Asia’s progressive resumption of travel has resulted in intensifying demand for private air charters, observes Stefan Wood, executive director of Air 7 Asia.
In this episode of TTG Conversations: Five Questions, Wood discusses how demand sources are changing, factors driving up preference for private air charters, and what the return of more scheduled flights means for private jet business.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia – together with the finance ministry and Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) – has rolled out the 3R Initiative to assist the local business events industry through recovery.
An abbreviation for Reset, Restart and Responsible, the official launch took place during the MyCEB Association event in Kuala Lumpur on March 23.
At the event, Malaysia’s tourism, arts and culture minister, Nancy Shukri, shared that resetting the industry involved encouraging international delegates to choose and attend events in Malaysia. She further revealed that MyCEB will offer and provide full Covid-19 insurance coverage to the first 10,000 international delegates attending events in Malaysia.
To encourage and assist business events industry partners to restart their businesses, MyCEB will also help to cover the registration cost, travel, accommodation and logistic expenses for 10 selected industry players to attend international B2B tradeshows, namely IMEX Frankfurt (May 31 to June 2), IMEX America (October 11-13), and IBTM World 2022 in Barcelona (November 29 to December 1).
MyCEB has also indicated it will assist industry players should they wish to obtain professional qualifications such as CMP, CEM or any other international qualifications that are available for the business events industry. The bureau will also support companies in maintaining their membership by subsidising the membership fee for both local and international industry associations such as the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers, Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations, ICCA, UFI, and IAPCO.
To meet the new needs of business events delegates, which will be driven by safety, trust, cost and confidence, MyCEB has also initiated a MySafe Business Events Planner. The digital planner is a step-by-step format to assist and guide international business event travellers and organisers through current safety measures, as well as to rebuild public confidence in the business events industry. It provides information on the government’s Covid-19 management, national immunisation programme, recovery plan and general guidelines for stakeholders.
Lastly, MyCEB recently signed an MoU with Kraftangan Malaysia to further develop Malaysia’s local craft industry by prioritising and using only locally made crafts as gifts and souvenirs for international delegates, to help elevate the rural economy.
With the metaverse as the next frontier of virtual and hybrid events, Hong Kong-based event and conferencing SaaS company, EventX, is developing more metaverse-associated solutions to help events achieve better interaction with audiences, backed by a US$10 million Series B funding round in September 2021.
At present, the metaverse represents virtual worlds that provide people with immersive audiovisual experiences and opportunities to interact with others across physical boundaries.
“When applied to the events industry, the most applicable version of the metaverse will be three-dimensional and virtually-integrated spaces through augmented reality and virtual reality, that enable attendees to immerse themselves mentally into these virtual spaces without physical limitations, interact with sponsors and other attendees and speakers, consume content, and transact with vendors and visitors,” Sum Wong, CEO of EventX, explained.
Wong shared that since HTC came onboard as an investor in July 2021, it has been working together with EventX to level up events with the help of VR solutions, citing it the “next generation of events”.
Looking back to two years ago, events technology would not have come so far due to the rapid digitalisation brought about by the pandemic.
When the pandemic descended, EventX had to quickly turnaround to cater to virtual events, and transform its event management business into a virtual/hybrid events company.
It built an events management platform with features such as automated email sending tools, customisable registration pages, event footprint analysis, and a networking lounge. Brands and event organisers could also engage their audiences through interactive elements such as Q&A sessions, live polls and pop-up emoji reactions.
And as many countries quickly went into lockdown and implemented movement restrictions, Wong saw it was the best opportunity to help event planners break out of physical event limitations, and reduce the costs of running an event at the same time.
“We adapted, but our customers also had to adapt. As we developed, our customers also had to go virtual at the same time, to learn the ropes and convince their attendees to make the shift to virtual event spaces,” Wong shared.
As of press time, EventX has organised 20,000+ events for more than five million attendees.
When asked what would happen to virtual and hybrid events as the world clamours to meet in person, Wong remained confident that virtual events will still “present a highly-attractive value proposition to event organisers and marketers”, due to the numerous opportunities available in the virtual space.
“There’s no denying that in-person events will increase, but hybrid events (are a perfect go-between as it) can effectively combine the scale and ease of virtual events, and the intimacy of in-person events.
