MCEC (pictured) brings both the events and aviation sectors together in this latest win
The 151st International Air Transport Association (IATA) Slot Conference is touching down at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in November this year.
Scheduled for November 15-18, 2022, the bi-annual conference will see airlines and airports negotiate global flight schedules and air traffic control management, and is set to welcome more than 1,000 aviation delegates across 230 airlines from around the world. The event will deliver an estimated A$4.7 million (US$3.2 million) to the Victorian economy.
MCEC (pictured) brings both the events and aviation sectors together in this latest win
The bid was put together by the Melbourne Convention Bureau who worked in partnership with Melbourne Airport to bring the convention to Melbourne.
Aside from delivering a boost to the state’s hospitality and tourism sectors, hosting the major aviation conference will help keep Melbourne front of mind for airlines to boost their flight services to Victoria, said Martin Pakula, Victoria’s minister for tourism, sport and major events.
Westin Hotels & Resorts has opened in the port city of Yokohama, a city located south-west of Tokyo, Japan.
The Westin Yokohama offers more than 1,000m2 of meeting space for event planners, comprising indoor spaces such as a Grand Ballroom and four meeting spaces, as well as The Westin Garden with the city’s skyline as the backdrop.
For convenience, delegates can be put up in one of the 373 guestrooms, all of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows, and the brand’s Heavenly Bed.
Wellness takes centrestage here, as the property features a dedicated wellness floor of 900m2, which includes Japan’s first Heavenly Spa by Westin with four treatment rooms. There is also a heated indoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, as well as a RunWestin programme that provides jogging routes around the Minatomirai waterfront area.
Meanwhile, there are five F&B venues on-site, including the all-day dining Brasserie du Quai; izakaya-style Kissui-sen; and signature restaurant Iron Bay which also has a private dining venue for intimate events. Two bars round up the offerings – the lobby bar on the 23rd floor Sugar Merchant; and the speakeasy Code Bar for cocktails.
Tokyo Haneda Airport is within a 25-minute drive and Tokyo city centre is within a 36-minute train ride from The Westin Yokohama.
As international meetings and events faded out of Taiwan over the past two years of the global health crisis, the government turned its attention to something that it could not do during the many years of packed business events calendar – it led a digital transformation in the business events industry.
Through staging virtual and hybrid events over the last two years, the industry was able to identify and rectify gaps in this capability that has shown to be critical for business continuity.
At the same time, Taiwan’s hotels and venues committed to upgrades while new experiences were born, all to prepare for the return of international events and attendees.
The Kaohsiung Exhibition Center hosted the Wind Energy Asia 2022 in March
Supporting the digitalisation effort is the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), which created an online exhibition platform that provides product displays and online meeting services to enable Taiwan’s industries to communicate with foreign buyers throughout the pandemic. A TAITRA spokesperson also shared that smart technology and big data analysis were introduced to various business activities, which “not only improved the efficiency of events but also captured more business opportunities through precise marketing methods”.
“With the dynamic power of technologies and digitalisation, we will continue to work together with MICE professionals to revitalise the industry and propel it forward in the post-pandemic era,” the spokesperson added.
TAITRA’s digitalisation focus echoes through the industry, with many event venues investing in facility upgrades to ensure they are ready for future events.
Taipei World Trade Center, TAINEX 1, TAINEX 2 and Kaohsiung Exhibition Center are all equipped with 5G communications, allowing event participants and visitors to quickly locate booths on their smart devices.
Also in on the technology game is the 30-year-old Taipei International Convention Center (TICC), which established a brand-new digital studio, TICC 103 iStudio, in 2021 to appeal to meeting planners. The facility can support livestreams, webinars as well as virtual and hybrid meetings.
Set to complete in 2023, Taoyuan Exhibition Centre will boost the destination’s venue portfolio with 10 meeting rooms that can take between 100 and 2,000 attendees.
When Kaohsiung Exhibition Center (KEC) hosted gaming event League of Legends: Wild Rift in November 2021, 5G experiential visits surged past 41,700, including onsite and online livestreaming. The figure was 10 times more than in-person visitors during the physical event.
Come August, KEC will welcome the 11th Creative Expo Taiwan, the largest gathering for the creative industry.
Michael Tu, president of KEC/Interplan Group, told TTGmice that the venue’s digital transformation has bestowed it with various technical solutions, such as 3D 4K Beam Display projection and 360-degree real-time production, to deliver immersive exhibitions and events.
“Along with our 5G infrastructure, we will inspire PEOs and PCOs to create unforgettable hybrid experiences for the satisfaction of visitors and attendees,” Tu added.
However, GIS Group, founder and CEO, Jason Yeh, noted that not all venues in Taiwan are equipped with 5G infrastructure even as demand is moving towards the high-tech end.
