The Spectrum of the Seas has received bookings for incentive groups for next year
According to Royal Caribbean Group, the demand for holding meetings and incentives onboard a cruise ship is gaining traction in 2023 and beyond.
This comes as the company’s Spectrum of the Seas, which sails from Singapore to Malaysia and Thailand, has already confirmed forward bookings for large incentive groups in 2023, with several planners exploring options for 2024.
The Spectrum of the Seas has received bookings for incentive groups for next year
Royal Caribbean Group’s vice president and managing director, Asia Pacific, Angie Stephen, added that the company is also noticing a rise in private charters, now that restrictions have mostly eased worldwide.
This is buoyed by the fact that Royal Caribbean Group offers planners and organisers access to a dedicated planning team, as well as a shipboard coordinator who will assist in the planning to ensure all of the corporate objectives are met.
According to Stephen, planners are interested in holding meetings and incentives onboard cruise ships as it will help them obtain a bigger bang for their buck, as it costs 30 per cent less when compared to conducting the same activities on land.
Aside from reducing overall costs, she pointed out that organising a corporate event within a ship also saves travelling time, as well as coordinating logistic efforts.
Due to Covid-19 regulations in China, organisers of IT&CM China and CTW China 2022, have rescheduled the Shanghai-based event to March 21-23, 2023.
The in-person event will be held at The Anandi Hotel and Spa Shanghai, followed by a virtual networking and conference segment on April 11-12, 2023.
A previous edition of IT&CM China and CTW China
Organisers TTG Asia Media and China-based CTG MICE Service Company Limited, in a joint statement stated: “We see positive indications towards the return of physical events, however, the situation is still very dynamic, and we have a responsibility to ensure our delegates have the safest and best possible experience.
“We look forward to reconnecting with everyone in March 2023 in Shanghai. The region’s industry has been waiting to be able to come together and meet with quality venues, destinations, suppliers, and buyers in person. IT&CM China and CTW China will provide a safe platform to do so, as well as also demonstrate the industry’s commitment to the resumption of Chinese MICE travel and events.”
For registration and more information, please visit www.itcmchina.com, or contact the relevant teams for assistance.
The new food composter machine will help manage event-generated waste responsibly and reduce food waste
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) has recently invested in a food composter machine in a bid to expand its waste management efforts.
This latest initiative also aims to develop a circular economy model for the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) precinct, to help transform it into a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) hub and create a sustainable meetings destination in Malaysia.
The new food composter machine will help manage event-generated waste responsibly and reduce food waste
The Centre’s general manager, Alan Pryor, shared: “In our endeavour to manage event-generated waste responsibly, investing in our own composting machine is another significant step. Since including composting as part of our process, we have recorded a 30 per cent decrease in the overall food waste disposed.
“We are also collecting more data, through which we can better study delegates’ consumption behaviour. This enables us to plan food production more efficiently and cater to customer-based cooking, which results in reduced food waste and less food cost. One of the long-term plans of the composter is to also provide non-chemical-based fertilisers to the 50-acre KLCC park that is adjacent to the Centre.”
According to the World Resources Institute, out of 100 billion tons of resources that enter the economy every year, only 8.6 per cent is recycled. Since 1970, the use of resources has tripled and could double again by 2050 if business continues as usual.
“We understand how critical it is to move away from a linear economic model to a circular model. Our focus is on creating a regenerative system that helps us make better use of finite resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect the well-being of our biodiversity and boost the business of the various entities that make up the KLCC precinct,” continued Pryor.
The integrated KLCC precinct is a 40-hectare city-within-a-city development comprising the world’s tallest twin towers, a purpose-built venue, numerous four- to five-star hotels, a shopping mall and a recreational park.
GBTA boosts its mission with a commitment to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance partnership, and the upcoming Sustainability Summit in Brussels
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and its charitable arm, the GBTA Foundation, have revealed new developments in its commitment, partnering and programming in sustainability to empower the global business travel industry to reduce carbon emissions and build a greener future.
Recently, GBTA became a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. Officially launched at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021, the Glasgow Declaration unites travel and tourism behind a common set of pathways for climate action, aligning the sector with global commitments and catalysing collaborative solutions to the many challenges facing businesses and destinations globally.
