Asia/Singapore Wednesday, 24th December 2025
Page 52

Travel industry leaders converge in Langkawi for Malaysia Airlines’ flagship summit

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Malaysia Airlines' Trade Elevation Summit 2025; photo by Sunlee Khan

Malaysia Airlines, in strategic collaboration with the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau and the Langkawi Development Authority, recently hosted the second edition of its flagship Trade Elevation Summit (TES) from June 10-12.

As the largest airline trade event in Malaysia, TES 2025 brought together key industry stakeholders to Langkawi Island, a UNESCO Global Geopark in the state of Kedah.

Malaysia Airlines’ Trade Elevation Summit 2025; photo by Sunlee Khan

TES 2025 attracted over 300 delegates, comprising airline representatives, trade partners and key stakeholders from 68 cities across the globe. The summit featured product showcases, B2B networking sessions, and forward-looking discussions on aviation growth, connectivity, and destination marketing.

The recently concluded summit also served as a timely and strategic catalyst in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), reinforcing Malaysia Airlines’ role as a national flagbearer and global connector.

Malaysia Aviation Group chief commercial officer of airlines, Dersenish Aresandiran, stated in a press release: “Hosting the Trade Elevation Summit here reflects our long-standing commitment to uplifting Malaysia’s key tourism hubs and aligning our efforts with national goals.

“Through initiatives like the Bonus Side Trip, and ongoing investments in connectivity, product innovation, digital platforms, and customer experience, we are strengthening our foundations and positioning Malaysia Airlines as the top-of-mind carrier in the region. This summit is a strategic milestone in our journey towards Visit Malaysia Year 2026 – where we will continue to champion Malaysia as premier global destination.”

As the annual flagship initiative by Malaysia Airlines, TES reinforces the airline’s mission to champion Malaysia as a preferred travel destination, drive innovation in aviation, and foster closer cooperation between international stakeholders, and local industry players.

New villa, F&B experiences boost Trisara’s venue potential for elite events

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The new nine-bedroom residential villa in Trisara

Thai luxury resort Trisara in Phuket has unveiled a new nine-bedroom residential villa, as well as five new F&B concepts. Altogether, these are expected to the property’s appeal among organisers of high-end events.

The 9,711m2 residential villa, which comprises spacious master suites, an infinity pool and manicured lawns, is able to welcome corporate groups looking to gather for strategic retreats, teambuilding activities, executive meetings, and more.

The new nine-bedroom residential villa in Trisara

Panjama Leamsuwan, vice president of sales & marketing at Montara Hospitality Group, the parent company of Trisara, told TTGmice that Trisara’s event team would support event organisers with opportunities to tailor their event experience and provide access to flexible event spaces, personalised catering, and customised activities that best meet the needs of their corporate brand identity.

The nine-bedroom residential villa joins Trisara’s extensive villa collection, which is popular with event organisers.

Panjama shared that residential villas, particularly those with five to nine bedrooms, are regularly used for private events, including weddings. These residential villas would attract approximately one booking every quarter for corporate meetings and events fronted by high-end brands.

“Trisara has gained recognition as a preferred venue for high-end product launches, particularly by luxury global brands that require privacy, elegance, and a highly personalised setting. Events at Trisara can be hosted in a variety of spaces, including Trisara’s larger residential villas. The four- to nine-bedroom residence villas are increasingly chosen as venues for exclusive, intimate events, such as new collection previews and brand experiences,” she added.

Elite events requiring a gastronomic specialisation tend to gravitate towards Trisara’s signature Michelin-star restaurant, Pru, and Michelin Green Star-awarded Jampa restaurant, according to Panjama.

Pru offers a private dining room, where brands can host private tastings or media dinners in an elegant setting that also showcases the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and zero-waste philosophy. Pru welcomes full venue buyouts, where chef Jimmy Ophorst will develop a personalised menu for the event.

Over at Jampa, guests can enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience and combine it with a tour of the sustainable Jampa farm.

“This (farm tour) is ideal for corporate groups or events seeking innovative and meaningful experiences that align with values of sustainability and local sourcing. It offers both a hands-on, educational experience and the opportunity to enjoy exceptional, environmentally conscious cuisine,” she remarked.

Now that Trisara has five new dining concepts, each promising a distinctive gastronomic journey, ranging from the flavours of the French Riviera to the rich traditions of Southern Thai cuisine and Silk Road-inspired creations, Panjama believes that event organisers will gain even more room to play with various event themes and preferences.

Cvent unveils CventIQ, an AI-powered platform for events and hospitality

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A screenshot from the CventIQ website

Cvent has launched CventIQ, a new offering which integrates AI capabilities with Cvent’s existing platform to enhance efficiency and collaboration for marketers, event planners, and hospitality professionals.

CventIQ offers a range of features for event planners and marketers, including instant session insights, which analyses audience comments for sentiment and insights on speaker performance and content engagement; AI-driven content creation, which generates content for emails, speaker bios, and event pages, and provides personalised session and networking suggestions to attendees.

