Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 8th April 2026
Page 23

BCD and Delta target new heights with strategic partnership

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BCD customers will have access to all Delta fares, products, and services; Delta airplane pictured

BCD Travel has secured a multi-year strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines to streamline global corporate travel programmes.

The agreement ensures BCD clients maintain full access to Delta’s complete range of fares, products, and services across all booking channels.

BCD customers will have access to all Delta fares, products, and services; Delta airplane pictured

The collaboration focuses on technological integration to create a frictionless buying experience. This alignment extends across BCD’s proprietary platforms, including the TripSource management tool and the GetGoing T&E solution for SMEs, as well as third-party booking systems.

“Delta’s partnership with BCD reflects our shared commitment to supporting the corporate travel ecosystem,” said Bob Somers, senior vice president of global sales at Delta Air Lines, noting that the focus remains on helping companies navigate an evolving landscape with efficiency.

Rose Stratford, executive vice president of global supplier management & Delivery at BCD Travel, added that the deal represents a commitment to shaping the future of the industry through enhanced content and service. By deepening their technical and operational alignment, both companies aim to deliver a more cohesive experience for travellers and travel managers worldwide.

Terminal velocity

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Event brief
Launched in 2024, the annual Super Terminal Expo serves as a specialised platform for intermodal terminal design and development, with a primary focus on aviation hubs.

Central to its success is a foundation of government backing and strategic industry partnerships. By aligning with leading airports, airlines, and technology firms, the Expo leverages trusted networks to attract high-calibre exhibitors and speakers.

The 2025 edition saw a massive surge in engagement, with industry professional attendance growing by 95 per cent (from 1,964 to 3,830) and key buyer participation increasing by 80 per cent to 746.

Event highlights
The Expo operates on a “by the community, for the community” philosophy. Senior figures from across the logistics, aviation, and tech sectors co-create the agenda, ensuring sessions address real-world operational hurdles rather than generic industry trends.

The 2025 event expanded significantly from its inaugural year, growing from five to nine dedicated forums. High-value enhancements included closed-door roundtables for peer-to-peer problem-solving and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of airside operations and cargo facilities at Hong Kong International Airport. This “startup agility” paired with “established industry DNA” transformed the event from a traditional trade showcase into a collaborative platform for actionable outcomes.

Curation sat at the heart of the strategy. A Informa Markets spokesperson shared how the company implemented a rigorous vetting process for all participants, enforcing a strict “no sales pitch” policy for speakers. Priority was given to C-suite and director-level practitioners who provided data-driven case studies over promotional content. Similarly, the exhibition floor was actively vetted to ensure all technology and services directly addressed the specific needs identified during pre-event research.

Challenges
The primary hurdle was the diverse, and often competing, priorities of stakeholders. While airport CEOs sought operational efficiency, cargo chiefs were focused on supply chain digitalisation. To prevent the event from feeling fragmented, organisers moved away from a one-size-fits-all approach.

The team built the event from the ground up using a research-led content strategy. By segmenting marketing efforts and focusing on measurable ROI for each specific attendee profile, they ensured that despite the diversity of the audience, every participant found a focused, high-value experience tailored to their sector.

Event Super Terminal Expo 2025
Organiser Informa Markets
Venue AsiaWorld-Expo
Dates November 4 to 6 2025
Attendees Around 4,000 delegates from 61 countries and regions

New opening Sheraton Kota Kinabalu to drive Sabah’s business events

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Standard King with Sea View

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has officially opened Sheraton Kota Kinabalu, a 307-room property occupying one of the tallest hotel towers in Borneo.

The hotel features 703m2 of grand ballroom space, complemented by four flexible meeting rooms and a dedicated events team. For outdoor or social functions, the pavilion offers a panoramic rooftop setting overlooking the South China Sea and Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

A rendering of the Standard King with Sea View room

Productivity-driven design is integrated throughout the property. The Communal Lobby features the Community Table, a tech-enabled workspace with integrated power and wireless charging for mobile working. Additionally, soundproof Booths are available on the fifth floor for private video calls or focused tasks.

