Renest Hotels and Resorts has appointed Abhishek Bhatnagar as the general manager of their newest property Renest Kumbhalgarh.
In his new role, Bhatnagar will oversee and coordinate all aspects of the resort’s operations.
He has over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having previously worked with various hotels in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and a nine-year-long tenure at the HRH Group of Hotels.
Taiwan is confident that its business events sector will rebound beyond 2019 this year, as recent business events activities in the destination reveal pent-up demands materialising into business.
Speaking to visiting media on the recent Meet Taiwan Open Arms’ Taiwan Pulse fam trip, Jerchin Lee, managing director of Meet Taiwan, said: “Taking the Computex Taipei exhibition – which took place from May 30 to June 2 – as an example, we see that although the (size of the show) is 70 per cent of that in 2019, this year’s total visitor count has grown by 60 per cent compared to 2019.”
Computex organisers revealed that the four-day event attracted 47,594 professional attendees from 150 countries, where the top 10 countries visitors hailed from were Japan, the US, South Korea, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
With more large-scale events such as Semicon Taiwan 2023, World News Media Congress 2023, and the 35th Conference of the International Society of Environmental Epidemiology scheduled to take place this year, this will bode well for the industry’s swift recovery.
As such, Lee indicated that the outlook for the business events industry was promising, and could even surpass 2019 figures.
In 2019, the number of foreign participants in business events activities in Taiwan was 314,446 people, where economic benefits generated by foreign participants in exhibition activities amounted to NT$35.6 billion (US$1,160 million).
As for target market segments, Lee revealed: “In the (meeting segment), many of the associations are based in Europe and the US. Therefore, Taiwan will strive to attract these international conferences to be held here.”
Meanwhile, to attract more international conferences, Taiwan will also be leveraging its technology, science, and medical advancement industries.
Lee added that Taiwan will also be focused on attracting more events and participants from north-east and south-east Asia due to the short flight times of under six hours.
“These countries possess high-potential markets with large populations, making them crucial focus areas for Taiwan.”
In 2021, Taiwan also founded the Asia Convention Alliance along with Thailand, Malaysia and South Korea. The alliance aims to strengthen relations, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge between member countries through collaborative ventures. There is also a goal of hosting and bidding for more conventions, as well as organising joint conventions in member countries on a rotational basis.
Tasmania’s capital of Hobart has received the go-ahead for a new waterfront stadium, thanks to a A$240 million (US$162.5 million) injection from Australia’s Federal Government.
The Australian Government commitment of A$240 million completes the total funding requirement of A$715 million. The Tasmanian Government has announced a commitment of A$375 million, while the Australian Football League (AFL) will contribute A$15 million.
This funding will go towards developing the Macquarie Point Arts, Entertainment and Sports Precinct, which includes development of the stadium. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with a slated opening of 2029 as the home ground for Tasmania’s first AFL team, which is currently in development.
It will also enable Tasmania to compete for arts and cultural events including major concerts, conferences, exhibitions and sporting fixtures, whose organisers currently do not consider Tasmania as an option due to the lack of world-class venue facilities and capacity constraints.
Aside from possibly delivering A$2.2 billion to Tasmania’s economy over 25 years, it is expected that at least 44 events – 28 new to Tasmania – could be hosted at the new stadium, with around 587,000 attendance per year, including 123,500 overseas and interstate visitors.
During construction of the stadium, A$300 million in additional economic activity and 4,200 jobs will be created, while A$85 million in additional economic activity and 950 jobs per year will be created during stadium operations. Opportunities in the precinct around the stadium will create up to 6,720 jobs.
The Macquarie Point Development Corporation is currently preparing a Precinct Plan for the site.
The GBTA Foundation, the non-profit, cause-led arm of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), and Travalyst, a not-for-profit organisation which seeks to scale sustainability within the tourism industry, have joined forces to collaborate on the development of a framework for sustainable travel.
In a GBTA report − The State of Sustainability in the Global Business Travel Industry − on average, a third of industry and stakeholder respondents surveyed said the fragmentation of standards was a main barrier to a sustainability transition in business travel − and 60 per cent cited harmonised standards as a top facilitator of a positive future for the industry.
“Travalyst exists to help bring consistent and credible sustainability information to the mainstream, helping travellers everywhere make more informed choices. Nowhere is this more urgent than in the business travel sector, with corporate travellers rightly demanding better, clearer information to make – and for corporations to report on – lower impact decisions,” said Sally Davey, CEO, Travalyst. “Travalyst’s partnership with GBTA brings to bear the strengths and scale of each group to ensure business travellers are empowered to make the best decisions, for themselves and for the planet, every time they book.”
Davey added that this marks another step for Travalyst in extending its reach to encompass both leisure and now corporate travel across the industry by partnering with big companies, and major associations such as GBTA.
