UFI works Net Zero Carbon Events campaign from the ground up
Apart from counting on existing supporters in Asia to spread the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) campaign message, UFI – the Global Association of the Exhibitions is taking a “unique collective approach” to the value-chain of events.
Christian Duart, UFI research manager responsible for all sustainability research and initiatives, said: “UFI has been highly active (in NZCE) since COP26, supported by a substantial worldwide PR and social media programme.”
Duart, who is also secretary of the sustainable development committee, added the NZCE message was being delivered in editorials, via social media and UFI managing director/CEO Kai Hattendorf speaking about the pledge and campaign at conferences.
“The specific NZCE initiative that focuses on the impact of environment has also set up work streams to cover Venue Energy, Food, Production and Waste, Logistics, Travel and Accommodation, Measurement and Carbon Offsetting,” he told TTGmice.
The groups are developing guidelines on the best approach to implement the roadmap, and UFI is, on behalf of the NZCE task force, running the “Measurement” work stream that will define the standard methodologies, metrics and industry coefficients.
Duart added: “In the meantime, the NZCE campaign has produced a range of resources to help them to move forward. These are all free to download. They include a Quick Guide To Getting Started, NZCE Roadmap 2022 Executive Summary and NZCE ROADMAP 2022 Full Report.”
UFI, which has been active for a while around sustainability issues, is collecting best practices via an annual award scheme, he noted.
While UFI had not yet targeted exhibiting companies as such, Duart commented that it is being approached by organisers as well as venues and service providers for their respective services, in order to take part in the reduction of emissions.
“We shall see fast progress there in the coming year,” he opined.
Visa application ease fuels Indian event recovery for Australia
Despite pricier airfares to Australia, Indian business event planners say clients are still clamouring for corporate incentive trips to the land Down Under.
Planners told TTGmice that airfares to Australia have gone up 30 to 40 per cent compared to pre-pandemic times.
Yet, Nirav Desai, head – domestic and international MICE business, WE Events, said “future demand for Australia is looking healthy”, with strongest interest emanating from banking, insurance and pharmaceutical industries.
“At present we have three to four queries of 200 pax each from corporates considering Australia as a destination, said Desai.
He pointed to Australia’s quick visa processing system for giving the destination an edge over European alternatives.
Desai is a one of eight Indian planners who attended the recent Business Events Australia (BEA) Asia Mega Famil Showcase.
“Even though airfares have gone up, this is not a deterrent for insurance, banking and pharmaceutical companies which were not badly affected by the pandemic,” said Sajin Nawshad, director, Akbar Holidays, who added that pent-up travel demand is also helping to grow Indian outbound numbers to Australia.
“Australia has been proactive in its visa processing system for MICE travellers while visa delays in many European countries are creating a challenge (for Indian groups). We expect to close a few MICE groups that will travel to Australia later this year,” shared Bindeshwari Prasad, associate vice president of FCM Travel Solutions India.
Another participant, who requested for anonymity, told TTGmice that his company closed a 900-pax incentive group that would visit Melbourne in July 2023.
He noted a “huge increase in incentive movement to Australia” this year. While his company handled some 15 corporate events to Australia in 2019, he expects the numbers to double this year.
Like his peers, Australia has become both a big hit and easy sell due to the trusty visa processing system for business travellers.
Frasers Hospitality hits 25-year mark
Frasers Hospitality is celebrating its 25 years in business this year with plans for continued strategic growth, comprising inventory expansion and product innovation.
Mark Chan, chief operating officer, Frasers Hospitality, shared that more properties are set to open in South-east Asia and China, across key, economically vibrant first and second-tier cities.
Investment in product innovation through technology will be centred on consumer touch points, such as cloud-based technology, deployment of robots and contactless check-in.
“With the pandemic well behind us and international borders fully reopened, a whole new world awaits and Frasers Hospitality is well-positioned to anticipate and meet the changing needs of the extended-stay market,” said chief executive officer Eu Chin Fen.
