Asia/Singapore Saturday, 20th December 2025
Page 27

NZEA applauds government’s NZ$70 million investment

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From left: New Zealand’s prime minister Christopher Luxon; and Louise Upston, the minister for tourism and hospitality at Eventing the Future, NZEA’s annual conference in Hamilton earlier this month; photo by NZEA

The New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) has welcomed the government’s new NZ$70 million (US$41.7 million) investment package for the events and tourism sectors, calling it a critical step toward strengthening the country’s position as a premier destination for major events.

Announced by tourism and hospitality minister Louise Upston, the funding is designed to drive economic activity and help New Zealand compete for large-scale international events, including concerts – a sector previously excluded from government support.

From left: New Zealand’s prime minister Christopher Luxon; and Louise Upston, the minister for tourism and hospitality at Eventing the Future, NZEA’s annual conference in Hamilton earlier this month; photo by NZEA

The new package includes a NZ$40 million to attract major international events from 2026 onwards, as well as NZ$10 million to support existing events and draw in new international opportunities. Another NZ$10 million will be set aside for a regional tourism campaign aimed at international visitors, while up to NZ$10 million will be allocated for upgrades to tourism infrastructure, such as cycle trails.

In a statement, NZEA’s general manager Elaine Linnell called the investment a “fantastic day for our industry”, highlighting the inclusion of concerts as a game-changer.

“We are delighted the government has recognised the vital role events play in driving both economic growth and international tourism,” Linnell said, adding that the investment would support both major international and homegrown events, giving visitors more reasons to come to New Zealand.

The NZEA noted that the events industry contributes NZ$44.4 billion annually to the country’s economy and supports 300,000 jobs. The association stated it will work closely with government agencies to ensure the new funding delivers maximum impact.

New ISO Technical Committee to standardise global events

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This move will help to unify the events sector and enhance its professionalism on a global scale

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has championed a new ISO Technical Committee (TC 354), a significant step toward creating international standards for all event formats.

Managed by AFNOR (Association Française de Normalisation), the new committee will help the global events industry achieve a new level of professionalism and unified standards.

This move will help to unify the events sector and enhance its professionalism on a global scale

The committee’s scope covers everything from business exhibitions and academic conferences to sporting competitions and live entertainment. It will develop standards for event management, addressing key areas like terminology, metrics, safety, technology, and accessibility. A dedicated sub-committee will also focus on sustainability in event management.

With 17 countries already participating, TC 354 is a major step in acknowledging the events industry’s role as a key global sector. The harmonised standards are expected to benefit the entire ecosystem, including host destinations, organizers, venues, and participants.

“This is a landmark moment for our industry,” said Hugh Jones, president of UFI. “For the first time, we have a dedicated ISO committee to define and align global standards for events. TC 354 recognizes the vital role our sector plays worldwide, not only as a driver of economies and industries, but also of knowledge and professionalism.”

IT&CM Asia & CTW Asia-Pacific returns to Bangkok next week

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Happening next week from September 23 to 25, IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific 2025 is set to convene over 1,000 delegates from more than 50 countries from September 23 to 25.

Held at Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok, the three-day event will feature a range of industry exhibitors, including national tourism organisations, hoteliers, and technology providers.

The Thailand booth at IT&CM Asia last year

“From the charm of Chiang Mai to the shores of Phuket and the energy of Bangkok, Thailand offers more than venues, we offer stories and experiences. Whether riverside, seaside, or in lush urban gardens, our 22 exhibitors are ready to craft events that inspire.

“With TCEB (Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau) and TICA’s (Thailand Incentive and Convention Association) support, buyers can access the right connections and immerse themselves in our cultural workshops, taking a break from business to experience the heart of Thai culture,” said Supawan Teerarat, president, TCEB.

Highlights include the Tech and Engagement Zone, an interactive space for exploring event technology solutions, and the Sea & Air Zone, designed for business meetings with key airline and cruise industry players.

Exclusive networking events will be hosted by Pattaya MICE City, Sabah International Convention Centre, and the Goyang Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The event will also feature a Brand Showcase Spotlight, where companies like Singapore EXPO and Korea Tourism Organization will present their latest innovations.

Buyers can look forward to the return of IT&CMA. Game On, an interactive gamification feature that transforms the exhibition floor into competitive networking platform. This year’s challenge allows attendees to engage with exhibitors, complete tasks, and compete for prizes, providing an innovative way to connect beyond traditional meetings.

Trip.Biz launches all-in-one solution for business travel

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Trip.com One was launched at the company’s Transform 2025 conference in Singapore

Trip.Biz, the business travel management arm of Trip.com Group, has launched a new all-in-one solution called One.

