Thailand signals its readiness to welcome more international MICE events

June 1, 2022

TCEB_press_con_IMEX_640 — TCEB's Supanich Thiansing, and Nooch Homrossukhon, presenting at IMEX Frankfurt

To strengthen Thailand’s business events proposition and celebrate the reopening of Thailand, the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has rolled out a new business events brand at IMEX Frankfurt.

Thailand MICE – Meet the Magic heralds Thailand’s new position in revitalising travellers’ experience and re-energising the industry after two years without international travel. The country is ready to show its uniqueness in combining economic potential, new business events infrastructure and cultural soul in delivering magical events.

TCEB’s Supanich Thiansing, and Nooch Homrossukhon, presenting at IMEX Frankfurt

TCEB has also announced new products and initiatives These include localised experiences, growth opportunities for new business and professional sectors, mega-events, technological solutions and hygienic practices for events, as well as carbon footprint initiatives and support schemes.

Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, TCEB President, said in a press release: “We are aware that the industry has the appetite for reconnection in face-to-face events, new inspiration and new opportunities. With new development in sustainability, opportunities for growth in new business sectors and localised experiences, we will showcase a new facet of Thailand with deliverables that can not only make up for a two-year absence of our direct contact but also create positive magical impacts for the industry.”

The first large convention this year is the 2022 Global Summit of Women in Bangkok. Slated for June 23-25, the event will welcome over 1,000 participants from over 60 countries.

Other confirmed events for Bangkok this year include the Unicity: 2022 Global Leadership & Innovation Conference with over 12,000 attendees between August 6-7, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit between November 18-19.

Elsewhere in Thailand, Pattaya will host 5,000 attendees for the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) 2022 from November 14-17, while Phuket will host Travel Blog Exchange Asia 2022 from November 15-18.

FCM opens new Tokyo office to bolster Asian capabilities

By TTGmice

June 1, 2022

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Kenichi_Shiraishi,_GM,_Japan,_FCM_640 — Shiraishi: strong demand for Japanese domestic content for air and land through local partnerships

Global travel management company FCM has established a new, dedicated Tokyo office, to help travel managers develop a more consistent programme while meeting local traveller requirements.

While FCM has previously assisted its portfolio of large national and multi-national clients through Japanese agency partnerships, this investment in a direct-to-market strategy means clients will experience additional investment and new solutions designed for the local market via access to the global FCM Platform.

Shiraishi: strong demand for Japanese domestic content for air and land through local partnerships

This approach is especially crucial for a market like Japan and helps travel managers have a more consistent programme while meeting local traveller requirements.

Bertrand Saillet, managing director for FCM in Asia explained the decision to expand in Japan was driven by evolving customer requirements, while recognising considerable business development opportunities the country offers.

Japan is the world’s fourth-largest business travel market; however, FCM’s research shows there is still significant scope for business development. Less than 15 per cent of Japanese companies currently use TMCs, with business travel mostly managed in-house.

Kenichi Shiraishi, FCM’s general manager, Japan, highlighted a number of areas where he believes the company will fill market gaps.

“We are going in with a two-prong strategic approach: first we will increase our direct-to market engagement throughout Japan to elevate our reach. Simultaneously, we will be extending the opportunity territory to global companies with Japanese operations.

“Although companies continue to believe they can drive strong business growth through resumption of face-to-face connections, we also see them putting more emphasis on risk management and operational improvements in technology and service as cost reduction becomes relatively muted,” said Shiraishi.

Brisbane to host two large-scale US-based conventions

By TTGmice

June 1, 2022

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Brisbane has been picked to host the Convention of Zonta International 2024 and Baptist World Congress 2025.

Held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), the two events are expected to attract more than 8,000 delegates, and deliver 58,000 room nights and A$35 million (US$25.5 million) in economic contribution to the Queensland economy.

Zonta International 2024 follows on from the successful hosting of the Australia & New Zealand Zonta Centennial Convention at BCEC in 2021, which attracted 900 delegates from across the region.

Currently, Zonta International has more than 1,100 clubs with over 27,000 members in 64 countries and it is renowned for its strong advocacy of women’s rights.

Brisbane’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination, combined with BCEC’s appeal at the top of world venue rankings, accessibility and variety of accommodation options, were all factors in the selection of Brisbane as the host city, according to Judy Gorton, chair of the 2024 Convention and former Zonta International Board Member.

