Bali plans tourist fee from 2024

July 25, 2023

The Bali regional government has raised a proposal to implement a fee of 150,000 rupiah (US$10) for international travellers entering the destination from next year, with levies being directed to cultural preservation and tourist infrastructure development.

The proposal was presented by Bali governor I Wayan Koster in parliament earlier this month.

Tourists throng Tirta Gangga, Bali (Photo by Dhini Oktavianti)

Elaborating on the plan, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, said the tourist fee was conceptualised to “maintain Bali’s nature, culture, and environment in a sustainable manner, ensuring that tourists can continue to enjoy Bali with a sense of security and comfort”.

While implementation details are still pending, the plan has attracted support from Bali tourism industry stakeholders.

Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana, chairman of the Bali Tourism Board, told TTG Asia that the tourist fee is common in other countries and tourism players are unanimous about wanting the collection to support quality tourism development through improved infrastructure, raise service quality through training, and to promote sustainable tourism experiences.

He stressed the importance of transparency in money utilisation and the establishment of smooth collection procedures to avoid delays at airports.

When asked if the tourist fee would dampen travel interest, Hatta Pradhana, spokesperson of Dwidaya Tour, said: “Bali is one of the best tourist destinations in the world, so we believe the fee will not significantly impact arrivals to Bali.”

He quipped that the fee is equivalent to A$14 – the price of two cups of coffee in Australia. Australia is currently Bali’s biggest source market.

In response to concerns about other Indonesian destinations potentially adopting similar levies and resulting in various tourist fees across the country, Sandiaga Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy, said the government would look into regional regulation.

Sandiaga added: “Bali can pioneer this initiative because it is a top destination. If other destinations (achieve the same level of tourism success), we can consider (the application of a tourist fee). However, any tourism levy must be based on (thorough studies).”

Top incentive ideas, part 1

By TTGmice

July 25, 2023

1. Prized tipples
Celebrate your top achievers with a night out at Jigger & Pony – Singapore’s top bar and Asia’s second best according to the 2022 Asia’s 50 Best Bars ranking.
Jigger & Pony has been around since 2012, growing its fan base steadily through the years with its festive atmosphere and never-ending creativity in cocktail craft.

Its new identity menu, launched in February 2023, builds on its strength in perfecting classic cocktails, as well as its promise to blaze even more impressive trails by besting itself.

As your top achievers savour refreshed classics like Pony Martini; familiar concoctions with a twist, such as Yuzu Whisky Sour; and crafts that draw on foreign influences, such as Korean Boilermaker and Soy Milk Punch, may they be inspired to push their own boundaries and aspire towards loftier goals just like the master craftsmen of Jigger & Pony.
• Capacity: Private parties are capped at 20 pax, with a minimum spend of S$2,000 (US$1,487) over a four-hour block
• jiggerandpony.com

2. Track down the elusive snow leopard
Just Nature Expeditions is known to offer some transformational wildlife experiences to remote lands, where this particular expedition takes incentive groups to trek the slopes of Ladakh in India in search of elusive snow leopards.

Tours run for a minimum of seven nights, and can be extended to 11 nights. The itinerary will cover two locations, Ulley and Rumbak, known for snow leopard sightings, as well as offer an opportunity to interact with locals during their homestay accommodations.
• Capacity: 10 pax
• justnature.travel

3. A dreamy stay
The Drovers Dream is an outback accommodation experience at Kings Creek Station (located between Uluru and Alice Springs), with all creature comforts built in. Each luxurious tent features a plush queen bed, an ensuite bathroom, split air-conditioning system, an outdoor deck with seating, a barbecue area, and a fire pit for cooler evenings.

Incentive winners can sit out on the porch and gaze out at the incredible rocky outcrop that is the George Gill Range, admire the glittering stars without any light pollution, and watch the sunrise in the morning over the otherworldly canyon views.

Activities in the area include day hikes at Watarrka National Park, such as the South Wall Return Walk. Once the sun sets, Light-Towers, an immersive sound and light installation by acclaimed British artist Bruce Munro at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon, comes alive.
• Capacity: 10 pax
• kingscreekstation.com.au

4. Meaningful gifting
If you are planning a travel reward trip to Singapore, be sure to start off the experience with a welcome gift pack that is a window to the city-state.
Fill it up with unique items crafted by Singapore artisans as well as home-grown brands that are trusted by generations.

