Asia/Singapore Tuesday, 7th April 2026
Page 51

Hyatt opens two new hotels in Kuala Lumpur amid ASEAN Summit buzz

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Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur rises above the city landscape

Kuala Lumpur is revving up preparations for the 47th ASEAN Summit, and many related meetings, in late October which will draw thousands of delegates.

In the hospitality sector, Hyatt’s two newest hotels opened in August – Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown, bringing its total to seven in the federal territory.

Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur rises above the city landscape

“Being the first Park Hyatt in Malaysia atop Asia-Pacific’s tallest skyscraper, Merdeka 118, we cater to the luxury and bespoke MICE segment. Rather than scale, we offer discerning delegates from within Malaysia and the region an exclusive, elevated experience,” said Herman Kemp, general manager, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.

The 252 guestrooms and suites are on levels 100 to 118. The six residential-style Executive Salons on level 98 come with natural daylight, pre-function areas and show kitchens. Seating capacity ranges from 18 pax in an individual salon up to 170 pax theatre-style in three combined salons.

Meanwhile, the 306-key Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown, opposite Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, is also able to host events across three floors, with a total of 16 event halls and meeting rooms, including a pillarless grand ballroom. The level 4 Courtyard has four meeting rooms for up to 270 pax, with outdoor patio and option for a full-floor buyout.

Other city properties ideal for business delegates include the Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur and Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, where the latter is directly connected to Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

A Hyatt spokesperson said the company will work closely with Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau on key events and initiatives, including support for the ASEAN Summit and Visit Malaysia 2026.

Aloft opens first property in Surabaya

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Ballroom in round table set-up

Aloft Surabaya Pakuwon City has opened, marking its debut as a fresh business events-focused property in East Surabaya.

The hotel boasts flexible meeting spaces, including seven Tactic rooms featuring adaptable layouts and contemporary design. For larger gatherings, a 489m2 ballroom offers high ceilings, a pre-function foyer, and advanced audiovisual capabilities, suitable for events ranging from product launches to exhibitions.

Ballroom in round table set-up

Beyond its event facilities, guests can dine at Vibe Restaurant, socialise at Echo Lounge & Bar or W XYZ bar, and find quick refreshment at Re:fuel by Aloft, available 24/7. The hotel also features 233 loft-inspired guest rooms and suites, equipped with modern amenities for comfort and productivity.

The hotel – located with direct access to Pakuwon City Mall – provides exceptional convenience for business delegates. Its accessibility extends to major transportation hubs and attractions, including Juanda International Airport, Kenjeran Beach, and the Suramadu Bridge, making it a practical choice for regional and international visitors.

Elite Havens offers discounts on corporate retreats in Bali

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Villa Simona Oasis in Canggu

Elite Havens, a provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia, is offering special savings on corporate retreats and incentive group bookings at its properties in Bali.

Companies and event planners can save up to 30 per cent on year-end retreats, with additional discounts available for bookings made for 2026.

Villa Simona Oasis in Canggu

The company’s portfolio of large villas in Bali is being promoted as a venue for executive getaways, teambuilding retreats, and incentive travel. The villas offer private accommodations with spacious communal areas, allowing groups to stay in a single location.

Properties recommended for corporate groups include:

  • Sohamsa Ocean Estate in South Bali, which features ocean views and wellness facilities.
  • Arnalaya Beach House in Canggu, which includes a private tennis court and gym.
  • The Pala in Ubud, an estate set among rice fields.
  • Villa Simona Oasis in Canggu, a five-bedroom retreat.

All bookings include access to a dedicated concierge service to arrange activities such as yoga sessions, cultural excursions, curated dining, and workshops.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection expands Asia-Pacific team

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The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has strengthened its Asia-Pacific team with several new hires.

Melissa Ong has been named director, travel partnerships, Asia, based in Singapore, effective September 8. She was with Marriott Luxury Group as global account director for six years and previously worked for The Leading Hotels of the World for eight years.

Melissa Ong is the new director of travel partnerships, Asia

The reservations team in Sydney has grown from two to five. New members are Christopher Menon, who joined on August 18 from Four Seasons Singapore; Nathan Gudsell, who joined on September 2 from Baillie Lodges; and Jasmine Zaman, who will join on October 6 from Marriott, where she is currently assistant front office manager at Pier One Sydney Harbour.

