Belmond has named Dan Ruff as its new chief executive officer with effect from July 1. He will succeed Roeland Vos, who has been at the helm of the company for the past eight years.
Ruff has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, and is currently the chief operating officer of Belmond, a position he’s held since 2018.
Prior to joining Belmond, he held senior roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotel Group across operations, asset management, and mergers & acquisitions, and served on the Supervisory Board of Design Hotels AG.
Theo Panagiotoulias has been appointed as Star Alliance next chief executive officer.
With more than 25 years of commercial and operational expertise in the airline and travel industry, Panagiotoulias has worked in Australia, China, Japan, Singapore and the US.
He joins Star Alliance from Hawaiian Airlines, where he was senior vice president for global sales and alliances since 2014.
Tailor-making international events and adding a personal touch with a dose of local flavour are winning ingredients to lure business travellers to the shores of Phu Quoc in Vietnam.
The opening of a raft of major international hotel brands in the last few years, coupled with a rise in the bleisure trend, have positioned Phu Quoc and its bounty of white beaches and growing attractions as a leader in Vietnam’s business travel landscape.
Sao Beach (pictured) is located at the southern end of Phu Quoc
One of the island’s most recent players, Regent Phu Quoc, opened its doors in April 2022 and has noted an uptick in demand for small international groups seeking to host luxury events. In response, the property has curated a series of packages that can be tailored to groups’ individual needs.
These include sailing out to the hidden bays and untouched islands of Phu Quoc on Serenity, Regent Phu Quoc’s private catamaran, and visiting the Regent Taste Studio, an interactive dining experience featuring talent from the fields of art, fashion and food.
This trend sits in line with the predictions included in Amex’s 2023 Global Meetings and Events Forecast, which saw small meetings and events increase by 25 per cent, with an increased desire for unique experiences.
In addition, the report noted an increase in industry demand regarding sustainability, with more organisations seeking destinations that promote sustainability and sustainably certified venues.
This is an element the luxury InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort is incorporating into activities, and sees as a key component when it comes to attracting international events, whether large or small.
Bastien Pucheu, cluster director of sales and marketing at both properties, told TTGmice that the InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort offers CSR activities that can be incorporated meaningfully into any event.
Regent Taste Studio is a multisensory experience focused around arts and culinary artists
He added that “traditional teambuilding activities and the implementation of sustainability actions, such as reduction of electricity consumption and single usage plastic”, were also created.
Regardless of the size of the event, Pucheu pointed out that “personalisation is key, and is our main motto at both properties”.
The continued development of the island is also throwing it at the forefront of Vietnam’s business travel offerings. In addition to hotels well-equipped with conference and meeting facilities, other attractions are opening.
For example in April 2021, Vingroup opened the Phu Quoc United Centre Entertainment and Resort Complex.
The integrated resort offers a range of accommodations ranging from the Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc to the Sheraton Phu Quoc Resort; Vietnam’s largest theme park VinWonders Phu Quoc; 18-hole Vinpearl Golf; and Grand World Shopping Town; and five-star business events facilities at Vinpearl Convention Centre.
Vietnamese cuisine is an attraction in itself
It is also extremely easy to visit. As part of the Vietnamese government incentives to draw more international business to the island, visitors of all nationalities can enter on a 30-day free visa.
Winston Gong, general manager of Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, said the property is also tapping into the personalisation trend, offering tailored events and a series of curated incentive packages.
In addition, it is making itself and its services more accessible to key markets by strengthening marketing and promotional activities.
“We are increasing visibility and brand recognition by intensifying promotional activities on prominent digital platforms that are popular in target markets,” said Gong.
“Our team does extensive research and identifies potential target markets to learn about their needs, insights, and expectations when looking for event venues.”
He added that incorporating popular elements of local culture into meetings and events helps make packages more attractive to international markets.
Gong noted: “Local cuisine, for example, is a great attraction. Authentic Vietnamese dishes, complemented with traditional dishes from delegates’ home countries, help ease them into their activities.”
Indian MICE planners Nepal holds potential for corporate incentives; tourists in Namche Bazaar pictured
According to several Indian business events planners, Nepal has the potential to attract corporate incentive groups from India, but is unable to do so due to the lack of awareness about event venues, limited direct air links, and the absence of marketing promotions.
“Nepal has unique natural and cultural attractions, including the Himalayas, rich history, and diverse traditions, which can be marketed effectively to target Indian incentive groups. The focus of Nepal in India has been majorly on attracting leisure and FIT tourists. There is a need to create awareness about various venues available in destinations like Kathmandu and Pokhara for MICE activities,” said Anup Tarafdar, managing director, Eventex.
