Sultan Abdul Samad Building in front of Independence Square along Jalan Raja quiet during Movement Control Orde
As of November 9, the Conditional Movement Control Oder (CMCO) has been extended on all states in Peninsular Malaysia except Kelantan, Perlis and Pahang until December 6.
The CMCO which was supposed to end on November 9 for Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya and Sabah has also been extended until December 6.
Deserted roads in Kuala Lumpur (pictured) during CMCO
These measures have been imposed by the government to stem the spike of Covid-19 positive cases in these states by reducing movement and travel among the community. Interdistrict and interstate travel are prohibited, except for emergencies and with permission from authorities.
As such, MICE events and all types of social gatherings are also not allowed.
However, the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) is appealing to the government to ease restrictions imposed on business events in areas under the CMCO.
Its president, Francis Teo, said: “With the MICE SOPs already approved by the Malaysian National Security Council (NSC), business events should be allowed to continue to be organised, adjusting participant numbers according to alert levels and venue size. By allowing small groups to meet, the industry can maintain the minimum numbers needed to preserve and support the entire business events ecosystem.”
Through a recent survey of those involved in the business events industry, MACEOS revealed that business events industry players had experienced revenue losses of RM2.3 billion, a drop of 90 per cent since the first Movement Control Order in Malaysia was imposed in March.
A total of 5,610 employees have been laid off since March, equivalent to 17 per cent of the total industry workforce.
He added that although pivoting to virtual and hybrid events was the only other option during both lockdowns, only 13 per cent of industry players were able to do so successfully, while others are still struggling.
Teo shared: “Looking at the current situation, a full recovery of the business events industry is unlikely to happen before 3Q2021.”
On November 8, Malaysia recorded 852 new Covid-19 infections and four fatalities, bringing the death toll to 286. As of November 8, a total of 40,209 cases have been reported in Malaysia.
Malaysia's MICE sector has been ignored in latest national budget to help alleviate the Covid-19 downturn
The Malaysian government’s national Budget 2021, tabled on November 6 came as a disappointment as there were no specific provisions for the business events industry.
Alan Pryor, chairman, Business Events Council Malaysia (BECM) and general manager at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, pointed out: “Regrettably, there were no specific provisions made for the business events industry in the Budget 2021. Like many sectors, our industry has been hit hard by Covid-19 with event cancellations or postponements that affect the whole supply chain from event planners and exhibition organisers, to the accommodation, retail and aviation sectors.”
Malaysia’s MICE sector has been ignored in latest national budget to help alleviate the Covid-19 downturn
Pryor said that while it is understandable the Malaysian government has many demands placed pon it due to the ongoing pandemic, he urged them to consider allocating funds towards grants ad subsidy support for the industry’s supply chain.
Other recommendations he put forth in relation to the MICE sector includes greater engagement and open dialogue with the business events industry to grow comprehension of the value of the sector; and endorsement of the business events sector being recognised in its own right.
He also asked the government to consider easing restrictions imposed on business events in areas under the new Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), as there are stringent SOPs in place to execute a safe, controlled and regulated environment.
“This means we can adjust participant numbers according to alert levels and venue size. Allowing even small groups to meet will help sustain the industry and limit the damage of a complete shutdown,” he added.
Pryor stressed: “Business events can play a crucial role in spurring Malaysia’s economic recovery and this why it is important the value of our industry is recognised and supported during these tough times. This will also help us strengthen the country’s attractive business events proposition to grow strongly and compete in a highly challenging and competitive international arena once the situation allows.”
Hotels in Okinawa Prefecture are teaming up with IT companies and other technology experts to attract business travellers for workations as Japan embraces remote working to combat the spread of Covid-19.
The southern Japan island chain’s travel sector showcased its latest developments at ResorTech Okinawa, a four-day exhibition for the tourism sector held from October 29 to November 1.
A remote worker at Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island
Miku Uezato, spokesperson for the International Trade Office at the Okinawa General Bureau of the Cabinet Office, said the Japanese government began promoting Okinawa as a place for teleworking two to three years ago but the Covid-19 caused them to intensify their efforts.
Under its Telework & Stay in Okinawa scheme, the Cabinet Office provides 80 per cent of the cost incurred to make facilities conducive for work, with the remaining 20 per cent covered by the facility.
Almost 40 lodgings, cafes and other facilities across the archipelago are part of the scheme, one-quarter of which have joined this financial year (April 2020 – March 2021).
