An adrenaline-pumping adventure will invigorate your team. A cultural experience will bond them. The finest food and drink will delight them, and the marvels of nature will inspire them.
But why choose an incentive destination that specialises in one of these activities, when you can come to New Zealand and do it all?
In New Zealand everything is close, allowing you to maximise your time and experience. The following sample itinerary takes you mountain high to lakeside, to the stars, then to foodie heaven in just four days.
Itinerary Highlights
1 of 4
Visit picturesque Lake Takapō, well-known for its extraordinary starlit night skies
Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s unique Māori culture for an authentic experience
Indulge in a scenic flight and mountaintop snow landing for that ultimate high achiever experience
Experience an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride with your team in Queenstown
Day One: Christchurch Land in Christchurch for a day of activities such as a brewery tour and team bonding over a cooking class at the Riverside Market.
Visit the penguins at the International Antarctic Centre or engage in some high-flying with ziplining at the Christchurch Adventure Park.
Finish your day with a welcome dinner and engaging Māori cultural performance.
Day Two: Canterbury and Mackenzie Country Enjoy incredible views on a scenic coach journey from Christchurch to Lake Takapō. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand’s most Instagrammable spots.
Reach for the stars on an exclusive stargazing tour at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
On the way to New Zealand’s tallest peak, stop at Glentanner for a scenic flight and snow landing for that ultimate high achiever experience.
Walk the short Hooker Valley Track amidst scenery to inspire at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Treat your more adventurous team members to a once-in-a-lifetime heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier.
Day Three: Mount Cook to Queenstown Stop for morning tea at a salmon farm and taste fresh sashimi from salmon raised in the clearest alpine water.
At Cromwell, larger groups can enjoy various activities (on a rotational basis) including go-karting or supercar hot laps at Highlands Motorsport Park; incredible food prepared in Pinot Noir Barrel Cookers at the Stoaker Room; enjoying the fruits of your labour at a local orchard picking delicious in-season fruit; and tastings of world-famous wine at the Cloudy Bay Shed.
Day Four: Queenstown Enjoy beautiful Queenstown’s great array of activities, from jet boating to bungy jumping, a round of golf or 4WD (four-wheel drive) excursion.
Delegates can take part in a 4WD excursion to explore the beauty of Queenstown
End on a high with a grand gala dinner with a spectacular view at Skyline Queenstown, accessed by gondola.
Extend your stay in Queenstown or connect domestically to your international flights home via Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington.
Ready for the incentive of a lifetime? For more inspiration, check out The Ultimate Reward – an incentive in New Zealand below:
To discuss an incentive itinerary tailored to your team and objectives, contact: Edward Kwek
Trade Manager Business Events Tourism New Zealand
Contact: +65 9152 9122
Email: Edward.Kwek@tnz.govt.nz
Website: businessevents.newzealand.com
Lifestyle resort SAii Laguna Phuket has launched its brand-new Meetings & Events Centre, granting it new power to court corporate and social events.
The standalone venue comprises 1,900m2 of flexible, fully-connected function space, including the 350-seat Similan Ballroom, with its six-metre-high ceilings, plus nine well-equipped breakout rooms, a spacious foyer area and a VIP room.
The Meetings & Events Centre offers both indoor and outdoor spaces
Each of these state-of-the-art spaces features the latest audio-visual technology.
The Meetings & Events Centre also offers three ocean-facing outdoor spaces, including an elegant poolside lawn and the beach.
Altogether, these facilities and spaces will enable SAii Laguna Phuket to host a wide range of occasions, from business meetings and conferences to gala dinners, award ceremonies, product launches and more.
Customers are supported by a professional event and culinary team, a network of local partners and suppliers, and a wide range of packages for budgets.
SAii Resorts’ deep commitment to sustainability also means that corporate events will be environmentally responsible.
