Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB, speaking at the event
The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) team is currently in the thick of the 6th edition of the Penang Roadshow to India 2023, which aims to present Penang as a preferred meetings destination for Indian travellers.
During the roadshows, PCEB will also launch its Chalo Penang campaign, as well as hold networking events for Indian buyers and Penang’s stakeholders. So far, the roadshow has passed through Mumbai (February 13) and New Delhi (February 15), with Chennai and Hyderabad to host PCEB on February 17 and 20 respectively.
Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB, speaking at the event
In total, there are 14 registered exhibitors this year, such as Malaysia Airlines, Setia Spice Convention Centre, and Ace Conference & Events.
This year, Penang anticipates around 2,500 events with 260,000 delegates, with an estimated economic impact of RM1 billion (US$227.7 million).
‘’PCEB is strategising comprehensive blueprints to position Penang higher in the Indian market. The growth and advancements of the tourism industry in Penang are rapidly moving forward now, especially in the mainland of Penang,’’ said Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB.
Moving forward, PCEB will be conducting more site inspections in the mainland to identify how the team can utilise the products and services for the MICE industry. This effort will also be in line with the vision and mission of Penang State Government.
Penang is also working closely with Malaysia Airlines to activate airline connectivity with India to accommodate the Indian market.
Manila (pictured) will welcome the Rotary International convention in 2028
Rotary International has revealed that Manila, Philippines has won the bid to hold its 119th annual international convention, from June 3-8, 2028.
More than 25,000 Rotary members and participants from around the world are expected to attend, making it the largest and most multicultural gathering to ever be hosted in the country. It is also the first time the convention will be held in Manila, fitting for a city that was the first location in Asia to charter a Rotary Club 119 years ago.
Manila (pictured) will welcome the Rotary International convention in 2028
“Manila’s diverse and lively culture reflects the global mosaic of our organisation, making it the ideal city for our members and participants to connect and celebrate our friendships, cultures and the kaleidoscope of experience we bring to improving lives and strengthening communities around the world,” said Rotary International’s president Jennifer Jones.
Rotary members throughout the world develop and implement sustainable, community-driven projects that fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, grow local economies and protect the environment. Over US$5.5 billion has been awarded through The Rotary Foundation to support these programmes worldwide.
The winning bid was led by Rotary regional leader, past district governor Samuel D. Pagdilao, Jr. and supported by Rotary clubs in the Philippines. Various public agencies including the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, and other business events industry stakeholders also contributed to the successful bid.
Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco of the Philippine Department of Tourism warmly welcomes all delegates, adding that the Philippines prides itself in being Asia’s pioneer in hosting large-scale meetings and conventions.
“Under the Marcos administration, we are setting our sights on reclaiming our primary position as one of Asia’s most preferred destinations for international MICE,” she said.
Attendees coming together to celebrate AIME's 30th
As the 30th edition of the three-day AIME draws to a close this evening, organiser Talk2 Media & Events expects this year’s incentive travel and meetings tradeshow in Melbourne will far exceed last year’s business transaction value.
Silke Calder, AIME event director, told TTGmice: “Last year, as the first business event in the city after its reopening in 2022, AIME had A$120 million (US$83.8 million) transacted on the showfloor. Based on the success AIME had last year, when it was a much smaller show – five bays then and seven bays now plus so many more buyers – I’d like to think transactions this year would double.”
Attendees coming together to celebrate AIME’s 30th
Talk2 Media & Events said AIME 2023 is attended by more than 350 exhibitors from over 25 countries, and 400 hosted buyers. More than 13,000 meetings are also scheduled over two days.
Calder said interactions on the first day with sellers showed that they “are generally happy with the quality of buyers and the potential of business to be placed”.
“The buzz is truly great,” she remarked, adding that AIME 2023’s mental health-focused Knowledge Program “drew a lot of positive feedback” while the Welcome Event at Marvel Stadium to celebrate AIME’s 30th anniversary “was also super”. Both events were held on February 13.
The Welcome Event, produced by Peter Jones Special Events, featured entertainment that paid homage to AIME’s legacy. DJs spun music dating back to 1993, when AIME was birthed, luring attendees to the dance floor.
The highlight of the evening was the joint effort of all attendees to form the numerals three and zero on the greens of Marvel Stadium for a photo shoot.
