IMEX Frankfurt set to power planners in creating experiences

By TTG

April 17, 2023

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Brought to you by IMEX Exhibitions

IMEX Frankfurt 2022

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‘Doing business and powering industry growth sit at the heart of our show’

Global exhibitors announce major launches

The wide variety of suppliers lined up to exhibit span the world and include: Europe – Germany, France, Spain and Croatia; North & South America – Peru along with Boston and Georgia (both of which are increasing their presence); Asia – Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia.

Sarawak, the largest of Malaysia’s 13 states, will have its own stand for the first time and will also be joined by the region’s Tourism Minister. Hotel groups Accor, IHG Hotels & Resorts, NH Hotels and Radisson are among the exhibitors expanding their presence along with destinations – Boston, Georgia, Los Cabos and Morocco.

Despite bumpy economic headwinds, demand for in-person events is strong and many parts of the global market have responded with investment in refurbishments, new properties, product innovations, new technologies and enhanced attendee experiences. IMEX Frankfurt will be the stage for several important news announcements including Cairns Convention Centre, which is set to re-open this spring following a major refurbishment and expansion. The Asia Convention Alliance will hold their inaugural event during IMEX while Cvent are among several suppliers presenting new research.

Evergreen meets Human Nature

Education programming centres on IMEX’s 2023 Talking Point – ‘Human Nature’ – which gives attendees the chance to learn and embrace skills such as public speaking, experiential design, emotional intelligence as a leadership skill, focused attention and more. IMEX Frankfurt 2023 also makes allowance for sessions of evergreen interest including contract negotiations, talent acquisition and management, incentive programming and food and beverage planning.

An extensive, free programme of 150 educational and networking events starts with education for specialist audiences the day before the show, on Monday 22 May, followed by six tracks of general learning that run Tuesday to Thursday on the show floor’s Inspiration Hub.

Technology and innovation: Here attendees can delve into new technologies or learn how to increase their use and variety of technology to enhance, measure and improve their events. At the More than Experience Lab, DRPG and Maritz will offer up-to-the-minute tech-focused, design-thinking sessions.
Trends and research: Industry-leading organisations and associations – including SITE, EIC, MMGY and AMEX – are set to release new or updated research and offer guidance on what it means for the future of events.
People and planet: IMEX’s People & Planet Village is home to best practice, activations and advice from those at the forefront of sustainability. Education and discovery sessions include a close look at UN Sustainable Development Goal no 6 – water – plus a panel on which Mariela McIlwraith from Meeting Change examines the future of air travel with aerospace experts.
Business practices: Planners currently need fresh insights and ideas for navigating change including how to manage inflationary pressures, attract new talent and motivate remote teams. According to Eszter Mattiassich-Aszody from Siemens Healthineers and international crisis leader Thomas Lahnthaler, these leadership and life lessons can come from surprising sources, such as children. Eszter explains: ““It’s interesting to observe the sheer flexibility of their minds….there are no barriers.”
Experience design: Creating an enduring sense of belonging or engaging a dispersed community ranks high on list for many event planners. In his case study presentation, Brian Allan, founder of Rock Your Business, will reveal what it took to bring together Ukrainian refugee children through his Choral Singing Workshops. To date he has conducted workshops for over 10,000 children to raise funds to open weekend centres around Poland where children can receive musical therapy via choir and music workshops.
Event marketing: “We live in a neuroscience-based world where understanding the values participants bring to an event can power its success,” says David Allison. Allison will be joined by Google’s Megan Henshall and founder of Storycraft Lab, Naomi Clare, in How to measure and manifest belonging for events ; A collaboration between Valuegraphics and the Google Experience Institute (Xi).

“While doing business and powering industry growth sit at the heart of our forthcoming show, IMEX Frankfurt is designed to deliver an enriching, broad experience that ripples further than the eye can see. We recognise that creating experiences, not events, is more important than ever and that people in our global industry also want to feel connected, revived and re-inspired. We’re happy to lead the way and play our part,” sums up Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.

IMEX Frankfurt evolves every year, and this latest edition is no exception. This time around, however, attendees can expect a few surprises – the IMEX Group is set for change, with details to be revealed onsite.

IMEX Frankfurt takes place 23 – 25 May 2023 at Messe Frankfurt. You can register to attend – for free – by clicking here.