Episode Hsinchu
“High-tech exhibitors demonstrating interaction between robots or hosting game shows with Virtual Reality devices require very low‑latency and low-delay. Wi-Fi is not enough to support such exercises, and 5G is the best solution now. But as not all venues are (equipped) with 5G, it results in very high cost for set up on a project basis,” said Yeh.
That limitation aside, Pairry Chiang, director of impact with event organiser Asia Concentrate Corporation, said technology could be harnessed for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Chiang shared that a proposal was put to MEET Taiwan, the events promotions agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, to play a leading role in connecting PCOs with various technology companies to help events meet SDGs.
For instance, the Asia Pacific Social Innovation Summit in May 2022 has made sustainability a key focus this year. It utilised the Taiwan iPass, an electronic ticket loaded with tourism resources, to encourage attendees to rely on mass transportation. Local ingredients were also prioritised in the preparation of lunchboxes.
“There are many things MEET Taiwan can assist to make business events in Taiwan more sustainable,” opined Chiang.
Meanwhile, event planners considering Taiwan will be glad to know that the accommodation scene has not remained stagnant during the travel freeze.
Ten new hotels were opened in 2020 and 2021, with more in the pipeline. Some of the upcoming openings include Hotel Indigo Alishan in Chiayi County, Wyndham Sun Moon Lake and InterContinental Taichung Hotel.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has also extended its footprint in Taiwan, where on April 1, it opened Episode Hsinchu. Following that later this year is Hyatt Place New Taipei City Xinzhuang, as well as Park Hyatt Taipei, Andaz Taipei, Hyatt Centric Songshan Taipei, and Hyatt Regency Kaohsiung – all set to launch over the next two years.
Located within The Newton 1 Tower, Citadines Sudirman Jakarta offers service apartments in options of studios, one- and two-bedroom units, and family suites.
Each apartment has a private balcony and is furnished with amenities such as LED TVs, a microwave oven, an induction stove, a refrigerator and air conditioning.
Guests can enjoy a curated programme featuring key places to explore within the neighbourhood.
The property includes an outdoor swimming pool, kids pool, an outdoor jogging track and fitness corner, launderette and meeting rooms.
Destination specialist Discova will open its first lounge in Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, Indonesia on July 1, becoming the only DMC to offer such a facility.
An agreement with the airport will allow Discova to operate the lounge until 2027, with potential to extend after.
Discova opens its first lounge in Ngurah Rai International Airport on July 1
Peter Christiansen, regional manager for Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Laos, said: “Ever since Discova opened in Bali seven years ago, we have wanted to improve the way in which visitors here are welcomed, to immediately immerse them in the warm and friendly atmosphere that has made the island so famous and loved. We want to make it memorable right from the get-go, and offer a completely smooth and stress-free arrival experience.”
Upon arrival, guests can enjoy a drink and chilled towel at the lounge. The driver or guide will meet and escort them to the private parking area and drive them to their accommodation.
Discova is also working with Cross Hotels & Resorts to allow guests to complete hotel check-ins at the lounge itself.
Grand Hyatt Jakarta has welcomed Anumodit Chaturvedi as new hotel manager.
Chaturvedi has been with the Hyatt family for over 15 years and joins Grand Hyatt Jakarta after his time at Grand Hyatt Singapore and Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.
Passenger ferry services between Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and Malaysia’s Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal will commence on July 7, with operations set to scale up progressively in response to demand.
For the initial months, Batam Fast will operate one round trip from Thursday to Sunday, with a 330-pax ferry. The journey is approximately 90 minutes per sector. Ferry tickets and service schedules will be made available online at desarucoast.com and batamfast.com from June 30.
Desaru Coast gets a boost in international accessibility with the launch of Singapore-Desaru ferry services
Roslina Arbak, managing director and CEO, Desaru Development Holdings One, said the new service “will make Desaru Coast even more accessible to international travellers”.
“This is a game-changer for the destination. It will enable us to unlock new market opportunities in all travel segments and at the same time, position Desaru Coast as an attractive hospitality investment to draw like-minded investors for our next phase of growth.”
Paul R Gannaway, CEO of Batam Fast, said Desaru Coast and the south-eastern Johor region are popular tourist destinations, and the new ferry service “will give holidaymakers a rewarding experience”.
Desaru Coast will celebrate the launch with special packages that include return ferry tickets, hotel stays and golf, as well as day-tripper deals.
Cairns Convention Centre promotes local industries – like agribusiness (pictured) in a digital campaign to the international association market
Cairns Convention Centre has developed a suite of content, including videos and factsheets featuring key industry sectors of the region, and launched an international digital campaign highlighting the research projects, innovation, and experts that are producing ground-breaking work.
