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Anantara appoints several new GMs across multiple locations

By TTGmice
0
From left: Erik Billgren; and João Corte-Real

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has made four new general manager appointments at resorts in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Qatar and the UAE.

From left: Erik Billgren; and João Corte-Real

Erik Billgren is now the general manager at Anantara Mui Ne Resort in Vietnam. The Swedish national brings with him over a decade of hospitality experience and property management of luxury hotels, resorts and residences in Vietnam.

He began his career in 2005 as International management trainee – assistant F&B manager for Life Heritage Resort, and Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sands Resort in Hoi An, Vietnam. Between 2006 and 2010, he was promoted to F&B manager, then assistant resort manager, and ultimately general manager for Life Heritage Resort, Hoi An, which is now known as Anantara Hoi An Resort.

Staying in Vietnam, in 2012 he joined The Ocean Resort, VinaCapital, Da Nang, as general manager/property manager. Between 2010 and 2020, he was also the owner/director of Waterfront Restaurant & Bar in Da Nang. Prior to joining Anantara, Billgren worked as hotel manager, New World Hoiana Hotel & Residences, Hoi An.

Over in Sri Lanka, João Corte-Real joins as cluster general manager overseeing Anantara Kalutara Resort and its neighbouring and sister property Avani Kalutara Resort.

The seasoned hotelier started his career in hospitality in 1996 with ENATUR – Pousadas de Portugal, a government enterprise for small luxury, traditional or historical hotels, and has since held senior management positions with Lisboa Regency Chiado Hotel and Tróia Resort in Portugal, as well as Hotel Timor in Dili, the capital of East Timor.

Corte-Real then joined Anantara in 2015 as general manager at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort in Thailand. Prior to that, he was based in his native Portugal working with sister brand Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, where he was cluster general manager at Tivoli Palácio de Seteais and Tivoli Sintra Hotel. In May 2018, he moved to Brazil as general manager, Tivoli Mofarrej São Paulo Hotel.

From left: Gauderic Harang; and Mohammed Wazir

Over in the Middle East, Gauderic Harang rejoins Anantara – from Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman – to oversee the three Anantara Sir Bani Yas Resorts in the UAE as the new general manager.

Harang’s career began in France at Plaza Athénée Paris, followed by several other positions in his native France. In 2013 he relocated to Thailand to join Swissôtel Resort Phuket, before moving to Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in Canada, both positions as director of operations.

In 2016, he joined Anantara taking the position of resident manager for Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli and Naladhu Private Island in the Maldives, stepping up as acting general manager before moving back to Thailand as resort manager at Anantara Golden Triangle.

Lastly, Mohammed Wazir has been appointed as General Manager at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. Bringing over 17 years of hospitality experience to the role, Mohammed moves to Qatar from his most recent position as general manager at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara in Oman.

His hospitality experience began in the UK with Millennium Hotels before he moved to Malta with Corinthia Hotels. With Corinthia Hotels, Wazir spent time working in properties in Russia, North Africa, the UK and Eastern Europe.

Wazir’s journey with Anantara began in 2015 at this same island property in Doha where he held the position of hotel manager. He then moved to Thailand as Hotel Manager at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

GHM promotes Clement Koh to EVP sales marketing

By TTGmice
0

General Hotel Management (GHM) has appointed Clement Koh to be the group’s inaugural executive vice president for sales and marketing.

In this newly-created role, Koh will continue to oversee GHM’s strategic expansion of its collection of luxury properties, as well as brand development campaigns and new commercial initiatives to support the company’s growth momentum.

A veteran commercial and branding professional, Koh offers a wealth of expertise acquired over three decades of luxury hospitality management, including senior leadership positions at Mandarin Oriental Group in Hong Kong and Minor International in Thailand.

He previously served as GHM’s vice president of sales of marketing and presided over corporate strategic, branding and communications efforts. In 2013, Koh assumed additional responsibilities in shaping the group’s business development strategy as senior vice president. He also played a key role in enhancing the content curation capabilities and best practices for GHM’s hotels and resorts.

