Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Azabu Tokyo marks the first of 20 new openings scheduled for the hospitality brand for 2022.
Two-bedroom apartment with tatami
This is the brand’s 13th property in Japan, and caters to both short- and long-stay business travellers, as well as leisure guests.
Anchored in Tokyo’s Azabu-Juban embassy district, Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Azabu Tokyo offers 171 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom spaces, all of which boast a private balcony, washer, dryer, and a fully-equipped kitchen. There is also a fitness centre onsite.
Delphine Millot has joined the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) in the newly-created role of senior vice president of sustainability.
In this new role, Millot will lead GBTA’s initiatives to create a strong industry focus and public “voice” by working together with members, policymakers and other stakeholders to chart a course toward a more sustainable future for business travel.
Areas of engagement include research and insights; industry and member programmes, policy and advocacy; and education and certification, as well as incubating solutions, tools, and supply chain initiatives to help travel buyers and travel suppliers put sustainability at the forefront of their travel programmes and operations.
Millot will work with the founding partners of GBTA’s newly-created sustainability programme which consists of sponsoring organisations and supporters from across the industry, first unveiled in November at the 2021 GBTA Convention.
Millot will also work with the GBTA Sustainability and Responsibility Committee which over the years has delivered sustainability tools and educational programmes to GBTA members. Among the 2022 initiatives for this established global committee led by current chairperson, Jenny Sabineu, are the relaunching of an updated GBTA Sustainability Toolkit and the development of a global industry standard Supplier Scorecard.
Mark Cuschieri, GBTA board vice president and executive sponsor of GBTA’s Sustainability initiative will also serve as chairperson for the GBTA Sustainability Leadership Council, and Sabineu as its vice-chair.
Millot’s professional background includes experience working between private, public and non-profit sectors, both in Europe and the US.
Most recently, she served as the head of the international public affairs division for Grayling, a global consulting firm specialising in strategic communications and government affairs. Her experience includes managing a European-wide campaign for the Environmental Defense Fund to reduce methane emissions, which are responsible for at least 25 per cent of today’s global warming. This resulted in the Global Methane Pledge adopted at COP26 in November 2021 as the single biggest political effort to date to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
In previous roles, she worked closely with senior-level executives at leading multinationals in multiple business sectors, as well as with associations representing sectoral interests including business aviation, oil and gas, heating and cooling, construction equipment, aluminium, and bioenergy.
Diethelm-Keller Holding has sold its remaining shares in Thailand-headquartered DMC Diethelm Travel to Stefan Römer, CEO of Diethelm Travel and founder of Tourasia, finalising a change in ownership of what is recognised as one of Asia’s most established travel companies.
According to a Diethelm Travel statement issued last Friday, Tourasia Roemer, Arcothai International and investor Gonpo Tsering will take over Diethelm Travel together and “bring Diethelm Travel to the new era of travel empowered with advance IT system while staying true to our DNA as your trusted DMC in Asia”.
Tourasia Roemer, Arcothai International and investor Gonpo Tsering take over ownership of Diethelm Travel; Stefan Römer pictured
Römer said: “I am excited to assume full ownership of Diethelm Travel together with my new partners and would like to thank Diethelm Keller Travel Holding for the great partnership over the years as well as their trust in us to successfully lead the business into the future. I am confident that Diethelm Travel is well positioned to take advantage of the travel industry taking off again in 2022.”
Diethelm Travel today has an extensive network of 13 fully licensed and insured offices throughout Asia, in destinations such as Bhutan, Malaysia, the Maldives, Singapore and Vietnam.
What is CTC’s outlook for the coming year as more borders open and the fully vaccinated can travel quarantine-free travel?
CTC is cautiously optimistic about corporate travel recovery in 2022. With global vaccination percentage rates continuing to increase and the availability of medicine targeting Covid-19 patients gradually coming to the market, I think the worst has already passed.
Having said that, the continuous mutation of the virus – such as the Delta Plu, Mu, and Omicron variants – remains the biggest uncertainty in 2022.
What must travellers consider if they are willing to go on a business trip and what resources can travel managers turn to to keep up-to-date?