The campaign focuses on Agribusiness, Tropical Health, Aviation, Life Sciences, Renewable Energy, Education and Tourism.
Cairns Convention Centre promotes local industries – like agribusiness (pictured) in a digital campaign to the international association market
Janet Hamilton, Cairns Convention Centre’s general manager, said Tropical North Queensland was widely known for its unique natural assets but the team wanted to also highlight the local expertise of the region to draw in business events.
“For example, Cairns is home to the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine which is responsible for a range of research projects, from new tests to detect Malaria, through to exploring how venom could help develop new life-saving drugs,” Hamilton elaborated.
“Agribusiness is another sector that would benefit from hosting events in the region. Delegates can benefit hugely from our local agribusiness industry and how it is utilising research and innovation to maximise growth opportunities. From the world’s first banana-based flour and the A$173 million (US$125 million) avocado industry, to the ground-breaking research carried out by the Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, there’s so much for delegates to experience.”
The digital campaign is supported by Tourism Australia’s Advance Program Funding, which aims to increase the number and value of business events for Australia.
The digital campaign so far has reached over 160,000 key decision makers resulting in over 12 new international business leads.
Gold Coast’s (pictured) credentials to stage business events continues to grow
Destination Gold Coast is currently hosting 80 professional conference organisers, decision-makers, and media representatives this week (June 21-23) for This is Gold Coast fam.
The three-day itinerary showcases the Gold Coast’s newest accommodation and event spaces, as well as fresh experiences and offerings.
Gold Coast’s (pictured) credentials to stage business events continues to grow
Programme highlights include a welcome lunch beachside at Burleigh Pavillion, a future-focused Industry Knowledge Exchange at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre and evening showcases at Miami Marketta and Cali Beach Club.
Delegates will also engage with over 30 Gold Coast meeting and accommodation venues and specialist suppliers in a full day of pre-scheduled meetings at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The 80 delegates represent key domestic and international markets including, Singapore, Malaysia, the US, the UK, New Zealand and Japan. According to Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O’Callaghan, the group “represents companies and associations with the potential to generate more than A$40 million (US$27.7 million) in future business events for the city”.
Destination Gold Coast has so far confirmed more than 70 business events for 2022-2023, worth A$95 million in economic value for the city.
Sharp: value of TMCs has been magnified due to the pandemic
With most economies in the world now open and people are learning to live with Covid-19, work-related trips have rebounded, but staying flexible in today’s ever-evolving travel climate is crucial for TMCs such as CWT.
“The travel situation is still unpredictable. You have to be flexible in how you deal with it because there’s no linear progression (to how corporate travel will rebound). If something happens next week, regulations could change,” CWT’s chief traveller experience officer, Derek Sharp, told TTGmice.
Sharp: value of TMCs has been magnified due to the pandemic
Pre-pandemic, TMCs had to deal with clients falling sick during a work trip or being injured, flight changes, and the occasional natural disaster evacuation.
“But now, it’s down to – what if clients can’t get into the country they need to; what if the schedule changes, and what is the ripple effect of that in terms of approval,” Sharp said, adding that the level of uncertainty is high today and corporate travel managers must be able to respond in real-time.
Moreover, with airlines not flying at full capacity yet, rebooking the next available longhaul flight, for example, could potentially be a long wait.
While duty of care was already important prior to the pandemic, it is now “omnipresent”, Sharp said.
To better provide for their customers, CWT partners with global health and security firms like International SOS.
“Such partners go a long way with our big corporate clients, as these companies want to make sure we’re providing continuity across our duty of care solution globally,” he said.
Uncertainties today underscore the importance of TMCs, he opined.
“The value of a TMC has been magnified with the pandemic. Flight changes, hotel changes, car changes, how business travellers manage their expenses – any company that has complex itineraries will find TMCs very valuable,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Sharp has expressed confidence in the future of business travel, even as China – the region’s largest corporate travel market – remains shut to the world.
“There is huge pent-up demand in China for international corporate travel, meetings and events,” he said, adding that the strong desire for travel was evident in the rapid return to domestic travel as soon as local restrictions were lifted.
Strong pent-up demand has also resulted in quick business travel recovery elsewhere around the world. In Singapore, for example, outbound bookings are up five-fold for CWT, compared to the beginning of this year, while inbound bookings have tripled. This swift return came on the back of testing and quarantine removal.
“While some reports suggest travel will recover to 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels by end-2022, my more conservative view expects the industry to be back at 70 to 75 per cent of 2019 levels this year,” he said.
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Grand Hyatt Jakarta has welcomed Anumodit Chaturvedi as new hotel manager.
Chaturvedi has been with the Hyatt family for over 15 years and joins Grand Hyatt Jakarta after his time at Grand Hyatt Singapore and Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.