Travel and accommodation details – including new hotel booking discounts – can be found here.

For further information, please visit www.imex-frankfurt.com

Malaysia welcomes exhibition organisers looking to escape pricey Singapore

By S Puvaneswary

April 14, 2023

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The rising cost of operations in expensive Singapore has created a window of opportunity for convention centres in neighbouring Malaysia, where prices are recognised as being relatively lower.

In December 2022, Economist Intelligence Unit identified Singapore as the world’s most expensive city to live in, in a tie with New York. More recently, ECA International’s Top Ten Most Expensive Locations For Business Travel ranked Singapore in second place in Asia and 19^th worldwide.

More organisers are keen to move or rotate their Singapore shows to Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur pictured

Francis Teo, head of Setia Convention Centres in Malaysia, told TTGmice that some exhibition organisers have expressed interest in moving their shows to Setia’s venues in Greater Kuala Lumpur and Penang, or to establish new shows, in 4Q2023 or early 2024.

Teo said the associated costs of organising an exhibition in Malaysia, such as venue rental, manpower hire, construction of exhibition stands, transportation and accommodation, are roughly 30 to 40 per cent less than in Singapore.

Malaysia’s affordability is a plus point, but the country has many other winning factors, stated John Burke, general manager of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

“Malaysia has a positive global reputation, leading in industries like oil and gas, medical and healthcare, banking and finance, education, construction, technology and innovation. There are also a lot of opportunities for import/export, business matchings and investment.

“We leverage on these strengths and look at the relevance and potential for growth when we talk to organisers about bringing their exhibitions here. We also work very closely with exhibition organisers to explore and tap into new market opportunities as more industry sectors like transportation, wholesale and retail, food and beverage, technology and innovation develop and boom here,” Burke told TTGmice.

Burke’s team is actively exploring opportunities to bring in more exhibitions, and he noted that the recent UFI Asia Pacific Conference held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre had fired up “great interest” in the venue among South-east Asian attendees, including those from Singapore.

The UFI gathering also had a welcome reception at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), the largest exhibition venue in the country with 11 massive halls.

Winnee Lim, general manager – business development at MITEC), said some Singapore exhibition organisers were keen to rotate their shows to Malaysia, after having a chance to view MITEC’s offerings up close.

Lim is aware that materialisation of business from Singapore will depend largely on exhibition organisers’ assessment of Malaysia’s trade suitability. And she believes that Malaysia can give Singapore a good run for its money.

“Malaysia is a value-for-money destination. We have a bigger market size compared with Singapore, and we have many options in terms of accommodation. We also have a very supportive federal convention bureau that provides support and incentives to event organisers,” she stated.

Seeing these advantages, Lim plans to promote MITEC to exhibition organisers in Singapore.

Ascott celebrates fourth anniversary of its loyalty programme

By TTGmice

April 14, 2023

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Ascott is giving out bonus points as part of a new campaign to celebrate the fourth anniversary of its loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards (ASR).

Members can earn 25 per cent bonus points when they book and stay at any of Ascott’s ASR participating properties from April 15 to May 31.

Members can earn extra bonus points when they book and stay at any of Ascott’s ASR participating properties; Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok, pictured

This also includes Oakwood and The Unlimited Collection brands, which were acquired by Ascott in July last year. All bookings made for stays at participating properties across the Oakwood and The Unlimited Collection brands will further entitle members to added double points for the same period. These include properties in Australia, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.

ASR points earned can be fully redeemed for stays at participating properties spanning 14 brands globally. Alternatively, points can also be exchanged for rewards with Ascott partners or channelled towards a good cause.

Guests holding elite memberships from other hospitality loyalty programmes will also benefit from an equivalent status-match when they sign up for an ASR membership.

With the next phase of growth, the ASR programme will progressively be elevated with value-add experiences for all members, including a complimentary one-year Wall Street Journal subscription for eligible Platinum members who have booked and completed a stay during the campaign period.

Tan Bee Leng, Ascott’s managing director for brand & marketing, said: “We launched the ASR programme back in 2019 with a commitment to develop it as one of the strongest hospitality rewards programmes. Four years on and in spite of the challenges as a result of the pandemic, we are proud to continue upholding this ambition.

