Manvendar Singh Tomar has been named the new general manager of 7 Apple Hotel Pratap Nagar.
With over 25 years of experience in the field, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise – namely in management, operations, procurement, financial planning and guest services – to lead the hotel toward new heights of success.
Prior to joining 7 Apple Hotel Pratap Nagar, he has held positions at Choice Hotels, Mansingh Hotels, Sarovar Hotels and Hotel Park Prime.
Corporate focus on duty of care during the pandemic has changed the mindset of travellers on safety and security now that business trips have resumed and travel has been picking up in the last six months.
According to corporate travel managers (CTMs) who attended the recent CTC (Corporate Travel Community) Singapore Corporate Travel Summit, travellers now take travel insurance and travel risk management more seriously compared to pre-Covid.
A buyer in the pharmaceutical sector told TTGmice: “More travellers are making sure they know what they are covered for, versus go first and ask only if something happens. It is also because many countries still require proof of cover, including Covid-19 treatment.”
In addition, the CTM is “keeping an eye” on ISO 31030, a comprehensive standard for managing travel risk and the evolving expectations of travel risk management due to climate change, geopolitics, etc.
A counterpart in the banking sector – with a global workforce travelling domestically and internationally – commented travel insurance pre-Covid was less important compared to planning for the trip.
He continued: “There is more awareness now after educating travellers on the value chain starting with the pre-trip. Travellers know what to do and by working in tandem with the risk management supplier, get pre-trip advice and knowledge of where they are going to.”
Benson Tang, executive director, corporate travel, Informa Markets and executive director, CTC by Informa Markets, observed: “Due to Covid-19, many firms are now prioritising health, well-being and the safety of their employees during a business trip.
“Travel insurance pre-pandemic primarily covered travel inconveniences such as lost luggage, trip cancellations, flight delays, etc. Another noticeable trend is the inclusion of telemedicine consultation services by some insurers,” he said.
But it was “business as usual” in the case of a global consultancy, where its CTM explained: “It all depends on the company structure and whether or not the management has bought into the importance of safety and security (pre-Covid). The baseline for MNCs compared to regional corporates and SMEs would also be different.”
Tang continued: “Overall, firms are taking a more proactive and comprehensive approach in managing corporate travel insurance.
“Travel departments are also leveraging closer relationships and professional advice from cross-departmental support such as from human resources, procurement and finance.”
Japan’s business events market can expect more domestic incentives, shorter conferences and an uptick in high-tech hybrid events this year as companies reduce travel budgets, according to corporate travel management solutions company FCM.
Even as global travel continues to open up, with greater availability of flights and further easing of Covid-19 restrictions, Japanese companies are opting to stay home.
“As the market is currently cost-conscious, overseas incentive trips are down as they are considered a luxury. Domestic incentive trips are rather robust, with outbound travel budget reallocated to domestic trips,” Asami Chung, general manager of Japan at FCM, told TTGmice.
However, Chung expects an increase in overseas incentive trips “once the economy stabilises”.
For now, “virtual internal meetings are still being embraced as they reduce costs,” she said. But FCM is seeing rebound in business conferences and trips, although the demand is for shorter options.
“Pre-Covid, an average business trip would be five to seven days but recent requests are generally for three to four days,” she noted.
This trend is also noticeable throughout Asia-Pacific, and organisations are showing more interest in shorter meetings and staying within the region, according to FCM’s Meetings & Events 2023 Trends Report. Chung attributes this to “an increase in the cost of business travel at a time when business budgets are tight and employees are working at capacity”.
Other factors are also expected to curb the rebound in business events throughout 2023.
“Travel constraints, capacity issues, labour shortages, supply chain issues and travel disruptions are all easing, but they are not expected to fully stabilise until 2024,” she noted.
Interestingly, hybrid events remain on the rise in Japan.
“We see a continuation of hybrid conferences of a much higher quality, to promote better engagement with both in-person and virtual attendees. Disruptive technology is reshaping hybrid events at a rapid pace, driven by the need to step up during the pandemic,” said Chung.
A surge in funding requests from South-east Asian events keen on Australian destinations has led to an extra A$4 million (US$3.6 million) injection into the Business Events Australia Bid Fund Program.
Phillipa Harrison, managing director, Tourism Australia, told TTGmice on the sidelines of the Australia Marketplace South East Asia 2023 in Singapore that she is “seeing a lot of pent-up demand from organisations in South-east Asia wanting to hold their incentive events in Australia”.
“Just the other morning, I had 10 bid fund requests to sign off, six of which were from South-east Asia. These requests are short-term, for later on in 2023 and early into 2024,” Harrison shared.
Several South-east Asian incentive events have already taken place in Australia. They include groups from Herbalife, Public Mutual, Nuskin, AIA, and Prudential.
The boosted bid fund programme will support other events into the future up until 2029, and will cover the entire business events spectrum.
Tourism Australia’s executive general manager of eastern markets and aviation, Andrew Hogg, said incentive trips to Australia were often strong motivators and would result in people exceeding their sales targets.
“Companies end up having to take more qualifiers along. One company told us that their qualifiers normally would (number) around 1,000 for other destinations, but once (the reward is) Australia, qualifying numbers (would spike to) 1,500. This is very positive for us to hear,” he said.
Business events currently account for 15 per cent of arrivals to Australia.
Cvent and Choice Hotels International have globally rolled out Cvent Instant Book across Choice’s portfolio of franchised hotels.
The new direct booking integration, available soon in 3Q2023, offers a simplified booking experience for meeting planners to find and book guestroom blocks online at Choice Hotels properties. Hotels joining the Choice distribution engine after the acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas will gain access to Cvent Instant Book soon.
Planners can search, compare real-time rates & availability, and book rooms at Choice Hotels’ properties with a few clicks, bypassing the request for proposal (RFP) process that is typically required for larger, more complex events. Embedding the technology into Choice Hotels booking platform also enables hoteliers to increase their visibility and attract more group business by showcasing their properties to Cvent’s global network of event planners.
This announcement expands Choice’s use of Cvent technology to power their group and corporate travel business and reach a global planner audience. All Choice properties are listed on the Cvent Supplier Network, a venue-sourcing platforms where planners go to find and book meeting and event venues. In addition, Choice will continue its strategic Cvent Business Travel partnership.
Early bird discounts on registration for ICCA Congress 2023 – recognised as one of the most prominent gatherings for meetings professionals and association leadership – will end this Sunday.
The congress, which will be held in Bangkok from November 12 to 15, 2023, has so far confirmed 60 associations in attendance.
Attendees will benefit from opportunities to discuss issues impacting them and identify working solutions through interaction with industry peers; broaden their mind through numerous educational panels and insightful presentations; and build their business network at memorable social functions.
A preliminary programme is now available.
Te Pae Christchurch’s general manager Ross Steele has been appointed to the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) board.
The appointment marks the first time a New Zealand-based member has held a board position with AIPC.
Steele said with Te Pae Christchurch and Tākina in Wellington now operational, and New Zealand International Convention Centre on its way, there was no better time to be representing the region on the world stage.
“Ōtautahi Christchurch and New Zealand have a tremendous amount to offer the international business events community and I’m looking forward to advocating for and raising the profile of New Zealand business events amongst our international colleagues.”
Steele is a long-time member of AIPC, and is currently a member of the Business Events Industry Aotearoa board. Throughout his 25-year career, Steele has also spent a number of years in similar board and governance positions in Australia, including 11 years with the Business Events Council of Australia.
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.
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).”
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 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.”