“What event organisers get now is the ability to run events in any country, and have people located in other countries to join and immerse themselves in a virtual event. Ultimately, the future of events will be a mix of virtual and hybrid events, and how we take this into its next evolution will be pivotal to the future of the industry,” he said.
Aside from events of the future, EventX’s has its eye on expanding in South-east Asia, as Wong pointed out that the region “is experiencing rapid digitalisations in varying degrees”, meaning that businesses would be hungry to adopt technology that would fit the needs of the world today. Taiwan is also on the cards, as it has “huge potential”.
As such, fresh funds will also be used to finance potential acquisitions, strengthen international operations including engineering, business development and new leadership roles, as it expands into South-east Asia and Taiwan.
Travel never went away completely, even during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
For companies that have continued to travel, getting back to “normal” has been easy. But for those that had a travel hiatus, it has been more challenging.
While we continue to talk about the risk of travelling, we also need to have a conversation around the risk of not travelling.
Business travel should never be undertaken without a business case, a justification, a return on investment. It might be winning new business, the maintenance of a current contract or something less tangible.
Lost productivity
When working across multiple timezones, the cumulative time we have to achieve meaningful outputs is severely impacted. There is a lot to be said about being in the same room to communicate intent and seek agreement.
For leaders in a business, being able to sit down with peers, direct reports and the wider workforce helps reduce confusion and ensures everyone is singing from the same song sheet. Being in the same room breaks down barriers, improves cultural awareness and creates shared experiences, which benefits both the individuals and the company.
Throughout the pandemic, we have seen companies develop alternatives to having their people travel. Where a company could not audit their aviation provider, it engaged a third party to do so. When a company could not inspect a piece of equipment being manufactured in China, it developed compliance measures for the manufacturer.
Instead of securing new business in person, teams were faced with the challenge of building rapport and trust over video conferences.
Developing a third-party relationship or a change in process is borne out of necessity, but it comes with its own set of risks. In some countries, it is simple to engage a trusted service provider to carry out functions to a globally recognised standard, but this is not always the case.
There was a reason World Travel Protection continued to send its audit and compliance teams all over the world before the pandemic and that requirement hasn’t changed. While it may be difficult to claw back the severely reduced travel budgets, the benefits of business travel are immeasurable.
Business in person doesn’t go unnoticed
We are starting to see industry events move out of the virtual space and back to something resembling real life. During a recent work trip to Guyana, where we provided support to a client, we also had the opportunity to address attendees at an international energy conference.
World Travel Protection was the only travel risk management company in attendance and our willingness to travel and participate was well received by the other attendees.
For organisations ready to travel, it can be difficult to find employees willing to put their hands up. Your mobile workforce has become used to working from home, but there are also many employees who have their passports ready.
The risks of travelling to countries have changed and we need to prepare our travellers before they go. If we identify and mitigate the risk, identify and clarify the opportunity, we will get people back out there supporting and driving businesses forward.
When considering the risks associated with travel, companies should consider the risks associated with the individual, the destination and the activity being conducted. This is where World Travel Protection can help organisations identify and manage their risks and give them clear and concise plans to respond if something goes wrong.
The risk of not travelling now can have a material impact on your business. And it’s something that can be avoided with some simple risk management support.
Adrian Leach joined World Travel Protection (WTP) as CEO in 2019. With a background in operations and senior management roles, he previously worked with International SOS and Linfox Australia.
Even though Malaysia’s borders are set to reopen on April 1, signalling the return of in-person events, industry stakeholders at the recent Tourism Reconnect conference stated that hybrid events will remain as there are many positives in the format.
Jointly organised by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and PATA Malaysia chapter, conference speakers called on the business events industry to conduct workshops and training programmes for event planners on how to pull off successful hybrid events.
Presanth Chandra, co-founder TINTech Group, who spoke on the panel, Business Recovery & Mastering Hybrid Events, opined: “Organising hybrid events is still relatively new in Malaysia and event organisers do not have adequate knowledge on how to organise a memorable event for both in-person and virtual attendees, although they are well versed in the benefits of hybrid events.”
Benefits, Chandra added, include being able to attract a global crowd at the fraction of the cost, and having the ability to record sessions that can be viewed again at a later time.