Bart Callens, cluster general manager of SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Phi Phi Island Village, said: “SAii Laguna Phuket is already one of the most popular resorts for leisure travellers, due to our extensive recreational amenities and activities. The launch of a dedicated hub for MICE and weddings will enable us to expand our customer base and host exceptional corporate events, social gatherings and dream wedding and engagement ceremonies.
“This outstanding new facility will also play an important role in helping Phuket’s tourism industry to rebound strongly from the global pandemic.”
Rooms
Upon entering the one-bedroom abode on the 32nd floor, I was captivated by the panoramic view of the Yarra River and CBD skyline, aptly framed by the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The one-bedroom apartment provides a separate bedroom with an incredibly comfortable bed and four plush pillows. Having not slept well on the plane, I knocked out almost instantly that night. The luxurious bed did its job and kept me warm and relaxed, so much so it was very hard to get out of bed the next morning.
The living room houses comfortable sofa and circular dining table, alongside a compact kitchen. The kitchen is well-equipped, and features a full-size fridge, oven, microwave, cooktops, and enough crockery and cutlery for two. If I were a long-stay business guest, I would be very relieved to find a front-load washer/dryer combo that could put my laundry worries to rest.
While I loved that my unit offered a number of power sockets, unfortunately, the most convenient power sockets did not have enough space for both my international adaptor and protruding MacBook charger.
As part of the brand’s hallmark experience, we got to experience the Oakwood Premier Mobile Bar, a personalised club lounge experience that is said to be the first of its kind in Australia. A mixologist created seasonal cocktails in the comfort of my room, and to complement the drinks, a selection of hot canapés was also offered.
MICE facilities
There is a quiet and conducive co-working space on Level 6, as well as an adjacent 12-seat boardroom appropriate for C-suite meetings. There are three other function spaces on the second and third floors of the building, accessible via dedicated elevators from the lobby.
I was surprised to find that there was a sizeable Southbank Ballroom on Level 3 (usually serviced apartments do not have ballrooms), which can accommodate up to eight round tables for a dinner function, or can be set up with elegant long tables.
What stood out for me was that a number of the spaces – Resident’s Lounge, co-working space, and boardroom – had access to its own private alfresco terrace furnished with tables and chairs and looks out at Port Philip Bay or Melbourne’s surrounds. These outdoor nooks would be perfect for when a breather is needed.
Other facilities
The all-day dining restaurant, Fifth, serves a modern Australian menu with a taste of the Pacific. The fresh barramundi with a refreshing Thai coconut sauce is worth a mention, as well as the memorable thick-cut, beer-battered fries. A buffet breakfast is also served in the mornings, and I thought the best dish was the smooth and creamy scrambled eggs; I had two delicious helpings.
There’s also a handsome Lobby Bar offering light refreshments and evening cocktails, while the Sky Bar on Level 40 – billed as a contemporary diner set against spectacular views – is set to open in June 2022.
Although there is no swimming pool, the fully-equipped gym makes up for it with its wide array of high-tech machines and weight racks. My travelling companion really liked the treadmill as the programmes could be customised according to her needs, ensuring she received a good workout.
There is also a Resident’s Lounge on Level 6 – meant for long-stay guests – that could potentially be used to organise get-togethers when occupancy returns in full force. Oakwood has also set aside a communal Games Room that sports a full-size snooker table, with free-to-use cues, racks and balls.
The property is within a 10-minute walk to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Crown and South Wharf DFO.
Service
Hospitality was top-notch across the board, from reception to the restaurant. It was also nice to be remembered and called by name by some of the staff members, evoking a warm fuzzy feeling of coming home.
Verdict
Oakwood Premier Melbourne would be one of my top options to stay at regardless of whether I visit the city for work or leisure. My two-night stay at the impressive property was enjoyable, and I was sad to leave the amazing bed behind.
Number of rooms 132 hotel rooms and 260 serviced apartments
With effect from August 1, 2022, Josh Weinstein, the current chief operating officer, will assume the role of president and CEO of Carnival Corporation.
A 20-year veteran of Carnival Corporation, Weinstein has served in various senior-level roles. In his most recent post, Weinstein oversaw all major operational functions including global maritime, global ports and destinations, global sourcing, global IT and global auditing.