“That was my favourite moment,” reflected Calder. “It was truly “My AIME 30 Moment”, as the party was themed.”
Despite staying long past the official end of the party, delegates flocked to the showfloor on time the next morning for their first day of scheduled meetings.
“It just shows how keen everyone was to get started on business meetings,” said Calder.
Other special features this year include indigenous elements throughout the event, such as lanyards designed by First Nation creative agency Little Rocket; a first-ever Buyers Lounge sponsorship by Accor; a wellness café where delegates can rest, recharge and check their health; and an expanded showcase of smaller event suppliers.
Beyond securing meetings and contributing economic value to the state, AIME owner Melbourne Convention Bureau’s CEO Julia Swanson said the event also leaves behind a legacy created by connections made through business events.
“Great minds and innovators converge on Melbourne, and that results in exciting developments and new solutions,” said Swanson.
Gold Coast’s brand-new eBook, The Imagination Collective, was recently unveiled at AIME, and is a collection of stories about the people, the industries and the growing IQ in the burgeoning city.
This launch comes as Destination Gold Coast pushes ahead with the next phase of its business events strategy to profile the city’s changing profile as a hub for innovation.
A page from the eBook
Business leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and industry experts are the first to be featured in this inaugural version. These include neuroradiologists Hal Rice and Laetitia de Villiers, business leader Rebecca Frizelle, and disability advocate and 2021 Queenslander of the Year Dinesh Palipana.
The Imagination Collective also features brothers, Adam and James Gilmour of Gilmour Space Technologies, who are emerging as a world leader in hybrid rocket technology, as well as Queensland-based journalist, Kathy Kruger, who is driving collaborations and investment into the pioneering work underway at the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.
Destination Gold Coast’s head of business events Selina Sinclair said these stories will show Gold Coast’s diverse economy and the talented people behind the scenes who are doing extraordinary things that can be leveraged to attract more business events.
“The book is not only a collection of stories about the knowledge, innovation and creativity growing in our city but celebrates many of the Gold Coast’s most famous and beloved destinations,” Sinclair said.
This initiative comes off the back of the launch of the revitalised Gold Coast ambassador’s programme, BE Connected Gold Coast, which includes leaders from the valuable academic and scientific world, in addition to a new generation of industry leaders, thought leaders and game changers who are driving change, growing their industries, and helping to move the city forward.
Hyatt Regency Sydney’s The Upper Deck is now available to book for exclusive use, bringing the total available event space at the hotel to over 4,000m2.
Situated on Level 11, the 352m2 room sports a nautical-inspired design, with small motifs that pay homage to the harbourside locale. The entire area is fully customisable, and comes with a 40m2 outdoor terrace and expansive views of Darling Harbour. In total, the space can hold up to 200 guests.
The al fresco area
Both the indoor and outdoor spaces have been outfitted with the latest technology and audiovisual equipment, such as wireless and mobile monitors, and an internal and external speaker and lighting system that can be customised between each space.
Set menu catering and beverage packages from Hyatt are also available to event planners.
From left: Tourism Australia's LC Tan and Andrew Hoggs; and Singapore Airlines' Joann Tan and Ng Yung Han
Tourism Australia and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a new three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting business events travel to Australia.
Under the MoU, Tourism Australia and SIA will jointly deliver a range of marketing and promotional trade activities within Asia – Greater China, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and India – as well as the UK, shared Tourism Australia’s executive general manager of eastern markets and aviation, Andrew Hogg.
From left: Tourism Australia’s LC Tan and Andrew Hoggs; and Singapore Airlines’ Joann Tan and Ng Yung Han
Activities will highlight Australia’s strengths as a world-class business events destination including its iconic and diverse landscapes, award-winning venues, unique experiences and friendly people with fresh perspectives, supported by SIA’s 111 weekly services between Singapore and seven points in Australia.
Hogg told TTGmice that aviation is “critical for Australia”, given its island nation status, hence continued growth in the sector will be “critical to drive competitive pricing”, which will in turn help with the tourism industry’s ongoing recovery.
As of December 2022, international inbound seat capacity stood at 68 per cent, compared to the same month in 2019. This has risen to 74 per cent in February 2023, when compared to February 2019. By June, Hogg expects that Australia will be back to 85 per cent of international inbound seat capacity.
