Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 5th May 2026
Page 273

Grand Copthorne Waterfront relaunches after S$30 million renovation

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Premier Club Waterfront with water filter

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR), has unveiled its S$30 million (US$22.3 million) renovation after a nine-month revamp that commenced in October 2022.

At the forefront of Grand Copthorne Waterfront’s renovations are its 33 versatile function rooms. Spanning over 6,200m2 across three floors, the conference spaces benefit from an abundance of natural sunlight, and come equipped with cutting-edge technology, including wireless video signal transmission, laser projectors, and 2K to 4K high-resolution LED video walls.

Premier Club Waterfront with water filter

Venues include the pillarless 850m2 Grand Ballroom with two giant LED screens on two walls that can be divided into smaller screens and junior ballrooms for various event sizes.

Eco-conscious practices are evident throughout with the use of recyclable and biodegradable stationery, filtered drinking water replacing plastic bottles, and a linen-less table setup.

Meanwhile, all of its 574 guestrooms and suites have received a redesign. Each room now features an in-room water filtration system, a smart room control thermostat, a HD TV, and wireless bedside charging technology.

In addition to the hotel’s redesign, Grand Copthorne Waterfront offers enhanced food and beverage concepts at its three restaurants, as well as events catering. Food Capital is an all-day dining buffet restaurant; TEMPO Bar & Grill is a cocktail bar featuring an alfresco dining area with a selection of barbecue and grilled seafood delicacies; while Grand Shanghai serves Shanghainese fare inspired by the golden age of the 1930s.

Catering to the demands of the function spaces, the hotel operates three individual kitchens including a Halal-certified kitchen to cater to guests’ personal dietary requirements.

The Executive Club Lounge, located on Level 29, has also undergone a complete transformation, boasting a contemporary living room ambience with vistas of Singapore’s iconic cityscape. Reserved exclusively for My Millennium Prestige members and Club Floor paying guests, the Club Lounge will also offer afternoon snacks from live food stations, as well as evening cocktails.

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa

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Regency Club Ocean King

Rooms
In total, the hotel houses 198 rooms and suites, 144 one- to three-bedroom residences, and 18 three-bedroom villas. Currently, the villas are being progressively refurbished with new interiors and furniture.

I stayed in the King Bed Ocean View room that came with a sofa area (which doubled up as my working space), a walk-in closet, and separate toilet and bathing areas. Overlooking a portion of the main swimming pool, I enjoyed watching the sunrise over the ocean from my balcony, framed by the mountains in the distance.

I barely spent any time on the balcony itself as it was scorching hot during the day, but it was pleasant to laze on the daybed in the breezy evenings. I also enjoyed lounging in the hammocks strung between coconut trees on Non Nuoc Beach, and even dozed off in one listening to the waves crash on the beach. Speaking of the beach, Hyatt Regency Danang & Spa is truly on the beachfront, with direct access to a 700m-long stretch of Non Nuoc Beach.

MICE facilities
The Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa has a standalone event building which has a dedicated entrance so that the arrival of a large group of delegates will not be disruptive to guests. The event building will be getting an uplift in the near future, but details have not been released.

As of now, the property features 900m2 of event and meeting facilities, where conferences and receptions for up to 250 guests can be held in the 500m2 Regency Ballroom on the first level. Seven breakout rooms are available on the second level.

Other event spaces include five outdoor lawns, apt for gala dinners and outdoor barbecue dinners in the evenings. The property also has five swimming pools, two of which are located in a quieter portion of the resort, which allows for the sectioning for private events.

A number of the Pool Villas are also available for event hire, which would work for small-sized corporate groups that would like to meet while looking out to the soft sands of Non Nuoc Beach and the ocean.

Other facilities
Refurbishments include the expanded kids’ club, Camp Hyatt, which boasts four indoor and outdoor play zones equipped with toddler play pits, ball pools, canopy swings, climbing nets, and a climbing wall. There is even a water obstacle course, as well as daily activities to keep the young ones entertained – perfect for corporates travelling with their families.

Other recreational facilities include a 24-hour access fitness centre, aerobics room, cold plunge pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna. A variety of water activities such as bodyboarding, paddle boarding and kayaking, are complimentary during the day.

Meanwhile, Vie Spa offers two double treatment rooms, and eight single treatment rooms set in a garden, where each calming space has been designed in the concept of a separated villa, which means there is also an outdoor bathtub, bathroom, steam room and changing room.