During this time, Weinstein also oversaw Carnival UK, the operating company for P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard, which he previously managed directly for three years as president.
Meanwhile, Arnold Donald, the current president and CEO of Carnival Corporation, will be appointed vice chair and member of the boards of directors. During his nine-year tenure as CEO, he led the company to record results (pre-pandemic), achieving the company’s highest profits in its history.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced Leslie Thng as the new CEO of Scoot, replacing Campbell Wilson effective June 16, 2022.
Currently the senior vice president sales and marketing, Thng has been with the SIA Group for 23 years. Prior to this role, Thng was CEO of Vistara, SIA’s Indian joint venture with Tata Sons, between October 2017 and December 2021.
Thng has also served as chief commercial officer of Scoot from May 2016 to October 2017, and chief executive of SIA’s regional carrier SilkAir between August 2012 and May 2016.
Wilson was the founding CEO of Scoot between 2011 to 2016, in his first stint with the airline when it was a longhaul LCC, prior to its merger with Tigerair. Having joined SIA since 1996, Wilson has also run SIA’s overseas operations in Canada, Hong Kong, and Japan. He will join Air India as its new CEO.
ABS' event venue hasn't changed, and will be held at Marina Bay Sands in November
Integrated resort Marina Bay Sands in Singapore has become a Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certified Verified Venue (HMCC-VV), the first events venue globally to be accredited as such by Meeting Professionals International (MPI).
The accreditation, awarded only to venues that are equipped to meet the complex planning and operational standards mandated by international healthcare and life-science meeting event organisers, affirms the integrated resort’s efforts to remain competitive in a rapidly expanding marketplace.
Marina Bay Sands is the world’s first Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certified Verified Venue, accredited by Meeting Professionals International
Mike Lee, vice president of sales at Marina Bay Sands, said: “As the region’s leading MICE destination, Marina Bay Sands understands that complying with industry-specific regulations is critical to the success of every noteworthy event.
“While we’ve had past successes hosting pharmaceutical and medical-related events at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the attainment of this certification is a crucial next step for us to push the boundaries in delivering impactful experiences, while navigating the stringent event requirements of our clients in this sector.”
As the criteria for hosting medical meetings are unique, with varying regulatory practices and venue requirements globally, HMCC-VV provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare compliance rules and empower venues with the skills and knowledge to successfully navigate pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device regulatory environments. It assesses venues based on 11 individual standards, such as compliance with global medical meeting laws and regulations, data privacy plans, reporting procedures, and experience with healthcare meetings.
Marina Bay Sands said it excelled in areas such as human talent, where over 40 per cent of its sales team is equipped with the HMCC certification, demonstrating the skills and knowledge to manage cross-border healthcare compliance and reporting; technical capabilities for increasing physical security, and data or intellectual security, such as the implementation of privacy signs, digital firewalls or encrypted servers, and a dedicated Data Privacy Officer; and F&B flexibility to support medical meeting specific menus.
Nancy Snowden, manager of educational experiences, MPI, commented: “It has been a joy to partner with Marina Bay Sands on this exciting new initiative. The role of healthcare meeting professionals is a crucial one, but often, they are so bogged down trying to discern which venues meet minimum best practice standards for medical meetings it makes event design and execution that much harder.
“MPI is excited to be able to provide the HMCC-VV designation to our hotel and venue partners to help streamline the process of securing compliant venues. Marina Bay Sands continues to be a leader in the medical meetings sector, and incredibly worthy of displaying the HMCC-VV designation due to their diligence and attention to detail in all aspects of planning medical meetings.”
Clients and their top achievers are ready to fly out within a month or so
Programmes are longer, more eventful and involve more people
Destinations that are most accessible and without travel restrictions are favoured
Spurred by ease of travel, companies across South-east Asia, Australia and New Zealand are rushing to confirm their long-delayed incentive travel programmes, with some ready to pack up and go in just a month’s time, find events specialists from CWT Meetings & Events.