Delphine Millot, senior vice president, sustainability, and managing director, GBTA Foundation, said: “The lack of comparability and transparency on what’s considered a more sustainable business travel option is a real barrier to change. The GBTA Foundation has a key role to play to steer the full global business travel industry towards common sustainability frameworks and standards. This is fully aligned with Travalyst’s mission, and we’re looking forward to working together with their existing efforts and model.”
According to Millot, the Foundation’s Sustainability Initiative aims to drive cross-industry collaboration among the users and providers of corporate travel services – including aviation, hospitality, ground transport, travel management and distribution – to support the deployment of solutions that help to manage and reduce carbon emissions from travel.
BestCities Global Alliance, and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), have made several modifications to their flagship Incredible Impacts Programme.
Starting this year, the Incredible Impacts Programme will award one association a grant of US$20,000; this is a change from previous years, where three grants of US$7,500 were distributed. The new selection process will involve a jury shortlisting three finalists, who will each present their entry during a plenary session at the annual ICCA Congress in November. For the first time, congress attendees will be able to vote on the winner, with the final score evenly weighted between the jury and audience.
The Incredible Impacts Programme will also provide a seed grant of US$5,000 to associations seeking to establish a new legacy programme. Interested parties will need to submit a business case, and one winner will be awarded the funds. This new addition supports BestCities and ICCA’s commitment to advancing legacy and impact in the international meetings industry, and advocating for associations that are helping to shape a better world for future generations.
“We are thrilled to introduce the latest evolution of the Incredible Impacts Programme, which not only recognises associations demonstrating innovative thinking and creativity to achieve impact, but also inspires others to incorporate legacy initiatives into future events,” said Lesley Williams, managing director, BestCities. “We’re also pleased to provide support to associations eager to implement a legacy programme, with an eye towards encouraging most, if not all, international associations to integrate legacy and impact into their conference planning going forward.”
“The dynamic new change to Incredible Impacts is led by a genuine growing interest and engagement in the initiative,” said Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA. “We want to celebrate the best of the best and raise the stakes to a ‘winner takes all’ scenario because the stories our associations are telling – and the legacies their initiatives are leaving – thoroughly warrant a solo moment in the spotlight. By bringing Congress attendees into the final judging process raises the impact value, kudos, and ‘wow’ factor to the Incredible Impacts win.”
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has opened Sheraton Kagoshima, hallmarking the brand’s 150th property in Asia-Pacific and the first Sheraton property in Japan that exemplifies the brand’s modernised design concept as part of its global transformation journey.
The property offers three event venues with a total of 6,565m2, which provide ideal spaces to host events for up to 300 guests. All venues enjoy high-speed internet access, as well as the latest audiovisual equipment and professional banquet services.
There are a total of 228 guestrooms and suites, where each room offers views overlooking Sakurajima and Kagoshima city. Club rooms and suites are located on the upper floors and all suites can enjoy access to the Sheraton Club. Club guests and Marriott Bonvoy Elite members will be able to find curated F&B offerings, premium amenities, enhanced connectivity, and 24/7 access to provide a private environment.
Other recreational facilities include a fitness centre, and a spa boasting a Japanese-style onsen featuring natural volcanic hot spring pools and foot baths.
One signature element of Sheraton’s new vision is The Community Table, a purpose-built workspace that anchors the hotel’s lobby and allows guests to work, eat and drink. Following Sheraton’s philosophy to embrace both form and function, these tables are custom designed with amenities to keep guests productive, including built-in lighting, outlets, and charging stations. Guests can also retreat in Sheraton’s signature Booths, a quiet space with privacy without breaking the flow.
There are also five F&B options on-site – all-day dining restaurant Daily Social; Flying Hog Grill which serves Kurobuta black pork – a speciality of Kagoshima; Japanese restaurant Satsumagma; Vivarium bar; and &More by Sheraton in the lobby area.
Like many event companies during the pandemic, Team Building Asia had to trim its manpower for survival.
Despite business challenges, the Hong Kong-based company vowed to take care of whoever it was able to retain. Care packages were sent to employees in Hong Kong and Shanghai during the government-imposed lockdowns.
And as isolation eased and operations resumed, Team Building Asia built a whole new working environment that accommodated individual staff’s working style and lifestyle as much as possible.
As a teambuilding specialist, the company is well aware of the critical need to keep team members together, especially during challenging periods.
Co-founder and managing director, Stuart Harris, recalled hosting team lunches and dinners to celebrate achievements, as well as teambuilding sessions for employees.
“On top of this, we also encourage staff to have life goals outside of work, and to take their annual leave to work on and accomplish these goals,” Harris added.
Team Building Asia’s leadership is committed to establishing a friendly work environment, where full-timers get to leave work early on Fridays and no meetings are permitted on Wednesdays to allow employees to work on their individual tasks.
Harris shared that all employees are treated equally, with the same benefits and incentives.