For executive-level guests, the Sheraton Club Lounge provides 24/7 access to a private workspace and curated F&B services. Networking options extend to the Rooftop Bar, situated 100 meters above sea level, providing an elevated venue for corporate receptions and sunset gatherings.

Wellness and leisure facilities – including a rooftop infinity pool, fitness centre, and spa – round out the property’s offering.

Robin Mack to lead Tourism Australia as MD

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Tourism Australia has appointed Robin Mack as managing director. Mack brings almost 30 years of experience in the global travel and tourism sector, including more than a decade with Tourism Australia.

Most recently, he oversaw market strategy and operations across 16 international markets, alongside responsibility for commercial activity, distribution development and partnerships. He also led Business Events Australia, working closely with industry stakeholders to support demand.

His experience spans destination marketing, international trade relations and long-term demand planning, with a focus on priority growth markets in Asia.

Mack, commenting on his new role, said competition for high-value visitors was intensifying worldwide, making Tourism Australia’s role in driving demand through marketing, partnerships and industry engagement central to protecting and growing Australia’s share of the international travel market.

Zeeshan Ghazi joins UFI as sustainable development coordinator

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UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has appointed Zeeshan Ghazi as the association’s sustainable development coordinator.

In this role, Ghazi will advance and advocate for UFI’s global sustainability agenda by analysing key sustainable development trends and leading practices across the exhibition industry. He will contribute to the development of tools, frameworks, and guidance materials for members, coordinate UFI’s internal efforts toward the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, and engage with international stakeholders to promote sustainable practices across the global exhibition community.

He brings over a decade of international experience in sustainability analysis, ESG frameworks, and the implementation of sustainable infrastructure and resource-efficiency projects.

Before joining UFI, he worked as a senior associate at Moody’s ESG Solutions in Paris, specialising in EU Taxonomy and CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) alignment, and previously worked as an ESG Analyst at Vigeo.Eiris, Milan. Earlier in his career, Ghazi held roles with international NGOs and government agencies, leading renewable energy and water management initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Momentus Hotel Alexandra names new commercial director

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Momentus Hotel Alexandra has appointed Chantel Lim as director of commercial, with responsibility for sales, distribution and partnerships.

In the role, she will lead the hotel’s commercial strategy across corporate and leisure segments, focusing on account development, market expansion and revenue performance aligned with wider business objectives.

Lim has more than 20 years of experience in hospitality sales and business development across South-east Asia. Most recently, she held a senior commercial role at Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore, working across corporate and extended-stay segments. Her previous experience includes leadership roles with Hyatt, Pan Pacific Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa and InterContinental Hotels Group.

TCEB sets 20,000-ton carbon reduction target for Thailand’s MICE industry

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Capacity building on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for business events stakeholders

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has announced a five-year sustainability mission aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 20,000 TonCO₂e by 2030.

The 2030 target follows a period of rapid growth in local green initiatives. In the 2025 fiscal year, the Thai business events industry avoided 2,446 TonCO₂e across 232 events – a 313 per cent increase compared to the 780 tons recorded in 2024.

Capacity building on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for business events stakeholders

“Thailand is advancing sustainability from aspiration to achievement, turning long-term commitments into measurable impacts,” said Supawan Teerarat, president of TCEB.

“Integrating sustainability into every aspect of the MICE industry is both a responsibility and a strategic direction that strengthens Thailand’s competitiveness and reaffirms its position as a premier MICE destination, meeting the needs of businesses that prioritise sustainability.”

To reach the new targets, TCEB has updated its procurement policies, now requiring organisers to submit plans for carbon-neutral events. Organisers are required to calculate their event’s footprint and implement mitigation measures. TCEB also encourages offsetting any remaining emissions by sourcing carbon credits from domestic greenhouse gas reduction projects.