In an interview with TTGmice, Singapore director Petrina Goh revealed that the scale of requests for incentive travel programmes has exploded as more governments in the region dismantle travel barriers for incoming international travellers and residents.
“Clients are hyper aware that regulations can change at the drop of the hat, so the moment restrictions are eased they immediately want to go ahead with their event next month or within the next two months,” Goh said.
From left: Michelle Sargent and Petrina Goh observe quick return to incentive travel planning and demand
Echoing similar observations in her markets, Australia & New Zealand director Michelle Sargent said clients are calling her team now and saying “let’s do it”.
Both Goh and Sargent said compulsory pre-departure and on-arrival Covid tests as well as mandatory quarantines were big hurdles to incentive travel programmes, as people feared the risk of being stranded overseas and companies could not afford the business and financial cost of programmes being stretched by lengthy quarantines.
While CWT Meetings & Events teams are able to deliver events on short notice, Sargent said the wave of rushed event confirmations sweeping across the industry is resulting in an availability issue, especially in popular destinations.
Stronger travel confidence
While eager to revive incentive travel plans, decision-makers know they must be sure that their staff and business partners are ready to get back in the air. To determine travel readiness, they conducted surveys to understand intentions.
And the results show an intense desire to take off.
“More than 90 per cent of respondents expressed willingness to travel, and they were keen on mid-haul and longhaul flights,” shared Goh, adding that many who had performed extremely well at work for the past two challenging years were more than ready to accept a much-needed travel reward.
Sargent said: “Many companies have been offering cash incentives over the past two years, but nothing replaces the thrill of a travel reward. People have been so starved of travel that even a domestic incentive trip is alluring.”
For companies that have not been able to utilise their travel and event budget all that time, decision-makers are happy to splurge and “get everyone involved”.
“We are seeing more people qualifying for incentives now,” said Sargent.
Big, eventful gatherings
Incentive travel programmes are getting longer in duration, even for those held close to home. Sargent is seeing programmes that used to be for three-nights turning into five-night celebrations; five-night programmes were once reserved for destinations farther afield.
Another pleasant change in programming is delegates’ desire to have a packed and eventful itinerary.
“Whereas they used to want time to relax by the pool and go shopping, now they want to smash their itinerary. I had a recent group bound for Fiji and the programme ran from 07.00 to midnight every day. They had breakfast, a tour, an offsite lunch, another tour, and a themed dinner that was followed by an after party.
“It is like people are suddenly let out of a genie bottle and they want to have loads of fun. It is a beautiful thing,” she said.
Group sizes vary for both Goh and Sargent, ranging from 50 to 2,000 pax.
“Client have a stronger sense of security, and they are not holding back on group size,” observed Sargent.
Goh observed that clients are now willing to put all participants together instead of splitting them into small groups – a preference once shaped by fear of Covid infections that could disrupt business continuity. She sees this change as a sign of confidence among employers that people are able to bounce back from an infection now that everyone is vaccinated.
Exclusive arrangements are another welcome trend, found CWT Meetings & Events. From hotel buyouts, either of the entire property or a specific wing with dedicated guest facilities, to hiring out business class across a few flights, and private use of a restaurant or tour, post-lockdown incentive travel programmers are determined to make their valued staff and partners feel like superstars.
“This is a trend that is here to stay,” remarked Sargent.
The preference for exclusivity is likely driven by companies’ desire to bring travel rewards back with a big bang, as well as health and safety concerns.
“People love the networking opportunities afforded by business events, and exclusive arrangements give them a sense of security knowing that they are interacting with people of a fixed group,” explained Sargent.
While many destinations have removed Covid measures for big events, do delegates expect some form of health and safety assurance when attending events with so many others?
Goh and Sargent said event attendees are responsible adults, and the act of social distancing is so ingrained in people’s habits that they naturally distance themselves in mask-off settings.
“We are still doing the things we need to do – we are not piling people on top of each other, we are distancing tables and seats, and being extra mindful about buffet arrangements and F&B management,” said Sargent.