Meanwhile, organisers of the Baptist World Congress are expecting more than 6,000 delegates to attend the Brisbane event, with more than 5,000 of those coming from overseas.

BCEC general manager Bob O’Keeffe AM said securing two such high-profile, first-time international events for Brisbane was a further indication of a strong economic recovery.

“These are but two of 77 conventions confirmed for BCEC during 2021, ensuring a strong pipeline of business events into the future for Brisbane and Queensland and boosting the city’s appeal as a destination leading into the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.”

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre partnered with Tourism Australia, Tourism & Events Queensland and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, to secure these events.

ICCA develops skills accreditation programme

By TTGmice

June 1, 2022

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iccaskills-sm-banner_640 — ICCASkills will be relevant and accessible for every career level, location, and sector

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has launched ICCA Skills, the first accredited and globally-recognised certification programme for suppliers across every sector of the meetings industry.

Announced at IMEX Frankfurt, ICCA revealed that the educational programme offers 51 high-quality chapters, divided across two certification tracks.

ICCASkills is relevant and accessible for every career level, location, and sector

The Certified International Convention Specialist (CICS) track provides foundational knowledge and practical skills for professionals who are new to the industry or want to improve their understanding of global business events standards. Learners are not required to have any previous industry experience and the certification can be earned in seven weeks.

Meanwhile, the Certified International Convention Executive (CICE) track is for professionals with at least three years of management experience. This eight-week programme offers advanced courses with a focus on collaborative learning.

Both courses will address today’s critical issues such as sustainable destination growth, stakeholder collaboration, community engagement, industry advocacy, and best practices in proposal bidding. All ICCASkills instructors are industry experts with proven teaching abilities and extensive international business events experience.

ICCASkills was developed in partnership with industry consulting firm Gaining Edge. Meetings industry associations such as the International Association of Convention Centres, Destinations International, the AMC Institute, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, and the American Society of Association Executives also contributed to the curricula. The ICCASkills website is powered by EventsAir.

Enrollment is now open for both certifications. The first CICS class will commence in July 2022 and the CICE programme will begin in August.

Work from paradise at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

By TTGmice

June 1, 2022

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The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives is offering digital nomads the chance to work from the resort with their Stowaway package.

Along with special room rates, guests will receive several perks including complimentary daily breakfast, weekly laundry service, weekly house reef snorkel tours and a daily ‘Buzz Break’ at the café featuring unlimited house coffee. The package also includes resort-wide discounts such as 20 per cent off of all food and beverage and 20 per cent off treatments at The Standard Spa.

Other perks include access to gym and sports facilities; scheduled group yoga and wellness classes; use of tennis and beach volleyball; and use of snorkelling equipment, kayak or paddleboard daily.

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, nestled between the Raa and Baa Atolls, is home to 115 private pool villas, each featuring its own private lounge deck and plunge pool. Facilities include a spa with nine treatment rooms and a communal hammam; an overwater nightclub; and six F&B offerings ranging from a beachfront BBQ shack to Maldivian cuisine featuring ingredients taken from the island farm.

Two new IHG hotels say Kia Ora to Auckland

By TTGmice

June 1, 2022

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Two new hotels under the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), have opened in Auckland.

The voco Auckland City Centre, and the Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, are both part of a new dual-tower development on the corner of Albert and Wyndham Street.

The first voco-branded property in New Zealand, the 201-key voco Auckland City Centre boasts five flexible meeting rooms, in addition to the all-day Italian trattoria Bar Albert and Mozzarella & Co. which offers additional space for hosting more relaxed, social functions.

Another F&B option is Bar Albert on voco’s rooftop, billed as New Zealand’s highest rooftop bar; as well as numerous community spaces, bars and lounges dotted throughout the hotel.

Within the same compound is the second Holiday Inn Express Hotel, the 294-key Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre.

Business travellers will be treated to the fast check-in and unlimited fast Wi-Fi, as well as the three flexible meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 40 people. There is also a fitness room and a self-service laundry on-site.

A complimentary Start Breakfast that includes hot and cold options is included with the room rate; while in the evenings, guests can choose from a drink in the Great Room or head up to the neighbouring voco Auckland City Centre for Italian food at Mozzarella & Co. or cocktails at the rooftop bar, Bar Albert on Level 38.

Philippines names new tourism secretary

By TTGmice

May 31, 2022

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The Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) welcomes the impending appointment of Christina G Frasco as secretary.