Let me use Singapore’s change of Covid-19 national strategy from “zero tolerance” to “living with Covid” as an example. The consequence of this policy has resulted in the immediate opening of its border. But infections rose to an unprecedented record high, with more than 5,000 cases per day reported, forcing the government to tighten some restrictions. In my view, the pendulum effect will still be felt in 2022.
CTC continues to engage travel manager members and share new knowledge. I was in Shanghai to host the Travel Smart Conference at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Yangtze Shanghai, on November 30, 2021, where more than 100 participants attended.
On December 7 and 8, 2021, CTC hosted the Corporate Travel Summit at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney.
In the event that physical events are not possible, CTC will continue to run our virtual events. To help travel managers’ do their jobs better, virtual sessions on topics such as the new ISO 31030 on travel risk management, sustainability, etc., have been organised.
What are some key corporate travel trends to look out for in 2022?
Most of our members are telling us domestic travel has resumed. However, international corporate travel is “still sitting on the fence”. One point is clear though: with an increased use of event technology, training or internal meeting trips will be significantly reduced.
What are the opportunities for corporate travel recovery in 2022?
Many new international treaties facilitating freer trade have been reached, such as the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership), CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific), EU/China CAI (CU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment), and more.
With implementation starting in 2022, international trade is forecast to continue to expand at a rapid pace in years to come. And as we all know, corporate travel is the paramount prerequisite to negotiating business deals.
Some countries adopting a “living with Covid” policy have already opened their borders. The US, the second-biggest corporate travel spend country, for example, is showing an upward trend for both domestic and international travel.
The NZ government's Five- step plan prioritises returning New Zealanders and brings forward the reopening of key visa categories
New Zealand will be reopening its borders to New Zealanders and key visa holders over the coming three months, with a full border reopening targeted for October 2022.
Starting from 23.59 on February 27, vaccinated New Zealanders and other eligible travellers from Australia will be allowed to enter without having to go through managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ).
The NZ government’s five-step plan prioritises returning New Zealanders and brings forward the reopening of key visa categories; Auckland’s skyline pictured
Two weeks later from 23.59 on March 13, New Zealanders and other eligible travellers under the current border settings from the rest of the world will be able to enter.
This includes skilled workers earning at least 1.5 times the median wage, as well as successful Working Holiday Scheme visa applicants. This move will supply urgently needed workers for the tourism, hospitality, wine and horticultural sectors, as well as provide some visitor spending.
Next, from 23.59 on April 12, borders will be open to current offshore temporary visa holders, who can still meet the relevant visa requirements, and visas for critical workforce individuals that do not meet the 1.5 times median wage requirement.
By July 2022, the New Zealand government is planning to open its borders to anyone from Australia, as well as for countries with visa-waiver travel. The final step in the reopening plan is planned for October 2022, when borders open to travellers globally, and all visa categories made available.
However, while the announcement on border openings is an optimistic step forward, it will not revive New Zealand’s hard-hit business events industry unless there’s a radical change to isolation requirements, noted Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA)’s chief executive Lisa Hopkins.
She lamented: “Currently $150 million worth of business events are at risk because of international border settings.
“The reality is a business visitor will not isolate in a hotel for seven to 10 days if they are expected to attend a three-day conference. The sector will now be fielding cancellations and postponements from Australia.”
“The impact the pandemic has had on business events, major events, cruise, tourism, and hospitality has been extreme. And while we now look forward to a future with greater optimism, it will take some time to work through the past,” Hopkins said.
The term hybrid has been more than a helpful catch-all, as it conveys an idea full of hope and holds the promise of an in-person future in whatever better state of events came next, opined Anna Patterson, vice president & managing director at George P Johnson (Singapore) Experience Marketing, in her presentation at ITB Asia Virtual 2021.
She noted that “offline things moved online (while) outside things moved in”, thus blurring the boundaries of interaction.
“While many things about the future remain elusive and uncertain, one thing is for sure: the new world will not play by the old rules anymore,” she said.
