Sydney’s resolute presence
The lights are back on for live business events in Sydney, although many in the industry are under no illusion that business will return immediately.
Sydney’s events industry has been filled with fresh confidence, as more than 90 per cent of its population has been double-vaccinated. International borders also reopened for the first time since the pandemic started, to gradually welcome overseas visitors and students at the end of 2021.
The doors were first thrown open to Singapore, Japan and South Korea for fully vaccinated visitors, with more destinations planned for travel bubble arrangements in the new year.
After months of lockdowns and travel restrictions, Sydney is expecting “a big year” and a key role in rebuilding the country’s A$36 billion (US$26 billion) business events sector.
“Sentiment is starting to be very positive for the future,” said BESydney’s director global corporates & incentives, Sinead Yeo.
“Australia’s global city is opening up again – firstly for citizens and their families who have been kept apart, and very soon we will be excited to welcome our international visitors back to show them all of the exciting things that we have been doing while they have been gone,” she continued.
While the pandemic has been playing out in full drama on the world stage and shutting down many gatherings, Sydney announced in September 2020 it would be a 24-hour city featuring late night transport, longer opening hours for cultural institutions, fewer restrictions on live music and reclaimed spaces for activities like outdoor dining and concerts.
Sydney also launched its newest major large-scale function centre in December 2021, offering two floors of state-of-the-art conference and exhibition space.
The new WINX Stand at Royal Randwick, named after the legendary mare who captivated Australia, stands just 10 minutes from Sydney’s CBD and is accessible by Sydney’s new dedicated light-rail service.
A number of new hotels have opened too while borders were closed, such as the Crown Sydney at Barangaroo and M Gallery by Sofitel Porter House.
However, industry frontliners expect business will return in small and measured ways.
“We’re watching the trends in the Northern Hemisphere, and we know it is most likely that smaller groups will return first,” said Yeo.
“Our sense from talking with our clients is that those with larger groups will be a little more cautious to start and pace their return. It is very clear that companies will be looking to destinations like Australia that have handled the pandemic and put strong protocols in place for their first point of travel,” she continued.
ICC Sydney, the city’s flagship convention centre has also been working hard to prepare for the return of live events, and will start the new year with more than 90 international events in the pipeline out to 2031.
“We never closed (during the pandemic),” said ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy.
“There were times when we couldn’t do face-to-face meetings but we were ready to spring back and snap back as soon as circumstances allowed, and that’s the circumstances we’re in now. We’re looking forward to being in Asia in early 2022 in conjunction with Business Events Australia,” he added.
ICC Sydney has also been proactively engaging with the city’s activation programmes that will take place across the summer to get Sydney-siders back into the city and promote Sydney again to the international market. The convention centre itself is hosting an experiential exhibition called Neighbourhood Earth, inviting an expected 150,000 visitors into an interactive, science-inspired space.
“We’re showing to the city community that it’s perfectly safe and advisable to come to events at the centre, and it’s a matter of starting that snowballing effect of momentum, creating confidence that events are safe. It’s safe to come to Sydney and to ICC Sydney,” he stressed.
Meantime, although one of Sydney’s most significant source markets for business events visitors, China, is still closed, decisions are being made within corporate circles that could see Chinese tourists returning from 2023.
“There is a general feeling among corporates that they will be pushing ahead with overseas trips even if it means they need to quarantine upon their return,” said Shanghai-based managing director of PTC Express Travel, Christopher Zhang.
“And I think in general, the bureau in Australia is doing a fantastic job because over the last 18 months, a lot of bureaus pulled out of China, especially from smaller destinations.
“But Tourism Australia and some of the state bureaus have stayed active in the marketplace, which may have been the right thing to do because pre-pandemic, there were over a hundred destinations promoting in China and it was very difficult to get your voice heard – you had to spend big to stand out,” he elaborated.
Zhang also said Australia was likely to be preferred to other Asian destinations because the Chinese found the greater cultural contrast more attractive.
Come home to memorable gatherings in a thriving city
Brought to you by Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
New Zealand’s second largest city, Christchurch, is an ideal location for event organisers looking for a world-class experience.
The city has undergone large-scale change in the last decade, creating New Zealand’s newest city, filled with modern infrastructure, stunning landscapes and fascinating culture.
Business events are well catered for in Christchurch, as are attending delegates staying in the main urban hub of the South Island, with all the resources needed to plan a world-class event close at hand.
At the city’s core is Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. An architectural and social landmark, it has been designed as the welcoming heart of Christchurch, just 20 minutes’ drive from Christchurch International Airport, which features direct flights from major cities throughout the Asia Pacific region.
Opened in December 2021, Te Pae Christchurch is set to change the business events landscape in New Zealand, offering a nationally-unrivalled modern and uplifting space.