The platform is designed to streamline business travel management for companies by consolidating bookings, ensuring policy compliance, and integrating AI and business intelligence features.

Trip.com One was launched at the company’s Transform 2025 conference in Singapore

Announced at the annual Trip.Biz Transform 2025 conference in Singapore, the new solution aims to address common business travel challenges such as off-platform bookings, overspending, and inefficient reconciliation.

A key feature of Trip.com One is its all-in-one functionality, serving as a single platform for booking flights, hotels, and ground transportation. The solution also provides AI-driven business intelligence through a chatbot, offering flexible recommendations and real-time support. To ensure efficiency, the platform includes automated approval workflows, real-time policy compliance monitoring, and consolidated reporting and analytics for improved return on investment.

“Companies need to redefine expectations on how business travel can support revenue growth amidst ongoing trade policy uncertainty and economic risks, and this has shifted from cost management to one that is smarter, safer and more sustainable,” Tao Song, CEO of Trp.com.

“With Trip.com One, we are bringing together three critical pillars – People & Service, Technology & Inventory and Sustainability – into a single, intelligent platform that empowers companies to deliver greater efficiency, stronger compliance and a better travel experience for every business traveller.”

The company is also strengthening its presence in South-east Asia and expanding globally through new partnerships with Saudia Airlines, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, and Constellation Travels in the Philippines.

Camfood & Camhotel 2025 to boost Cambodia’s tourism economy

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The event celebrates national culinary pride while serving as a driver for tourism and economic growth

Cambodia’s food, beverage, and hospitality show, Camfood & Camhotel 2025, is set to take place from October 22 to 24 at the Diamond Island Exhibition and Convention Centre in Phnom Penh. .

Organised by Informa Markets with support from the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Commerce, the exhibition will bring together over 250 local and international exhibitors. It is expected to attract more than 6,000 trade professionals, making it the largest B2B platform of its kind in Cambodia.

The event celebrates national culinary pride while serving as a driver for tourism and economic growth

The exhibition aims to meet the rising demand in Cambodia’s tourism sector, which is projected to surpass six million international visitors by 2025.

The event will feature several components designed to support professional development and celebrate local culture. This includes a Seminar Series hosted by the Cambodia Chefs Association; the Heritage on a Plate programme to showcase traditional Cambodian cuisine; a barista craft championship; and a wine service competition and cocktail demo.

There will also be a Tourism Career Fair to connect job seekers with industry leaders.

Park Hyatt Auckland names new DOSM

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Park Hyatt Auckland has appointed Lisa Breckon as director of sales and marketing.

She has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and was most recently director of sales and marketing at CPG Hotels, where she managed the sales and marketing function across 10 properties and oversaw the launch of the Fable Hotels & Resorts brand in New Zealand.

Her expertise includes sales strategy, digital marketing, brand development and revenue optimisation. She also has experience in building teams and client relationships.

Global ambitions

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Bahrain recently hosted the ICCA Middle East Summit. How did you ensure that the event was a success
Hosting the ICCA Middle East Summit 2025 in Bahrain (September 1-2, 2025) underscored our commitment to positioning the Kingdom as a leading hub for global business events and knowledge exchange.

This summit not only highlighted Bahrain’s growing competitiveness in the global MICE sector but also reflects our ambition to embrace innovation, foster collaboration and drive the future of tourism and business events in the region.

The ICCA Middle East Summit brought together the most influential association leaders, giving them firsthand experience of Bahrain’s capabilities.

Our expectation is two-fold: to position Bahrain on the international stage as a dynamic host for major international events, and to give our local industry stakeholders a platform to connect with global peers.

We worked closely with ICCA to design content-rich programmes, seamless logistics and cultural experiences that showcase the very best of Bahrain. The summit’s focus on AI cannot be timelier. AI is reshaping how we connect with the audience, how we tell our stories and how we create experiences that truly resonate with travellers.

How is Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) helping to project Bahrain as a leading international MICE destination?
EWB is our flagship venue and one of the most advanced exhibition and convention centres in the Middle East. It is a symbol of Bahrain’s ambition to lead the region’s MICE industry. It combines state-of-the-art facilities with our strengths – easy access, a welcoming environment and a culture of hospitality which helps us to deliver an experience that stands out in the region.

We have been actively promoting our business tourism sector globally, focusing on events such as internationally acclaimed congresses, association summits and UN-oriented conventions including the 9th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in 2024, which is the world’s largest gastronomy tourism event. Thanks to EWB, today we have a beautiful venue which can host both smaller events as well as big large-scale conferences and congresses.

