Annual report finds higher price rises likely in regions slower to reopen after global travel shutdown
The annual Air Monitor 2023 report, published by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), is predicting widespread airfare price hikes on key business travel routes due to inflation, rising fuel costs and capacity issues.
In Asia, price rises are forecast to be sharper, with economy flights to and from Europe up 12%, 7.6% in the business cabin. Asia-North America flights are also slated to see significant rises (5.6% business, 9.8% economy), while Australian domestic flights are forecast to rise 19.4% in the business cabin.
Annual report finds higher price rises likely in regions slower to reopen after global travel shutdown
Some countries in the Asia-Pacific region have been slower to reopen after Covid-19 travel restrictions, and an increase in demand combined with relatively strong economic prospects could put an upwards pressure on prices.
Meanwhile, Europe-North America routes are expected to see modest rises of 3.7%, while intra-European flights could see stronger price rises (6% in the business cabin, 5.5% in economy) as airline capacity recovery lags behind the resurgence of demand. North American domestic fares are expected to see moderate rises (3.4% business, 2.9% economy) as more capacity comes online in 2023.
Air Monitor 2023 also identified key trends driving price movements and shaping aviation in the year ahead. These include airline capacity, inflation, and the impact of foreign exchange rates and fuel surcharges. With business travel currently challenged by volatility and disruption, the report offers advice on managing effective air programmes and prioritising the traveller experience.
The Jeju Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) takes sustainability and green efforts very seriously.
Aside from promoting sustainable business events and organising related forums, the CVB continues to encourage event organisers and tourism suppliers to take a more responsible approach.
Hwansang Forest Gotjawal Park
Its chairman, Kim Ae-sook, shared: “We have been branding Jeju as a safe and sustainable business events destination.
“The island has world-class conference facilities for business events, and is the only place in the world certified in three UNESCO’s Natural Science Sector lists – as a Biosphere Reserve, World Heritage and Global Geopark.”
Many meeting facilities and unique venues in Jeju are already eco-friendly.
For example, the state-of-the-art International Convention Center (ICC) Jeju has installed multiple 751kw solar power generation facilities – the largest in scale on the island. The panels produce approximately 790,590kwh of electricity per year, saving approximately 100 million won (US$71,054) in electricity bills annually.
Meanwhile, Hwansang Forest Gotjawal Park, a natural primeval forest popular for teambuilding events, offers various educational programmes which include protecting the forest for future generations, and supporting local farmers who use only locally-grown ingredients for all F&B sold in the park.
As a result of its green efforts, Jeju CVB has obtained the ISO 20121 (Event Sustainability Management System) international certification, while five other organisations, including ICC Jeju, are seeking to obtain this certification.
Kim said: “We are also encouraging our MICE Alliance members to obtain ISO 20121 certification, as this will provide guidance and best practices to event organisers.”
As part of its responsible meeting efforts, in July 2021, Jeju CVB organised a Green MICE Forum to raise awareness on sustainability issues, such as minimising waste during events and using fairtrade products. The CVB also launched a guide for hosting green business events, and provided organisers with useful information on how to create a sustainable event in Jeju.
This year in August, Jeju CVB organised an ESG Management Forum to help strengthen local stakeholders’ understanding of Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG), and provided a platform for further discussions related to ESG management.
While sustainability management has risen in importance across the global business events industry, the downside to hosting a green event is that it may cost more, and involve more thought and planning, reflected Kim.
To help organisers create a memorable and responsible event, Kim shared that the CVB provides all the necessary “guidance and support”.
Busan's continuous hosting of fruitful events serves as a constant reminder to the world of its capability as a MICE city (Photo: Busan Tourism Organization)
Busan’s continuous hosting of fruitful events serves as a constant reminder to the world of its capability as a MICE city (Photo: Busan Tourism Organization)
Second-largest city in South Korea, Busan, is a global MICE city whose reputation as an ideal venue option is growing from strength to strength.
In the first half of this year alone, the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) held over 100 more events than it did all of 2021.
MICE experts highlight the geographical advantages of Busan and its world-class MICE infrastructure as some of the city’s strengths as a top business events destination.
Ideal city to host international events Busan’s coastal environment won it acclaim as South Korea’s only bleisure (combination of both business and leisure) city.
One of Busan’s most compelling draws is the myriad of seaside activities business travellers can engage in.
The coastal pursuits are clustered in “Haevenue”, an area in the Haeundae district in Busan that is at the centre of the city’s MICE infrastructure, including BEXCO and Busan Port International Exhibition & Convention Center (BPEX), as well as a host of accommodation choices and tourist attractions.
