supports our clients in identifying providers who are committed to sustainability and improving their products and services accordingly.
We also maintain a dedicated landing page for sustainable business events. It features best practice examples, checklists, and a searchable database of Swisstainable-certified providers, allowing planners to design the most sustainable event possible according to their specific needs.
Additionally, we offer practical guidance for planning events that are align with each of the 17 UNSDGs.
What are the biggest opportunities and challenges for the Swiss business events industry over the next five years? The main challenge we currently face is the global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, which often results in shorter lead times and reduced planning visibility for organisers.
However, Switzerland’s flexibility, reliability, and premium service quality position it well to respond to these challenges and continue attracting high-calibre international events.
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
Behind the imposing, Brutalist concrete that defines Zurich’s Oerlikon district lies a surprising secret. While its exterior honours the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, stepping inside Mama Shelter reveals a vibrant, neon-soaked world that is a far cry from its rigid shell
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
Guevara has more than 30 years of experience across government and the public and private sectors. Her previous roles include secretary of tourism in Mexico, chief special adviser to the Saudi Arabia minister of tourism, special adviser on government affairs at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, and board positions at AMEX Global Business Travel, HSBC Mexico, Playa Hotels and Resorts and Palace Company. She also played a role in coordinating public and private sector efforts during the Covid pandemic.
In his new role, he will oversee the pre-opening and launch of the 197-room Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane, with responsibility for operations, team development and brand positioning in the Lao capital.