Which are the key industry verticals that you are focusing on to attract international association events
As we are looking to diversify our economy, industry segments like healthcare, fintech, manufacturing, education and technology are our focus areas to drive association meetings to Bahrain.

These align closely with our national development priorities, creating opportunities for meaningful legacy outcomes beyond the event itself. In terms of source markets, we are attracting strong interest from Europe, Asia and the wider world, leveraging Bahrain’s strategic position as a gateway between East and West. We also actively engage with international bodies such as ICCA, UFI and AIPCO to raise Bahrain’s profile within the global association community.

Can you explain the role of the business events sector in attracting international visitors to Bahrain?
The MICE sector is one of the most resilient and high-value segments of our Tourism Strategy (2022-2026). Business travellers stay longer, spend more and often extend their visits for leisure, which we can call the “Bleisure effect”.

While exact figures vary year to year, MICE visitors account for an increasing share of inbound arrivals with association meetings contributing significantly because they attract international delegates from multiple markets at once. This aligns perfectly with our tourism strategy to diversify visitor segments and drive year-round arrivals.

Which are the key international markets you are looking to tap onto, and what is your strategy to reach out to these markets?
We are seeking to attract international events from Europe, Asia and Africa. Delegates from emerging markets such as China, India and South-east Asia are being increasingly targeted due to Bahrain’s strategic position as a gateway to the broader Arab Gulf region. Our outreach includes participation in global trade shows, hosting fam trips and building strong partnerships with international associations.

Last year, we witnessed new travel and tourism horizons between Bahrain and China as Gulf Air – the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain – commenced scheduled flights to two prominent Chinese destinations including Shanghai and Guangzhou.

As such, BTEA has signed agreements with some of the largest travel and tour operators in China to develop special tourism packages for Chinese tourists coming to Bahrain. BTEA also initiated a promotional roadshow in Shanghai and Guangzhou which involved prominent travel, DMCs, aviation and hotel stakeholders.

We have recently launched an incentive programme to attract major international organisers and associations. This incentive programme is flexible and designed to accommodate different types of events. It follows two forms of incentive built on a full or partial exemption from venue hire fees.

Any other future plans?
Looking ahead, our focus will be on sustainability, technology integration and legacy outcomes. We want every event hosted in Bahrain to be remembered not just for its success on site but also for the long-term value it creates for both the organisers and the Kingdom.

A golden state of mind

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QT Gold Coast
For one of the lunches during This Is Gold Coast 2025, the QT Gold Coast team took over Malibu, Malibu Terrace (with barbecue space), and the al fresco qtQT Rooftop which consists of The Firepit, The Lawn and The Landing.

The Malibu and Malibu Terrace are perfect for intimate gatherings, with a wood-fired oven and Argentinian grill creating a laid-back barbecue vibe, and can accommodate up to 60 seated or 100 for a cocktail event. The adjoining qtQT Rooftop offers breezy ocean views, suitable for up to 100 guests on The Landing, or up to 300 guests across The Firepit, The Lawn, and The Landing. There are also six qtQT Cabins on this level, where all six can be booked out for exclusive use of The Firepit and The Lawn.

Aside from the outdoor spaces, QT Gold Coast’s many indoor spaces range from the Longboard room which can hold 10 people for an intimate meeting, right up to the QT Ballroom, great for 344 guests in a gala dinner set-up.

Miami Marketta
Housed in a converted mechanics warehouse on the Gold Coast, Miami Marketta is an eclectic venue for events ranging from a minimum of 100 guests to grand gatherings of 1,000.

For corporate dinners, the venue features a weatherproof outdoor laneway featuring colourful large-scale murals by local artists. This unapologetically-creative space can host up to 350 guests for a seated dinner or up to 1,000 for a cocktail-style event. Miami Marketta can also be sectioned off into smaller, private areas like the Mona Lisa’s Lair Champagne Bar or The Gin Parlour.

The venue is also entering a new chapter with a bold new expansion. Due for completion mid-2026 and adjoining the original Marketta site, the new space has been purposed-designed. There will be a lower-level stage and floor, usable mezzanine, and can hold 370 seated or 1,200 standing.

The Island Gold Coast
This beachside, boutique hotel with 78 keys offers six stunning event spaces, and facilities such as on-site restaurants and outdoor pool and spa.

The Island Penthouse occupies the entire top floor, providing expansive views of Surfers Paradise Beach and the Hinterland, and can host up to 144 seated guests or 350 for a cocktail reception. For larger events, the ground-level Island Glasshouse is a versatile and picturesque venue with glass panel walls and sky-high ceilings that can accommodate 350 seated guests or 780 for a cocktail event.