When asked about potential challenges, Hogg shared: “For some travellers, longhaul flights with stops have been a barrier when it comes to visiting Australia. If there are shorter and more direct links, we will be able to attract more international travellers.”
Currently, there are direct flights between Perth and London, and Perth and Rome, but Hogg hopes that in the near future, flights from cities on the eastern coast of Australia to London and New York will also be rolled out.
“Such flights would be a gamechanger for international travel to Australia,” he opined.
This MoU complements Tourism Australia’s other initiatives in the business events sector, such as its brand campaign, There’s Nothing Like Australia for Business Events, that was recently rolled out in Greater China.
Hogg added: “We are also ramping up our business events distribution activity, to give more people the opportunity to experience Australia first-hand to inspire them to take future events Down Under. This includes the Business Events Australia Asia Mega Famil Showcase, which will be held in April with host city partner BESydney.
“We also just announced that Dreamtime 2023 will be held in November this year in Adelaide.”
MALAYSIA Kuala Lumpur
The year 2023 is shaping up to become a much busier year for the capital city.
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre general manager, Alan Pryor, shared that forward bookings are looking very positive. In fact, the Centre has already met 50 per cent of its targets – equivalent to 100 events secured thus far, comprising 33 exhibitions, 20 conventions and 47 corporate events.
Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Hoteliers too are optimistic that this will be a good year, with domestic business taking on the lion’s share in bookings.
Based on forward bookings, Hilton Kuala Lumpur’s commercial director, Carmen Teo, expects a busy year, with domestic corporate business dominating at the start, while “foreign bookings will resume in 2H2023”.
Corporate business from Singapore and the region have been progressively improving, while longhaul bookings are also emerging from Central Europe and the US in 3Q and 4Q2023, she elaborated. As a result, group rates are expected to increase by 10 to 15 per cent this year due to stronger demand.
Similarly, Jeanne Chan, director of Commercial for Sunway City Kuala Lumpur Hotels, shared that a large number of forward bookings on hand are domestic corporates and government business.
Looking ahead to 2Q2023, Chan believes that corporate meetings and incentives from India and the Middle East are expected to resume, while group bookings will also surface from Taiwan, Singapore, and other regional markets.
However, manpower shortage remains a key concern.
Chan shared: “We have outsourced work to third-party companies, as well as run more in-house trainings. We also provide competitive wages for casual and part-time workers, and we are also scouting for new talents.”
Meanwhile, Pryor told TTGmice that the Centre is establishing partnerships with universities and colleges” to provide students with “professional exposure in an internationally recognised organisation”. – S Puvaneswary
Penang
Business events in Penang is forecasted to reach 2019 levels this year.
Francis Teo, head, Setia Convention Centres, told TTGmice that based on business leads and confirmed forward bookings, 60 per cent of the company’s planned revenue for the year has already been achieved, where business could reach 2019 levels this year.
G Hotel Gurney’s director of communications, Christina Tan, shared that forward business event bookings for 1Q2023 will soon reach the same levels as 1Q2019 with domestic, and corporate groups from Singapore and Indonesia forming the bulk of business events.
She said: “Demand for hybrid events continues to be strong in 1Q2023. Post-lockdown, market dynamics have changed to reflect stricter corporate policies on travelling; (an increase in) clients’ asking for the use of technology for conferencing, while safety issues remain of paramount importance.”
Meanwhile, Royale Chulan Penang’s director of sales and marketing, Eric Ng, shared: “This year, we have forward bookings for corporate groups mainly from the domestic and regional markets. On our part, we will also do more marketing activities and work closely with Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Penang Global Tourism and local inbound agents to add value to packages.”
Apollo Holidays Malaysia’s CEO, Amritha Dijith, is also optimistic about business in 2023, sharing that corporate bookings from India look promising, with five groups already confirmed from March onwards. – S Puvaneswary
Metro Manila
The Philippines Metro Manila
Most indicators point to a rosy 2023 for business events in Metro Manila.
“Revenge events, similar to revenge travel, will probably spill over to 2023, said Agnes Pacis, vice president for commercial, SM Hotels & Conventions Corp.
Similarly sanguine is Bruce Winton, Marriott International’s multi-property vice president – The Philippines.
He said: “2023 should see significant recovery. We are thrilled that social and milestone events are starting back in full swing. Corporate meetings were also starting to recovery faster in 2H2022.