Indian MICE planners Nepal holds potential for corporate incentives; tourists in Namche Bazaar pictured
Tarafdar is part of a contingent of the Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA) who were in Pokhara, Nepal to attend the PATA Annual Summit & Adventure Mart 2023. On June 2, NIMA held a meeting with representatives from Nepal Tourism Board to discuss how Nepal can be promoted as a MICE destination to Indian corporate groups.
“The way neighbouring South-east Asian destinations have been able to attract Indian MICE groups; Nepal has a similar opportunity. There is a need to promote Nepal as a MICE destination in India and create awareness about various MICE products existing in the country,” noted Nitash Kumar Tiwari, director, Neeti Events & Holidays.
According to Puneet Saxena, founder & director, Navyush Travel Experience, Nepal is well-positioned to attract Indian incentive groups considering there are no visa requirements and where Indian cuisine can be easily found.
“Procuring visas for large incentive groups can be a cumbersome process, but for Nepal there is no such challenge. In terms of air connectivity, Nepal needs to (build more direct connections with) large Indian cities, and increase its frequencies to existing destinations,” added Saxena.
At present, Nepal Airlines operates direct flights to three Indian cities – New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Vistara and Air India operate direct flights between New Delhi and Kathmandu, while IndiGo connects Kathmandu directly to New Delhi and Mumbai.
India is Nepal’s leading source market for international tourist arrivals, where Nepal welcomed 254,150 Indian tourists in 2019.
trade show set to showcase the best integrated technologies in audiovisual and lighting
The first-ever edition of Pro Integration Future Asia (PIFA), a professional audiovisual and entertainment lighting (AVL) technologies exhibition and conference, will be held from June 26-28, 2023, at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore.
Launched by Montgomery Asia, with the Professional Audio Visual & Lighting Integration Association of Singapore (AVLIAS) as its strategic partner and Singapore Tourism Board as a supporter, PIFA2023 will host nearly 100 exhibiting companies from 10 participating countries.
PIFA 2023 is set to showcase the best-integrated technologies in audiovisual and lighting
With the theme Accelerating Digital Transformation: The Future of Work, Education, and Entertainment, PIFA2023 highlights the digital transformation wave South-east Asia is experiencing across industries.
The three-day conference will feature nine panel discussions led by over 30 industry experts such as Cisco Asia Pacific Japan & China’s managing director Sandeep Mehra, and AP Media’s CEO Nick Tan.
There will also be 18 classroom sessions by Unearthed Productions, on topics such as Creating with AI: New Approaches for Generating Content and Art; Why Acoustics in Audio Visual Installations?; Integration of Unified Communications & Collaborations Design and Technology to Support Rapid Changes in Classrooms; and A Comprehensive System for EdTech, among others.
Aside from the exhibition grounds, other notable experiences include a collaboration between C&R Interior and AVLIAS on a hybrid workplace arrangement; a showcase by Oceanus Media Global using state-of-the-art projection mapping technology; and extended reality (XR) production.
The global professional audiovisual industry is estimated to grow by US$113.26 billion from 2022 to 2027, with Asia Pacific set to contribute a significant 41 per cent during this period. South-east Asia, in particular, is among the fastest-growing regions in the world, with the digital economy and tourism identified as key industries for driving economic growth in 2023.
Wellington has officially opened its new conference and exhibition centre, Tākina, with more than 50 multi-day conferences already booked for the first year.
The venue in New Zealand’s capital city was officially opened with a morning blessing by Taranaki Whānui, the traditional Māori guardians of the Wellington Harbour and associated lands.
The morning blessing by Taranaki Whānui
Later that evening, there was a celebration which was attended by more than 700 guests including mana whenua (local Māori), dignitaries, key stakeholders and clients, who were treated to entertainment by WearableArt (WOW), Connections Pasifika Choir, and Ngati Poneke Young Māori Club.
The first official event, the Festival for the Future, takes place on June 8-9, 2023, while the first public exhibition taking place at Tākina is Jurassic World by Brickman, which will run from June 3 to Oct 16, 2023.
Located in the heart of the capital’s cultural precinct, opposite Wellington’s waterfront, Tākina is expected to have huge positive flow-on effects for the city’s hospitality, accommodation, and retail businesses, providing 372 direct jobs and NZ$45 million (US$27.2 million) a year in estimated economic impact to Wellington.
David Perks, general manager of Tākina Commercial Development for Wellington City Council, said: “Tākina will increase Wellington’s opportunity to host international conferences at a scale the city has not previously been able to.”
Tākina incorporates 10,000m2 of flexible conferencing space over two levels, with capacity for plenaries up to 1,600. The ground floor exhibition gallery, at 1,280m2, is the largest in New Zealand.
It is owned by the Wellington City Council and operated by local team Tākina Events, which manages the event spaces of both Tākina and neighbouring national museum Te Papa Tongarewa.