For nourishment, there are six F&B options on-site, two of which have been rebranded and revamped – Italian Osteria Al Mare and lounge space Terrasse.

During my stay, I was able to try Osteria Al Mare’s new menu, and I really enjoyed the Agnolotti Di Funghi E Capesante (seared scallops and agnolotti filled with wild mushroom, and parmesan cream), and Casereccia Al Pesto Genovese (casereccia with Italian basil pesto, potato, green beans, and pecorino cheese). My most memorable dish, however, was the sweet note at the end of the meal – my Panna Cotta which was presented beautifully with a scoop of milk ice cream and pistachios, and topped with a honeycomb-shaped biscuit.

The Vive Océane beach club is also a brand-new option for beachside cocktail evenings, and can be booked out for team dinners. The menu covers a range of casual bites ranging from Lemon Crab Cakes and Pork Bahn Mi to Soft Shell Crab Bao Buns and Pomelo Salad & Squid. When not booked out, Vive Océane will offer regular entertainment shows, spinning DJs, or live bands to create an upbeat atmosphere.

There is also a new art gallery that features both local and visiting artists, and when I visited, French photographer Réhahn’s work was on show.

Service
Every staff member I encountered was always ready to greet guests with a smile, and if so needed, hand guests a cold towel and a drink to beat the heat.

Verdict
I enjoyed my stay at the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa, and would definitely consider the sprawling property again should the winds take me to Danang in the future.

I also feel that Danang is a great option for companies that would like to take their employees out from bustling cities to a more relaxed setting. Danang did not feel crowded, had an easy, unhurried vibe, and is certainly a value-for-money destination.

Contact details
hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/vietnam/hyatt-regency-danang-resort-and-spa/danhr

An InterContinental rises in Shenzhen WECC

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A rendering of the InterContinental Shenzhen WECC

Situated in the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cooperation Zone of Bao’an District, InterContinental Shenzhen WECC has opened a mere 800 metres from the Shenzhen International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Delegates attending conferences or meetings at the centre can opt to stay in one of the 359 guestrooms and suites, which offer floor-to-ceiling windows and range from 50m2 to 280m2 in size.

A rendering of the InterContinental Shenzhen WECC

InterContinental Shenzhen itself offers 3,300m2 of versatile meeting space, including a 1,200m2 pillar-free Aden Grand Ballroom with natural lighting, as well as an outdoor terrace.

There are four F&B options for guests, the Cai Feng Lou Chinese Restaurant; American-style steakhouse, Char Bar & Grill; Commune; and The Lounge 1872. Other facilities include an infinity indoor heated swimming pool, and a fitness centre.

Marriott International announces new leadership appointments

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Marriott International has made several new appointments to its Asia Pacific (excluding China) leadership team – Christina Chan as its chief financial officer, and John Toomey as its chief sales and marketing officer.

Chan, a 23-year veteran of the company, will oversee finance operations, asset management, compliance and owner relations; while providing counsel for the administrative finance, business analysis, and feasibility teams in the region.

Having been with the company for 27 years, Toomey will oversee the consumer strategy for Marriott International in the region in his new role, which includes brand management, marketing, sales, distribution, revenue management, loyalty, customer experience, digital and communications.

Andrew Newmark has also been appointed chief human resources officer, Asia Pacific (excluding China). With more than 30 years with Marriott, Newmark has been tasked with strengthening Marriott’s ‘People first’ culture and ensuring the business attracts, engages, and develops best-in-class talent and leaders at all levels.

Lastly, with over 25 years of experience in the industry, Oriol Montal has been appointed managing director, luxury, Asia Pacific (excluding China). This newly-created role underscores the company’s commitment to the growth and leadership of its luxury brand portfolio which include The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott and W Hotels Worldwide.

Raffles Cambodia names new cluster DOSM

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Raffles Hotels & Resorts has appointed Andrew Hartley as its new cluster director of sales and marketing, overseeing Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in South-east Asia.

Based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Hartley brings more than 20 years of experience in luxury hotels around the world. He was most recently assistant vice president of strategic sales and marketing for Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts in the Asia-Pacific based in Singapore.

MBEW prepares to ride the waves of change in upcoming edition

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A previous edition of Malaysia Business Events Week

The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) will be hosting its flagship event, the Malaysia Business Events Week 2023 (MBEW 2023) for the eighth year from August 21-26 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre).

