Rounding up the Travel Spark by TTG’s 2022 video series is an episode centred on the Philippines’ festivals and tourism developments.
Arnold T Gonzales, acting head of the MICE department, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, fronts the episode. Not only does he detail the Philippines’ rich cultural tapestry and unique festivals that provide memorable discoveries for travellers, he also sheds light on the various new developments for tourism and business events taking shape across the Philippines, and introduces the support system in place for investors keen to play a part in the country’s tourism progress.
Travel Spark by TTG is a programme that aims to spark off travel and events ideas. Past episodes can be found on the TTG Asia Media channel.
The Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) will hold its 2023 AGM in Bangkok next November, in a gathering that will span four days including a full Experience Day focused on presenting some of Bangkok’s newest and most meaningful experiences to business events decision-makers.
The event will be hosted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and supported by a host of critical local agencies and organisations including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thailand Incentive and Convention Association, Thai Exhibition Association, Airports of Thailand, Thai Hotels Association and Thai Airways.
AFECA leadership and TCEB representatives are joined by Thailand ambassador to Singapore, Chutintorn Gongsakdi (centre), at the announcement of AFECA’s 2023 AGM
In a private event today announcing the 2023 AGM, the federation’s president, Vincent Lim, who also leads the Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers, said the meeting would be AFECA’s first face-to-face gathering since the start of the pandemic. Members have so far only been connecting online.
“We are delighted for Thailand to be the host for AFECA’s 2023 AGM, as it has always been an important business events destination in Asia and is at the forefront of (South-east Asian) MICE development. With TCEB’s support, the 2023 AGM will be a platform for MICE leaders and industry players to continue to raise the profile of Asian MICE industry on the global stage,” said Lim.
In an interview with TTGmice, TCEB’s Nichapa Yoswee, senior vice president – strategic marketing and business development said that while AFECA will determine the content of 2023 AGM, her bureau will support the full programme for it to establish a varied and lasting legacy for Thailand and Asia’s business events industry.
To this end, TCEB has proposed the inclusion of the inaugural Asia MICE Forum within the four-day event. According to Nichapa, the Asia MICE Forum is an evolved Thailand MICE Forum that will provide a platform for dialogue between private and public sector players for the greater good of the region’s business events industry. There will be business matching opportunities, presentation of new industry initiatives, and recognition of top performing Thai business events industry players through awards.
She also revealed intentions to launch Asia20 within the AFECA meeting, a by-invite conference that will bring high-level industry stakeholders and government agency representatives up to speed on important issues such as industry standards, new technology, sustainable practices and collaboration.
“We want content at the 2023 AGM to give attendees a glimpse of the future and inspire them to rethink the structure of the events ecosystem in their own country. We want government agencies to take home an understanding of what must be done to establish a healthy and supportive ecosystem that will further grow the region’s business events industry,” she emphasised.
Acknowledging the vast ambitions of the event, Nichapa said: “We want the AFECA meeting to be the sort of event that will change the future of our industry for the better – that’s the legacy we intend for it to leave behind.”
Nichapa added that the 2023 AGM is one of the “multiplier events” that her bureau is keen to bring to Thailand. She explained that such events involve decision-makers with the power to spin off even more valuable business activities that will benefit the industries they represent as well as the national economy.
Exact dates for the meeting are still being deliberated, and Bangkok’s hosting of the 62nd annual ICCA Congress in the same month, from November 12 to 15, will be taken into account.
While two major association meetings in November would result in a buzzing period for Bangkok’s hospitality industry, Nichapa does not think that resources would be stretched.
“Bangkok has a wide variety of hotel accommodation across price and service points. In terms of manpower needs, I expect the many graduates of our MICE Academy will step up to support the meetings. Students who are still on course could join one of the various events as supporting staff, and earn valuable real-life lessons about the business as well as gain important contacts along the way,” she told TTGmice.
UFI’s annual gathering returns to Malaysia (pictured) next year
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, will hold its 16th UFI Asia-Pacific Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from March 2-3, 2023.
Open to all exhibition industry professionals, this is the first time since March 2019 that the UFI Asia Pacific Conference is back as an in-person event.
UFI’s annual gathering returns to Malaysia (pictured) next year
The UFI Asia Pacific Conference features two days of content, networking and learning. There will be plenty of hot topics to discuss as the Asia exhibition industry looks to shake-off the damage from Covid-19 and begins to work towards recovery and growth.
Over 300 delegates from 22 countries and regions attended the 2019 edition of the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference in Tokyo, making it the biggest of its kind in the event’s history.
Ernesto Osuna Lopez is the general manager for the first Gran Melia resort in South-east Asia in 2023 – he will oversee both the flagship Gran Meliá Nha Trang and Meliá Nha Trang, a sister property that will open by 2025.