Lee Mark, group chief operating officer of HotShoes Asia, and vice president of Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers, added that another advantage of the virtual component was that it had the ability to include online campaigns and competitions to further drive audience engagement.
Mark further pointed out that organising a hybrid event required technical know-how in order to create memorable moments for all delegates. The structure of both programmes also had to be treated differently as they require different engagement strategies.
As such, Chandra called upon PCEB, as well as the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, to help develop the necessary training programmes that can educate event organisers on how to curate immersive and engaging content for both in-person and virtual audiences.
Elaborating on what would make a successful hybrid event, Dreamz Production Events Management’s managing director, WY Cheah, said the content creation paths had to be different for the in-person and virtual audiences.
The live in-person sessions have to engage the senses, and offer a ‘wow’ factor to entice international delegates to make the trek to Malaysia, while the virtual sessions had to ensure that the audience was fully engaged through constant engagement and interaction, elaborated Cheah.
Concrete efforts in international promotions and destination management are being undertaken by the Filipino government to revive the business events sector in the Philippines.
Since the Philippines’ full reopening to vaccinated travellers in February, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) has focused its efforts on raising the country’s reputation as a premier business events destination, starting with its first-ever global MICE branding campaign. Currently in the works, the campaign will be unveiled sometime later this year.
Officials have also disclosed details on how TPB is planning to entice more domestic and international business events. On the cards is an enhanced MICE Plus Programme with cash subventions and better incentives. The TPB is also planning to increase its marketing expenditure, set up a MICE Ambassador Programme for local association executives to bid for international events, as well as update its MICE Roadmap 2020-2030.
TPB’s chief operating officer, Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, added that the government will continue to participate in international travel tradeshows, as well as collaborate with both the private sector and local government units to help the Philippines regain her competitiveness.
Velasco-Allones’ hopes are buoyed by several international and corporate events scheduled this year, such as the World Travel and Tourism Council 21st Global Summit happening from April 20-22 in Manila, and the Clipper Round The World Race which left Subic Bay in February.
To help the Philippines in her quest for business events recognition, tourism consultant Jerome de la Fuente opined that aside from South-east Asian markets, the country should also court Indian outbound groups. India is one of the fastest-growing source markets for the Philippines although there are currently no direct flights between the two countries.
“The Philippine NTO should follow the lead of other Asian countries and tap into India’s (potential), especially pharmaceutical companies…and conglomerates,” detailed de la Fuente.
Pointing to India’s business events potential, de la Fuente said that in early March 2022, the Indian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines held a roadshow featuring India-based companies in Davao. This was its second roadshow, with the first held in 2020.
This shift in focus is needed because China – the Philippines’ second-largest inbound market pre-pandemic – still has a zero-Covid policy in place, where citizens are required to undergo lengthy quarantine upon their return.
Internally, most Philippine destinations are now considered business events ready, as airlines, convention centres, hotels and restaurants have utilised the business lull to revise their health and safety protocols to international standards, observed Bernadette de Leon, general manager of Manila-headquartered Amiable Intertours. Not a single business event held during the pandemic has resulted in the spread of Covid-19, proving that infections can be avoided in a controlled business event setting.
Another positive change, de Leon noted, is a stronger awareness among stakeholders of the importance of responsible tourism in sustaining their business and regaining travellers’ confidence.
And as more destinations in the Philippines come to realise the value of business events, more have invested in relevant development.
For example, Clark has been steadily growing in its business events appeal. Its international airport has been expanded, while road and transport infrastructure has been built up to better connect it with Manila and other parts of Central Luzon.
International hotel companies have taken notice, resulting in recent brand entries by Marriott and Swissotel. More brands are in the pipeline, such as Banyan Tree and Westin.
With its expanding cache of hotels, resorts and activities for corporate incentive programmes and meetings, Boracay is likewise angling for business events with the formation of its own Boracay MICE Alliance. Alliance president Elmar Lina shared that the Boracay Convention Center will also add an 800 pax event venue when it opens later this year.
Elsewhere, Iloilo is another destination that boasts its own MICE Alliance formed several years ago, while Bacolod will soon join Iloilo and Boracay to become a trio of business events destinations ready to attract business events to the Western Visayas.