The Centre’s name – gifted by Ngāi Tūāhuriri, the traditional Māori owners of the land – means ‘gathering place’, an apt designation for a place designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
With a unique architectural and design story, intertwining Māori culture and history with references to the landscape of the surrounding region, coupled with a focus on showcasing a true taste of New Zealand, Te Pae Christchurch provides delegates with an experience unlike any other.
Able to accommodate a range of events, meetings and exhibitions, the Centre features a 1,400-seat auditorium and 24 meeting rooms, up to 3,300m2 of exhibition space and a 1,000-seat riverside banquet hall.
As the first of New Zealand’s new generation of convention centres, Te Pae Christchurch also features state-of the-art technology, ensuring it is well equipped to host in-person, virtual or hybrid events.
Proudly managed by ASM Global, the world’s leading venue management company, Te Pae Christchurch’s global-meets-local philosophy combines the very best knowledge and experience from ASM Global’s worldwide team with local expertise and commitment to manaakitanga (hospitality).
That knowledge and experience is evident in ASM Global’s VenueShield hygiene and sanitisation protocols, developed in conjunction with world health experts and implemented at its properties across the world, including Te Pae Christchurch. Event organisers can be confident the enhanced health measures will provide a safe environment for delegates.
Situated within a compact, walkable inner-city CBD, Te Pae Christchurch is within walking distance of more than 2,500 hotel rooms, and some of the city’s best restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
With easy access to a multitude of cultural and outdoor activities, Christchurch is also known as the gateway to New Zealand’s stunning South Island, making it the perfect jumping off point for delegates wanting to explore stunning landscapes, or enjoy a thrill-seeking few days before heading home.
To enquire about hosting your event in New Zealand’s newest gathering place – Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre – please contact the friendly team on info@tepae.co.nz, phone +64 3 266 1400 or visit www.tepae.co.nz
Philippines gears up for global MICE push
The Philippines is gearing up to launch its first-ever global MICE campaign, to promote and continue its development of the country as a top international business events destination as borders reopen.
This comes on the heels of the Tourism Promotions Board’s (TPB) teams having initiated talks with professional medical and wellness associations, some of which already have events calendered, shared Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, TPB’s chief operating officer, at a recent media briefing.
Confirmed events include the 21st Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in Manila, as well as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in Subic which will set sail in March after its original schedule in 2020 was disrupted by the pandemic. The yachts have been left in Subic Bay Yacht Club but organisers and race crew are set to return to the Philippines next month.
Travel trade stakeholders welcome the business events push, a key driver for the tourism sector, and one of the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic.
Matt Poonin, general manager of Travelite Travel and Tours, said the global campaign is a “good opportunity” to promote the country, and with the WTTC hosting, all eyes will also be on how the Philippines can hold the event safely while the pandemic is still ongoing.
“TPB has also identified several MICE destinations like Manila, Clark, Cebu, Boracay, Bohol and Davao (which will help kick off global promotions). MICEConnect 2021, held in Boracay last November, is proof to local and international organisers that we are ready to deal with the volume of arrivals,” Poonin stressed.
He added that health and safety protocols, to safeguard the welfare of visitors, will be top priority.
Bernadette de Leon, general manager of Amiable Intertours, concurred, stating her eagerness to welcome visitors to Philippine shores again. She shared that her company will be fine-tuning health protocols to ensure that they adhere to standards set by the World Health Organization.
De Leon added that the tourism pause for the last two years has a silver lining, where the Philippines has taken the opportunity to improve on and add to its business events hardware, as well as recalibrate the country’s MICE Roadmap.
Dragon Trail affirms third partnership with IT&CM China and CTW China 2022
IT&CM China and CTW China has partnered with Dragon Trail International for the third consecutive year running, to help seamlessly connect in-person event attendees in China with the rest of the world.
Dragon Trail’s latest hybrid technology to be showcased at the Shanghai event enables in-person, mixed in-person and remote, or fully remote meetings powered by video conferencing.
Virtual networking event attendees will also experience knowledge and networking sessions on mobile, PC or the WeChat mini-programme, all of which offer both live streaming and on-demand playback for enhanced access and participation flexibility.
The three-day in-person event will be held from May 24-26, 2022, in Shanghai, while the virtual networking event will happen from June 15-16, 2022.
IBTM Asia Pacific in Singapore moves to September
The inaugural edition of IBTM Asia Pacific will now take place September 6-7, 2022, at Marina Bay Sands, following a decision to postpone the event from April 5-6, 2022.
The debut event for the region was earlier postponed twice due to pandemic concerns.
IBTM Asia Pacific is expected to welcome exhibitors from over 40 countries, as well as pre-qualified hosted buyers and visitors, who will be involved with one-on-one business meetings, as well as attend educational programmes, and networking sessions with peers.