“Flexibility, convenience and stay benefits are just some of the offerings to empower our guests to make the most out of their stay with us. As consumer travel demand evolves, we strive to continue building customer loyalty by ensuring that our offerings remain relevant and compelling enough to meet the increasing expectations of an attractive loyalty programme.”

The Westin Manila appoints GM and DOSM

By TTGmice

April 14, 2023

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The Westin Manila has named Alexander Dietzsch as its general manager, who was also the pre-opening consultant of the hotel.

Before joining The Westin Manila, Dietzsch oversaw F&B operations at NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. He has also worked in various capacities at The Westin properties in Bangkok and Bali.

From left: Alexander Dietzsch and Meegee Yap

Meanwhile, Meegee Yap is the new director of sales and marketing at The Westin Manila. She was previously at Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa with the same title.

Turning the tide

By Rosa Ocampo

April 13, 2023

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Cebu is poised to retain its position as a key business events destination in the Philippines, with newly-minted hotels and resorts coming online to fill the gap for small events.

Moreover, soon to join the fray will be two new convention centres that are much needed for mid-sized events.

Aerial view of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Bridge which connects Cebu with Mactan Island

“Cebu has all the attributes of a good MICE destination, except that it does not have a convention centre,” said Afro Asian World Events president, Angel Ramos Bognot.

But the city’s fortunes are about to change later this year.

Nustar Resort and Casino, Cebu’s first integrated resort, is set to open the 2,000-pax Nustar Convention Center in 2Q2023. It will have “versatile event spaces, state of the art amenities and stunning sea views,” shared Jun Cordova, director of sales and marketing at Robinsons Hotels and Resorts/Nustar Resort and Casino.

“Later in the year, we also expect to open the ballroom at NUSTAR’s Fili Hotel that can cater to 310 pax. Complementing these new venues are Fili Hotel’s 379 rooms and suites,” Cordova said.

In two years’ time, the Megaworld Hotels and Resort will also be opening the Mactan New Town Convention Center, with a capacity for 1,500 guests banquet-style. The venue will be situated between the 550-key Belmont Hotel and 547-key Savoy Hotel in Mactan.

Jericha T Escriva, Belmont Hotel Mactan assistant director of sales, opined that the Mactan New Town Convention Center will be able to address the shortage of venues in Cebu for large corporate groups.

The Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort is Marriott International’s first resort in the Philippines; one of its meeting rooms pictured

Mactan Island has also welcomed several top-tier hotels and resorts recently, lured by its proximity to the domestic and international airport and beaches.

The most luxurious of them is the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort. The property offers eight indoor meeting venues, the largest being the 727m2 Grand Ballroom that can hold 540 pax for banquets. There are also three meeting rooms, a boardroom, and a pre-function area. All of the indoor spaces have been built to make the most out of the sea view, and allow in natural light.

Other unique spaces on the beach, in the gardens, or in open spaces tastefully dotted with Kenneth Cobonpue installations welcome corporate gatherings too. There is also a roof deck on the 12th floor of the main building that can be transformed into an outdoor events venue.

Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort’s general manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin is keen to attract the bleisure – or blended travel – market, seeing how the property is armed with excellent leisure and business facilities.

“Cebu has always been a good destination for leisure and business events”, with a number of Korean and Japanese businesses, as well as the presence of call centres and other industries, located here, Wurgler-Cronin pointed out.

After the hiatus wrought by the pandemic, business events are returning to Cebu, noted Escriva, with a number of local and international events scheduled this year.

The future also looks promising, as Cebu’s provincial government is actively promoting the destination, together with Palawan and Boracay. There are also reports that the provincial government has bought a site in Mandaue meant for a convention centre.

Colliers Philippines associate director, Joey Roi Bondoc, opined: “Cebu is definitely among the major Philippine destinations that will capture gains from revenge travel, (and) retain its stature as a key business and leisure destination.”

Cebu’s need for more hotels and bigger venues are evident from a local medical convention that Shangri-La Resort Mactan will be hosting in July. The resort is unable to accommodate the 1,700 pax, so a number of delegates will have to stay at the nearby Belmont and Savoy.

Bondoc noted: “Colliers Philippines believes that now is an opportune time for developers to consider bringing in foreign hotel brands. Hotel operators should also continue to innovate with their services and tap technology in enhancing the customer experience”.

