Sabre has appointed Samual Machado as managing director, who will be based in Mumbai and will oversee Sabre’s agency business across India and South Asia.
With a wealth of technology experience and a proven record of success across the travel ecosystem, Machado previously joined Sabre Hospitality Solutions in 2011 as head of account management in India, progressing through varied roles before moving to Singapore to drive sales for the Asia-Pacific region.
He was most recently the senior vice president, business development, travel & hospitality (APAC), at Teleperformance, a global digital business services company.
FCM Travel India will host their first FCM Corporate Travel Summit
FCM Travel India will host its first FCM Corporate Travel Summit in India, powered by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), on February 27, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt, BKC Mumbai.
This exclusive partnership with FCM brings GBTA’s presence back to India after seven years.
FCM Travel India will host their first FCM Corporate Travel Summit
The lineup of panellists and speakers will share on the latest travel trends, technology, meetings and events, and sustainability, where topics include the Evolution of Travel: Embracing Technology for Tomorrow’s Traveler, and Resurgence of Meetings & Events: Rediscovering the Power of Bringing People Together.
“Business travel in India is expected to reach US$49.5 billion in 2027 and the industry will witness some exciting developments…” said Sunny Sodhi, managing director of FCM India.
“Our mission has always been to bring the many voices of global business travel together to promote community and learning. APAC is a key market for GBTA, and we are delighted to support FCM on this event which will enable leaders in the market to reconnect, learn, and inspire one another to move the industry forward collectively,” Catherine Logan, regional senior vice president – EMEA and APAC, GBTA.
The by-invitation-only event also features Hyatt India Hotels, Amadeus, and Singapore Airlines as sponsors.
The tradeshow participation signifies shift in how the Beijing government views business events as a contributor to the economy
The Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau (BMCTB) has invited Beijing’s business events players to register for, and participate in, four key European and US tradeshows in 2024.
The announcement was made in 4Q2023 to members of the bureau’s WeChat group, comprising hotels, DMCs, venues and related service providers.
The tradeshow participation signifies a shift in how the Beijing government views business events as a contributor to the economy; Beijing pictured
Based on industry feedback, BMCTB has picked IMEX Frankfurt, May 14-16; IMEX America, October 8-10 in Las Vegas; IBTM World November 19-21 in Barcelona; and ICCA Congress October 20-23 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Industry veteran Liu Ping, founder and CEO, China Star, has confirmed she will be participating in the four tradeshows in the BMCTB-sponsored booth and expects more than 10 exhibitors, including several state-owned business events-related companies, to sign up.
Liu noted: “Beijing is the political centre and the sending of government officials to these events shows the international community the change in the government’s attitude.”
She added there is recognition at the government level that business events can help the Chinese economy and attract investment.
SITE China Chapter’s immediate-past president Violet Wang, based in Shanghai, commented China’s attitude towards business events is “very open and welcoming” and welcomed the lead Beijing was taking.
However, as municipalities are multi-layered, Wang said it will take time for the government to know and understand the international business events market. Meanwhile, the private sector could play a more active role when promoting China overseas.
Wang continued: “(BMCTB’s move) is a good sign but the government still has to evaluate the ROI and challenges to determine if what they are doing is the right strategy.”
Lisa Xu, managing director of East Star Event Management, the new SITE China Chapter president, based in Shanghai, added: “There are language barriers, cultural differences, as well as government compliance and protocols, that can weaken a bureau’s participation and exposure in international tradeshows and association events.
“Chinese MICE is young and growing fast, sometimes too fast for international marketing, and the strategy, representation structure and ROI of international destination marketing is being constantly evaluated and adjusted.”
From left: Gryphon Production’s Wilson Teoh; Penang state exco for tourism and creative economy’s Wong Hon Wai; and PCEB's Ashwin Gunasekeran at the recent media event in Kuala Lumpur
The Northern Audio & Visual Show in Penang is gearing up to make its mark on the international stage this coming April with its second edition.
In tandem with its global expansion, the event has undergone a slight name modification, and is now known as the Northern International Audio & Visual Show to better encapsulate its newfound international dimension. It will also be an annual event moving forward.
From left: Gryphon Production’s Wilson Teoh; Penang state exco for tourism and creative economy’s Wong Hon Wai; and PCEB’s Ashwin Gunasekeran at the recent media event in Kuala Lumpur
Organised by Gryphon Production and supported by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), this B2B2C exhibition covers various aspects of audio and visual experiences. This year’s edition will feature 25 exhibits encompassing home theatre systems, portable music equipment for high-quality tunes on the go, and a car audio show.
This year’s event will take place at Amari SPICE Penang, from April 26-28, and aside from the domestic market, exhibitors from South-east Asia and the US are expected to feature.