A screenshot from the CventIQ website

For hospitality professionals, CventIQ aims to offer curated planner lists and personalised emails, along with AI-powered 3D room layouts; expedite Request for Proposal (RFP) response times with AI-generated proposals and insights; and streamline event execution.

Attendees will also benefit from CventIQ through personalised event dashboards, real-time AI transcripts and slide captures for easy content saving, and AI-generated summaries of event experiences, including sessions and connections.

“CventIQ enhances every aspect of the Cvent platform, and it represents our vision for a more efficient, intelligent, and collaborative future for meetings and events. By infusing advanced AI into the tools our customers already use, we’re empowering them to deliver more engaging events, more efficiently, with greater returns.

“Our launch of CventIQ reflects how we’re bringing trustworthy, practical AI to every corner of our platform so our customers can stay ahead of today’s fast-evolving landscape while remaining focused on what truly drives impact: human connection,” said Cvent CEO Reggie Aggarwal.

TTM+ 2025 delivers carbon-neutral edition

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Cooked meals that were not served at TTM+ 2025300 were donated to the Wat Don Chan Orphanage and the Northern School for the Blind in Chiang Mai

Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2025, held from June 4-6, has achieved Carbon Neutral Event Self Declaration status, marking a major milestone in Thailand’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental responsibility.

To achieve this status, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) partnered with the Provincial Electricity Authority to monitor and calculate carbon emissions generated at the event’s venue, the Royal Park Rajapruek. All emissions were fully offset through the Carbon Knox Declaration platform, positioning TTM+ 2025 as a leading example of low-impact tourism events in the region.

Cooked meals that were not served at TTM+ 2025300 were donated to the Wat Don Chan Orphanage and the Northern School for the Blind in Chiang Mai

The event succeeded in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 669.84 kgCO₂eq – equivalent to the carbon absorption capacity of 47 trees – and diverted 1,080.63kg of waste from landfill through a comprehensive sorting and recycling system. Waste was categorised into 555kg of general waste, 425kg of food scraps, and 100.63kg of recyclable materials.

TAT also collaborated with Central Tham and Recycle Day to manage waste responsibly. Organic waste was sent to Chiang Mai University for biogas production, while PET plastics and other recyclables were delivered to appropriate processing centres.

In support of the event’s zero food waste strategy, surplus cooked meals that had not been served were distributed to nearby communities. A total of 300 food and water packages were delivered to the Wat Don Chan Orphanage and the Northern School for the Blind in Chiang Mai, extending the positive impact of the event beyond its environmental goals.

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, stated that sustainability is the foundation of all TAT initiatives.

“TTM+ is not only a vital international tourism business platform but also a direct reflection of TAT’s mission to drive responsible tourism that benefits both people and the planet. The Carbon Neutral Event Self Declaration at TTM+ 2025 is a clear demonstration of that vision in action,” she stated.

ATPI boosts global services with new office in Makati

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The ICE Manila team

ATPI, a travel and events solutions provider, has launched its new International Center of Excellence (ICE) in Makati, Philippines.

This new facility aims to significantly enhance ATPI’s 24/7 global support capabilities for its clients in high-demand sectors such as marine, energy, corporate, and sports travel.

The ICE Manila team

ICE Manila will provide around-the-clock travel management services, including reservations, ticketing, itinerary planning, post-sales support, real-time traveler tracking, and emergency communication. The centre will also leverage ATPI’s proprietary platforms, CrewLink and CrewHub, designed for crew rotation, logistics, and centralised communication.

Makati City was chosen for its central location, accessibility, and established business infrastructure, and is accredited by the Philippines Economic Zone Authority. The new centre currently has approximately 100 seats and is designed for future expansion.

ATPI is actively recruiting experienced travel professionals, particularly those with expertise in Amadeus and Sabre distribution systems, marine coordination, BPO operations, and corporate travel services.

PCMA boosts APAC leadership with new Regional Advisory Board

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PCMA has announced its 2025–2026 Asia Pacific (APAC) Regional Advisory Board, which will guide PCMA’s efforts to foster economic and social transformation through business events, while strengthening connections across the APAC region and globally.

The newly appointed Board includes: (2025 – 2027)

  • Lisa Hopkins, CEO, Business Events Industry Aotearoa
  • Mala Dorasamy, CEO, Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre
  • Philip Goh, head – global experience marketing, Ciena
  • Will Kataria, country head & senior director, Cvent

Leaders serving the final year of their term include:

  • Andrew Pennington, platform and programmes marketing lead, JAPAC, Google Cloud
  • Anne Jamieson, CEO, Saxton
  • Kerry Lau, head of marketing, ASEAN & SAGE, Oracle
  • Ronald Lim, co-founder & event producer, Think Tank Productions
  • Sakurako Ogawara, director, head of Japan Event Management Group, MetLife
  • Shelley Ryan, events & incentives manager, Fujifilm Business Innovation Australia
  • Stuart Frank, senior director, field events Asia Pacific, Salesforce
  • Tamsyn Barker, managing director, APAC, First agency

Leaders returning for an extended year:

  • Ben Taylor, CEO, APAC, George P Johnson & Project Worldwide
  • Genevieve Lim, executive director, MICE Management, Marina Bay Sands
  • Melissa Holdsworth, chief operating officer, AusIMM

“The APAC Regional Advisory Board represents the diverse expertise and energy of the region’s business events community,” said Florence Chua, managing director, PCMA APAC. “Their collective insights will ensure that PCMA remains relevant, regionally engaged and commercially impactful, creating platforms that elevate business events strategists and suppliers, and drive stronger trade partnerships across APAC markets.”