Melbourne’s business events future looks bright

By TTGmice
0
Strong pipeline of business and contribution to the State up until 2028

Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has secured 40 more business events worth A$150 million (US$108 million), according to its 2020/21 Annual Report.

From 2022 to 2028, this pipeline now boasts 118 business events that will attract 133,495 delegates, filling 387,372 hotel room nights across the city and set to inject A$804 million into Victoria’s visitor economy. Over 1,800 jobs were also created from the secured business events.

There is a strong pipeline of business and contribution to the State up until 2028; Melbourne city pictured

Speaking at the company’s Annual General Meeting, MCB chief executive Julia Swanson reflected on the challenges created by the pandemic and how the Bureau’s purpose has never been more relevant than over the past year.

“Driving economic and social progress for Victoria by securing and delivering world-class business events, has provided MCB with a strong sense of direction in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our strategy has been the right one to guide the organisation in laying the foundation for a bright future for business events in our State. From enhancing our profile and business opportunities across both international and domestic markets, engaging stakeholders, and an ambition to provide a leading digital experience for professional event organisers and event planners globally,” said Swanson.

Chair of the MCB Board Deborah Beale acknowledged the strength and stability afforded through the Victorian Government’s long-term investment of A$41.3 million in MCB over four years and stated it has been a significant factor in enabling the Bureau to continue its business development for larger international association events, and a focus on driving short-term business via the domestic market.

“This commitment recognises business events as an important contributor to our economy and has also supported a broadened focus of MCB’s business event acquisition into the domestic business events market with the successful launch of the National Business Events Program, designed to aid the immediate restart of the business events sector,” said Beale.

The first of its kind for Victoria, the funding programne provided business event organisers with a significant cash injection to support costs for hosting their events in Melbourne. The events approved at the close of the financial year and to be held in 2022, are expected to deliver A$102 million in economic contribution to the State.

Deborah Beale AM, current chair of the MCB Board and director, Federation Square, was re-elected for a three-year term and Adrian Williams, vice president operations (Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia) for AccorHotels was also re-elected for a further three-year term as director.

Phetchaburi attains UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status

By TTGmice
0
Khao Luang Cave in Phetchaburi

Phetchaburi Province has earned the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) title, in the field of Gastronomy, and is Thailand’s fifth addition to the global Creative Cities Network.

In 2015, Phuket was named a Creative City of Gastronomy, Chiang Mai a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts in 2017, Bangkok a Creative City of Design in 2019, and Sukhothai a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts in 2019.

Khao Luang Cave in Phetchaburi

Yuthasak Supasorn, Tourism Authority of Thailand’s governor, said: “The addition of Phetchaburi to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a Creative City of Gastronomy is much welcomed and could not have come at a better time, with Gastronomy featuring as a key element of the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’ new tourism marketing campaign.”

Among the well-known dishes that reflect Phetchaburi’s cultural roots are Kaeng Kua Hua Tan (toddy palm curry), Khanom Cheen Thotman (fermented rice-flour noodles with fried fish cake), Khao Chae (rice soaked in water accompanied by a variety of side dishes), and Kuaitiao Nam Daeng (red-soup noodles).

Phetchaburi is also known for its desserts, including Khanom Mor Gang (caramelised custard sweetened with palm sugar), Khanom Tan (toddy Palm Souflé), and Lod Chong Namtan Khon (pandanus cendol with palm sugar fudge).

Tourists visiting Phetchaburi – located around 160km south of Bangkok – can combine the region’s cuisine with an exploration of the various attractions. These include Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park or as it’s also known locally Khao Wang (meaning ‘hill with palace’) with its palace and temple buildings on a hill overlooking the city; the temples Wat Mahathat Worawihan, Wat Kamphaeng Laeng, Wat Yai Suwannaram; and picturesque beaches the most famous being Cha-am.