Drawing on two decades of experience in hotel management, Lopez joined Meliá Hotels International in 2011 to oversee Melia Buenavista in Cuba as general manager. He also led the grand opening of Meliá Koh Samui in 2020.
Lopez was previously based in Mexico serving in executive roles at The Westin Resort & Spa and Excellence Playa Mujeres, both in Cancun.
Frasers Hospitality has expanded its footprint in Vietnam with the launch of Modena by Fraser Vinh Yen, the first internationally branded serviced apartment in the city, Vinh Yen, the city capital of Vinh Phuc.
Scheduled to open in 4Q2023, the 97-unit mid-scale serviced apartment property is designed to cater to business travellers on extended stay. There are four rooms types available from studios without kitchenettes (32m2-33m2) to two-bedroom apartments (81m2-84m2).
Modena by Fraser Vinh Yen will feature smart facilities such as automated check-in kiosks, and tech-enhanced meeting and conference facilities. The property will also be fitted with a swimming pool, fitness centre and an in-house café.
Vinh Phuc is home to more than 400 Foreign Direct Investment enterprises and has some 100,000 workers, including expatriates. Vinh Phuc is 50 mins away from Hanoi’s city centre and a 45-min drive from Noi Bai International Airport.
Modena by Fraser Vinh Yen is the ninth property under this brand, since it was launched in China in 2009. There are now six properties in China such as Modena by Fraser Nanjing, and another two in Thailand.
Thailand and Japan enhance MICE cooperation efforts
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau (OCTB) have signed a five-year MoU to develop and strengthen both countries’ business events sectors.
The cooperation will cover the exchange of delegations to share information and experience in the fields of business events development, management, promotion and human resources development.
Thailand and Japan enhance MICE cooperation efforts
Both bureaus will also provide assistance to each other to promote and attract business events, especially in all kinds of tradeshows, and will coordinate with their respective government departments to organise study trips for Thailand and Japan to find opportunities for cooperation.
The MoU also covers co-organising opportunities for foreign agencies and mass-media representatives to introduce the respective business events potential of Bangkok and Osaka; as well as the sharing of business events training courses, curriculum and programmes.
Organisers of IT&CM China and CTW China, TTG Asia Media and China-based CTG MICE Service Company Limited, have opened buyer and exhibitior registrations for next year’s show.
The three-day in-person event will be held from March 21-23, 2023, at The Anandi Hotel and Spa Shanghai, followed by an online networking and conference segment on April 11-12, 2023.
A pre-pandemic edition of IT&CM China
Due to Covid-related restrictions, hosting is available for China-based buyers outside of Shanghai only.
International business events, associations and corporate buyers are welcome to participate remotely in both the table-top exhibition meets in Shanghai, as well as the virtual networking event.
This is the first time Singapore (pictured) is welcoming the flagship global conference to its shores
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has decided that its 2024 Global Conference will be held in Singapore from November 13-15.
This year, Singapore has hosted at least six significant sustainability-focused events, including CleanEnviro Summit Singapore and World Cities Summit.
This is the first time Singapore (pictured) is welcoming the flagship global conference to its shores
With GSTC Global Conference 2024, there are now more than five such events in the pipeline. Next year’s line-up includes the Asia Climate Forum in April 2023, and Ecosperity Week in June 2023.
In the coming year, STB will also continue to execute its sustainability strategy to differentiate Singapore from other urban destinations and enhance its appeal to environmentally-conscious visitors. Part of the strategy includes ongoing efforts to attract and nurture events that cultivate global thought leadership and gather influential stakeholders to address critical issues around sustainable tourism.
Steve Odell, managing director for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, will retire from his position after a seven-year tenure with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH).
A cruise industry veteran with over 35 years of experience, Odell joined NCHL in October 2015 to spearhead the launch of the company’s Asia-Pacific business across its three brands.
Odell retires amid organisational changes
In his most recent role since 2019, he was responsible for the strategic expansion, vision and continued growth of the company’s presence in the Asia-Pacific market for Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises.
“It has been an honour to lead the unmatched teams at Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises during this exciting period of growth in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Odell in a statement.
Caroline Smith will assume Odell’s responsibilities in her new role as managing director, international in which she will oversee sales and marketing for Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Brazil.
Lisa Pile, current vice president of sales, Australia and New Zealand for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, will expand her responsibilities to include the entire Asia-Pacific region as vice president sales and general manager Asia-Pacific for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, reporting to Smith.
Jason Worth, current vice president of sales, Australia and New Zealand for Oceania Cruises, will expand his responsibilities to the entire Asia-Pacific region as vice president sales and general manager Asia-Pacific for Oceania Cruises, reporting to Nikki Upshaw, senior vice president, sales for Oceania Cruises.
Said Odell: “I am proud of the significant achievements we have accomplished together, and I am confident that this is the right team to lead the company into the future and continue delivering best-in-class experiences for our loyal guests and valued travel partners.”