Themed Riding the Waves, the event is centred around fostering a strong sense of regional spirit which positions business events as a catalyst that initiates a sequence of positive impacts on South-east Asia’s sustainable socio-economic growth.

A previous edition of Malaysia Business Events Week

MBEW 2023 will be officiated by Tiong King Sing, minister of tourism, arts & culture and is slated to welcome 400 industry players including association management companies, professional congress and exhibition organisers, and event management companies. The event will also feature a lineup of panel speakers consisting of both local and international experts to provide global insights.

During the event, delegates can engage in a wide range of activities, including topic discussions, workshops, training sessions, and forums addressing crucial industry points.

They can also anticipate the launch of MyCEB’s latest support programme, aimed at attracting more international business events to the country, with the goal of boosting the business events industry and creating increased employment opportunities.

Furthermore, MyCEB will introduce the BE Exchange session, dedicated to discussing the International Journal of Business Events and Legacies, as well as the Business Events National Challenge 2023, designed to nurture future industry leaders. Beyond business, MBEW is actively giving back to the community through MyCSR initiatives for a tree planting activity and blood donation drive.

Latest Cvent planner sourcing reports reveal positive outlook for MICE industry

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By understanding industry trends, hoteliers can attract the right leads and offer more tailored solutions to meet their clients' expectations

Cvent has released the latest editions of its bi-annual Cvent Planner Sourcing Report for the Asia, Australia and the Middle East & Africa regions, where all reports point to the positive momentum across the business events industry, despite challenges like rising costs and staffing shortages.

According to the survey results, a large percentage of planners in Asia (80%), Middle East and Africa (85%), and Australia (76%) anticipate paying more for similar-sized and complex meetings in 2023 than in 2022. As a result, the majority of planners also expect an increase in their event budgets with 90% in Asia, 88% in Australia, 79% in the Middle East and Africa, respectively.

By understanding industry trends, hoteliers can attract the right leads and offer more tailored solutions to meet their clients’ expectations

This presents an ideal opportunity for hotels and venues to differentiate themselves by providing premium services and amenities that justify the higher costs. While planners are willing to spend more, hoteliers should also focus on tailoring their offerings to meet the planners’ expectations and requirements, which would ultimately lead to increased revenue.

With the rise of digitisation, event planners are increasingly turning to digital resources to aid in their planning process. For example, more than one third of planners across all regions say online sourcing platforms have become an essential resource for site selection.

In addition, with rising travel costs, in-person site visits are being replaced with digital online tours. Report results show that 54% of planners in Asia, 53% in Australia, and 43% in the Middle East & Africa utilise digital floor plans and online event diagrams to better understand meeting room capabilities and to determine whether the hotel is the right fit for their event. These results illustrate the growing importance of a hotel’s online presence to attract planners.

The report also highlights that existing relationships should be nurtured as event planners value professionalism and partnership in hotel staff with 38% in Australia saying it’s important followed by 35% in Asia and 26% in Middle East & Africa. Leveraging technology solutions that enable more seamless collaboration between planners and hoteliers, or that streamline complex processes like group room block management to reduce workload is another important way hospitality professionals can enhance their relationships with planners and further strengthen their reputation in the industry.

Aeronology unveils global marketplace for corporate ticketing services

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Carstensen:

Australian travel technology company Aeronology will be launching its “new-architecture platform at the centre of the NDC solution” at the 23rd btTB Business Travel Conference taking place in Sydney on August 15.

This was revealed by CEO and founder Russell Carstensen, a panellist on btTB’s The NDC Session. In June, Carstensen gave a sneak preview of the platform’s capabilities at the CTC Singapore Corporate Travel Summit and this was followed up with two comprehensive online presentations attended by some 20 corporate travel managers (CTMs).

Carstensen: Aeronology is committed to shaping the airlines distribution and revolutionising air travel experiences and content for its customers

Carstensen told TTGmice its cloud-based and API-driven global B2B web-based platform was focused on connecting users – travellers, travel arrangers and TMCs – to the corporate travel ecosystem via NDC, GDS including TravelSky, LCCs, online booking tools (OBT), etc.

Carstensen, who has more than 25 years of industry experience, said the new-architecture platform was based on a previous version created before the pandemic.

He claims it is the “first truly global, independent booking portal – with multiple language options – to access all IATA airlines and LCCs, hotels, cruise line, car rentals, ancillaries, rail, tours and transfers”, and called the tool the “equivalent of Internet banking”.