These revenge events are not limited to domestic, as there are many international events going on in Metro Manila, stated Tourism Promotions Board’s (TPB) deputy chief operating officer Charles Aames Bautista.
“It is hard to get a date at SMX Convention Center Manila or at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, as we are seeing lots of international conventions coming,” Bautista said.
And although there has been a noticeable price hike, Bautista said: “We are seeing a lot more curated services of hotels, resorts and restaurants giving value for money”.
Although China’s corporate travellers are still missing in tradeshows and exhibitions, Pacis said SM Hotels & Convention Center properties hope to achieve the pre-pandemic business levels in 2023.
Roberto Garcia, deputy general manager of the Philippine International Convention Center, shared that the venue will be completing its expansion next year, and is ready for the influx in association and corporate meetings. – Rosa Ocampo
Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore
SINGAPORE
With business travel to Singapore on the rebound, the city’s business industry continues to recover steadily and is poised to return to pre-pandemic levels between 2024 and 2025.
“According to Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) latest Brand Health Survey, Singapore is still the most considered destination in Asia Pacific for business travel in the next few months,” revealed Edward Koh, executive director, conventions, meetings & incentive travel, STB.
So far, a strong line-up of business events has been confirmed for 2023, including the inaugural SILMO Singapore from April 12-14; and Million Dollar Round Table Global Conference from August 27-30.
Many of these large-scale events will be held at Marina Bay Sands (MBS), which by the end of 2022 would have hosted over 2,000 events, where 439 were first-time events, shared Ong Wee Min, MBS’ vice president of sales and MICE.
September to November 2022 were “particularly strong months” for MBS, and Ong expects that this heightened demand for events will continue well into 2023.
Meanwhile, CWT Meeting & Events’ regional commercial director, South-east & Hong Kong, Petrina Goh, shared with TTGmice that she is seeing a “packed calendar with events lined until June 2023”, where some of the “bigger events will have as many as 2,000 attendees” as clients are raring to travel and host programmes that will bring people together again.
But this robust recovery is not without its challenges in the face of soaring prices.
She elaborated: “It is like “peak season” all year round. Companies are having to stretch their budgets, plan further in advance, and consider options like hosting their events over a weekend, in order to secure flights, accommodation and venues at a reasonable price.”
As such, she predicts that 2023 will see a “more reserved approach to event budgets, with clients opting for smaller, more agile events with hybrid elements”. – Rachel AJ Lee
Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul
SOUTH KOREA Seoul Seoul has welcomed back throngs of corporate visitors since borders opened in early 2022.
When asked how busy the business events sector will be in 2023, Jin Hyeok Park, director at Seoul Tourism Organization (STO), told TTGmice that he expects the industry to “recover 80 per cent of its pre-pandemic level for international conferences, and 60 per cent for corporate meetings and incentive tours in 2023”.
Some of the major events on Seoul’s calendar – such as the 10th World Congress of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies, and World Congress of Gastroenterology 2023 – are expecting between 1,500 to 5,000 participants, with at least 50 per cent from outside of South Korea.
On the hotel front, Andrew Kang, cluster sales supervisor, MICE sales & marketing, Seoul Dragon City, expects to be busier in 2023 with a number of corporate events already confirmed.
“In summer 2023, we will host one of our largest association groups, with around 1,000 overseas participants staying with us,” he shared. Kang added that the hotel is also working to attract overseas groups that will be in town for the annual Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition.
Elsewhere, Jacky Lee, CEO of Seoul-based Etourism, will be welcoming five corporate groups from Asia numbering about 30 pax each in 1Q2023, as well as a few others from Europe and the US.
When asked about how rising costs might affect corporate travel, Lee revealed that they have fortunately locked in prices.
“(If booked in 2023), prices will increase around 20 per cent for packages because prices for everything has increased, from tour guide fees to eating out at restaurants,” Lee noted. – Rachel AJ Lee
Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok
THAILAND Bangkok
Business events stakeholders based in the Thai capital expect that the sector 2022’s strong recovery momentum will spill over into 2023.
“To testify to the vibrant scene, we have over 60 TCEB-supported international conventions in 2023, plus another 50 to 60 international trade fairs and 28 mega events and festivals on the calendar, most of which will take place in Bangkok,” Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), shared.