“So, how do you plan for the future when the future is up in the air? A solid and down to earth approach is a great place to start.”
Identify the big picture
Patterson suggested that event planners and producers take a fundamental approach that puts human experience at the core.
She said: “Clients are coming to us, whether in the events or travel industry, to ensure that they can understand more how humans make the difference. As industry professionals, it is up to us to show clients how digital and physical realities do not just coexist, but combine together to create otherwise impossible things.”
To see the big picture, Patterson said one has to understand where their brand stands in the “grand scheme of things” – something which will provide “essential context to make better decisions and take smarter actions” in their events.
“Once you have found your place, you are ready to move on to your why,” she said.
Set sights on event purpose
In explaining the need for brands, businesses and events to stay rooted in their purpose, Patterson related how figure skaters find their balance.
“Figure skaters were taught to find a spot to set their sights on while they were spinning. As long as their focus remained locked in, the skater could keep from getting dizzy no matter how ‘spinny’ things got. For brands, businesses and events, a good reason can have similar grounding effects. If you find your purpose, you can move on and out from there,” she said.
However, in defining the event’s purpose, event planners and producers must put their audience first.
“Of all the channels to consider, your attendee really is the only one that matters. Great experiences use human centricity to connect every what with every why,” she said.
Unify event models
Patterson noted common structures between physical and digital event models, and added that there were many ways that a hybrid event could come together.
She added: “Not all events are hybrid, some of the old things will not be coming back from their online homes. Conversely, when face-to-face returns, there will be plenty of demand for in-person-only events. How do you make that relationship work depends on your brand, your audience and the purpose of your event.”
She suggested that event models could be unified through design and delivery, and reminded her session attendees that the event platform “does not equal the experience; it enables it”.
She recommended that events be imagined from the perspectives of both the in-person and remote audiences, and have experiences designed for a different time and space.
Anna Patterson
“When we use tools like green screen, motion graphics, broadcast techniques and scripting, these are for the individuals. These experiences will feel very much singular as technology and reality coalesce. For the audience near and far, the distance between in-person and remote will gradually disappear,” she remarked.
She pointed to award shows and professional broadcasts in sports as great sources of inspiration for hybrid events.
Maximise both mediums
Patterson urged events planners and producers to understand the different characteristics of physical and digital media.
For example, the digital medium enables scale, has breadth and reach, allows for passive absorption and personalisation, among other attributes. On the other hand, a physical medium enables engagement, has depth and resonance, allows for active participation and social exchanges, among other attributes.
She said usage should overlap and play up the advantages of both media.
She said: “When we connect, we have to connect with the intentional moments. So when you consider both perspectives and experiences, bring the journeys together to provide an amazing moment of unity.
“We are moving to a new generation of events. Digital and physical realities will not just coexist, but combine to create otherwise impossible things. The new world of experiential is more social, more personal, more local and yet more global, more ambient and yet more in the moment than ever before.
“Without limitation, imagination will be the only constraint.”
An ongoing journey
Patterson emphasised that “connectivity is imperative”, and underlined how “digital and physical experiences will be more interconnected”.
“Audience and journeys will be woven together in-person and remote. Data is the common golden thread, and stitching it all together will require new roles and new skillsets,” she said.
She also highlighted the need for organisations to recognise that “life-cycle marketing is here to stay” and that companies and brands must be “omnipresent” by prioritising big technology that enables continuous audience engagement.
“I believe we are at the precipice of a new generation of hybrid events. As upside-down as this may feel to all of us, standing still is not an option,” she concluded.
Malaysia’s industry players are hopeful that the days of lengthy lockdowns and travel restrictions are behind them, since the government allowed business events to resume on October 18 last year.
Stakeholders are also hopeful that this year will see the resumption of business events at full venue capacity, and when the borders eventually open to international travellers, it would see the resumption of in-person events with international participation in 2H2022.
Sunway City is working towards becoming Malaysia’s premier hospitality and events destination
To help build confidence among overseas delegates, Francis Teo, president of the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS), shared that the association was discussing with Bank Negara Malaysia to introduce a Covid-19 insurance for foreign travellers visiting Malaysia for business or leisure purposes. The insurance would cover hospitalisation and medical treatment at private healthcare facilities.