Due to its close proximity to the Gimhae International Airport, Busan also doubles up as a transportation hub.
Business success for events So far in the second half of 2022, BEXCO has hosted a diverse range of successful international conferences, such as the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) World Congress.
In the second half of 2022, BEXCO has hosted a diverse range of successful events, including the 2022 Busan MICE Alliance Day (Photo: Busan Tourism Organization)
Delegates of events held at BEXCO can enjoy tasty culinary fare and exciting sightseeing opportunities while in town.
One of the world’s 10 busiest ports, the city’s continuous hosting of fruitful events serves as a constant reminder to the world of its capability as a MICE city – one that should not be overlooked when selecting a host city for any upcoming business event.
Sea sports and nautical leisure activities The beautiful beaches of Busan allow for all kinds of seaside leisure activities throughout the year.
Paddle-boarding is popular, and board rentals are readily available at both Gwangalli Beach and Dadaepo Beach.
The best time to go paddle-boarding is in the late afternoon, when the adventurous will be rewarded with stunning sunsets over the water.
Event organisers in Busan do their best to ensure delegates have the time of their lives, and strive to provide a range of tourism products for them to create unforgettable memories.
More events in the pipeline In May 2022, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) board of directors selected Busan as the venue for the 2025 WADA World Conference, in a vote of confidence for the city.
The board conducted an initial three-day inspection of Busan in September. The four-day 2025 WADA World Conference is scheduled to commence on October 10, 2025.
Busan is honoured to be hosting the first-ever WADA World Conference to be held in South Korea and sees the event as an opportunity to demonstrate its MICE appeal globally.
While the coastal city’s world-class MICE infrastructure makes it the ideal host city for international events, Busan is not resting on its laurels and is constantly seeking to improve and make every event held on its coastline better than the last.
Interested in organising your next business event in Busan?
For more details on why Busan is the Best Bleisure City, visit here.
Find out more about the MICE support available here.
JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group has appointed Rathawat Kuvijitrsuwan as senior vice president, advisory & asset management, Thailand.
He will be responsible for advising both domestic and international clients through development advisory, feasibility assessment, investment strategies, operator selection and contract negotiation, and asset management.
He joins JLL from CBRE, where he was recently head of research and consulting, Thailand.
An agreement was signed by MyCEB's Noor Ahmad Hamid (left) and UFI's Kai Hattendorf at the 89th UFI Global Congress in Muscat, Oman
UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, has signed an MoU with the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) that will enable Malaysian business events professionals to access the globally-recognised UFI Certified Professional designation (UCP) in 2023.
With courses on exhibition management and venue management, Malaysia’s new UCP training programme will be developed with and delivered by industry experts from Malaysia and beyond.
An agreement was signed by MyCEB’s Noor Ahmad Hamid (left) and UFI’s Kai Hattendorf at the 89th UFI Global Congress in Muscat, Oman
The curriculum developed under this new partnership will be designed to boost professionalism in Malaysia’s business events sector – in line with MyCEB’s work to establish a national Business Events Standard. Options may range from business development, leadership and crisis management, to digital innovation and sustainable development.
MyCEB chief operating officer, Noor Ahmad Hamid, noted: “The introduction of (the) UCP programme to the Malaysian industry players will further advance our professionalism.”
The UCP programme consists of two foundation programmes and a wide range of specialised modules, delivered by UFI and educational partners. The curriculum is tailored to the specific needs of exhibition organisers and venues in each region of the world where it operates.
Hybrid work for associations in the Philippines more commonplace
Hybrid work and hybrid meetings are now commonplace in the Philippines, with associations increasingly implementing them for employees due to traffic congestion.
Octavio Peralta, founder and CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE), told TTGmice that hybrid working arrangements have “gained ground and are being practised by many associations”.
Hybrid work for associations in the Philippines is more commonplace
“Management and staff have already adjusted to this scheme and are happy (to continue) with such arrangements, citing more work-life balance. Hybrid work also reduces a staff’s cost – transportation, parking, meals – in having to go to the office, while associations save on office rent and utilities,” Peralta explained.
It also helps that better technology is more readily available for association members to attend meetings or educational sessions remotely.
During the recent PCAAE 10th Associations Summit, Ramon Isberto, auditor of the board of trustees, International Association of Business Communicators Philippines, also pointed out that in many lines of work, employees need not be physically present.
Antonio Ongsiako, liaison officer and director of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, is another supporter of hybrid work arrangements. He shared how some companies, 50 per cent of the staff come to work only twice or three times a week. Some of these companies are no longer leasing office spaces as well.