GBTA boosts its mission with a commitment to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance partnership, and the upcoming Sustainability Summit in Brussels
GBTA is among the 230 supporting organisations that have stepped forward to date to help accelerate climate action in tourism and take action to cut emissions in half by 2030 and achieve Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050.
GBTA has also entered into a strategic partnership with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to enhance collaborative action to enable the hospitality industry to have a lasting positive impact. A key pillar for joint action will be to drive the uptake of a consistent approach to carbon measurement for the accommodation sector.
This is why GBTA recognises the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative, the carbon calculation methodology developed by the Alliance, as a go-to standard measurement which is included in GBTA’s revamped Sustainability Toolkit, a guide for corporate travel managers to track and improve the environmental performance on their travel programmes.
Finally, GBTA will be hosting its first Global Sustainability Summit on November 8, 2022, in Brussels, focusing on Driving Action to Net Zero Business Travel. This one-day, high-level event, will bring together speakers, experts, industry and policy leaders to outline concrete solutions to decarbonise business travel, in alignment with the Paris Climate Goals – and concurrently to the 27th UN Climate Summit in Egypt.
Speakers include Walter Goetz, head of cabinet for EU Transport commissioner Adina Vălean; Brune Poirson, chief sustainability officer for Accor and former French secretary of state for the environment; Paul Abbott, CEO, American Express Global Business Travel; Glenn Mandziuk, CEO, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance; and Kim Carnahan, head of the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance, among others.
Gabrielle Walker, founder and director of Valence Solutions and non-profit, Rethinking Removals, will also talk about The Climate for Change and what a low carbon future looks like for business travel.
Priority Pass has opened the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at Hong Kong International Airport.
The lounge is located in Terminal 1, West Hall, Level 7, Departures Level, near gate 40, and is also accessible for passengers departing from the East Hall via Shuttle or a 15-minute walk.
Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club’s interiors
The lounge design and details are specific to that location, drawing inspiration from the host city through elements such as locally curated menus and art. It will include comfortable spaces for working and relaxing, fresh and seasonal dining options, signature cocktails, local beer and a curated wine list. There will also be complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets, televisions and more.
The space will also feature an in-lounge digital experience, where customers can use the service to order food and drinks, as well as access digital media and entertainment, including local newspapers and magazines.
Hours of operation will start at 08:00 – 20:00 and will be lengthened when passenger traffic picks up.
Business events specialists in Tokyo are juggling multiple RFPs that have swept in as soon as signs of reopening emerged for Japan earlier in August, with interest and enquiries surging further after entry barriers were lifted on October 11.
Speaking to TTGmice at a business networking event on October 28 in Tokyo, organised by the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB), Shinichi Sawa, secretariat of DMO Roppongi and a representative of Grand Hyatt Tokyo, said his hotel has been getting a daily average of 10 RFPs since the October 11 reopening was announced in September, while international meetings, conventions and incentives have resumed very swiftly.
Business events are swiftly returning to Tokyo, say suppliers
The intense demand for Tokyo now is no surprise, opined Shota Fukami, a travel consultant with DMC Beauty of Japan (BOJ), as the capital region is often the first destination that comes to mind when companies and associations are considering Japan for their events.
“Many DMCs, not just ours, are very busy responding to client requests and enquiries,” Fukami said, adding that the bulk of RFPs received by BOJ come from the US and Europe, with some from Hong Kong.
Not only has BOJ confirmed several last-minute bookings, it is also in the midst of creating new programmes for 2023 pitches.
TAS Co., a Tokyo-based DMC, is working on confirming several projects with Indonesian clients that were postponed during the pandemic; these are likely to take place in 2023.
As halal facilities are easily accessible in major cities like Tokyo, TAS Co.’s sales and marketing officer, Agusta Dwi Lawriko Ridzwan, said the destination is a hot favourite among his Indonesian clients.
Fukami noted that present demand is blurring the lines between off-peak and peak travel seasons, creating a valuable opportunity for DMCs to demonstrate Tokyo’s year-round appeal to international groups.