MACEOS is also in talks with a few insurance brokers to provide insurance coverage to event organisers to help cover pandemic related business interruption losses.
Teo explained: “Business interruption insurance against pandemic risk is vital as it will provide confidence to event organisers to plan and hold their events during the pandemic, even though are still a lot of uncertainties.”
Teo, who is also the head of Setia Convention Centres in Penang and Selangor, shared that business has gradually returned to both centres since October. However, event organisers prefer hybrid formats over in-person events due to current national guidelines which limits venue capacity. For instance, current standard operating procedures impose a two-metre safe distance for seating arrangement and limit banquet events at 50 per cent of venue capacity.
Events that have returned, Teo shared, include award recognition events from multi-level marketing and insurance companies, as well as local consumer exhibitions.
He remains hopeful that 2H2022 will bring corporate events, meetings and exhibitions with attendees that number in the thousands, from the region and beyond.
This hope is buoyed by two new hotel openings – the 453-key Amari SPICE Penang (opening September 2022) which will be connected to Setia SPICE Convention Centre; and the 225-key Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam, which will be located adjacent to Setia City Convention Centre.
Setia City Convention Centre will soon get an adjoining hotel, making it easier for delegates
Recently, the two convention centres have also introduced all-in-one packages for exhibitions, inclusive of rental, booth set-up, cleaners and security. This is in addition to early-bird discounts for event organisers who confirm their events early.
Teo stated: “We realise event organisers may not have the capital to restart their exhibitions. So, instead of committing to pay for the entire hall, organisers can pay just for the number of booths sold.”
Elsewhere in Selangor, near capital city Kuala Lumpur, integrated resort destination Sunway City, has grand ambitions to become Malaysia’s premier hospitality and events destination.
From March 2022, its flagship property Sunway Resort, will reopen in stages after a US$60 million transformation. The resort will be feature 477 keys, which includes dedicated family rooms with direct access to a brand-new outdoor water playland, perfect for delegates with their families in tow.
In addition, event planners can look forward to hosting functions featuring Gordon Ramsay’s signature dishes at the new Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, shared Alex Castaldi, senior general manager of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur Hotels.
He also hinted at two more premium restaurants opening by end-2022, which will provide more culinary experiences for corporate groups.
Comprising a theme park, three hotels, a convention centre, mall and Sunway Medical Centre, Castaldi is confident Sunway City holds an advantage as event organisers are more inclined to hold events in an all-inclusive destination post-pandemic.
Aside from offering 360,000m2 of event space, having Sunway Medical Centre, a world-class medical facility close by is all the more important.
Castaldi said: “It gives assurances to organisers, especially those holding large events. As the medical centre is also under our group, organisers can rest assured that delegates will be well taken care of.”
Sunway Hotels & Resorts is working out an insurance package to be built into the room rate or as a separate opt-in, which will cover hospital bills and quarantine fees for those who test positive for Covid-19 during their stay.
While the hotels in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur are currently welcoming small- and medium-sized bookings of up to 800 delegates, Castaldi is optimistic that larger events of more than 1,000 will materialise in 2H2022.
Over at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, general manager Alan Pryor shared that forward bookings for 1Q2022 are looking “positive”, and is 40 per cent of the venue’s overall target for the new year.
“We currently have about 60 events – primarily conventions and exhibitions – confirmed. As for meetings and corporate functions, they are still (planned on a) short-lead basis and will trickle in the new year onwards within the same event month.
“After having undergone a cycle of reopening and closures, organisers are treading the waters very carefully to avoid further cancellations and postponements.”
Elaborating on the centre’s strategies to drive more bookings, Pryor shared: “We are amplifying our customisation, where no two organisers would be advised with the same solution. Based on the event format and its requirements and after considering budgets and costs, we are tailoring every package to suit an organiser’s need.”
He pointed out that this new business model of “risk-sharing joint event partnerships” was developed during the pandemic, and has helped kickstart and stimulate the overall business events industry.