Consider a refreshing face mist made of organic ingredients by Kew Organics; a charming accessory by Baju by Oniatta, a clothing line that reimagines batik for the modern wardrobe; a sweet treat with a twist – like chilli padi chocolate bonbons! – from local dessert queen, Janice Wong; or practical items sporting gorgeous designs by differently-abled artists at the Art Faculty social enterprise.
• visitsingapore.com/singapore-shopping

5. Take flight over the Southern Alps
Take to the skies with GCH Aviation and enjoy an epic aerial view of the Canterbury Plains. The gorgeous landscape looks like a vivid tapestry from up above, filled out with rolling green pastures, rugged stone formations, winding glacier rivers, and vast blue lakes, all of which are framed by the majestic Southern Alps. The experienced helicopter pilots will also point out points of interest, such as Castle Hill, a Narnia filming location featuring limestone boulder formations.

If weather permits, pilots will land on a snow-covered summit, if not, a landing may also be possible in the dramatic Waimakariri Gorge for more pictures.
• Capacity: 11 pax across two helicopters
• gchaviation.com/scenic-flights

6. Listen to your inner voice
Take your top achievers to Parihara Visual Art Therapy in Yogyakarta with the help of Werkudara Group, which offers a painting and music experience.

Guided by the founder Gabriela Fernandez, participants will explore and celebrate their inner feelings by first, listening to music and meditating. Once they are relaxed, the visual art therapy will start. Participants will be asked to express their feelings by drawing, letting their hands dance on the canvas to the rhythm of the music.

Groups can also learn more about each other and their paintings during a sharing at the end of the 180-minute session.
• Capacity: 200 pax
• werkudara.com

7. Dine under the stars
Instead of walls, the open-air Tali Wiru restaurant boasts commanding views of Uluru and the distant domes of Kata Tjuta in the background. Operating only between April and October every year, this intimate desert dining experience combines indigenous culture and fine gastronomic fare. Guests will be offered champagne and canapes upon arrival, as they gaze across the desert plains and take in the stunning sunset.

As the light fades, guests are led to the peak of a dune, where the indulgent four-course dinner begins. Dishes here are built around a non-indigenous main ingredient, where its flavours are uplifted and transformed by indigenous sauces and accompaniments, while the wines are sourced from all over Australia.

After dinner, a local storyteller will captivate guests with celestial creation stories, and point out various stars and markers in the sky like the Southern Cross. Hot chocolate and cognac are then offered around a roaring fire pit, and indigenous hunting implements and weapons are explained and passed around.
• Capacity: 20 pax
• ayersrockresort.com.au/experiences/tali-wiru

8. Hike an ancient pilgrimage route
An ancient Buddhist pilgrimage network dating back thousands of years and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site route in Japan, Kumano Kodo reveals aspects of traditional culture at every turn.

Incentive planners can choose from a luxury walking trip over several days or day trips that introduce breathtaking sights along the route such as the Nachi Waterfall and Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine. For example, Sydney-based agent Only Luxe offers a 3D2N private, guided Kumano Kodo luxury walking tour.
• Capacity: 12 pax
• info@onlyluxe.com.au

9. Learn the magic of Thai cooking
Cooking with Poo is a Thai cooking school in the heart of Bangkok’s Klong Toey district. The school is dedicated to teaching the secrets of Thailand’s world-renowned cuisine, with much of the proceeds going back into the local community.

Overseen by Saiyuud Diwong (aka Khun Poo), the classes – there is a different menu for every day of the week – have attracted the likes of Jamie Oliver to learn from the self-taught chef.

Before the cooking starts, participants will meet early to visit the local wet market to learn how to pick the best produce before heading to the school.
• Capacity: Groups of 12
• cookingwithpoo.com

10. Natural engagements
In the foothills of Mount Kinabalu this trip organised by Asian Trails to Sabah, Malaysia, offers a glimpse into the lives of the locals.

The itinerary will begin with a scenic hike, followed by a visit to a community lodge where guests will learn about the agricultural traditions of the ethnic Dusun people.

Delegates will also get to engage with local growers and makers, discover the traditional way of making coffee, learn about natural honey cultivation, taste local snacks at a pineapple factory, and give back by supporting the community’s cottage industries.
• Capacity: Any group size
• res@asiantrails.com.my

11.Luxury getaways
A curated luxury experience in Dubai is the perfect travel reward experience. Empirance is able to curate a range of unforgettable adventures to help groups discover Dubai in a fresh light.