From 15 full-time staff pre-pandemic to eight today, Harris said the team is “slowly growing”.
He considers Team Building Asia “lucky with the talents that he has recruited throughout the years”.
As he continues to rebuild his team, Harris is keeping an eye out for potential hires that have an open mind and are not afraid of challenges.
When larger events roll in, Team Building Asia turns to part-time staff who are able to commit to regular work. These individuals assist with event operations, warehousing work and logistics.
Sands China, the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macau, commenced The Macao Showcase at its sister property, Marina Bay Sands, in Singapore yesterday.
Running for three days from June 7-9, 2023, the event invites sales and trade partners, regional and international media, Singapore’s residents, and travellers to experience the multifaceted charm of Macau through the 200 exhibitors comprising SMEs, associations and media.
The Macao Showcase is the first major event organised by Sands China in an overseas market post-pandemic. It reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) in attracting more overseas travellers and diversifying visitor source markets. The event is also geared toward tourism and economic revival and promoting the ‘tourism + MICE’ cross- sector integration.
Part of the showcase is a public-accessible exhibition. Called A Taste of Macao, it showcases different pillars of the Macau experience Gastronomy, Fashion, Arts & Culture, and Wellness.
A by-invitation-only Gala Dinner was also held yesterday night, created by celebrated culinary talents from Sands China, such as celebrity master chef Minglu, and chef Jack Xiao from The Huaiyang Garden, which was recently awarded its first Michelin star. There is also a fashion experiencing showcasing designs from renowned and emerging Macau fashion brands such as No. 42, and Nuno Lopes.
Today, a MICE & Luxury Forum will take place at the Heliconia Ballroom, where a line-up of international thought leaders and business events specialists will discuss a wide range of hot topics in the industries in five themed sessions.
The forum will also be live-streamed to The Londoner Macao’s Smart Stage, a hybrid business events broadcast space, inviting Macau’s college students and association members to participate and connect internationally.
Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China, said: “We hope this event, the first of many, helps increase Macau’s profile as an international leisure and MICE destination, thereby attracting more international visitors and extending their length of stay – in support of the Macau government’s policies and efforts to diversify visitor source markets, fuel tourism, and spur economic revitalisation. We are especially pleased to use this opportunity to highlight some of Macau’s local SMEs, helping them reach a global audience.”
A new range of subsidies for international conventions held in Fukui Prefecture is available this fiscal year (until March 2024) as part of plans to increase the appeal of the Japan Sea coast location for business meetings.
Up to ¥3 million (US$21,434) will be provided for an international convention held in Fukui Prefecture for two or more consecutive days (including overnight stays), where participants are from at least two countries including Japan. More than 10 participants of the international convention are required to stay at least one night in Fukui Prefecture.
Additional subsidies include up to ¥50,000 for attractions at the opening ceremony or reception “that will improve the image of Fukui Prefecture and its host city or town”, up to ¥100,000 for a shuttle bus service between the venue and accommodation facilities for conventions with more than 300 pax and up to ¥200,000 for a sightseeing excursion or tour inspection of companies, according to the federation’s convention division.
Convention organisers will also be able to receive subsidies of up to ¥50,000 per person (for up to two pax) for a site inspection.
All subsidies cover academic conferences, meetings, business conventions and sports events in principle, although exceptions apply such as conventions held in conjunction with sister city exchange programmes.
The Fukui Prefectural Tourism Federation launched this subsidy to celebrate the expansion of a bullet train service that will connect Fukui Prefecture with Tokyo in less than three hours from spring 2024.
The new 125-kilometre section of the Hokuriku Shinkansen will connect Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, via Komatsu, Kaga-Onsen, Awara-Onsen, Fukui and Echizen-Takefu, according to the Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency.
Travel management company FCM has teamed up with NUS Business School Executive Education to deliver the Asia High Potential Programme, a scheme designed to provide a customised leadership development programme for people with high potential in FCM.
More than 20 FCM candidates – from China, Singapore, and India – have been selected for the course, which spans over 18 months.
The programme will provide formal face-to-face training once a quarter with FCM supporting participants through the internal application of training in real-life and business situations, 360-degree feedback from managers, peers, and direct reports, as well as mentorship from leaders within the business.
These employees will benefit from the leadership of Prem N Shamdasani as the programme director. He is the associate professor of marketing; academic director, The NUS Executive MBA; director, Stanford-NUS International Management Programme; and director, NUS Marketing Strategy In A Digital World Programme, at the NUS Business School.
“Brightness of future and providing our people with the best possible chance to grow hand-in-hand with us, while opening doors to future leadership possibilities, is something that has been ingrained in our business from day one,” said Bertrand Saillet, managing director Asia, FCM.
“The main aim is to develop leaders from within our business – with a focus on local talent. People want a career in travel again and we look forward to working closely with all our candidates as we aim to develop our future business leaders for FCM in Asia.”