Uezato says she expects facilities to continue to join as the government support will also be available next year.
Hiroaki Sakai, marketing communications manager at the Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, says the hotel’s combination of exclusive location, five restaurants, marine activities and business work facilities are appealing to professionals seeking a workation.
“More and more people are teleworking or want to telework,” he said. “Here, they can relax while concentrating on business.”
Meanwhile, the Rizzan Sea-Park Hotel at Tancha Bay has developed individual workspaces and meeting rooms for business travellers including those equipped with outlets, printers, copiers, LED lights, monitors and speakers. The coastal hotel also offers workation packages that combine the use of the pool or spa.
Wellness Resort Okinawa Vacation Center, meanwhile, has launched a coworking lounge with workspaces of various sizes, as well as a bar and lounge for networking and socialising.
Kiichiro Miyagi, assistant manager of the web sales team at Kanucha Resort Okinawa, says his hotel is manning its coworking space with a robot.
“Visitors can talk directly with staff via our robot, which allows staff to do other work within our 300-room resort,” he said.
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre has already hosted several events on its premises
In-person events are seeing a positive surge in the Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales, as state borders have reopened and lockdowns are lifted.
In Queensland, events at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) last month included conferences, business meetings, school graduations and formals and a 250-person fundraising lunch.
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre has already hosted several events on its premises
For example, the School Business Managers’ Association, Queensland state conference held from October 13-16. The event attracted over 600 participants and included plenary sessions, masterclasses, catering, an exhibition, daily themed dinners and a gala awards event.
The Local Government Association Queensland Conference ran next from October 19-21 and welcomed over 500 delegates and 85 exhibitors.
Clients were required to operate under the Centre’s approved Covid safe plan while onsite. The plan covers conditions of entry, record keeping, social distancing, deliveries, food service, team wellbeing and event-specific requirements.
“There’s no denying that there’s a lot of additional work required on our side to host events at the venue at the moment – from extra deep cleaning, COVID marshalling, labour-intensive food preparation and service to traffic, flow, messaging and record-keeping,” said Adrienne Readings, general manager, GCCEC.
“However, the response to these events has been overwhelmingly positive from all stakeholders and it’s really encouraging to see people back meeting and networking at the Centre,” she continued.
For the remainder of the year, the Centre will host several graduations, formals, networking breakfasts, two more conferences and Christmas events.
Over in neighbouring New South Wales (NSW), the state’s Department of Health has given the go-ahead for exhibitions to restart immediately.
Claudia Sagripanti, Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia’s chief executive said: “In NSW, the Department of Health has provided clarification this week that exhibitions, can operate with no capacity limit, subject to one person per four square metres of space and 1.5-metre social distancing. This means our industry is open for business in most states around Australia.”
The clarification issued in the Public Health Order for Gathering and Movement allows all Function Centres (which includes ‘Exhibition Centres”) with a Covid-19 Safety Plan to operate at the four square metre rule to the venue capacity.
NSW’s world-class venues have commenced planning for the safe return of exhibitions, with a number of events confirmed to take place from early 2021.
Conferences, at this stage, remain subject to NSW Government capacity limits of 300 persons per event.
Business Events Perth has unveiled a new interactive business event planner for event organisers to encourage conferences, exhibitions, and corporate and incentive events to the west coast.
As Western Australia prepares to transition to a ‘controlled border’ on November 14, the new online tool showcases the best of the state’s business event products by taking the user on a guided tour of the state’s unique meeting spaces, accommodation, gala function spaces and experiences.
Alan is ready to showcase Perth’s enviable selection of hotels, unique indoor and outdoor venues, and leisure experiences
Through compelling videos and cleverly placed questions, users are engaged in a ‘choose your own adventure’ style journey through Western Australia with their personal driver, Alan.
After the user has taken a tour of the hotels, and their choice of indoor and outdoor venues, Alan will also reveal the experiences – such as visiting the world’s largest fringing reef and snapping a selfie with the Quokka – that Western Australia can offer.
From November 14, interstate visitors from Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, which are considered ‘very low risk’ areas (with no community cases for the past 28 days) will be allowed to travel into Western Australia, and will no longer be required to self-quarantine.
Those travelling from New South Wales and Victoria will be allowed to enter Western Australia but will have to isolate for 14 days in a suitable location on arrival.
Business Events Perth chief executive Gareth Martin said Western Australia couldn’t wait to welcome interstate business event delegates back.