This event will be coupled with the first edition of Singapore MICE Forum (SMF) X IBTM Asia Pacific, organised in partnership with the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS).
The SMF X IBTM Asia Pacific on September 5 will feature content to ensure delegates obtain insights needed to deliver show-stopping events.
Richard Ireland, SACEOS’ acting president, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has made it abundantly clear that there is no better channel to do business, collaborate and educate than in-person events. And the region’s MICE industry has been longing for the opportunity to be able to come together and reconnect with high-quality suppliers, destinations, venues and buyers.
“The SMF x IBTM Asia Pacific will not only provide a safe and powerful platform to do so, but it will also showcase the region’s commitment and readiness towards the reopening of MICE travel and events,” he added.
IBTM Asia Pacific is the sister event to IBTM World and IBTM Americas.
Zenith Cameron lures city corporates with hillside charm
The 10-month-old Zenith Cameron is taking steps to position itself as a business events hotel, with its eye set on attracting meeting organisers from Malaysia’s big cities.
Recently, the hotel developed several residential meeting packages and conducted sales calls to entice corporate companies from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and the hotel’s home state of Pahang to hold events at the hillside resort, where temperatures are cooler and hover between 18°C to 25°C.
Gurdial Bakhshish, acting general manager of Zenith Cameron, has indicated he is working to grow the corporate market, currently around 18 per cent of the hotel’s overall business, in order to increase occupancies and meeting facility usage on weekdays.
“We are banking on our location amid nature and cool weather to entice those living and working in cities. We are only a three-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur city. (Aside from our indoor meeting spaces), we have a lot of outdoor spaces around the resort suitable for teambuilding activities,” shared Gurdial.
Since interstate travel within Malaysia reopened in October last year, on weekends and public holidays, the hotel has been busy receiving domestic leisure guests, who stay an average of three days.
Zenith Cameron offers 175 keys, 11 function rooms, and a pillarless ballroom that can hold up to a maximum capacity of 240 as per current social distancing requirements.
International SOS rolls out Covid Trip Planner
International SOS has rolled out a new risk management tool, the COVID Trip Planner, in partnership with global data provider Sherpa.
The planner, which provides personalised information and advice on how to plan travel, is now accessible to its clients via the International SOS ManagerView and Assistance App for its clients.
Information provided in the planner is constantly updated as countries and regions change their Covid-19 related rules and requirements. This includes travel rules by destination, country visa requirements, testing requirements and quarantine mandates. Travellers will also have direct access to any necessary forms to complete prior to departure.
Users of the COVID Trip Planner will also have access to International SOS Assistance Centre 24/7 Support, enabling them to connect with medical or security professionals should the need arise.
Jamon Ngoencharee, chief medical officer, International SOS said: “We expect travel regulations to continuously evolve and the impact of Covid-19 may even transform the way we travel for many years to come. Each trip may require a risk management process based on the destination, need for travel, as well as additional Covid-19 restrictions.”
Voco Orchard Singapore
Rooms
My King Bed Suite affords a spacious living room – great for social catch-ups (with safe distancing and until 22.00) – and a separate bedroom with a bathroom complete with a bathtub.
As a conversion property, the suite is a strange – but not jarring – juxtaposition of old and new. The bathroom features dated marble fittings, a steam function for the shower (a first for me!) and round knobs on doors, alongside plush yellow armchairs, polished wooden cabinets and gold light fixtures.
Having stayed in a range of properties, I am always appreciative when there is a USB charging port or wireless charger at my bedside. I’m glad to report voco Orchard Singapore had both. The king-sized bed was comfortably firm, and contributed to the best eight-hour sleep I had in weeks.
I have no complaints about the high-speed Wi-Fi, large desk and comfortable Herman Miller chair that made my time at work pass quickly, and I think that business travellers will feel very much at home here.
In line with its green ethos, a number of sustainable touches have also been incorporated into the rooms, including bamboo toothbrushes, high-quality linens crafted from recycled materials, and eco-friendly friendly Apotheke shampoo and soap in refillable dispensers.
MICE facilities
There is over 1,850m2 of meeting and social event spaces, spread across 17 flexible function rooms ranging from the Grand Ballroom for 500 guests to the rooftop Panorama Room with scenic views over the city.
Club guests should definitely take advantage of the Club Lounge on Level 22, as it’s a perfect space for business guests to hold small meetings at, or have a quiet spot to concentrate on their work.
From 17.30 to 19.30, club guests will also have the opportunity to sample one of the newly-created voco Orchard Singapore cocktails, which tap into the history of Orchard Road and tie into the property’s Stay Interesting philosophy.
Other facilities
Recreational facilities include a well-equipped 24-hour gym, and a small pool on the rooftop and seating lounges, a holdover from Hilton Singapore.