Career roadshows are important as the tourism and business events gathers momentum
Over 100 high school students from across Far North Queensland were given an insight into the workings of the tourism and hospitality industries at a recent Queensland Tourism Industry Roadshow at the Cairns Convention Centre.
The roadshow is part of a travelling series from Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) which commenced in 2021, to introduce ‘school leavers’ to the scope of possibilities when choosing a career in tourism.
Career roadshows are important as the tourism and business events gathers momentum
The day’s programme at Cairns Convention Centre included a cooking class with Cairns Convention Centre executive chef David Hart, a mixology masterclass with Lyres’ non-alcohol spirits global brand ambassador Jeremy Shipley, a tourism hub with exhibitors offering career and course advice, as well as a panel discussion with industry leaders.
Benjamin Boudaud, culinary services director at the Cairns Convention Centre, said the roadshow was a great opportunity to showcase the wide variety of opportunities available in the tourism industry.
“We need to attract new talent and people to the industry as we continue to rebuild and recover and a platform such as this allows us to share our passion while giving students a better understanding of the event industry.
“This event has allowed students to see first-hand there is so much more to an event than just the food and drink – there are the uniforms, rosters, the need to keep things clean, tidy and functioning. Then there is also the relationship we have with our clients, sales and audiovisual, there is a lot to it,” he added.
From left: Collinson’s Colin Dai, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Business Travel Service’s Yao Honglei
Collinson, owner and operator of Priority Pass, has partnered with Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Business Travel Service in China.
This partnership will provide Priority Pass Members access to seven of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Business Travel Service premium airport lounges.
From left: Collinson’s Colin Dai, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Business Travel Service’s Yao Honglei
In Terminal 1, the partnership covers Air China Premium Lounge, Hainan Airlines First Class Lounge, King Lounge, and China Eastern First Class Lounge. There will be an additional Premium Lounge for international flights that will be launched next month.
In Terminal 2, Premium Pass Members can make use of the Easy-Boarding Lounge, and Premium Lounge.
The lounges vary, and travellers can enjoy tea at an exquisitely designed teahouse, take advantage of designated rest areas and massage zones, or even catch up on work at their dedicated business travel centres.
A Collinson study that surveyed over 5,400 frequent travellers across seven Asia Pacific markets (1,021 of which are China-based respondents) revealed that airport lounge access is the number one most desirable travel benefit at the airport – 69 per cent of travellers in China feel valued as a customer when they are given access to an airport lounge.
This partnership further strengthens Priority Pass’s wide network of 1,300 airport lounges and travel experiences globally, with over 500 in Asia Pacific.
La Vie Hotels & Resorts is bolstering its teams across Australia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, with the following appointments.
Alan Christie is the new area general manager in Sri Lanka and will drive the strategic performance of the group’s three Radisson properties in the country.
From left: Alan Christie, Suthiroj Sathitpornkitti, and Abhey Sachdeva
As the new director of growth and business development, South and South East Asia, Suthiroj Sathitpornkitti (Chris) will be based in Bangkok and will focus on expanding La Vie Hotels & Resorts portfolio across the region.
In Sydney, Abhey Sachdeva takes on the role of business development manager, Australia, and will drive sales performance for hotels within the Australian shared services portfolio.
Other appointments in the Australian team include Andrew Marin as group manager of sales, Justin Furkhan as business support manager, and Catriona McKay as group manager revenue and distribution.
The Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) has embarked on a digital transformation and innovation agenda as part of its ongoing efforts to meet the changing demands of customers.
As part of the agenda, MITEC has developed its own app, an Exhibitors Portal, digital signage, and engaged Qualtrics as its online survey platform vendor to holistically measure stakeholder satisfaction.
MITEC embraces digitalisation to enhance the customer experience
Customers can now use the MITEC app to access the venue’s latest updates on important events and affiliated business partners in one swipe. Meals from Garden Court Café can also be ordered via the app.
Next, its new Exhibitors Portal aims to serve as a one-stop e-shop for exhibitors to book venue spaces and pay online. This saves them the hassle from making phone enquiries or travelling all the way to MITEC.
Across the venue, digital signages will also replace the requirements for printed buntings.
MITEC’s CEO, Mala Dorasamy said: “The key here is to remain agile and keep a real-time pulse on changing customer preferences and rapidly innovate to redesign journeys that matter in the MICE industry. Technology and digital tools are now indispensable and integrated components of events. However, people remain our focus of an event, because they ultimately make the decisions.”
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
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A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
Prior to joining Belmond, he held senior roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotel Group across operations, asset management, and mergers & acquisitions, and served on the Supervisory Board of Design Hotels AG.
He joins Star Alliance from Hawaiian Airlines, where he was senior vice president for global sales and alliances since 2014.