“While our borders have been closed, the local business event industry has innovated in response to restrictions to accommodate the ‘new normal’ for business events. As early as July, Western Australia held the country’s first large scale business event, with Covid-19 safety protocols in place.
“We’re ready to welcome back interstate delegates to share our amazing state and demonstrate how to event here safely.”
Six Senses Krabey Island in Cambodia is offering an exclusive island experience at US$237,400 for private groups.
Included in the price is a three-night stay in one of its 40 pool villas for up to 86 guests; three meals daily with specially curated menus for the group; and full access to the island and resort facilities such as the spa.
An aerial view of the resort
The rate is subject to government tax and a service charge. Additional nights and guests may be added with supplements. The resort is currently closed and scheduled to reopen from December 15, 2020.
Activities such as beach barbecue, outdoor cinema, organic garden visit, jungle walk and snorkelling at Koh Ta Kiev, alongside a bevy or cooking, mixology and yoga classes, and more are available as part of the package price.
Spots on these experiences will be limited, and activities can be split into different sessions to accommodate the group.
From Sihanouk International Airport, it is a 10-minute drive to the resort’s mainland reception then a 15-minute crossing to Krabey Island. The airport is also able to facilitate private jets and helicopters.
Mimi Low enjoying a scenic flight with alpine landing from The Helicopter Line in Queenstown
Why choose New Zealand?
Home to the majestic Mount Cook, scenic Milford Sound and Fox Glacier, New Zealand’s sublime landscapes and spectacular natural attractions are key reasons to send my incentive groups here.
Ride through narrow canyons at thrilling speeds with the Shotover Jet
TREAT
The thrilling Shotover Jet boat ride amidst the natural landscape was breath-taking! It is fascinating to see New Zealand in all its beauty, a definite activity I would introduce my clients to. Not forgetting the Highlands Experience, it was like living the Fast & Furious life! I’m not an adrenaline junkie but the fast rides were truly enjoyable against the beautiful backdrop of the region.
Just a 35 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, business events at Mudbrick offer your team the perfect space to regroup and collaborate
EAT
It’s a toss between Mudbrick Vineyard on Waiheke, Skyline, Puketutu Island Estate, and Aorangi Peak in Rotorua. New Zealand has the freshest produce for gourmet meals, from vegetables to meat to herbs.
I also recommend Manuka Honey to my groups. Totally natural and with its high antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, it is well sought after.
MEET
To name just a few venues: Skyline New Zealand, with two locations in Queenstown and Rotorua, is well suited for our customers whether they are in the North or South Island. Enjoying a bird’s eye view of the beautiful cities from the Queenstown Gondola is a good start for any event. You can also include fun activities like a Luge ride! At Puketutu Island Estate, the food is well-presented and mouth-watering, and spacious enough for creating any gala dinner theme.
SLEEP
In Auckland, the Sofitel is my favourite, equipped with suite-like rooms facing the harbour or marina. It is a short walk to a plethora of restaurants at the Viaduct, and the America’s Cup boats are just around the corner.
In Queenstown, the Hilton Resort and Spa boasts a private jetty, perfect for an airport transfer by jetboat. Room views are sublime and come with fireplaces! For golf fanatics, Millbrook Resort certainly has wow factor. The accommodation is luxurious, and the gorgeous grounds are surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
The HobbitonTM Movie Set is a great place for a new product launch
Is it time to take your thinking somewhere new?
New Zealand offers something to suit groups of all sizes and tastes. From glorious glaciers to breath-taking glow worm caves, erupting geysers to golden beaches, its stunning scenery sets the scene for memorable events. Try an exhilarating bungy jump, an award-winning wine tasting, or experience our unique Māori culture.
Raj Jadhav has been appointed general manager of the clifftop resort Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu, the first Radisson Blu property in Indonesia.
Taking the reins in these unprecedented times, his focus is on the wellbeing of the team, while ensuring the resort’s readiness to welcome its guests with new safety protocols.
Jadhav started his hospitality career in India as a young executive, before moving to Dubai to take on the role of a health and safety manager.
He first joined Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) in 2001 at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Galway (now The Galmont Hotel & Spa) in Ireland, where he rose through the ranks to become the overall supervisor for the hotel’s operational departments. He then achieved his general manager title at Park Inn by Radisson in Nevsky, Russia.
In 2014, Jadhav moved to Kenya to lead the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa, before returning to RHG as general manager of Radisson Lampung Kedaton, where he was also responsible for the opening of the hotel.