For example, top achievers can marvel at stunning bird’s-eye views of Dubai’s skyscrapers from a helicopter and the region’s vast desert from a hot air balloon, and soak up the spectacular coastline from the comfort of a super yacht.
• Capacity: 10 pax
• uae@empirance.com

Brisbane hosts world’s largest HIV conference this week

By TTGmice

July 25, 2023

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) is playing host to more than 3,000 members of the international research community, who are in Brisbane this week to attend The International Aids Society Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2023).

The four-day conference (July 23-26) at the ASM Global-managed BCEC, presents a global focus for Australia’s and Queensland’s world-leading response to HIV.

Hosting the conference is seen as an accelerator for Australia to reach its goal of achieving the elimination of HIV transmission by 2025, as Australia’s rate of decline is among the best in the world.

IAS 2023 will also focus attention on the Asia-Pacific region as to the challenges and successes of the HIV response, focusing attention on the region’s most vulnerable people.

BCEC advocate, and conference chair, Charles Gilks, led the bid to secure the event together with ASHM (Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine) along with the BCEC team with strong support from the Queensland Government, through Queensland Health and Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Australia and Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

BCEC’s general manager, Kym Guesdon, said that this conference is one of the 28 international conventions set to take place during the 2023/24 Financial Year.

“BCEC actively collaborates with the scientific and medical community through its highly successful Convention Advocates Partnership. Our convention advocates, who include many eminent scientists and academics, provide us with a deep understanding of where Brisbane and Australia lead the world in critical ground-breaking scientific research.”

China to resume visa-free entry for Singapore, Brunei citizens

By TTGmice

July 24, 2023

China will resume 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Singapore and Brunei from July 26, after more than three years of the facility’s suspension due to the pandemic.

Citizens of Singapore and Brunei will be able to enter China visa-free come July 26; Beijing pictured

The facility is available to citizens of Singapore and Brunei with ordinary passports travelling for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, and in transit, according to notices put up by the Chinese Embassy in both countries.

This follows the removal of most zero-Covid measures in December.

The Philippines revives its incentives association

By Rosa Ocampo

July 24, 2023

MICECon_2024_SMX_Clark_3_640 — Clark Development Corp. (CDC) designates SMX Clark as the venue of MICECON 2024

The Philippines’ Movement of Incentive Travel Executives (MITE) will be reactivated this year, after years of being dormant.

Reviving MITE is a timely move as the confidence is there and the sector is growing, Mike Albaña, vice president and general manager of SMX Convention Center told TTGmice on the sidelines of the signing with Clark Development Corp. (CDC) designating SMX Clark as the venue of MICECON 2024.

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) designates SMX Clark as the venue of MICECON 2024

Albaña added that MITE will complement the Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS), which is the voice of the Philippines’ convention and exhibition sector.

He plans to gather various industry stakeholders including hotels, event venues and tour operators handling incentive trips to discuss the MITE’s initiatives moving forward.

Tourism Congress of the Philippines’ (TCP) president, Bob Zozobrado, opined that forming an organisation of incentive travel executives “makes sense” to cover more business events ground as the sector is so varied.

Business events is one of the departments under the Philippines’ Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), prompting stakeholders including Zozobrado, to clamour for a body to handle business events exclusively.

In 1976, the Philippine Convention Bureau, an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT), was in charge of business events until a reorganisation. It was renamed Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp. (PCVC) in 1987, before being reorganised again in 2009, and renamed TPB.

In its heyday, MITE actively worked side by side with the DOT and PCVC in holding educational programmes for the incentive travel, meetings and conference sector.

New Zealand’s business events industry set to meet in Marlborough

By TTGmice

July 24, 2023

Winery-lunch-at-Marlborough — Winery lunch at a vineyard in Marlborough

Registrations for Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s (BEIA) annual conference in Marlborough, which kicks off New Zealand’s inaugural Business Events Week on September 18, are open.

Themed Experience Extraordinary, the three-day conference will feature speakers, panel discussions and workshops, held at the ASB Theatre, Marlborough, and Marlborough Convention Centre in Blenheim.

Winery lunch at a vineyard in Marlborough

BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins, said: “Leading into Business Events Week, our conference is focused on elevating the discussion on the impact of business events – their impact on our economy, our society, our culture, and our environment.

“We are working to shine a light on our industry from a global perspective, looking at the data, and amplifying the legacies created by knowledge sharing and connecting at business events.