Michel Scheffers moves to helm Amari Bangkok

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Amari Bangkok has appointed Michel Scheffers as its new general manager.

Scheffers has been a key leader within ONYX Hospitality Group, most recently serving as area general manager Southern Thailand, overseeing Amari Phuket and Amari Vogue Krabi.

He has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

Alma Resort Cam Ranh names Yen Dang as DOSM

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Yen Dang has been appointed Alma Resort Cam Ranh’s director of sales and marketing (DOSM).

In her new role with Alma, Yen will oversee sales and marketing strategy and initiatives for the resort’s key segments, and report to Alma’s chief commercial officer Frederic Savoye.

The Vietnamese national joins from Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills, where she was also DOSM.

Her other roles include DOSM at Movenpick Resort Cam Ranh, the cluster director of sales at Mercure Vung Tau and ibis Styles Vung Tau, the DOSM during the pre-opening of Melia Cam Ranh Bay, and director of sales (wholesales) at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort.

Khiri Travel boosts sustainability credentials through talent investments

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Ten Khiri Travel staff have earned the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism, following the completion of a four-week online course and examination. The endeavour is part of the company’s ambition to be a completely GSTC-certified DMC by the end of 2025.

Those that passed include six of Khiri’s Green Team spokespeople, two general managers, one office manager, and the sustainability coordinator at Khiri Core in head office.

Khiri Travel aims to be a completely GSTC-certified DMC by the end of 2025

The course was led by experts Nia Klatte and Ayako Ezaki, with guest speakers contributing operational insights. Delivered via the TrainingAid platform, the programme featured live sessions, interactive modules and technical discussions.

The instruction will help Khiri strengthen its internal sustainability management system in 18 offices in all the eight Asian countries where it operates.

Sukhum Jarangdej, sustainability coordinator at Khiri Core, said: “GSTC training has elevated technical understanding and Khiri’s readiness for certification across the company.

“It also ensures our local Green Teams are equipped to lead sustainability efforts in meaningful and measurable ways, in practice, not just in theory.”

Each Khiri country office has its own Green Team consisting of volunteer staff who spearhead sustainability projects, support certification initiatives, and foster a culture of eco-consciousness across departments.

To receive personal GSTC certification, participants must pass the exam with a minimum score of 80 per cent. The certification is individual based. It can be retained by the recipient as a qualification for the rest of their career.

Khiri’s three remaining general managers and a newly appointed green team spokesperson from Vietnam are now participating in the training course.

Natalie van Ogtrop, the sustainability manager for Khiri’s parent company, Yaana Ventures, earned the certification earlier this year.

Willem Niemeijer, CEO, Khiri Travel, said: “The training represents a key milestone as Khiri moves toward overall GSTC certification as a company. We are committed to the 4Cs of Conservation, Community, Culture and responsible Commerce. Khiri will continue to lead by example on positive-impact regenerative tourism throughout Asia.”

Western Sydney International Airport nears completion

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Sydney’s new 24-hour airport is one step closer to welcoming its first passengers, with major construction works across Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) now complete.

Drawing on the region’s natural beauty, WSl’s new terminal marries sustainable-by-design principles and innovative technology to deliver a seamless experience for airlines and passengers at Australia’s first new greenfield international airport in more than 50 years.

The new terminal at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is supported by advanced technology that will move passengers through the airport at speed

WSI CEO Simon Hickey shared that works on the terminal had started in 2019, when a global competition was held to select project architects. London-based Zaha Hadid Architects and one of Australia’s top firms COX Architecture were picked to develop the initial design concepts of WSI.

The terminal design is emblematic of the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains Area as well as the Cumberland Plain and the region’s incredible First Nations culture and history.

“People will love spending time in this terminal as they enjoy the iconic vistas of the surrounding Blue Mountains that are reflected in our stunning feature ceiling and take in the thoughtful design and materials like the extensive use of beautiful sandstone that was sourced from a quarry on the Central Coast,” he said.

“Visitors will be welcomed by the stories of Dharug country that will connect the world with more than 60,000 years of Aboriginal culture while also highlighting the vibrant communities of Western Sydney.”

The terminal has a climate-responsive facade, and more than 6,000 solar panels affixed to its roof to provide energy efficiency and renewable electricity. In addition, it will collect and recycle rainfall for use in airport operations such as bathrooms, irrigation, and cooling towers.

Hickey added that WSI will provide Sydney with a 24-hour international gateway and offer passengers flying out of WSI a quick departure with the help of next generation technology. With both domestic and international gates located under one roof, travellers’ connections will also be simple and efficient.

WSI is on track to open for domestic, international and air cargo services in late 2026.

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