Menon and Gudsell are training in Fort Lauderdale and will begin assisting partners in October. Zaman will train in Malta and will begin in November.

The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place welcomes new GM

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The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place has appointed Sumit Joshi as general manager.

He brings more than 25 years of experience in hotels, resorts and residences. In his new role, he will focus on guest experience, local culture and staff leadership at the hotel.

Joshi started his career with The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, progressing through leadership roles. He was most recently the general manager of JW Marriott Jakarta.

Niseko courts corporate groups for Green Season

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Mount Yotel in Niseko; photo by Kathryn Wortley

Hokkaido’s resort area of Niseko is targeting corporates from South-east Asia during the Green Season (May to November), as part of efforts to promote the snow sports mecca as a year-round travel destination.

Renowned for its powder snow, the area welcomes almost 700,000 visitors between December and April, but only 200,000 during the Green Season. International visitors make up 80 per cent of total arrivals in winter and 50 per cent in Green Season.

Mount Yotel in Niseko during the Green Season; photo by Kathryn Wortley

The tourism association in Kutchan, home to the main resorts, is actively promoting the area for incentive groups of 20 to 100 during the Green Season. The organisation hosted a fam for agents from Singapore and Thailand over September 7 to 11 to showcase Niseko’s recent and upcoming developments.

New accommodations include Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono, which opened in December 2024. The 234-key property in Niseko Hanazono Resort features a 122-seat all-day dining restaurant, café & bar, club lounge, gym, and a event room that can accommodate 50 pax banquet-style or 120 pax theatre-style.

Nearby Chalet Ivy Weiss, which is scheduled to open by the end-2025, has 22 suites and 65 rooms, including those with private onsen. Facilities include a wellness floor with a spa, gym and outdoor infinity onsen. The sky lounge and roof are available for private events, while exclusive dinners with chef catering, receptions and star gazing, can also be arranged.

Meanwhile, at resort Niseko Grand Hirafu, three new F&B facilities are being launched within 2025. Sanshoku, which has 240 seats, opened in July and will be available exclusively for groups from 2026. The 380-seat Nest813 and 270-seat Ace Center will be unveiled in December.

NZEA applauds government’s NZ$70 million investment

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From left: New Zealand’s prime minister Christopher Luxon; and Louise Upston, the minister for tourism and hospitality at Eventing the Future, NZEA’s annual conference in Hamilton earlier this month; photo by NZEA

The New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) has welcomed the government’s new NZ$70 million (US$41.7 million) investment package for the events and tourism sectors, calling it a critical step toward strengthening the country’s position as a premier destination for major events.

Announced by tourism and hospitality minister Louise Upston, the funding is designed to drive economic activity and help New Zealand compete for large-scale international events, including concerts – a sector previously excluded from government support.

From left: New Zealand’s prime minister Christopher Luxon; and Louise Upston, the minister for tourism and hospitality at Eventing the Future, NZEA’s annual conference in Hamilton earlier this month; photo by NZEA

The new package includes a NZ$40 million to attract major international events from 2026 onwards, as well as NZ$10 million to support existing events and draw in new international opportunities. Another NZ$10 million will be set aside for a regional tourism campaign aimed at international visitors, while up to NZ$10 million will be allocated for upgrades to tourism infrastructure, such as cycle trails.

In a statement, NZEA’s general manager Elaine Linnell called the investment a “fantastic day for our industry”, highlighting the inclusion of concerts as a game-changer.

“We are delighted the government has recognised the vital role events play in driving both economic growth and international tourism,” Linnell said, adding that the investment would support both major international and homegrown events, giving visitors more reasons to come to New Zealand.

The NZEA noted that the events industry contributes NZ$44.4 billion annually to the country’s economy and supports 300,000 jobs. The association stated it will work closely with government agencies to ensure the new funding delivers maximum impact.

New ISO Technical Committee to standardise global events

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This move will help to unify the events sector and enhance its professionalism on a global scale

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has championed a new ISO Technical Committee (TC 354), a significant step toward creating international standards for all event formats.