Bruce Winton, multi-property vice president Philippines of Marriott International, pointed out that another of Cebu’s plus points was the continuous improvement of its infrastructure, such as the building and completion of Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal 2, and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway which reduces the travel time between mainland Cebu and Mactan Island.

He added that the new infrastructure helps to improve lives all around, and urged the industry to “keep going”, and “focus on projects that benefit tourism”.

“(With all these developments happening,) surely the Cebu MICE landscape just got more interesting, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Cebu,” Cordova concluded.

Overcoming festive hurdles

By S Puvaneswary

April 12, 2023

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Nature and water sports featured in the Langkawi programme

Event brief
Kuala Lumpur-based DMC, Universal Holidays Travel and Tourism, planned and executed an incentive travel programme to Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur for 250 qualifiers of a manufacturing company from Pakistan. The trip, held from January 26 to February 2, coincided with the Chinese New Year festive season in Malaysia, which also happened to be a peak travel season for both domestic and international travel.

Event highlights
Delegates connected at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 on a domestic flight to Langkawi. There, they spent three days, enjoying nature-based attractions such as a private guided tour of the mangroves and a cable car ride from the foothill of the Machinchang mountain to the Top Station, 708m above sea level.

On their third day, delegates participated in water sports on Chenang Beach. A private session was arranged with local operators so that delegates could enjoy parasailing and riding a jet ski.

Zahira Tahir, founder and CEO, Universal Holidays Travel and Tourism, said for many delegates, it was their first time parasailing or jet skiing.

Universal Holidays erected a marquee on the public beach where delegates could rest and hide from the blazing sun.

Next stop, Kuala Lumpur, where delegates visited the KL Tower Observation Deck for an aerial view of the city and surroundings, and the famous Petronas Twin Towers. They also went on a city tour and spent half a day enjoying the rides and thrills at Sunway Lagoon Theme Park.

One of the activity highlights was a private race at Sepang International Go-Kart circuit. It was the attraction’s first private race for an international corporate group. The full-day event included prize presentation and an on-site lunch.

As a grand finale, the group was hosted to a gala dinner with live musical performances at JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur a day prior to departure.

Incentive winners had a private race at Sepang International Go-Kart circuit

Challenges
Securing seats for 250 people to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi during the domestic travel peak season was a challenge. The group had to be split up, flying on three different airlines.

Sourcing for restaurants in Langkawi large enough to accommodate everyone was another challenge. Options were further limited as some of the large restaurants were closed for holidays, while others in operation had manpower constraints.

Universal Holidays eventually persuaded a few large restaurants to reopen just for the group. This came at a higher cost, as the restaurants had to pay extra for labour.

Zahira recalled that restaurants in Langkawi also relied on the mainland for vegetables, meat and even canned drinks in large quantities. She shared: “At the last minute, I wanted to change a chicken dish to mutton, but the restaurant manager said this could not be done as they would need more time to source for the meat from mainland Kedah.”

Event Incentive travel for a manufacturing company from Karachi
Organiser Universal Holidays Travel and Tourism
Destinations Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur
Dates January 26 to February 2
Attendance 250

Singapore Tourism Board’s refreshed campaign to drive tourism growth

By Caroline Boey

April 12, 2023

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SINGAPORE_CBD — The positive outlook for MICE follows the recent relaxation of COVID-19 measures in Singapore

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will be refreshing its Passion Made Possible (PMP) campaign, which is expected to be the impetus to maintain the momentum of tourism recovery.

During the Travel Industry Conference on April 5, STB chief executive Keith Tan expressed confidence “we can sustain the momentum of growth” based on the destination having “already crossed over 2.9 million visitors in 1Q2023, each staying an average of 3.97 days”.

World’s Best MICE City is one of six propositions holding up STB’s refreshed destination campaign

Sharing more details on PMP 2.0, Chang Chee Pey, assistant chief executive, marketing group, told TTG Asia a review of the marketing strategy had been done in 2021 – in consultation with experts in travel, tourism, and marketing – to “future-proof Singapore’s desirability as a destination and support our longer-term tourism strategy”.

“With rapidly evolving consumer behaviour, Singapore must remain well-positioned to cater to the needs of future travellers,” Chang added.