Additionally, the open-air Island Rooftop bar offers a unique space for up to 500 guests, while the sunlit Pool Deck is perfect for al fresco gatherings. The hotel also features Dukes Parlour, a chic and opulent cocktail lounge that can host up to 350.

Horizon Sky Dining
Situated on the 26th floor of Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, Horizon Sky Dining is Queensland’s only revolving restaurant. Seating up to 128 and gliding through a full 360-degree turn in under an hour, guests can enjoy sweeping Gold Coast skyline views while enjoying a locally-inspired buffet stocked with fresh oysters, prawns, seasonal hot and cold dishes, and an array of sweet treats.

Other meeting spaces on-site include the Grand Ballroom, which can hold up to 500 theatre-style, as well as several other smaller spaces like the Phoenix Room, which can hold up to 120 theatre-style.

Kirra Beach House
The two-storey Kirra Beach House is an expansive 1,200m2 space situated beachside with panoramic ocean views. The venue offers multiple event indoor and outdoor spaces such as the Coastal Room, Preston’s Bar, and ocean-facing cabanas. For exclusive-use, the venue can hold a maximum of 850 guests cocktail-style.

Day delegate packages are available, and includes room hire, catering, and audiovisual equipment. For presentations and product launches, the Coastal Room – which can hold up to 112 guests seated – comes equipped with advanced AV technology, including a 180-inch screen and HD projector.

Burleigh Pavilion
Burleigh Pavilion, located at Burleigh Headland, is an iconic venue on the Gold Coast with stunning ocean views and a city skyline backdrop for events. With an experienced events team to assist in planning, planners can choose from various event spaces.

For example, The Tropic restaurant, can ideally accommodate up to 150 seated guests or 200 for a cocktail event. The Burleigh Pavilion, architecturally designed with a nostalgic nod to the 1970s, can host events up to a maximum of 600 across its large indoor space, two bars, an open kitchen, and outdoor Beach Bar.

Corporate groups can enjoy delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes prepared by the award-winning executive chef, with options including canapés, a seated feasting menu, and food stations.

MBS’ Autumn Showcase unveils immersive, interactive event concepts

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On September 8, 2025, Marina Bay Sands (MBS) revealed the newest immersive experiences and innovative culinary concepts at its Autumn Showcase, held at its Sands Expo & Convention Centre.

Among the latest offerings are a precinct trail, and the metaverse. The new Marina Bay Civic Immersion Trail was exclusively created for MBS, and takes delegates on a walk around the precinct, visiting landmarks such as Raffles’ Landing Site, The Arts House, National Gallery Singapore, and Queen Elizabeth Walk. It is tailored for C-suite level delegates, who will learn about the history of Singapore and its founding fathers’ capable leadership, picking up skills for their businesses.

Meanwhile, the pilot metaverse was created in collaboration with The Doodle People. Once in the metaverse, delegates appear as avatars and explore spaces inspired by Marina Bay Sands. They can use the chat function to arrange to meet at the SkyPark, paddle along the canal at The Shoppes, or meet at lounge areas at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre. A gamification element has also been built into the metaverse, where delegates can collect digital badges.

When asked if the metaverse product is still relevant with face-to-face events back in full force, Ong Wee Min, vice president of sales & MICE, MBS, told TTGmice: “While clients have fully resumed in-person events these days, we want to be proactive and ensure there are omnichannel platforms available, so that clients will always have the best of both worlds.”

The Autumn Showcase also saw clients experiencing imaginative dining ideas such as picking their own canapes that were suspended from balloons, and grazing at a conveyor belt dessert station.

Ong shared: “Clients are looking for engaging and interactive experiences, beyond typical conferences or expos. The onus is on us, as a venue, to constantly review our existing products and refresh them, so that we can continue to offer clients one-of-a-kind experiences.”

Looking ahead, Ong shared that Marina Bay Sands has a “vibrant” events calendar for the next year, with returning shows like Art SG and TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, alongside new events such as Passenger Terminal Expo Asia debuting.

First held in 2023, the Autumn Showcase is an annual by-invite-only event, where MBS’ top 500 clients are given a preview of the venue’s newest experiences and products, which can be incorporated into their events. Last year, MBS launched Thrive, a mental and physical wellness programme, as well as showcased celebrity chef restaurant canapes and local hawker flavours.

Sasha Tyas joins Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas as GM

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Minor Hotels has appointed Sasha Tyas as general manager of Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.

Tyas has more than 25 years of international experience in luxury hospitality, with leadership roles in Portugal, Brazil, the Caribbean, the Seychelles and the Maldives.

She was previously general manager of the 224-suite Ilma yacht with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, sailing in Europe and the Caribbean.

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