Managed by AFNOR (Association Française de Normalisation), the new committee will help the global events industry achieve a new level of professionalism and unified standards.

This move will help to unify the events sector and enhance its professionalism on a global scale

The committee’s scope covers everything from business exhibitions and academic conferences to sporting competitions and live entertainment. It will develop standards for event management, addressing key areas like terminology, metrics, safety, technology, and accessibility. A dedicated sub-committee will also focus on sustainability in event management.

With 17 countries already participating, TC 354 is a major step in acknowledging the events industry’s role as a key global sector. The harmonised standards are expected to benefit the entire ecosystem, including host destinations, organizers, venues, and participants.

“This is a landmark moment for our industry,” said Hugh Jones, president of UFI. “For the first time, we have a dedicated ISO committee to define and align global standards for events. TC 354 recognizes the vital role our sector plays worldwide, not only as a driver of economies and industries, but also of knowledge and professionalism.”

IT&CM Asia & CTW Asia-Pacific returns to Bangkok next week

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Happening next week from September 23 to 25, IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific 2025 is set to convene over 1,000 delegates from more than 50 countries from September 23 to 25.

Held at Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok, the three-day event will feature a range of industry exhibitors, including national tourism organisations, hoteliers, and technology providers.

The Thailand booth at IT&CM Asia last year

“From the charm of Chiang Mai to the shores of Phuket and the energy of Bangkok, Thailand offers more than venues, we offer stories and experiences. Whether riverside, seaside, or in lush urban gardens, our 22 exhibitors are ready to craft events that inspire.

“With TCEB (Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau) and TICA’s (Thailand Incentive and Convention Association) support, buyers can access the right connections and immerse themselves in our cultural workshops, taking a break from business to experience the heart of Thai culture,” said Supawan Teerarat, president, TCEB.

Highlights include the Tech and Engagement Zone, an interactive space for exploring event technology solutions, and the Sea & Air Zone, designed for business meetings with key airline and cruise industry players.

Exclusive networking events will be hosted by Pattaya MICE City, Sabah International Convention Centre, and the Goyang Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The event will also feature a Brand Showcase Spotlight, where companies like Singapore EXPO and Korea Tourism Organization will present their latest innovations.

Buyers can look forward to the return of IT&CMA. Game On, an interactive gamification feature that transforms the exhibition floor into competitive networking platform. This year’s challenge allows attendees to engage with exhibitors, complete tasks, and compete for prizes, providing an innovative way to connect beyond traditional meetings.

Trip.Biz launches all-in-one solution for business travel

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Trip.com One was launched at the company’s Transform 2025 conference in Singapore

Trip.Biz, the business travel management arm of Trip.com Group, has launched a new all-in-one solution called One.

The platform is designed to streamline business travel management for companies by consolidating bookings, ensuring policy compliance, and integrating AI and business intelligence features.

Trip.com One was launched at the company’s Transform 2025 conference in Singapore

Announced at the annual Trip.Biz Transform 2025 conference in Singapore, the new solution aims to address common business travel challenges such as off-platform bookings, overspending, and inefficient reconciliation.

A key feature of Trip.com One is its all-in-one functionality, serving as a single platform for booking flights, hotels, and ground transportation. The solution also provides AI-driven business intelligence through a chatbot, offering flexible recommendations and real-time support. To ensure efficiency, the platform includes automated approval workflows, real-time policy compliance monitoring, and consolidated reporting and analytics for improved return on investment.

“Companies need to redefine expectations on how business travel can support revenue growth amidst ongoing trade policy uncertainty and economic risks, and this has shifted from cost management to one that is smarter, safer and more sustainable,” Tao Song, CEO of Trp.com.

“With Trip.com One, we are bringing together three critical pillars – People & Service, Technology & Inventory and Sustainability – into a single, intelligent platform that empowers companies to deliver greater efficiency, stronger compliance and a better travel experience for every business traveller.”

The company is also strengthening its presence in South-east Asia and expanding globally through new partnerships with Saudia Airlines, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, and Constellation Travels in the Philippines.

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