While the peak seasons for inbound travel used to be March and April in spring, and October and November in autumn, events have returned since August when the progressive reopening of Japan kicked off.
He believes that it is up to DMCs to create itineraries across seasons to encourage clients to hold their events outside of peak periods.
“Offering a variety of itineraries different from what clients were used to pre-pandemic also creates a chance for us to introduce lesser-known areas in Tokyo,” he added.
“Most foreigners are not familiar with the regions beyond the Tokyo city centre. They may not have heard of places like Tama region or Hachioji city, so we can promote experiences in these areas and change their perception of the Tokyo metropolis as a MICE destination.”
The St Regis Goa Resort has appointed Satish Kumar as general manager.
Kumar was previously general manager at The Leela Goa and Conrad Pune.
He has over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, having led hotel operations with The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, The Taj Group of Hotels, and overseas properties like The Marriott Marquis Doha, The Westin & Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain, and JW Marriott Jakarta.
Accor and Panthers Group have partnered to launch a new five-star Pullman hotel at the Penrith Panthers precinct in Western Sydney, slated to open in 4Q2023.
The 153-room Pullman Sydney Penrith hotel forms part of Panthers Group’s landmark transformation of the Penrith Panthers precinct to create a new state-of-the-art business and entertainment destination, and follows Accor’s seven-year deal for the naming rights of Accor Stadium at Sydney’s Olympic Park.
A rendering of the Pullman Sydney Penrith
The hotel will service the adjoining new 1,250m2 Western Sydney Conference Centre (WSCC), which remains on track to open in 4Q2023, and will include a café as well as a restaurant and bar.
Panthers Group CEO, Brian Fletcher, said: “Pullman Sydney Penrith will be a welcome addition to Western Sydney’s tourism offering and builds upon the existing and upcoming new amenities within the Panthers precinct and the wider Penrith locale.
“This development will enhance Penrith’s reputation as a world-class event and tourism destination.”
Meanwhile, the upcoming Western Sydney International Airport – set to open in 2026 – is just a 30-minute drive away.
An iconic landmark at the heart of Bangkok’s business district, the newly-renovated Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) with its state-of-the-art architectural design is Thailand’s leading venue.
The game-changer is also at the forefront of sustainability, thanks to its environmentally-friendly design and use of the latest technological innovations.
QSNCC is also on track to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver certification. The use of green construction materials by adopting recyclable products, solar cells, and energy-saving devices constitutes sustainable management.
Green construction Right from the construction stage, pollutants from the site is reduced and more than 75 per cent of construction waste is diverted from landfill.
Air quality management was carried out with air contamination from dust and chemicals in the building of the interiors being minimised too.
Low carbon footprint Access to the centre is convenient – visitors can utilise a walkway connecting QSNCC MRT station to the venue’s lower ground floor while it is in close proximity to a bus station.
The journey to QSNCC will incur low carbon footprint as the centre offers facilities such as car pool parking, electric car chargers, bicycle racks, and shower rooms to support eco-friendly delegates who opt for sustainable transportation options.
Energy efficiency QSNCC is an exceptionally energy-efficient facility where energy usage is measured in real-time and tracked to identify issues and highlight opportunities for savings.
Measurement and Verification (M&V) of energy savings is implemented to promote and maintain resource efficiency and meet environmental objectives, as well as to make a significant contribution to environmental sustainability through the use of the building automation system and smart building control metering and monitoring.
To serve as a renewable energy source in the area, the installation of solar panels on the rooftop is in the works. Induction LED lighting has also been fitted throughout the whole building to reduce energy consumption.
Different lighting scenes in the lobby and retail hall are also scheduled to maximise the use of natural light.
Unique features
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The Rice is an eight-metre rice grain sculptural artwork that hangs over the main hall
QSNCC is an exceptionally energy-efficient facility where energy usage is measured in real-time and tracked to identify issues and highlight opportunities for savings
With QSNCC adjacent to Benjakitti Park, exercise lovers can go for walks in the new green lung of Bangkok
Visitors can enjoy natural light from the inside while relaxing with scenic outside views
The centre offers electric car chargers to support eco-friendly delegates
With its heat-resistant glass façade, QSNCC is able to bring daylight and stunning park and lake views into its interior
Environmental-friendly design As QSNCC is adjacent to 450 Rai of Benjakitti Park, delegates can take a break from business activities by going for a walk in the new green lung of Bangkok.