STB’s refreshed marketing strategy is to tell a great Singapore story by “sharpening this narrative” and giving strong reasons for travellers to visit based on six propositions, namely World’s Best MICE City, Culinary Capital, Family Playground, Twice the Fun, City that Connects, and Travel Well.

Chang explained: “Each of these six positionings is supported by a mix of products and experiences. They have the most potential to grow visitor arrivals, as well as impact visitor spend and length of stay in Singapore.

“The positionings will be rolled out progressively, with the World’s Best MICE City positioning campaign set to launch later this year. More details on the other positionings will be available at a later stage.”

Elaborating on the MICE positioning, Chang noted: “We want Singapore to be recognised globally for the strong fundamentals that make us a key MICE hub, such as our strategic location, vibrant business culture, excellent infrastructure, stable governance, and stellar track record in delivering high-quality events.”

As for Culinary Capital, the vision is for Singapore to be known as a world-class food destination that constantly innovates.

“We want to be recognised for our distinctive local cuisine and diverse dining scene, helmed by reputable bars and restaurants with talented bartenders and chefs. Singapore will host the World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 later this year, which will be held in Asia for the first time. We also had a strong showing in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2023, with nine restaurants making the cut and eleven bars in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022,” he added.

Chang pointed out that Singapore is one of the world’s safest and cleanest cities, coupled with world-class and diverse family-friendly attractions and experiences, citing Disney Cruise Line homeporting a new Disney Cruise ship in Singapore exclusively for five years, as an endorsement of the Family Playground status.

Twice the Fun will aim to deliver “an exciting city that offers year-round leisure events, entertainment, retail, and nightlife experiences that appeal to Early Careers” by curating and developing “a range of attractive tourism and lifestyle offerings that appeal to travellers across ages, interests and passions”.

In addition, STB will maintain a full calendar of events, such as world-class sports, arts, culture, and food, on top of Singapore’s exciting nightlife including outdoor cinemas and night admissions to museums, to add vibrancy to the garden city.

City that Connects will promote Singapore as a multi-cultural hub and a global city with excellent connectivity to Asia and the rest of the world, in particular to South-east Asia, while Travel Well aims to have Singapore become a sustainable city and urban wellness haven.

Chang observed: “Earlier this year, we were certified under the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) Destination Criteria, which affirms that Singapore is on the right track to become a sustainable urban destination, where large experiences come with small footprints.

“In wellness, we will establish Singapore as a destination that provides holistic well-being and accessible must-do experiences that leave visitors feeling better than when they arrived. For both sustainability and wellness, we will continue to invest in new products and experiences.”

Tokyo offers carbon footprint calculator for events

By Kathryn Wortley

April 12, 2023

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Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TVCB) has created a carbon footprint calculator to support the creation and delivery of more sustainable events in the Japanese capital.

Released by Business Events Tokyo, TCVB’s one-stop shop for meeting and events planners as well as organisers bidding to host international business events in Tokyo, the tool is designed to help event organisers understand the environmental impact of holding their business event in Tokyo.

The user follows seven steps, including inputting primary data, to show how much carbon dioxide would be emitted by holding their planned event, both in total and per attendee.

TCVB’s carbon footprint calculator will allow organisers to assess the impact of their events in Tokyo; Shinjuku Gyoen pictured

Summarised and detailed reports can be downloaded when the calculation is completed, allowing the user to decide on how to proceed with the event planning and delivery in order to be more sustainable. Users can also share the reports with attendees and prospective attendees – another feature designed to raise awareness of the importance of greener events.

TCVB is encouraging meeting organisers to use the tool “to observe how much CO2 emission an event will cause and to take action to manage a more sustainable event,” the organisation said in a statement.

“We are aware that holding business events has environmental impacts, but we also understand and promote the importance of people meeting in person and sharing the excitement of gathering in one place,” said Kazuko Toda, senior director of Business Events Tokyo.

“We often hear from organisers and meeting planners that they are aware of the importance of paying attention to sustainability but they do now know where to start. We hope this tool will be a springboard for organisers and the local industry to start thinking about what they can change from what they have been doing until now and to be more conscious about the environment,” she added.

Andaz Bali, Hyatt Regency Bali welcomes new MD

By TTGmice

April 12, 2023

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Hervé Mazella has been appointed as managing director of both Hyatt resorts in Sanur – Andaz Bali and Hyatt Regency Bali.