PCEB’s CEO, Ashwin Gunasekeran, said at a recent press conference in Kuala Lumpur, that the bureau is focused on attracting more B2B exhibitions and expanding the industry’s scale and scope.
“We aim to create a robust platform that not only showcases the latest advancements in various industries, but also attracts a diverse range of participants, thus fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange and economic growth within the region,” he stated.
Moreover, with the anticipated opening of the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre in 1Q2025, the new convention centre will be able to handle a wider range of events from large-scale exhibitions to conferences.
From left: Gryphon Production’s Wilson Teoh; Penang state exco for tourism and creative economy’s Wong Hon Wai; and PCEB’s Ashwin Gunasekeran at the recent media event in Kuala Lumpur
CBTA aims to propel China's business travel industry forward
On January 5, 2024, the China Tourism Association (CTA) announced the inauguration of the China Business Travel Association (CBTA) under the CTA.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Empark Grand Hotel Beijing, where nearly 100 people, including leaders from the CTA Secretariat, director and member unit representatives of the CBTA and industry, were in attendance. Xiaoyin She, deputy secretary-general of the CTA, chaired the meeting.
CBTA aims to propel China’s business travel industry forward
As a non-profit industry association focused on China’s business travel sector, CBTA will promote business travel growth by hosting both online and offline forums and sessions to standardise understanding and practices in business travel services.
Charlie Li, CEO of TravelDaily China, has been appointed as director of CBTA.
Initiated by TravelDaily China (the parent company of China Travel News), the CBTA’s founding members include industry players such as CWT China, Trip.biz, Zhejiang Geely Business Travel Services, China Air Service, Yiqifei.com, Shanghai Jinjiang International Hotels, and Hainan Airlines.
The global business travel market is rebounding significantly and GBTA predicts the industry will surpass its pre-pandemic spending level of US$1.4 trillion this year. China is expected to recover back to being the number one business travel market in the world, and its spending in 2024 is projected to rise to more than US$406 billion.
In a rapidly digitalising world, the business travel industry’s growth is vital for promoting commercial exchanges and cooperation across sectors. Approved for establishment on November 3, 2023, the CBTA is a testament to CTA’s commitment to propelling the industry forward.
Two former China heads of pioneering Asian global DMCs are helming new entities, one forming a strategic partnership with a state-owned enterprise (SOE), while the other is pushing boundaries to reach far-flung destinations.
Shanghai-based Violet Wang was China head before Pacific World ceased operations globally in November 2020 and is now managing director of Realm.
From left: Violet Wang; and Linda Wang
Violet Wang told TTGmice that Realm is strong in the English-, French- and German-speaking markets, and is currently working on a partnership with a large SOE in the service industry where both companies can leverage each other’s capabilities.
Violet Wang, who started planning roadshows at the start of 2023, commented: “Realm is growing fast, focusing on industries such as finance, technology and automotive and international events – with between 200 and 400 participants, where around 40 per cent were from overseas – began returning in May last year.
“Realm is growing 2024 on a good base having started earlier than others in different markets to pitch for inbound business and the outlook this year is a 10 to 20 per cent increase.”
Beijing-based Linda Wang, founder and owner, Asia Concierge, who was China head of Destination Asia, has been scoring success with business delegations from Latin America, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico.
Linda Wang added incentives made up around 85 per cent of business in 2023 and with sales offices in Bangkok, Sydney, Japan, the US and UK, Asia Concierge was well represented at international trade shows over the last few years.
“Airfares in the first 11 months of 2023 were very, very high. But carriers such as Delta Air Lines and Air China have increased flights and prices have moderated. It is much cheaper to fly to Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an.”
Travelport will deliver a range of travel content and technology tools
Travelport has been chosen as the preferred Global Distribution System (GDS) partner by One Global Travel, an international network of independent TMCs established by World Travel Inc. and Clarity Business Travel Management.
Through the Travelport+ platform, One Global TMCs will gain access to retail-ready content and advanced search, shopping, and servicing features.
Additionally, Travelport will offer One Global TMCs its complete New Distribution Capability (NDC) solution. This solution enables agents and travel managers to effortlessly compare offers and manage NDC bookings for their travellers.
Paul Broughton, director of business development, EMEA and APAC at Travelport, emphasised the changing landscape of business travel and the need for quick, easy, and more controlled booking and management.
He added: “Our partnership with One Global will propel modern retailing in the corporate travel sector, offering TMCs, their clients, and business travellers greater personalisation, convenience, and truly modern experiences.”
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.
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.
He was most recently the senior vice president, business development, travel & hospitality (APAC), at Teleperformance, a global digital business services company.