Visual connection with Benjakitti Park is achieved through landscaping and an open-air amphitheatre also creates a quality public gathering space for visitors.
With its heat-resistant glass façade, QSNCC is able to bring daylight and stunning park and lake views into its interior.
Indeed, the new event platform goes above and beyond to establish itself as a sustainable venue.
Sustainable venue of choice
In a vote of confidence for the new facility, sustainability-related events such as the recent inaugural edition of Sustainability Expo 2022 and the ASEAN Sustainability Energy Week 2022, have chosen QSNCC as their green venue of choice.
Sanchai Noombunnam, country general manager – Thailand, Informa Markets, who is organising the Jewellery & Gem ASEAN Bangkok next year, has decided to take his event to QSNCC for its sustainability infrastructure too.
He said: “The new QSNCC is situated at the heart of Bangkok and as a city centre, easy to access for all transportation. It allows exhibitors and visitors a hassle-free commute to the venue. QSNCC is at the forefront of sustainability and is mindful of our impact on the environment and community – which align with Informa Markets’ business and show commitments.”
Discover the new experience of “The Ultimate Inspiring World-Class Event Platform for All” at QSNCC here.
For event organisers and planners keen to explore QSNCC as a venue, reach out to us here.
The Hotel Industry Transformation Map (ITM) 2025 was launched by minister of state for trade and industry and culture, community and youth, Alvin Tan, on October 25 with the aim to create a compelling, innovative, and sustainable hotel industry, supported by a strong local workforce in Singapore.
The roadmap lays out strategies to achieve real value-added growth of 5.9 per cent from 2020 to 2025, and will help future-proof the industry by creating good jobs in emerging areas such as wellness, sustainability, and technology.
The Hotel Industry Transformation Map 2025 lays out strategies to achieve real value-added growth by 2025
Developed by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in partnership with the Food Drinks and Allied Workers Union, Singapore Hotel Association (SHA), industry players and other government agencies, the Hotel ITM 2025 was endorsed by the Future Economy Council (FEC) earlier this year.
Since the launch of the first Hotel ITM in 2016, the hotel industry has posted strong growth with average occupancy of 87 per cent and a total workforce of close to 35,000 in 2019. Over 1,400 workers across about 60 hotels benefited from Workforce Singapore (WSG)’s Career Conversion Programme for Hotel Professionals from March 2020 to August 2022.
Tapping on new consumer preferences for sustainable hospitality, digital-enabled experiences, and wellness travel, the hotel industry is well positioned to recover strongly.
Building on the success of the first ITM, strategies to support the next phase of growth and transformation include capturing demand with fresh hotel concepts, driving sustainability as a core strategy, gearing up for the next phase of innovation, and future-proofing the workforce.
“A strong and growing tourism sector needs a vibrant hotel industry. Singapore’s hotels are among the best in the world but they can continue to transform and grow so that Singapore’s tourism sector can capture the next phase of growth. The Hotel ITM 2025 charts a clear vision, and we look forward to working closely with our industry partners on this journey,” said Keith Tan, chief executive, STB.
Kwee Wei-Lin, president, SHA, shared: “Despite the pandemic’s impact on the tourism sector, our hotels have demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity. Taking full advantage of the downtime, they have successfully piloted innovative experiences, pivoted to new business models, enhanced capabilities, and refurbished their infrastructure. We will continue to work with the government to catalyse new ideas and solutions to achieve the goals of the refreshed ITM.”
Commenting that the Hotel ITM 2025 will better position businesses to seize the emerging opportunities from global tourism trends and sustainability, Low Yen Ling, minister of state for trade and industry and culture, community and youth and FEC lifestyle cluster co-chair added: “This holistic approach will help enhance Singapore’s attraction as a compelling destination for travel, business and leisure.”
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He has over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, having led hotel operations with The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, The Taj Group of Hotels, and overseas properties like The Marriott Marquis Doha, The Westin & Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain, and JW Marriott Jakarta.