One prominent large-scale event set for next year is the 62nd ICCA Annual Congress, slated to be held from November 12-15, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). Around 1,000 overseas attendees are expected to attend.
New business events-related attractions – from wellness resorts to venues with organic farming – are also being developed in Bangkok’s adjacent provinces, which means that the city and its surrounds will have more choices for planners to fill out a business events itinerary.
Karianne Rutten, market director of revenue strategy at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, is very optimistic about business in 2023
“Forward bookings are strong and we are handling a rising number of event enquiries. I predict that 2023 will be a productive year for us, almost on a similar level as before the pandemic,” she told TTGmice.
For the 1,388-key property with 5,000m2 of event space, several major international conferences have already been confirmed for 2023, where the majority of the events are between 300 and 800 attendees.
Rutten further revealed that the property is also working closely with QSNCC for several world congresses.
She added: “Our key source markets include Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas, with the medical, IT, agriculture and finance industries accounting for the largest share of business.”
As for Punnaporn Wongjunpen, managing director of Bangkok-based Paula DMC, she has two big events for 1Q2023 confirmed – a 1,000 pax group from an automobile company, and a 1,200 pax group from the petroleum sector. – Rachel AJ Lee
John Parker has been appointed general manager of Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club.
He has 15 years of hospitality experience and was recently at Mari Beach Club in Bali where he served as pre-opening general manager.
Parker will focus on positioning Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club as Koh Samui’s leading lifestyle resort, as well as elevating SEEN Beach Club Samui’s visibility, both regionally and internationally.
The luxury allure of Tokyo and Sapporo as premium corporate event destinations of choice stands out for their Olympic legacy, refined sensibilities and much more to make for inspiring, unforgettable experiences for delegates.
Director of Business Events Tokyo, Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB), Hironobu Fujimura said: “The close partnership of Tokyo and Sapporo allows us to mutually promote exceptional luxury experiences to help meeting planners and event organisers create tailor-made, unique events. As alliance cities, we offer opportunities for outstanding options with our distinct charms.”
For a start, visitors get to experience two different climates in one trip. A whole diverse world awaits just a 90-minute flight away – from the refreshing seasonal Tokyo to the invigorating, cool Sapporo.
High-end options in Tokyo
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For luxurious accommodation, planners can choose the newly-opened bespoke and stylish The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
Picturesque Happo-en boasts various exclusive venues for events - both indoor and outdoor
Corporate groups can learn the Japanese art of Kintsugi from Master Taku Nakano at his pottery studio
Tokyo City View observation deck on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower features superb views at 250m above sea level
Corporate groups can enjoy a specially curated stadium tour and gain access to exclusive spaces at the Japan National Stadium
Learn sushi-making from Chef Yoshi Tezuka (extreme right) of 100-year-old sushi restaurant, Matsunozushi for a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Tokyo Two-time Olympic city, Tokyo, is able to deploy the creative use of its innovatively-designed sustainable sporting facilities reminiscent of its strong legacy in sports. One example is the Japan National Stadium by well-known architect Kengo Kuma, which doubles up as an ideal event and reception venue.
Corporate groups can enjoy a specially curated stadium tour and gain access to exclusive spaces from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, such as the athletes’ locker rooms and the designated interview zone.
Planners looking to curate bespoke, upscale programmes will find a wealth of lush, culturally-rich possibilities in the metropolis.
Indulge in a meaningful Kintsugi experience at Taku Nakano CeramicArts★ pottery studio, learning the ropes to repair broken ceramics with gold lacquer to re-create a beautiful art piece.
Let Master Taku Nakano, who was once an aspiring Olympic athlete, regale participants with stories of his fascinating self-taught journey into the traditional practice while they learn more deeply about the ancient Japanese art of wabi-sabi (beauty through imperfection) and the recycling mentality in the Edo period (1603-1867).
They can try their hand at giving authentic Edo antiques a second lease of life by mending the pieces – and return home with a special memento.
For a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn sushi-making from Chef Yoshi Tezuka of 100-year-old sushi restaurant, Matsunozushi, corporate planners can organise a tailored cultural affair where he can take guests on a Tsukiji fish market tour, coach them to grate fresh wasabi and guide them to make authentic Edo-style sushi.