“We will continue with this strategy to bolster confidence in our stakeholders until we surpass the recovery phase and enter the growth period.”
the Indonesian government has chosen ‘Recover Together, Recover Stronger’ as the theme for its G20 presidency.
As Indonesia kicks its year-long G20 presidency into high gear this month with a series of activities and events, its Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE) has unveiled plans to leverage the high-profile event to trigger a revival of the business events sector.
Summits, ministerial assemblies, forums, and working groups are some of the key G20 meetings that are slated to take place, which will be a mix of virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. The G20 Summit meanwhile, will take place in Bali, and is expected to be attended by more than 6,000 delegates.
The Indonesian government has chosen ‘Recover Together, Recover Stronger’ as the theme for its G20 presidency; a screenshot from the G20 event website
Rizki Handayani, deputy for tourism products and event organisers at MoTCE told TTG Asia: “Indonesia will also maximise its G20 presidency and showcase its development progress. (We aim to also) promote Wonderful Indonesia by holding a series of side events in 13 destinations including Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Solo, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Labuan Bajo, Lombok, Batam-Bintan, Medan, Manado and Makassar.”
Under the aegis of the G20, MoTCE will be holding at least four tourism-related side events such as the World Conference on Creative Economy 2020, Indonesia Wellness and Tourism International Festival, Asian Venture Philanthropy Network Conference & International Events 2022. The ministry is also encouraging institutions and industries to hold creative economy exhibitions this year, in relation to tourism.
“We have also created a special tour package with a sustainability theme for G20 delegates, to let them see firsthand the sustainable tourism programmes that are happening, while they enjoy the country’s natural beauty,” stated Rizki.
Standardising event services will also fall under MoTCE’s purview, where the ministry would be ensuring that every venue is compliant with the country’s Cleanliness, Health, Safety & Environment Sustainability (CHSE) standards.
“If the G20 is successfully held without a new (Covid-19) cluster, this will help provide build industry confidence that Indonesia has the ability to organise large-scale events to international standards,” Rizki noted.
Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) has revealed that its 2022 annual conference, Evolve, will be held from June 29-30, 2022 at the Sofitel Melbourne On Collins.
A welcome function will be held on the evening of June 29, ahead of the conference proper and an event dinner on the day and evening of June 30. The Melbourne Convention Bureau will be a major sponsor of the event.
MEA organisers intentionally chose these dates when forecasts suggest Australia will be better positioned to hold large-scale events; Melbourne pictured
Traditionally coupled with Evolve is an Awards dinner at which national awards are presented. However, the MEA Board has resolved that an awards programme for 2021 will not be conducted.
MEA CEO Peter McDonald said: “We hope that our early public commitment to lead by example and proceed with our conference will give rise and reassurance to the market and sector at a time when its most needed.”
He also shared that former head of innovation and creativity from Disney, Duncan Wardle, has been confirmed as a keynote speaker.
A registration portal and event programme will be made available and published in the coming weeks
CWT has announced the strategic aims and leadership team for its global customer team, under the newly appointed leadership of Nick Vournakis, executive vice president and chief customer officer.
Nick Vournakis
Effective immediately, the core leadership team of the customer unit are:
Ian Cummings heads up the global Meetings & Events business, and will continue to serve existing customer needs – whether virtually, or in-person and grow new business.
Robin Handley will lead the newly-formed Customer Effectiveness organisation, focused on helping client retention, growth and profitability.
Gregory Harkins will continue in his role, leading Defense & Government customers, as CWT maintains its leading position in providing travel management services to the US military and government.
Tammy Morgan will lead CWT’s Regional Key Accounts and will be responsible for developing CWT’s national customers across the world.
Raphael Pasdeloup will assume Nick Vournakis’ prior responsibility of leading the Enterprise Customers organisation. Organised around industry verticals, Pasdeloup’s team will continue to manage key global, multinational, and national customer relationships, expanding these across the full width and breadth of CWT’s offering.
Darren Toohey will continue to lead CWT’s Global Sales Organization, focused on growing CWT’s business globally and across key industry verticals.
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.