“But I enjoy the fact that people know it is on them to ensure their own health and safety. We still see the majority of people sitting in a plenary hall with their mask on, especially when the room is full of people. In Australia, the only places where you must wear a mask are on public transport and on a flight.”
Some companies are taking a family-first approach in their design of incentive travel programmes
Extended stays and recognition
Even as incentive days get longer, delegates are happy to extend the trip for their own leisure and pleasure, with many flying in loved ones to join them.
Goh told TTGmice that many clients are planning events that stretch to the weekend to enable pre and post extensions.
“Employers recognise that their people are now on longer trips with the company, so allowing family members to come along will ensure that their people can focus on the official programme and still enjoy leisure time with their loved ones in the destination,” she said.
This trend creates new business opportunities for CWT Meetings & Events, as service teams are tasked to handle travel support for family members of attendees.
Among the many positive changes to post-lockdown incentive travel needs, the inclusion of family members is the most meaningful. Some of the upcoming incentive travel programmes arranged by CWT Meetings & Events include curated activities for accompanying partners and/or children.
Goh said: “This is part of a growing mental wellness awareness, and a recognition that an employee’s achievement is not theirs alone but only possible with support from the family. So, family units are invited on such incentive trips, and children are included.”
While a travel reward may be designed for 50 people, the actual programme could be for up to 200 attendees.
Goh shared that a client is now considering the Maldives and Sydney, and the programme will involve children.
“It is great that companies are taking a family-first approach,” opined Sargent, adding that the recognition of family contribution to work performance will also improve staff retention.
Ease of travel afforded by the Phuket Sandbox has left a good impression on some clients, encouraging them to prioritise the destination for upcoming incentive travel programmes
Destinations in demand
Among CWT Meetings & Events clients, destinations that are most accessible are winning.
Sargent said clients in Australia and New Zealand favour Asia-Pacific destinations, as they are just one easy flight away. Fiji, New Zealand and Thailand are especially popular.
“We’ve done a few site inspections to Thailand, and everyone has come back to say the same thing: there is ease of passing through the airport and professional handling of requirements,” she said.
Among South-east Asian clients, Thailand has also come up tops.
“The Phuket Sandbox really placed Thailand ahead of the pack when it comes to ease of travel. We have a client that has done Phuket before, but is willing to go back because it is one of the easiest destinations to enter and get around. Bangkok has recently removed Test & Go, and that has helped to spark demand,” added Goh.
Australia is also loved, thanks to open borders for fully vaccinated travellers.
Beyond the region, Barcelona and Dubai are popular with Goh’s clients. Dubai’s visa on arrival makes travel planning a breeze for an international delegation while Barcelona – and several other European destinations – has done away with social restrictions and compulsory masking outdoors.
“Europe also holds appeal for South-east Asians because there is a nice change of season,” remarked Goh.
Goh recalled that incentive travel planning earlier on during the pandemic saw shorthaul destinations in favour, as clients needed assurance that getting their delegates home would be easier if the destination was closer. Improving conditions around Covid management have inspired greater travel confidence in destinations farther away, especially where people can move around with ease.
SITE China Chapter members are taking different routes to survive, and are upgrading themselves to be better positioned overseas and at home once China’s borders open.
Describing 2022 as “a depressing year, even more challenging than 2020, especially these last months”, chapter president, Violet Wang, based in Shanghai, said Covid-19 lockdowns and strategy changes among traditional clients in real estate, petrol-powered automobile, and technology companies business have impacted business events.
Wang: with business events severely impacted in China, SITE China Chapter members are using their expertise in different ways to survive
Wang, managing director of Realm and former China head of Pacific World, who became president at the start of the year, said some members are combining destination resources, building campuses in South China, and integrating them into one product for student programmes.
A member whose expertise lies in trekking and hiking experiences has collaborated with national parks, as well as professional biologists, archaeologists and zoologists to produce exclusive travel programmes in Tibet, Yunnan, Hainan and Guizhou.