There are four F&B options at the hotel: the one-Michelin-star Iggy’s, D9 Cakery, the Opus Bar & Grill, and il Cielo on the rooftop. All are open except for il Cielo, which is currently undergoing a menu revamp from its previous Japanese-Italian inspired plates to a full-fledged Italian menu.
Dinner was taken at the Opus Bar & Grill, where the crispy crab cake – lump crabmeat, mango wasabi mayo, grapefruit salad – started my meal on a promising note.
For my main, I chose the 250g 150-day grain fed Angus tenderloin, and I was delighted with the perfect medium-rare state it was delivered in. Every slice was juicy, and sported charred edges with a cherry-red centre.
Opus Bar & Grill is big on sides, with over 10 varieties ranging from spiced salted egg yolk fries to smoked risotto. I opted for the over-the-top fries (foie gras fat, black truffle puree, parmesan), which was a great carb option. The creamed spinach was, unfortunately, too watery and fell flat.
Opus Bar & Grill offers breakfast service. However, due to Covid-19 limitations, I opted for an in-room breakfast instead. My order – a piping hot and hearty breakfast plate filled with hash browns, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage – was delivered in 20 minutes.
Service
Most of the staff have been held over by the previous management, which is a good sign as these individuals are familiar with the property’s ins and outs. Checking in was swift, and all staff members I encountered were polite and top-notch. The F&B manager at Opus was also receptive to my feedback, and we traded steakhouse recommendations in Singapore.
Verdict
Voco Orchard Singapore is a boon for business travellers who want a comfortable place to rest while staying within easy reach of both the CBD and the shopping road belt, while corporate groups will be assured of ample space for their meetings or small conferences.
This may be IHG’s newest kid on the block, but it sure knows how to deliver on the Brand’s hospitality from the heart.
No. of rooms 423
Contact details
sinor.resvn@ihg.com
www.ihg.com/voco/hotels/us/en/singapore/sinor/hoteldetail
Hong Kong’s zero-Covid stance and Omicron restrictions continue to batter tourism players
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam’s reiteration of the region’s adherence to a “dynamic zero” regime on February 8 has added to the worries of local tourism players, who have had their business disrupted by Omicron infections since January 7.
All local tourism activities, such as Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Spend-to-Redeem Local Tours programme as well as cruises to nowhere, have been suspended.
Holiday World Tours, managing director, Paul Leung, told TTGmice that business had started to pick up in late-2021, thanks to the return of cruises. “Now, everything is halted. We are not sure what the future holds. Perhaps nothing will materialise before June,” Leung lamented.
While there is the Come2HK travel scheme that allows quarantine-free entry for non-Hong Kong residents coming from China’s Guangdong province or Macao, Leung said Hong Kong travel agents have benefited very little from it.
The situation would continue to be tough for tourism and MICE players well into 2023, even if all barriers were lifted tomorrow, opined Destination China, general manager and owner, Gunther Homerlein.
He said: “It is the perfect storm of all bad press Hong Kong received prior to Covid – during the political strife – and during the pandemic. Hong Kong has not yet had a chance to reposition herself.”
Arrivals to Hong Kong went from 55,912,609 in 2019, when the destination experienced social unrest, to 3.57 million and 91,000 in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
Homerlein said local tour operators might have made some money, “but most of us who specialise in international business had little or nothing”.
“There is noting that has been done by the government or Hong Kong Tourism Board to help, support or give the industry hope,” he remarked.
Referencing the Rediscover Singapore voucher programme by the Singapore government and the Singapore Tourism Board, Homerlein said: “It was a well directed and managed programme that allowed the industry not only to thrive, but survive. It also encouraged the development of a lot of very good new products.”
Among hotels, Hong Kong’s stance on Omicron has resulted in banquet business losses. Dine-in services after 18.00 have been banned since mid-January.
A spokesperson with Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong said the property has responded with a relaunch of its Dinner Box Buffet and In-room Safe Buffet, both of which have been popular with guests. These will remain available until March 4.
For now, Hong Kong’s SME agencies will continue to receive financial aid from the government. The fifth round of the Anti-epidemic Fund, announced on January 14, commits about HK$3.6 billion (US$470.9 million) to supporting initiatives such as the Green Lifestyle Local Tour Incentive Scheme and payouts to eligible tour service coach drivers, travel agency staff and licensed agents.
The sixth round of subsidy, confirmed by chief executive Lam on February 8, will amount to HK$26 billion.
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The Japanese government will extend Covid-19 restrictions in Tokyo and 12 prefectures for another three weeks in response to daily record-breaking Covid-19 infections across the country.
News reports on February 9 state that prime minister Fumio Kishida would add one more prefecture to the list of regions facing quasi-emergency measures, including restrictions on the business hours of eateries.
Japan’s international borders have been shut for two years, and several states of emergencies were declared throughout the country’s fights against the pandemic.