Ben Angell, vice president and managing director Asia-Pacific for Norwegian Cruise Line, will continue to represent the brand in the Asia-Pacific region, reporting to Jason Krimmel, vice president, international sales and marketing for Norwegian Cruise Line.
“We are grateful to Steve for his strategic vision and significant contributions to the company which have positioned us as leaders in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region,” said Frank J Del Rio, president and chief executive office of NCLH.
Del Rio said the leadership transitions “reflect our robust succession planning and the strength and talent of our broader team”.
Ambassadors will be influential leaders who are passionate about the city and committed to helping it grow as a host destination for business events
Destination Gold Coast has recently revitalised its business events ambassador programme, BE Connected Gold Coast, another phase in its plans to attract more delegates to the destination.
BE Connected Gold Coast will include leaders from the valuable academic and scientific world, in addition to a new generation of industry leaders and thought leaders who are driving change, growing their industries, and helping to move the city forward.
From left: Ambassador Hal Rice, Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate, Destination Gold Coast’s Selina Sinclair; and Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre’s Adrienne Readings
Destination Gold Coast’s head of business events, Selina Sinclair, said: “We are excited to launch BE Connected Gold Coast with eight leaders who are making a big impact through their contribution to the social, cultural and economic achievements of the city.
“They will showcase the Gold Coast’s changing profile as a hub for innovation, by attracting and building best-in-class business events whose benefits go beyond visitation and are a key contributor to the city’s growth.”
Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate has also accepted the role of patron of the ambassador programme, and the first three leaders to join the renewed campaign are Rebecca Frizelle, Hal Rice, and Dinesh Palipana.
“Gold Coast’s Australian of the Year, renowned stroke specialist and one of the founding ambassadors from the original programme, Hal Rice, is a great example of partnering with Destination Gold Coast to not only bring events to our city, but through his work is putting the Gold Coast on the world medical stage,” Sinclair elaborated.
“Rice has continued to bring international medical conferences to the Gold Coast, generating millions of dollars in economic benefit for the city and is now, through both public and private sector investment, in the final stages of building a world-class training centre for image-guided surgeries right here at the Gold Coast’s A$1 billion (US$671 million) Health and Knowledge Precinct.”
Earlier this year, Destination Gold Coast launched a new business events brand with the positioning The Imagination Capital of Australia. It was designed to present the Gold Coast in a new light and highlight the strengths Gold Coast has as a destination across a broad range of industries.
Destination Gold Coast will work closely with the City of Gold Coast and its Economic Development unit to maximise the impact of the new business events programme.
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
Behind the imposing, Brutalist concrete that defines Zurich’s Oerlikon district lies a surprising secret. While its exterior honours the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, stepping inside Mama Shelter reveals a vibrant, neon-soaked world that is a far cry from its rigid shell
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
Lopez was previously based in Mexico serving in executive roles at The Westin Resort & Spa and Excellence Playa Mujeres, both in Cancun.
Steve Odell, managing director for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, will retire from his position after a seven-year tenure with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH).
A cruise industry veteran with over 35 years of experience, Odell joined NCHL in October 2015 to spearhead the launch of the company’s Asia-Pacific business across its three brands.
In his most recent role since 2019, he was responsible for the strategic expansion, vision and continued growth of the company’s presence in the Asia-Pacific market for Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises.
“It has been an honour to lead the unmatched teams at Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises during this exciting period of growth in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Odell in a statement.
Caroline Smith will assume Odell’s responsibilities in her new role as managing director, international in which she will oversee sales and marketing for Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Brazil.
Lisa Pile, current vice president of sales, Australia and New Zealand for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, will expand her responsibilities to include the entire Asia-Pacific region as vice president sales and general manager Asia-Pacific for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, reporting to Smith.
Jason Worth, current vice president of sales, Australia and New Zealand for Oceania Cruises, will expand his responsibilities to the entire Asia-Pacific region as vice president sales and general manager Asia-Pacific for Oceania Cruises, reporting to Nikki Upshaw, senior vice president, sales for Oceania Cruises.
Said Odell: “I am proud of the significant achievements we have accomplished together, and I am confident that this is the right team to lead the company into the future and continue delivering best-in-class experiences for our loyal guests and valued travel partners.”
Ben Angell, vice president and managing director Asia-Pacific for Norwegian Cruise Line, will continue to represent the brand in the Asia-Pacific region, reporting to Jason Krimmel, vice president, international sales and marketing for Norwegian Cruise Line.
“We are grateful to Steve for his strategic vision and significant contributions to the company which have positioned us as leaders in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region,” said Frank J Del Rio, president and chief executive office of NCLH.
Del Rio said the leadership transitions “reflect our robust succession planning and the strength and talent of our broader team”.