“We will be looking at how the industry continues to raise the bar given the pressures and opportunities we have in front of us. Our speakers will be challenging us all to rethink how we view the business events industry.”

International keynote speakers include Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), and Martin Sirk, a former CEO of ICCA and an expert on the social and economic impact of meetings, and the future evolution of the meetings industry.

New Zealand economist Cameron Bagrie will also be sharing his views on the economy, while leaders of New Zealand’s key tourism, hospitality, event and hotel industry associations will also be present for panel discussions and the latest sector updates.

Delegates will also be able to experience the region first-hand with an afternoon of activities including exploring the Marlborough Sounds by boat, wine tasting, nature walks and wildlife. Before and after the conference, delegates can experience the Coastal Pacific train between Christchurch and Blenheim. They can also add a stopover in Kaikōura with a special accommodation package at the new Sudima Kaikōura.

The event will kick off on September 18 with a Welcome Function at Wither Hills Winery, and wrap up on September 20 with a dinner at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.

Tasmania harbours greater business events ambitions

By Rachel AJ Lee

July 24, 2023

Hobart,-Tasmania — Hobart (pictured) is the capital city of Tasmania. Photo credit: Tourism Australia

Traditionally stronger on the leisure front, Tasmania’s business events sector has been quietly growing over the years, with future plans boosted by the announcement of major improvements to its infrastructure this year.

For instance, Hobart’s upcoming waterfront stadium, slated for completion in 2029, will open the gates for the island state to host more large-scale events.

Hobart (pictured) is the capital city of Tasmania. Photo credit: Tourism Australia

Business Events Tasmania’s CEO, Marnie Craig, told TTGmice: “Business Events Tasmania is working closely with the Tasmanian Government on the design of the stadium and surrounding precinct to maximise business event outcomes. The aim is to grow our capacity and capability so we can host events for 2,500 people.”

Craig pointed out that Tasmania is currently able to comfortably host business events of up to 1,100 people, and enjoys a “strong reputation internationally in Antarctic science, agriculture, maritime and renewable energy”, which is where their target opportunities lie.

“While we have traditionally enjoyed a strong domestic market for both association and incentive business, after the opening of large brand hotels, particularly in Hobart, we have seen strong growth in international incentives,” she added.

Aside from the waterfront stadium, Hobart Airport has finalised plans to upgrade its runway, taxiway and apron, which will open up the potential for new passenger flights to hubs like Singapore or Hong Kong from Hobart, Sarah Clark, CEO of Tourism Tasmania, shared on the sidelines of the Australia Marketplace South East Asia 2023 held in Singapore.

Business events help to bring in opportunities during the shoulder winter season. In June 2023, six conferences held brought 1,000 people to Tasmania, producing an economic impact of A$3 million (US$2 million) dollars.

Tasmania also has in place, its own Business Events Attraction Fund (BEAF), which has invested A$1.1 million to win 48 events, bringing nearly 15,000 delegates and a direct economic spend of A$51 million since Business Events Tasmania took over management of the fund in September 2021.

Craig opined: “Tasmania is a strong leisure market for the same reasons that the MICE sector is thriving – there is space to think clearly, the ease of accessibility and walkability of our cities, and the connection to a rich cultural heritage and close and connected community of Tasmanians doing extraordinary things.”

Travel & expense spend management grows in importance: BCD Travel

By TTGmice

July 24, 2023

BCD-Travel-credit-card-payment_640- — Simplifying processes is at the top of the list when it comes to payment and expense

The importance of travel and expense spend management has increased in priority, reaching its highest level since 2020, according to a recent BCD Travel survey of 164 travel buyers worldwide.

In 2023, 88% of buyers regarded payment & expense management as “very important” or “extremely important,” compared to 76% in 2021.

Simplifying processes is at the top of the list when it comes to payment and expense

In terms of payment and expense priorities, the ranking remains unchanged compared to two years ago. Simplifying processes remain at the top, followed by traveller satisfaction, combating fraud and frictionless payment and expense experience ranking equally. Operational efficiency, which translates into indirect cost savings, saw the most significant increase in importance.

When it comes to payment setup and administration, the biggest pain points for travel buyers are suppliers not accepting specific payment methods or charging extra fees (46%) and payment needs of non-employees (43%).

Looking at payment methods, corporate cards (84%) and centrally billed accounts/business travel accounts (71%) are the two most often used. Only 38% of those surveyed offer virtual payment to their travellers. Payment for guest travel provokes high interest from both virtual card users (49%) and non-users (42%).