Last but not least, Kaeng Krachan National Park which covers part of Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Ratchaburi provinces, at 464,000 hectares is the largest national park in Thailand, and is known for its wildlife watching, hiking and ‘sea of mist’ views during the cooler months of November to February. It is also home to Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex which was recently added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The UCCN was launched in 2004 to promote cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. There are seven categories of membership in the network – Crafts and Folk Arts, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature and Music – which currently numbers around 250 cities worldwide. These cities work together toward a common objective – placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development plans at the local level and cooperating actively at the international level.

Western Australia secures A$54 million worth of future MICE business

By TTGmice
0
2020 and 2021 have been difficult years for business events due to the impact of the pandemic

Western Australia’s (WA) official convention bureau, Business Events Perth, has secured 67 national and international business events set to take place in WA from 2022 to 2024, injecting direct expenditure of A$54 million (US$39 million) into the State’s economy.

Business Events Perth chair Bradley Woods said the organisation was extremely proud to have achieved such a strong result, given the significant challenges the industry has faced.

2020 and 2021 have been difficult years for business events due to the impact of the pandemic

In total, 108 business events are set to take place in Western Australia from now through to 2024, representing more than 200,000 hotel room nights.

Business Events Perth CEO Gareth Martin said the 67 national and international events secured in FY21 were critical to securing the path to recovery for WA’s business events industry, but was not the organisation’s only strategy at play through the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

“…In the 2020-21 financial year, Business Events Perth supported 190 local business events that have brought more than 82,000 delegates together across the State, ensuring our venues and suppliers had a steady stream of bookings generating much-needed revenue to keep their doors open while we wait for the stable return of national and international events,” Martin said.

Business Events Perth also implemented a major content development strategy to enhance its capabilities in marketing Western Australia as a preferred business event destination via digital channels.

“This has included our 3D venue tours, new website and interactive business event planner, as well as our member content creation programme, which has funded the creation of new marketing assets by our member venues and suppliers,” Martin added.

Other efforts include having dedicated staff representation in major national markets; sponsoring events across Australia through the Keynote Speaker Initiative, with the condition that those events book WA for a future year; and implementing a Member Professional Development Program.

Recently, WA was reported to be the last Australian state to open for business events travel, as the government has announced that it will set a date for open borders when the state hits 80 per cent vaccination.

Data forecast indicates this goal will be hit in early December, with the date for border openings expected to be in late-January 2022 or early February 2022.

ASM Global sets up Singapore headquarters; plans for APAC expansion

By TTGmice
0
Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong

ASM Global is increasing its footprint in the Asia Pacific region with the announcement of a new regional headquarters in Singapore, and plans to grow its overall operations in the region.

ASM Global CEO and president Ron Bension said: “We believe that this part of the world is ready for a phase of robust growth, and we’re investing in personnel and plans to ensure we’re at the forefront of a significant growth curve.”

Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong

Currently, examples of the region’s vast potential include ASM’s under-construction Kai Tak Sports Park, a sports infrastructure in Hong Kong; the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center; and six future arenas confirmed to be managed by ASM Global.

ASM Global Singapore will have a joint leadership team comprising two long-term industry specialists. Executive vice president, operations, Paul Sergeant, is a veteran 30-year venue management industry leader who has been with ASM Global for three years, most recently as senior vice president.

Joining Sergeant is Ed Sanderson as executive vice president, venue development, who possesses 20 years of commercial and operational experience in venues and facilities across Asia, most recently with Populous.

Both men are expected to take up their roles in Singapore by the end of the year.

SIA, Scoot resume flights to India

By TTGmice
0
Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai added to the VTL network

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its low-cost arm Scoot will restart flights between Singapore and India, under a vaccinated travel lane scheme (VTL) marking the resumption of scheduled flights between the two countries after nearly two years.

From November 29, SIA will operate daily VTL services from Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai to Singapore. The flights are open for booking, and will be indicated as VTL flights on the airline’s website accordingly.

Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai added to the VTL network

Additionally, SIA will progressively operate non-VTL services from Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Kolkata to Singapore from November 29.

Scoot will operate four weekly non-VTL services between Singapore and Hyderabad from November 30, and three weekly non-VTL services between Singapore and Tiruchirappalli from December 2.

MEA elects new directors and office bearers

By TTGmice
0

Three new individuals have been appointed to Meetings & Events Australia’s (MEA) Board at its recently held annual general meeting (AGM).

Valid nominations were received from nine candidates whose profiles and policy statements were presented to MEA members with voting eligibility.

Three positions were contested following resignations by incumbent directors Nigel Collin, Kirsty Forbes and Paula Nolan.

The ballot produced a clear result which saw the three highest vote counts be received by:

• Megan Peters, general manager, Lateral Event Management
• Tina Eggers, director of business development, The Venues Collection
• Vicky Troptsidis, an individual member based in South Australia

A meeting of the new Board was held subsequent to the AGM, at which the offices of chair, deputy chair, treasurer and company secretary were also determined.

These office bearers moving forward are:

• Chair: Michael Firman, Harry the hirer
• Deputy chair: Beverley Williamson, Melbourne Convention Bureau
• Treasurer: Paul Davison, SMC Conference & Function Centre
• Company secretary: Peter McDonald, MEA CEO

Accor opens Grand Mercure Malang Mirama in Indonesia

By TTGmice
0

Accor has opened the Grand Mercure Malang Mirama, in partnership with PT. Mirama Wisata, in Malang, the second biggest city in East Java Province.

Grand Mercure Malang Mirama boasts 264 rooms and suites with picturesque views. All rooms are inspired by Batik, the Indonesian cultural icon, and adorned with local artwork. High tech solutions, including a smart television system and high-speed Wi-Fi, are also available in every room.

The hotel’s convention facilities comprise the city’s largest, pillarless grand ballroom, able to accommodate up to 2,200 guests; and 12 function rooms.

Recreational facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, gym, jacuzzi, spa and sauna. There are also five F&B options on-site, from the multi-cuisine all-day dining Trimurti, to the modern Japanese restaurant Ebisu.

Grand Mercure Malang Mirama is located just 10 minutes away from the exit toll gate of Singosari, and 15 minutes from Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport.

Gems of the regions

By Kathryn Wortley
0

Japan is well on its way to welcoming back business events in 2022, according to the Japan Convention Bureau (JCB), which is building on successful hybrid and face-to-face events, and raising awareness of new programmes among event organisers.

A mythical beast stands tall on an Okinawan beach; 
snowshoeing in Hokkaido

“We are well prepared to host business events in the post-pandemic period,” said Etsuko Kawasaki, executive director of the JCB, pointing to an uptick in enquiries about incentive travel and several successful bids for international conferences scheduled for the next four years.

Kawasaki and her team have launched a range of programmes designed to make the most of their respective host regions, such as natural and cultural heritage, and demand in the post-pandemic period for “well-being, mindfulness and outdoor activities.” The new initiative will allow participants to contribute towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in areas such as protecting traditional cultures and the natural environment. Options include sea and snow activities, such as karate practice on the beach in Okinawa and snowshoeing in Hokkaido.

The JCB is also preparing virtual tour videos of 10 cities, designed specifically for international conference organisers. Kawasaki said the videos, which are scheduled for completion by March 2022, will “introduce the potential of each city as a host and show their allure by highlighting their strengths and individuality.”

Plans are also underway to hold online seminars and trade marts on inbound incentive travel. These activities will target Asian source markets, “where recovery seems to be relatively quick and there is strong demand for incentive travel to Japan,” she added.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTGmice | BCD and Delta target new heights with strategic partnership
TTGmice | Connect Marketplace returns to Hong Kong with expanded 2026 edition
TTGmice | Terminal velocity