To assist event planners, TCEB is providing several tools and support systems. These include a carbon footprint avoidance calculator for event planners, the Zero Carbon application developed by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization) for tracking emission reductions; a comprehensive network of auditing and verifying bodies; and access to domestic carbon credit projects to facilitate effective offsetting.

By empowering organisers with these innovative tools and support systems, TCEB is not only making sustainable event management more accessible but also encouraging a culture of accountability and continuous improvement across the industry.

MCEC debuts 2026 menus

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MCEC’s new menu focuses on creative, locally-driven products

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has unveiled its 2026 culinary programme, introducing cocktails on tap as a first for the Australian convention industry.

The new offerings, developed in partnership with Straight Up Cocktails and Campari, allow for the consistent service of Aperol Spritzes, Spicy Margaritas, and Blood Orange Americanos at a large-scale event capacity.

MCEC’s new menu focuses on creative, locally-driven products

The 2026 menu strategy shifts away from traditional catering toward interactive dining experiences. New features include live-scooped gelato stations, bubble tea bars, and Hawker Lane Singapore noodle stations designed to encourage delegate movement and social interaction.

“We want to celebrate the city around us,” said executive sous chef of culinary development, Karl Edmonds. “Melbourne isn’t passive. It’s active, fast, social. Everything we’re doing with the 2026 menus leans into that.”

The culinary team has prioritised local Victorian sourcing, highlighting artisan producers such as Sher Wagyu and Lard Ass Dairy. In response to shifting consumer preferences, MCEC has also expanded its low- and no-alcohol selection to include sugar-free alternatives and canned mocktails.

The menu design integrates dietary requirements –including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options –directly into the primary offerings rather than treating them as secondary additions.

IMPACT Arena formalises sustainability strategy for event management

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IMPACT Arena was established in 1997 for the 13th Asian Games

IMPACT Exhibition Management Co. has announced a new strategic framework to integrate sustainability into its operations, moving toward a structured model for managing environmental and social impacts at Thailand’s largest event venues.

Recognising that large-scale events drive significant waste and emissions alongside economic growth, the company is now applying the ISO 20121 international standard for sustainable event management. This framework governs decision-making across environmental, social, and economic dimensions to ensure long-term value creation for stakeholders.

IMPACT Arena was established in 1997 for the 13th Asian Games

“Large-scale events bring both opportunities and responsibilities,” said Paul Kanjanapas, CEO of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co. “Our focus is on managing impacts in a structured way, so event activities continue to support economic development while addressing environmental and social considerations over the long term.”

Central to this strategy is the development of a Smart City Model for Muang Thong Thani. This initiative aims to modernise event-related infrastructure to improve resource efficiency and urban resilience.

Airport Dimensions expands SE Asia lounge footprint

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Blue Sky Premier Lounge at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

Airport Dimensions, owned by the Collinson Group, has expanded its South-east Asian presence through the opening of Blue Sky Premier Lounge at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, and upgrading of Rose Business Lounge at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

Developed in partnership with Blue Sky Group, the Blue Sky Premier Lounge opened on January 2, 2026, at Jakarta’s Terminal 1C. This 350m2 space serves up to 76 guests and is specifically designed to accommodate the high volume of domestic travellers using Citilink.

Blue Sky Premier Lounge at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

Beyond its modern seating and dedicated smoking and non-smoking areas, the lounge provides practical travel support including check-in and baggage assistance. The culinary programme features a mix of international dishes and local Indonesian specialties, complemented by an artisan coffee corner and cold-pressed juices.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the upgraded Rose Business Lounge, done in partnership with SASCO, debuted on December 23, 2025. The interior design draws heavily from Vietnamese heritage, utilising local materials like bamboo, rattan, and pottery to create a culturally rich environment for 129 guests.

The facility includes diverse functional zones such as private workspaces, a family corner, and a boutique bar. A standout feature is the live kitchen, which serves a signature Blue Rose Sticky Rice dish alongside a variety of Asian and Western cuisines.

Both lounges welcome passengers regardless of airline or ticket class. Travellers can enter using Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or by purchasing a walk-in day pass.

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