Aside from hybrid work arrangements, Peralta also noted that association events will mostly be in hybrid formats – a mix of in-person and virtual attendance – moving forward.
He added: “Events are not merely for learning, but also to network with peers, so a combination of both options will (cover an attendee’s) needs.”
Agnes Pacis, vice president for commercial, SM Hotels & Conventions, added: “Hybrid events will still be around. The virtual component has proven beneficial to those who can’t attend in-person for one reason or another.
“(However), nothing will replace in-person business events, tradeshows or exhibitions, because it is more compelling to (interact with industry peers on-site.”
If social distancing has taught us anything, it is that, as humans, we crave contact. Despite all the uncertainty that lockdowns brought, research and data point to one thing: in-person events are here to stay.
So, what role will tech play in the future of these events?
Ben Lydon
Now more than ever, we need to develop systems which work symbiotically to streamline and enhance the user experience (UX) for organisers and attendees alike. Think interconnectivity at every stage of program development.
Many all-in-one event software solutions promise to be a panacea, but the more complex an event, the more important it is to choose a bespoke mix of systems – or the right tech stack – to make the process seamless.
Choosing an appropriate tech stack starts with breaking down an event into sets of intelligent requirements, and then choosing the best software solutions accordingly.
In the planning stage of the event, teams work out the minimum requirements based on the ideal journey of each participant type and then build a tech stack around this. Once a successful system is in place, teams can iterate and improve year-on-year.
Editor’s note: This article is part of TTGmice’s media partnership with AIME 2023.
XpoBay provides flexible Event Portal software to assist organisers radically simplify their events. In AIME’s case, XpoBay helps develop systems which make the exhibitor and hosted buyer experience a seamless and integrated journey to AIME.
With over 20 years’ experience in the events and exhibitions industry working with some of the world’s largest organisers of business and consumer events, XpoBay brings a unique insight into the technology needed to streamline many aspects of event planning; from registration to operations to event portals and more.
AIME is Asia-Pacific’s leading trade event for the meetings and event industry, and is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. The event brings together international and local buyers to access the best exhibitors from around the world. AIME 2023 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from February 13 to 15, and will see the industry coming together to celebrate AIME’s 30th anniversary.
Register for the Hosted Buyer Program by December 13, 2022, here.
SLH aims to meet the growing demand for events and group travel with these three partnerships; The Sukhothai Bangkok pictured
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has formed three new international MICE partnerships within its key source markets.
These new strategic alliances have been formed with Reilly Resort Representatives (RRR) for the North American market, Avenue Sales & Marketing (Avenue) for the EMEA market and Heavens Portfolio for Asia market.
SLH aims to meet the growing demand for events and group travel with these three partnerships; The Sukhothai Bangkok pictured
Asia-based Heavens Portfolio has a team of over 50 experts and similarly works with a curated collection of some of the world’s most luxurious travel brands. They have a high-end clientele and help to expand networks in Asia’s most influential and discerning markets.
Avenue Sales & Marketing is a UK-based representation company specialising in the luxury hospitality industry. Started in 2000, Avenue represents over 100 luxury hotels worldwide, and has over 50 years of combined experience. It has an in-depth knowledge and experience in the corporate, leisure, conference and incentive market.
Reilly Resort Representatives is a female-owned and operated group sales and marketing representation firm in North America providing custom-made group sales support to independently-owned luxury hotels and resorts. RRR also connect hotels to qualified group leads by out bounding sales, trade show representation, hosted quarterly events, and monthly qualified planner meetings.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) has opened the Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur in Bukit Bintang.
The 25-storey high-rise houses 210 one- and two-bedroom suites, ranging from 47m2 to 80m2.
Rooftop pool
On the topmost level 25, guests can work, relax or recharge in The Living Room, a residents’ lounge that houses a meeting room, pool table, foosball table and other recreational fittings; while the Pacific Lounge serves breakfast as well as all-day coffee, tea and juices. Recreational facilities include a TechnoGym fitness centre; and a rooftop pool overlooking Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.
Guests can also unwind next door at Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur’s rooftop garden terraces, St. Gregory spa, or visit the dining outlets The Botanist Lounge & Bar, Thyme and Skye Chill.
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur is surrounded by landmarks such as Berjaya Times Square, Jalan Alor food street, Wall Art Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bintang Walk, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and The Starhill.
By 2023, PPHG plans to double its serviced suites portfolio, spanning 10 properties in eight cities including Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
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.
He joins JLL from CBRE, where he was recently head of research and consulting, Thailand.
