Batam View Beach Resort in Indonesia is witnessing a shift in business post-lockdown, where meetings and events now make up more than half of its bookings. Before, leisure bookings used to dominate.
Anddy Fong, general manager of Batam View Beach Resort, told TTGmice: “The business events segment seems to be bigger and more active for our property and our Nongsa Sensation destination. We have seen several (big) events taking place here after the pandemic, like an annual dinner hosted by Excelitas Technologies Corporation and church camps.”
The resort has also welcomed its share of association meetings this year – the ARTDO International World Conference, which happened from August 26-29, attracted more than 200 delegates from 24 countries.
Next month, the Singapore Buddhist Fellowship will organise its 2023 Year End Sutta and Meditation Retreat with Ajahn Brahmali, from December 19-25, for 160 participants.
Fong sees the wave of meetings and events as an opportunity to intensify the property’s business development in this area, and to do more to attract association meetings.
“The way I see it, the landscape has changed and the opportunity is big for business events,” he said.
Batam View Beach Resort is ready for associations, opined Fong. There are nine indoor function rooms with capacity for 25 to 200 seats theatre-style, along with various outdoor venues that can accommodate 500 to 4,000 seats theatre-style.
“For large-scale meetings we can build air-conditioned tents, giving attendees a unique experience, just as we did for ARTDO International World Conference,” he added.
There are 212 guestrooms, allowing the resort to take in 400 delegates.
Should meetings come with even more attendees, Fong said he is ready to partner with neighbouring hotels in the Nongsa area to provide accommodation for all. Hotels in the area will offer 750 additional keys.
To achieve its meetings and events ambition, the resort will engage with more DMCs and meeting planners. It is also close to completing its renovation which will result in upgraded facilities. Meeting rooms on level five will welcome guests with a new look in December this year.