Looking ahead, Eu said there has been a “major shift” in demand for long-stay accommodation.
“Remote working is now commonplace, while attitudes towards home ownership have changed among millennials and the next generation. Purposeful living – which allows like-minded individuals to network – is the new ideal, and so too is the concept of flexible leasing, fast outpacing the conventional practice of long-term rental,” she detailed.
She added: “We anticipate a new lifestyle, where individuals seek out spaces that allow them to grow and live life to the fullest, with a healthy balance of work and self-fulfilment. Frasers Hospitality is always looking at enhancing our products and services to align with this ethos.
“In fact, with new developments in store, our next journey will be an exciting one that we can’t wait to embark on as we write the next chapter of Frasers Hospitality.”
To commemorate this milestone, Frasers Hospitality has planned a year-long campaign marked by free stays and other activities to highlight its achievements as a global Singapore brand. A highlight of the anniversary celebrations is a giveaway of 300 free stays.
Convenience is king for business travellers
Corporate travel is back with a vengeance.
The rapid recovery of corporate travel this year is likely to breathe new life into Asia’s travel and hospitality sectors, providing much-needed relief after a challenging period.
Asian carriers like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific are profitable once again, shrugging off lingering concerns about inflation and high fuel prices. Things are looking up for hotels too, with major players like Accor bullish about 2023, in part due to China’s reopening.
Although corporate travel has typically been more volatile and slower to recover than leisure travel after economic downturns, the current forecast indicates that corporate travel budgets are expected to recover to 98 per cent of pre-pandemic levels this year .
In fact, corporate travel in a quarter of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) were found to return at pre-Covid levels, with 34 per cent anticipating a full recovery by the end of this year.
As corporate travellers return, so too do opportunities for businesses that cater to them. From airlines, hotel reservations down to ancillary services, merchants, and providers need to formulate strategies on how to make the most of the market recovery.
The travel industry is ready for take-off and in an age of convenience and security, one easy way to accelerate business growth across channels, markets, and buying stages is to make payments as simple and frictionless as possible.
The pandemic had a profound impact on payments, with a massive acceleration in the adoption of digital options. Accordingly, users expect a secure and convenient way to pay for goods and services.
This is particularly true for travel. However, corporate travel payments have never been simple because of multiple touchpoints that involve various merchants such as travel agencies, hotels, airlines, and insurance providers among others. Each of these merchants may have their own payment processing systems and requirements, which can add layers of complexity to the travel planning process.
This can become a huge administrative nightmare for businesses, which could consider an all-in-one business travel platform to reduce costs and complexity for travel managers.
As businesses seek to streamline their corporate travel processes, a third-party payment processor can offer significant benefits. By securely storing personal data, corporate travelers can avoid the hassle of repeatedly entering their information, resulting in a faster and more seamless process. This not only improves the experience but also reduces barriers to subsequent repeat purchases, leading to increased customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Travel is one of the industries that is most vulnerable to fraud. As such, peace of mind is particularly important for corporate travellers, who might feel a little more vulnerable than they do at home, especially in places they’re visiting for the first time.
For the same reason, being able to make purchases securely is crucial for corporate travellers, who might be unfamiliar with exchange rates or hidden processing fees. Payment platforms must be equipped with the right currency calculator tools and security protocols to offer these travellers unparalleled convenience and much needed peace of mind.
The rise of sustainable corporate travel in a new generation of payments
As the urgency of climate crisis becomes more evident, consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about their carbon footprint. More businesses are also reporting their net zero transition goals to shareholders.
While credit cards and cash are a great way for organisations to handle a high number of corporate travellers, these payment methods are not sustainable as, minting money and printing cards carry a sizeable environmental impact.
On the other hand, new generation payments such as digital wallets are a convenient, electronic way for business travellers to safely store different payment methods and access funds from their devices. One in two consumers prefer using digital wallets when travelling.
The benefits of digital wallets for corporate travellers are clear as it provides a secure and seamless experience while they are on the go. For businesses, digital payments provide greater visibility into travel spend and reduces their carbon footprint.