Technology and digital transformation – such as hybrid events and contactless touchpoints – have also been fast-tracked in the sector.
Walid Wafik, senior vice president, SM Hotels and Convention Center (SMHCC), pointed out that these new practices will be around in the long run, and keeping up to date with innovations in hotels and convention centres will make the country a worthy competitor in South-east Asia.
When asked if constant innovation would raise the cost of conducting business events, Walid shared that SMHCC would not be raising rates, but would offer value deals and packages to clients instead.
“We need the industry to bounce back first. We will work towards 2019’s pre-pandemic volume, and the revenue will come later,” he told TTGmice.
It was a reunion of sorts when Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau – in partnership with the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association – brought together more than 50 trade buyers and media from both short- and longhaul markets for the ongoing Thailand MICE Familiarisation Trip.
The long awaited international gathering kicked off on March 27 and will conclude on April 1.
The welcome dinner on Monday night was held onboard Saffron Cruise by Banyan Tree Bangkok. The latest culinary journey to float out onto the Chao Phraya River, this unique experience combines glittering views of the city with an authentic dinner that showcases Thailand’s rich culinary heritage.
Dusit International has appointed Nichlas Maratos as vice president – commercial, where he will be responsible for planning, developing, and implementing global commercial strategies and initiatives.
Maratos brings more than 20 years of experience working in senior sales and marketing positions for global hospitality companies such as Starwood Hotels and Resorts (and subsequently Marriott), and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.
Prior to joining Dusit, he was executive vice president – sales for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. Before that, he served as vice president – sales, distribution & marketing for Asia-Pacific (Ex. China) for Marriott International, following a long career with Starwood.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa in the Maldives, operated by local operator Lily Hotels, has promoted Christophe Adam from resident manager to general manager.
With 27 years of hospitality experience, he brings a wealth of experience to Hideaway.
This French native has worked for LUX Resorts & Hotels in roles such as resident manager and regional director of sales and marketing before joining Lily Hotels.
Melbourne’s successful hosting of AIME 2022, Australia’s first in-person international travel trade gathering since the pandemic began, has inspired confidence in the industry’s recovery among participating Asian event planners.
The event, which concluded last Wednesday, hosted 27 buyers from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and India, making Asia the largest represented region participating this year amid continued travel and quarantine restrictions.
Many buyers told TTGmice they were inspired by seeing what was possible after two years of hard borders and gathering restrictions, and appreciated the flexibility shown by suppliers to adapt to new challenges as countries begin easing restrictions for overseas travel.
“I found suppliers to be really open-minded about ways to work with us, which is really important right now because everyone needs to adapt,” said Elaine Lau, managing director of La Global Travel in Malaysia.
“Coming to AIME has also given us an opportunity to start travel and business events again. We need to begin to show everyone else that it’s safe to get together and do events, and we need to kickstart quickly to recover from the last two years,” she added.
CEO of Indonesia’s Samasta Tour and Travel, Teguh Basuki, said attending AIME was like experiencing the “rebirth” of the travel industry. “For me, it was important for people to see events happening safely; even more important than the usual price and destination considerations,” he observed.
Hosted buyers also shared that they were surprised to find an abundance of new products and services despite the pandemic.
“The number of new developments (I have learnt about) has been very interesting. Singaporeans like visiting Australia, so for the next few months, I foresee a lot of travel to Melbourne and the rest of Australia,” said Joevi Tay, sales manager at Singapore’s EU Mice.
Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Julia Swanson told TTGmice that instilling confidence in organising events was the most important achievement for AIME. The event attracted about 1,500 participants, with some 900 people attending the Welcome Event on Tuesday night.
“Recovery will take a while and that’s okay. Event planners are rethinking their business models and exploring doing things in a slightly different way. We’ve now had the time to work with them to give them some new ideas or incorporate new things into their programme,” said Swanson.
Swanson also said interest out of Asia for small- to medium-sized groups is increasing, and this market is expected to return quickly now that air access has been re-established.
Melbourne is expected to host 97 business events between now and the end of the year worth A$195 million (US$147 million), attracting almost 50,000 delegates. Events include The World Block Chain Summit and the International Congress on Obesity in September and October respectively.