In terms of expense management and credit card reconciliation, more than half report collecting receipts and missing invoices (52%) as the biggest challenge, followed by manual reconciliation (45%) and managing expenses for complex categories (45%). As for visibility into costs and compliance, almost a quarter of buyers have no insight into on-trip spend (24%) and out-of-program bookings (23%). Regarding the importance of pre-trip approval for controlling spend, opinions are split. While 44% rate pre-trip approval as “very important” or “extremely important,” just as many consider it “slightly important” or “not important at all.”

BCD also recently conducted a payment & expense survey of 1,349 travellers. The traveller and buyer surveys reveal some similarities and differences:

Buyers rate the risk of fraud more important than travellers.
About half of both buyers and travellers are equally experiencing challenges with complex expense categories, such as hotel stays with meals and other incidentals paid separately.
38% of travel buyers offer virtual payment to their travellers, while only 1% of travellers report using this method.
Buyers and travellers alike value expense tool features for automation the most: the ability for receipts to be automatically attached to expense reports (76% and 76% respectively), credit card transactions to be automatically matched to trip expenses (73% and 72%) and expense reports to be automatically pre-populated when travellers book a trip (69% and 67%).

“With the tremendous evolution and growth in financial technology and automation, the journey to transform the travel and expense spend management experience is well underway,” said Ajay Singh, vice president, digital payment and expense products at BCD.

“We’re listening to our clients and travellers and developing adaptations to BCD Pay, our proprietary suite of spend management solutions. By using real-time virtual cards, artificial intelligence, machine learning and open APIs, BCD Pay will offer a frictionless, digital payment experience from procure to pay to account for T&E spend management.”

Pioneering biomedical engineering conference lands in Sydney this week

By TTGmice

July 24, 2023

ICC-Sydney_Exhibition_Credit-Guy-Wilkinson — External view of ICC Sydney. Photo credit-Guy Wilkinson

The 45^th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC 23) will bring together more than 2,300 experts from around the world to Sydney this week (July 24-27) to discuss advances in biomedical engineering.

Taking place across all four levels at ICC Sydney, the conference will feature more than 1,000 speakers and 1,200 poster displays, and bring about an estimated economic impact of A$7 million (US$4.7 million). A staggering 87 per cent of delegates are also international.

External view of ICC Sydney. Photo credit-Guy Wilkinson

Anticipated keynote speaker, Nicholas Opie, will discuss his company’s advances with the Stentrode, a product that has just finished successful clinical trials. The Stentrode allows people with paralysis to control external equipment – such as phones and computers – with their minds.

Another key feature of EMBC 23 is the Women in Engineering forum, a first for the conference series. The forum will feature an all-female speaker line-up and fulfil the committee’s diversity, equity and inclusion objectives.

Australian event management company, The Arinex Group, managed all aspects of EMBC 23, including speaker management, programme management and accommodation.

The Ritz-Carlton debuts in Fukuoka

By TTGmice

July 24, 2023

The Ritz-Carlton, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, has opened The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, on the island of Kyushu in southern Japan.

The luxury hotel occupies the nine topmost floors in a 25-storey glass tower designed by Kume Sekkei of Tokyo. There are 167 guestrooms, including 20 suites, where Fukuoka Skyline rooms offer sweeping views of the city, while Park View rooms overlook Ohori Park. There is also a 132m² Presidential Suite and 188m² Ritz-Carlton Suite.

Event spaces include two versatile banquet venues on the third floor of the building, the 108m² Ritz-Carlton Studio and 336m² Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, that can be configured to accommodate breakout sessions, and board meetings. The Ballroom is equipped with a six-meter-square LED screen, enabling film and video presentations.

On the 24^th and topmost floor of the hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Club is open to guests staying in club and suite categories. Five culinary presentations are offered daily including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, and cordials. It also boasts a bar and a private room, making it a convenient venue for business gatherings. Live jazz performances are also held every Saturday night.

Other facilities include four restaurants and two bars that reflect Fukuoka’s food culture, a spa on the 24^th floor, an indoor swimming pool, and gym.

For corporate travellers with their young ones in tow, the hotel also offers child-friendly amenities and activities from the brand’s signature Ritz Kids programme, including guided excursions and craft experiences designed around the programme’s four pillars of nature, exploration, responsibility and culture.