Cost-wise, the user subscription fee is around US$4.50 per booking on top of TMC charges, while the IATA agent per-user fee is around US$130 per month.

CTMs TTGmice spoke to welcomed the “potential” of Aeronology’s technology to address the need for “content parity”, enable OBT changes, and create “an ecosystem” on one platform.

One CTM said: “If the platform can help to eliminate inconvenience and improve efficiency, we will consider paying for Aeronology.”

Another CTM said: “We are all looking for a platform that is future-ready (for NDC) but what does not change is the need for a tool that will be able to provide the best price available comparison, give access to the full range of inventory, continue to have a ticketing issuing timeframe and flexibility and the ability to make changes and cancellations at a reasonable fee.”

“Aeronology does not have the baggage with the legacy system and so far from what I have seen is really good,” he added.

According to Aeronology, IATA has announced that there will be a planned ticketing transition of the current NDC level of 15 per cent in 2023 to 80 per cent by 2026.

Carstensen observed: “It is critical for businesses to prepare themselves for the largest transaction transition in travel history, all expected in three years.”

To date, airlines moving fast and furious with NDC include American Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas and Singapore Airlines.

Describing Aeronology’s tool as “very straightforward”, a third CTM said the live demonstration showed the different airline fares, including NDC fares and TMC fares immediately.

He opined that the product was “very good”, and would be useful, for the future. “Hopefully the platform would be able to help resolve the trouble we face with NDC refunds, which are more complicated,” he noted, adding that the product would probably be sustainable for the next five to 10 years.

Cairns forges connections with planners in other Australian cities

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Event planners were gifted a tree to revegetate Mabi forest, the habitat of tree kangaroos on the Atherton Tablelands.

More than 100 corporate meeting planners, incentive houses, PCOs, and DMCs attended the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Business Events Regional Showcase last week.

The showcase took place in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, on August 1, 3, and 4, where planners got to learn more about the business events capabilities of Cairns, and the surrounding Queensland region, from 20 team members from Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

Event planners were gifted a tree to revegetate Mabi forest, the habitat of tree kangaroos on the Atherton Tablelands.

Attendees were also gifted a tree to increase the habitat of tree kangaroos on the Atherton Tablelands in Tropical North Queensland as a thank you for attending the event.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland’s general manager of partnerships and events, Rosie Douglas, said: “Cairns has already hosted key conferences this year such as Cannes in Cairns and the Third International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference which exceeded expected delegate numbers thanks to the choice of destination.”

The business events industry is also buoyed by the expansion of the Cairns Convention Centre, which adds 10,500m2 of meeting space including a rooftop banquet room and terrace, three new meeting rooms, an exhibition space, and plenary room.

“Accommodation, meeting spaces, restaurants and the Reef Fleet Terminal are all within walking distance in Cairns city which is just a 10-minute drive from the airport ensuring minimal requirements for transport,” added Douglas. There are also more than 2,000 tours available for pre- and post-event planning.

Prior to the pandemic, the business events industry supports one in five jobs in Tropical North Queensland.

“Each business event delegate is worth almost three times that of a leisure visitor and they help to fill our destination’s shoulder season, often returning with their family as a leisure visitor to enjoy our diverse natural tourism experiences,” added Douglas.

BestCities Global Alliance and GainingEdge extend partnership

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From left: Jon Sivertson; and Edward Koh

BestCities Global Alliance and GainingEdge have renewed their management contract for another three years.

Recognising the expertise and value that brings to the table, BestCities Global Alliance embraces this renewed contract, affirming their shared vision of unlocking the potential of collaboration and community in creating lasting positive impact through conventions and business events. GainingEdge has been managing the alliance since 2009.

From left: Jon Sivertson; and Edward Koh

“GainingEdge’s expertise in legacy and sustainability has empowered the Alliance to drive global impact for meetings and events. This has been vital for navigating through the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic,” said Edward Koh, chair of BestCities Global Alliance.

“As we embark on another three-year journey, we eagerly anticipate the endless possibilities that lie ahead, and look forward to achieving even greater accomplishments together.”

“We are delighted that our long-standing association with BestCities will continue for another three years,” said Jon Sivertson, CEO of GainingEdge. “Over time, GainingEdge has worked in synergy with BestCities growth and we are witness to its quest for impact and innovation as the world’s most enduring convention bureau alliance in the international meetings industry. We are proud to support this journey.”

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