She continued: “More members are curating city walking tour products and selling packages to local and expatriate individuals with stronger historical and cultural elements.
“We also have new members from exotic destinations such as Guizhou, another lost horizon with an amazing karst landscap, and Li and Miao minority culture. Past chapter president Liu Ping is devoting 100 per cent of her resources to promoting her hometown destination.
“Members are also converting their products into digital and visual content and the chapter believes these efforts will become a new strength alongside the stunning properties and Michelin-star restaurants which opened in the last two years.”
Two major virtual technology companies have joined SITE China Chapter as members, Wang said, adding that traditional business events members have brought in virtual/hybrid capabilities to accommodate international and domestic needs.
“Connectivity, stability and firewall issues have improved greatly since 2020, with virtual/hybrid events being handled frequently in China. Right now the hot topic in the MICE supplier space is the metaverse. Relevant products and events have been launched since the end of last year and (the range is) growing,” she said.
Registrations are now open for the 89th UFI Global Congress 2022, set for Muscat, Oman from November 14 to 17, 2022.
Hosted by Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC), this year’s event is the first UFI Global Congress in a decade to take place in the Middle East.
Exhibitions industry professionals from around the world will gather this November in Muscat; Mutrah Corniche in Muscat pictured
Offering unique content and keynote speakers from inside and outside the sector, the congress will look at the future of the industry. Alongside networking opportunities, attendees will have the chance to exchange lessons learnt, and gain new insights and ideas.
Open to more than 50,000 industry professionals who work for UFI member companies globally, the UFI Global Congress is known as the exhibition industry’s largest global meeting of the year, combining international networking with experts’ content.
Members of ICCA, AIPC, and SISO are also eligible to attend.
Carp Dragon Statue and Dragon Bridge in Danang City, Vietnam
Danang, Vietnam will host Routes Asia 2022 from June 6 to 8.
The three-day conference will bring together representatives from the world’s aviation industry to the destination, and see thought-leaders address key air service development issues driving change within the industry, and explore the future of route development across Asia-Pacific.
Danang will host this year’s Routes Asia
This year’s conference programme will feature CEO keynote interviews, panel discussions, exclusive airline briefings and an industry-leading masterclass to provide unmatched knowledge and insight to the region’s aviation community.
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
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.
During this time, Weinstein also oversaw Carnival UK, the operating company for P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard, which he previously managed directly for three years as president.
Thng has also served as chief commercial officer of Scoot from May 2016 to October 2017, and chief executive of SIA’s regional carrier SilkAir between August 2012 and May 2016.
Lifestyle resort SAii Laguna Phuket has launched its brand-new Meetings & Events Centre, granting it new power to court corporate and social events.
The standalone venue comprises 1,900m2 of flexible, fully-connected function space, including the 350-seat Similan Ballroom, with its six-metre-high ceilings, plus nine well-equipped breakout rooms, a spacious foyer area and a VIP room.
Each of these state-of-the-art spaces features the latest audio-visual technology.
The Meetings & Events Centre also offers three ocean-facing outdoor spaces, including an elegant poolside lawn and the beach.
Altogether, these facilities and spaces will enable SAii Laguna Phuket to host a wide range of occasions, from business meetings and conferences to gala dinners, award ceremonies, product launches and more.
Customers are supported by a professional event and culinary team, a network of local partners and suppliers, and a wide range of packages for budgets.
SAii Resorts’ deep commitment to sustainability also means that corporate events will be environmentally responsible.
Bart Callens, cluster general manager of SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Phi Phi Island Village, said: “SAii Laguna Phuket is already one of the most popular resorts for leisure travellers, due to our extensive recreational amenities and activities. The launch of a dedicated hub for MICE and weddings will enable us to expand our customer base and host exceptional corporate events, social gatherings and dream wedding and engagement ceremonies.
“This outstanding new facility will also play an important role in helping Phuket’s tourism industry to rebound strongly from the global pandemic.”