Convenience is king when it comes to travel
The resurgence of corporate travel in Asia and beyond presents a promising outlook for the travel and hospitality industries. As businesses look to capitalise on this opportunity, streamlining payment processes will be key.
By embracing a new generation of payments, merchants can enhance the customer experience and increase customer loyalty. Since payments are at the heart of every business transaction, the importance of making payments simple, secure, and frictionless cannot be overstated.
Patrick Foo is vice president of Southeast Asia, India, Middle East, Africa, Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan with PayPal, a company that has remained at the forefront of the digital payment revolution for more than 20 years.
Rice-inspired Grand Mercure Hanoi opens
Grand Mercure Hanoi, a new premium hotel in which Indochinese style, Western neoclassical beauty and world-class amenities blend harmoniously to reveal Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage to visitors, has opened its doors.
Positioned in the heart of the city, close to the Temple of Literature and within walking distance of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the hotel allows guests to explore Hanoi with ease.
It is a treasure trove of arts and crafts, with lacquerware from Hạ Thái lacquer village, Chu Dau pottery from Hai Duong province and Bat Trang ceramics on display throughout the hotel.
The interior is inspired by rice, with shimmering water-filled fields and hillside terraces and the colour and shape of individual grains showcased in many elements throughout the hotel.
Guests have a choice of 181 rooms and suites. The 11 suites feature separate living areas while the Executive Lounge provides an exclusive space for guests staying in the hotel’s premium accommodation to relax in comfort and privacy.
Grand Mercure Hanoi offers four restaurants and bars with originally curated culinary concepts – LỘC-ALLY, which promises contemporary all-day dining with international flavours and local favourites; Cat Vi, a signature 15th floor Asian brasserie that blends regional gastronomy and Vietnamese soul food with spectacular city views; Van’s lobby lounge; VIVU Rooftop Sky Bar.
There are three flexible venues that can host a wide variety of business and social functions. The grand ballroom offers 324m2 of sophisticated, soundproof space with integrated screens and a state-of-the-art sound system.
Homm heads to Bali with tranquil retreat
Banyan Tree Group has opened a new Homm-branded retreat in Bali’s central highlands.
The new Homm Saranam Baturiti features 81 spacious rooms and villas set amid lush natural landscapes and a backdrop of the picturesque Bedugul mountains.
The resort’s various programmes have been designed with well-being and reconnection in mind, thus suitable for a company trip away from the traditional office setting.
Guestrooms offer a unique blend of traditional and laid-back comforts. The largest accommodation is a Two-Bedroom Pool Villa, which comes with a separate spacious living room, a private pool, luxurious bathroom with a tub, as well as a kitchenette to cater to any cooking needs.
Onsite facilities include all-day dining restaurant, Samiya, which serves classic Indonesian signature dishes featuring fresh greens hand-picked from the on-site garden; and a variety of venues suited for special occasions and business functions. 8LEMENTS spa will soon join the line-up.
A range of experiences and entertainment options are also designed to ensure seamless opportunities for team bonding and stress relief.
Pitching for greatness
As one of the first Asia-Pacific countries to open its borders in phases in 2021, Singapore has since hosted a fair share of tradeshows and conferences, naturally attracting pent-up demand for face-to-face events when travel was allowed.
This bodes well for the country’s business events industry, which is sporting a strong line-up of business events for 2023. Major events include FHA-Food & Beverage (April 25-28) and Herbalife APAC Extravaganza 2023 (May 19-21), while rights to notable events such as SILMO Singapore (April 12-14) and the World Conference on Lung Cancer (September 9-12) have also been secured for the first time.
Poh Chi Chuan, executive director, exhibitions & conferences, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), said: “The robust line-up of events demonstrates the industry’s confidence in Singapore’s strong fundamentals – our vibrant business culture, excellent infrastructure, stable government, and stellar track record in delivering high-quality events.”