Frasco, who is currently mayor of Liloan, Cebu, will replace Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

In a statement on Monday, Romulo-Puyat said the DOT is ready for a “smooth turnover” to the new leadership, and will be handing the National Tourism Development Plan 2022 to 2028 to Frasco.

Frasco serves as the spokesperson of vice president-elect Sara Duterte since July 2021. She is also the daughter of Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts appoints new chief growth officer

By TTGmice

May 31, 2022

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Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has appointed Amit Mahajan as chief growth officer.

He is responsible for spearheading the business and product development efforts at Cygnett by implementing new growth initiatives, products, and programmes.

With over 23 years of progressive work experience, he takes on his new role after having served as director of development with InterGlobe Hotels.

The Westin Singapore announces new DOSM

By TTGmice

May 31, 2022

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The Westin Singapore recently welcomed its new director of sales and marketing, Jenny Lim.

In her new role, she will oversee the hotel’s sales and marketing strategies.

Previously director of sales and marketing at Parkroyal on Beach Road, Singapore, Lim brings with her two decades worth of knowledge and expertise in sales and marketing.

Traveller well-being tops priorities for corporate travel programmes: BCD Travel

By TTGmice

May 30, 2022

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shutterstock_2090617048_640 — BCD Travel survey finds that gaps remain between travel policies and traveller wellbeing needs

Travel buyers feel that traveller satisfaction and well-being is the second most important travel programme priority after duty of care, according to a recent BCD Travel survey of 118 travel buyers worldwide, with 92% of survey respondents listing the topic as extremely or very important.

Despite this emphasis, only 62% of the travel buyers surveyed said their companies provide traveller well-being support and only 14% said their companies plan to increase their budget for traveller well-being in 2022.

BCD Travel survey finds that gaps remain between travel policies and traveller well-being needs

BCD previously also conducted a well-being survey of 875 business travellers in February. The surveys reveal similarities and differences in buyer and traveller sentiment:

Awareness of well-being measures to support business travellers varies. While 62% of travel buyers are aware of offerings within their company, among travellers this figure is lower (51%).
Both travel buyers and travellers ranked convenient hotel location (73% and 58% respectively), direct flights (71% and 70%) and business class for longhaul flights (57% and 54%) among the top five policy options to improve traveller well-being.
Travel buyers also rated freedom to decide to travel or not (55%) and a simple trip approval process (55%) as important policy options that contribute to traveller well-being. Neither made the top five among business travellers, who instead were more appreciative of aeroplane seat selection (59%) and fast-track security programmes (58%).
While 43% of buyers offer sustainable travel choices for a better traveller experience, only 20% of surveyed travellers feel this contributes to their well-being.
Well-being support showed the largest discrepancy between buyer and traveller sentiment. Travel buyers rated mental support measures (training in stress management, mental health counselling, and mental health support) as the most important. Travellers instead care more about physical well-being measures (restaurant recommendations, nutrition, sleep and recovery advice, and gym membership when travelling).
In terms of work-life balance support, travel buyers placed more value on the ability to work from home before or after a trip (64%) than did travellers (48%), though this option was highly ranked by both audiences along with allowing work from any location and bleisure. Furthermore, travellers are more interested in extra time off to compensate for business travel out of working hours (53% vs 20% for travel buyers), allowing a partner to accompany them (50% vs 19% for travel buyers) and time off after long trips (48% vs 7%).

Travel buyers can address the differences above by increasing traveller awareness of well-being programs and aligning policies and well-being measures with traveller values and needs.

“This survey reveals a significant gap between well-being supply and demand, as well as differing views on which measures most support traveller well-being,” said Mike Janssen, global chief operating officer and chief commercial officer for BCD Travel.

“Travel buyers should align their policies to what their travellers value and need. At the same time, they may also need to put more time and effort in clearly communicating the benefits of mental support, which is currently valued less than physical support.”

For the complete survey results, please click here.

Thailand signals its readiness to welcome more international MICE events

FCM opens new Tokyo office to bolster Asian capabilities

Brisbane to host two large-scale US-based conventions

ICCA develops skills accreditation programme

Work from paradise at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

Two new IHG hotels say Kia Ora to Auckland

Philippines names new tourism secretary

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts appoints new chief growth officer

The Westin Singapore announces new DOSM

Traveller well-being tops priorities for corporate travel programmes: BCD Travel

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