In his new role, he will oversee the operations of both properties, comprising a total of 512 rooms, seven restaurants and nine meeting rooms.

Prior to joining Andaz Bali and Hyatt Regency Bali, he was general manager of Park Hyatt Tokyo from 2016 to 2022.

Hilton ramps up sustainability targets and initiatives in Asia-Pacific

By Mimi Hudoyo

April 12, 2023

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Hilton continues to advance towards meeting key sustainability targets by reinforcing Travel with Purpose efforts in Asia-Pacific.

Published in 2022, the Travel with Purpose report details its latest progress as the company works to meet its global 2030 environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals.

Hilton’s Meet with Purpose programme enables customers to offset their event’s carbon emissions and invest in a portfolio of carbon reduction projects

To date, the company has managed to cut carbon emission intensity by 44 per cent, water intensity by 38 per cent, and landfill waste by 58 per cent among hotels globally.

Hilton has created more than 677,359 learning and career growth opportunities against its five million commitments and positively impacted 2.8 million community members through local support, disaster relief efforts and economic opportunities; as well as invested in two Fifth Wall’s climate technology funds that aim to decarbonise the global real estate sector, according to the report.

Through its Meet with Purpose programme, customers have the ability to offset their event’s carbon emissions and invest in a portfolio of carbon reduction projects through its partner ClimeCo. With the Meeting Impact Calculator, customers can now choose to make their meetings carbon neutral.

In response to the global trends which showed 86 per cent of travellers want to travel more sustainably, Hilton now offers on-site EV chargers for guests in over 110 hotels across Asia-Pacific as of December 2022. As a result, Hilton Zhoushan, China’s newly-installed charging stations, for example, have already reduced vehicle emissions by 60 tonnes.

Food waste reduction is also a significant part of Hilton’s effort – Conrad Centennial Singapore, for instance, reduces food waste by procuring often-discarded “ugly vegetables”, as well as plant-based eggs and meats for their menus.

Hilton has also partnered with Winnow to leverage AI technology to help chefs accurately pinpoint food waste streams to cut costs and tailor purchasing decisions in select hotels across Asia-Pacific. To date, seven properties in Japan have implemented such technology.

Through partnership with international cleaning and sanitation company, Diversey Inc., Hilton gives discarded linen from hotels a new life. Curtains, uniforms, bed sheets and tablecloths are turned into products that are sewn, designed and sold by local communities across the region. Plastic is also recycled into gravel, and charcoal is replaced by discarded coffee grounds as a cleaner alternative.

The release of the 2022 Travel with Purpose report corresponds with the release of the inaugural Hilton Global Foundation Impact Report, which highlights the positive global impact of US$2.3 million donated in 2022 to organisations working to build a healthy, sustainable planet and resilient communities for future generations.

Some examples of regional projects include the Punlaan School in the Philippines, which sponsors scholarships and programmes for underprivileged young women, focusing on hospitality and culinary arts while equipping them with job and life skills; and the ROLE Foundation in Indonesia that provides young, marginalised women with a six-month residential programme consisting of hospitality skills training, crucial life skills and confidence building activities.

In Malaysia, Hilton supports the Kechara Soup Kitchen which supplies food aid distributions to homeless, marginalised and poverty-stricken families; the China Foundation for Rural Development in China works to alleviate poverty in China through hospitality education, cultural exchanges, social media skills and other trainings; and the Ocean Conservancy in Australia, together with its partners, create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean.

To date, the Hilton Global Foundation has awarded over US$8 million in grants, donated over 8.1 million kilograms of food to communities in need, meaningfully impacted over 6.7 million people, and restored over 91,054 hectares of land.

IMEX Frankfurt set to power planners in creating experiences

Malaysia welcomes exhibition organisers looking to escape pricey Singapore

Ascott celebrates fourth anniversary of its loyalty programme

The Westin Manila appoints GM and DOSM

Turning the tide

Overcoming festive hurdles

Singapore Tourism Board’s refreshed campaign to drive tourism growth

Tokyo offers carbon footprint calculator for events

Andaz Bali, Hyatt Regency Bali welcomes new MD

Hilton ramps up sustainability targets and initiatives in Asia-Pacific

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