This track record backed by the In Singapore Incentives & Rewards (INSPIRE) Global 2.0 programme and Business Events in Singapore (BEiS) scheme, both initiatives that help event organisers defray the cost of holding an event in Singapore, and assist them in the planning and execution.
Other initiatives include the launch of the MICE Sustainability Roadmap in December 2022, which sets out clear goals and strategies to raise sustainability standards across the industry.
Public-private partnerships are also crucial in Singapore’s sustainability push, which full-service event management agency Unearthed Productions, and Pan Pacific Hotels Group, are part of.
Adam Piperdy, Unearthed Productions, founder and chief experience officer, told TTGmice: “Sustainability efforts are in full swing here and we continue to study more ways we can be sustainable. For example, we started using reusable furniture (for outdoor events), such as pallets transformed into box chairs.”
“More organisers have been moving towards sustainable destinations and venues, especially with heightened awareness from the pandemic. STB has successfully positioned Singapore as a prime hub for green meetings and events, as part of the SG Green Plan 2030,” Cinn Tan, chief sales & marketing officer, Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG), added.
“With environmentally-friendly features, biophilic design and sustainable MICE packages like Meet Lite, Feels Right, our Parkroyal Collection hotels in Singapore have received high volumes of requests due to their capabilities to cater for such demand,” she elaborated.
Large-scale event organisers are also working hard to lure more events to the Lion City.
Yip Je Choong, senior vice president commercial – APAC and managing director of Singapore and Indonesia, RX Global, said: “Things are still in development, but RX currently has six marque business events planned for 2023. These include the G2E Asia 2023 Special Edition: Singapore in May, and our newest event Bar Convent Singapore, slated for November.”
To attract more events, RX works closely with STB to “bring in side events previously held in other markets to take place in conjunction with our existing pipeline of shows, or clone events within RX’s global portfolio”.
Janice Lee, event director of hospitality, F&B, Hong Kong & Singapore at Informa Markets, pointed to FHA-Food & Beverage, an annual tradeshow starting from 2023, as a materialisation of the company’s hard work. FHA-Food & Beverage’s sister show FHA-HoReCa will remain biennial.
Lee said: “(Shows like these were established) by collaborating with industry partners and associations to identify potential opportunities. We will continue to develop innovative programmes and activities to boost Singapore’s appeal as an international events destination.”
Although the global landscape is competitive, stakeholders believe that Singapore’s value proposition has not changed – a multicultural metropolis with world-class facilities and infrastructure, accessibility, an empowering business environment, and reputation for safety and security.
Piperdy noted: “Although Singapore is a world-class event destination, it has traditionally not been the most affordable place to hold an event. But being competitive has less to do with cost and more to do with the value we’re able to deliver to international event organisers.”
“To further enhance its competitiveness, Singapore should also look to develop unique experiences that will appeal to MICE customers, and work to ensure that its hotels, venues and services are cost-effective,” Lee added.
Jens Hackebeil takes the helm as Oetker Collection’s CFO
Oetker Collection has named Jens Hackebeil as its chief financial officer, welcoming Hackebeil as a member of the company’s executive committee.
He’s been with Oetker Collection since 2011, and was most recently vice president finance.
His new responsibilities will include the continuation of day-to-day responsibility for planning, implementing, managing, and controlling all financial-related activities of the company, in conjunction with directing and overseeing all aspects of Finance, Group Accounting, Purchasing, Legal and Compliance functions of the organisation.
INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit names new GM
Aarron Nelson has been appointed as the general manager of INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit.
He joins the Meliá team after five years as general manager of citizenM Kuala Lumpur.
With over 28 years of hospitality experience, Nelson has worked in countries such as Malaysia, the Maldives, Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand.
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PATA is on the hunt for its next CEO, following the exit of its former head, Liz Ortiguera, in February.
Information on the application process is available on the PATA Career page.
The Executive Board has appointed a Selection Committee to assist in reviewing applications, developing a shortlist, and interviewing final candidates. The Selection Committee shall put forth their recommendations to the PATA Executive Board for endorsement and final approval.