Apart from customised outings at the restaurant with optional Geisha entertainment, the distinguished fourth-generation chef can also cater special dinners and buffet-style parties at external venues too – ideal for business events from small groups of 20 to larger groups of 150.
The Kintsugi workshop and sushi-making sessions are programmes under Tokyo’s special offers provided by TCVB for corporate meetings and incentive travel.
Another must-have on the lavish incentive trip itinerary is a visit to the 400-year-old Japanese garden of Happo-en.
Its serene, well-manicured plot is home to centuries-old bonsai trees, cherry trees, lush foliage and a koi pond that makes for breathtaking landscapes in every season. Happo-en is ideal for small groups wishing to partake in a memorable, contemplative, hands-on tea ceremony experience.
For a modern take of the city, situated on the 49th floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, Roppongi Academyhills houses plenty of meeting rooms for various-sized corporate business events, while Tokyo City View observation deck on the 52nd floor will be attractive to events organisers keen on an unforgettable reception venue for 100, with its superb views at 250m above sea level.
For luxury incentive trips, planners can look to newly-opened upmarket, stylish hotels, including The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo in Otemachi and Kimpton Shinjuku.
Sumptuous culinary delights are also aplenty, with about 100,000 dining and drinking establishments, including 200 Michelin-starred restaurants, according to Fujimura.
For example, savour French-Japanese fusion fare at Reglisse and Japanese fine dining at Hoshinonaruki.
Of the Japanese capital’s appeal as an ideal business event destination, he added: “Its one-of-a-kind culture, world-class hotels, and welcoming hospitality make it the perfect destination that is completely different from other cities around the world.”
Sapporo's luxurious choices
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Guests can enjoy the snowscape at Chalet Ivy Jozankei while soaking in the in-room private natural onsens, filled with Jozankei’s famed mineral-rich waters (Credit: Chalet Ivy Jozankei)
Winter teambuilding activities include guided snowmobile tours to venture into the snowy mountains
Kashogyoen provides premium spa and wellness offerings for a rejuvenating retreat, ideal for incentive itineraries (Credit: Kashogyoen)
A visit to an ice lounge within a Japanese garden restaurant will no doubt leave a vivid impression on incentive tour delegates (Credit: Elm Garden)
Corporate groups can engage a former Olympian to lead them on a unique stadium tour at Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
Gastronomy delights in the gourmet capital spotlight Hokkaido’s tasty seafood
Sapporo Just a 90-minute flight away from Tokyo, Sapporo also possesses a noteworthy sporting legacy. The capital of Japan’s northernmost Hokkaido prefecture is Japan’s 5th largest city and the former host of the Winter Olympics.
The magnificent Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, which hosted the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics, takes centre stage in the renowned snow city. Corporate groups can engage an ex-Olympian to lead them on a unique stadium tour, explore the 307m high ski jump hill and experience the same spectacular panoramic view of the city as that of a ski jumper about to take the brave plunge.
A French-styled restaurant within the stadium, Nouvelle Pousse, can accommodate an impressive reception party by serving up exquisite cuisine made of Hokkaido’s fine locally produced ingredients and great vantage points of the iconic sporting venue, including a summer jump attraction performed by professional ski jumpers.
Event planners are spoilt for choice with a wide array of interesting team-building winter activities on-site such as snow rafting, igloo building, as well as ice cream making and snow dome barbeques. Delegates can also venture into the breathtaking snowy mountains on a guided snowmobile tour with Wonderland Sapporo, suitable for beginners too.
Organisers will be delighted that various deluxe accommodations and gourmet choices abound in Sapporo.
For example, conveniently located in central Sapporo, Sapporo Grand Hotel, the first Western-styled hotel that debuted in 1934, bestows guests with ultimate style and comfort within its spacious suites.
Portom International Hokkaido, located in New Chitose Airport, is a unique luxury-hotel-inside-an-art-gallery abode, showcasing a mind-boggling collection of extraordinary artworks on top of a traditional tea room, cafe sky library, French and Japanese dining, onsen and spa, all under one roof.
Hokkaido is the holy grail of onsens (hot springs) and Sapporo leads the way with various gorgeous hotels teeming with lavish spas and stunning onsens in the Jozankei area.
Enclaved by the lush forest and the Toyohira river, guests can behold the awe-inspiring snowscape at opulent Chalet Ivy Jozankei while soaking in the in-room private natural onsens, filled with Jozankei’s famed mineral-rich waters. Other seasons allow them to take in majestic sights outside the floor-to-ceiling windows in equal measure.
Swanky Kashogyoen furnishes premium spa and wellness offerings for a rejuvenating retreat, while offering guests picturesque views of the surrounding natural beauty of Jozankei.
Gastronomy delights in the gourmet capital spotlight Hokkaido’s tasty locally-grown ingredients and produce. Dig into fresh seafood platters and mouth-watering seasonal menu items at special dining experiences, such as a Japanese garden restaurant with an ice lounge or projection-mapping Kaiseki cuisine, only available in Sapporo.
Like Fujimura, Marico Ogi, MICE director of Sapporo Convention Bureau, is also optimistic that Hokkaido’s capital can attract high-end MICE clients jointly with Tokyo.
She explained: “After enjoying the inspiring arts and culture in Tokyo, they can then conveniently visit Sapporo and luxuriate in Hokkaido’s breath-taking nature, great outdoors, stunning hot springs and gourmet delights in each of the four distinctive seasons. We are confident that Sapporo can offer the ultimate wellness experience in absolutely unique ways.”
Destinations that have maintained their marketing investment throughout the pandemic years are most likely to be the ones to win the hearts of corporate meeting and incentive trip planners today, say agencies.
Rodney Yew, director of Kent Holidays in Singapore, told TTGmice at AIME 2023 that he has “several” corporate meetings and incentive movements bound for Australia this year alone, with most heading to Melbourne and Sydney. These groups from the Middle East and Asia will involve 250 to 350 delegates altogether.
Ketut: leverage the influence of event planners
“And more are likely to materialise since it is only early part of 2023 now,” he added.
“Australian cities maintained strong destination marketing throughout the years when travel to the country was not possible, and that made our clients missed or desired the country a lot,” Yew explained.
Fioren Cahyadi, travel services manager with Destination Tour in Indonesia, too, finds that a good reputation makes it easier to pitch the destination. For her team, Japan and Thailand are easy sells.
Yew said Thailand and Singapore are also strong contenders too, as both have been active with destination marketing and trade engagements during the travel disruption.
Underlining the importance of the destination brand, Ketut Jaman, managing director of Melali MICE in Indonesia said Bali has continued to be a popular corporate meeting and incentive travel destination despite having reduced its destination marketing in recent years.
“Bali is now well known for so many things – its culture and nature, as a tourism hub of the country with excellent infrastructure and variety of attractions and cuisines, good air access provided by both international and domestic airlines, and tourism products available across a wide price range. And it is all because of previous effective marketing and an ongoing good events track record. So, even though central government-led marketing is not as intensive as before, and not as intensive as other MICE cities now, Bali continues to impress,” Ketut said.
Having said that, Ketut noted that the destination reputation would only open initial doors to clients’ hearts. For destinations to ultimately secure clients’ sign-off, their reputation must be matched by the practicalities of good accessibility, suitable infrastructure and potential to meet event owners’ objectives.
“For instance, Indonesian banking institutions will prioritise destinations that are advanced with fin-tech, while government agencies will prefer to meet in cities where there is both political stability and progress,” he elaborated.
Fioren observes that after reputation comes cost, as well as the destination’s ability to fulfil the client’s travel and event objectives and to take in large groups at last minute’s notice – the latter being a common occurrence today.
Costs, according to Yew and Fioren are especially scrunitised today, amid a backdrop of inflation and restricted budgets.
If the client insists on pricey destinations like Japan, Fioren said they would then trim expenses by choosing cheaper accommodation, shorter duration – “perhaps just five-days and three-nights” – and more affordable flights.
When asked if emerging destinations without deep marketing pockets would lose out to savvy competitors, Ketut said they could still catch up by laying the groundwork – establish sufficient air links, events infrastructure and a trained service team – then relying on leading event agencies to influence clients’ decision.
“Very often, our clients will ask us which city is better for meetings and take our inputs seriously,” said Ketut.
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
The five-star property excels in backing its expansive facilities with seamless service and personalised attention, setting the benchmark for luxury in Bangkok.
Parker will focus on positioning Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club as Koh Samui’s leading lifestyle resort, as well as elevating SEEN Beach Club Samui’s visibility, both regionally and internationally.