From left: Audrey Seow; Marisa Ng; Nicole Ann Chew
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach and The St. Regis Singapore have announced the clustering of the sales and marketing departments for both properties.
Audrey Seow is now cluster director of sales & marketing, where she oversees and directs all aspects of sales and marketing activities of JW Marriott Singapore South Beach and The St. Regis Singapore.
From left: Audrey Seow; Marisa Ng; Nicole Ann Chew
A hospitality veteran with 18 years of experience, she has a solid track record in hotel sales for various international hotel management companies including Hyatt, Ritz Carlton and Westin.
Seow reports directly to Stephane Fabregoul, managing director of JW Marriott Singapore South Beach and The St. Regis Singapore, as well as Radu Cernia, general manager of The St. Regis Singapore.
Meanwhile, Marisa Ng has transitioned into her new role as cluster director of sales, where she is responsible for managing and leading the sales team across corporate sales, MICE and leisure functions. She reports directly to Seow.
With over 14 years of industry experience, Ng’s previous roles include stints with Accor, Banyan Tree and Conrad.
Lastly, Nicole Ann Chew has assumed the position of cluster director of marketing communications of JW Marriott Singapore South Beach and The St. Regis Singapore, where she is has been tasked with driving the brand presence for both properties.
In her new role, Chew also oversees the full spectrum of the marketing function, including communications, partnerships and brand management for both properties.
She brings extensive experience in the luxury hospitality industry having spent over eight years in progressive marketing roles.
Weak corporate travel appetite globally has indirectly put TMCs at risk
New approaches needed for flight, hotel contracting
Different, pricier TMC pricing models likely to hit Asia
CTM role at risk as corporate travel remains suppressed
Weak corporate travel appetite globally has indirectly put TMCs at risk
Domestic business trips in countries like China and the US may have clawed back to between 70 per cent and 80 per cent of 2019 levels, but regional buyers in Asia say international travel demand at the start of 4Q2020 is still languishing and continues to be restricted to essential travel.
Lamenting the airline conundrum, one CTM overseeing 10 markets in the pharmaceutical sector, quipped: “Our management is conservative but even if our travellers are allowed to fly, which airline is operating? We have shut down our online booking tool (OBT) since we can’t book anything.”
While Ericsson is busier than ever with a number of new projects, regional travel manager Asia-Pacific, Florence Robert, is facing a challenge in having to “work manually with the airlines as the Chinese government has removed almost everything from the GDS and we do not know why”.
There is also “risk in buying air tickets”, Robert added, as IATA has forecast that 21 major airlines may cease operations during this crisis.
It is a different situation in hotel contracting, with a buyers’ market situation emerging in most major cities, observed a Singapore-based CTM in charge of South-east Asia.
This CTM is shrinking the number of global chain partners to leverage on dynamic discounts instead of static rates.
“Before the Covid-19 outbreak, the take-up rate was 50-50. For chains happy to stay in our programme – four global and two local – we are in preliminary discussions for dynamic and static rates to be loaded and the agreement is to allow us to ‘cherry-pick,” he told TTGmice.
Different TMC pricing model likely
With TMCs hurting from the travel slump, CTMs worry that a different pricing model may be adopted to help them tide through the tough times.
Ericsson has “running contracts” with three global TMCs in different regions and Robert is aware that one of them is going to increase its transaction fee in the US although no other regions have been alerted to such a change. Still, she is bracing for the same thing to happen in Asia soon.
Robert said: “Not only are TMCs downsizing in some areas, it is difficult to predict if they will survive. With consolidation and fewer vendors because of the (Covid-19) situation, we decided to push back our RFP.”
A CTM in the pharmaceutical sector told TTGmice that her TMC “needed help” and her company is now paying a “contact fee” for every call or email received to provide service.
She acknowledged: “Going forward, the TMC pricing model will change. TMCs cannot survive on transaction fees. It is not sustainable. It boils down to when we can start to travel. We thought it would happen in 3Q2020 but it has not started yet and plans keep changing.”
On her wishlist is a “more proactive” TMC ecosystem which employs “modern technology”, something which agencies cannot afford to invest in now because cashflow is very tight.
She explained: “Singapore Airlines has just rolled out NDC but our TMC is not ready for NDC hence we have to go back to manual and two systems – GDS and NDC.”
Diminishing job security
A severely impacted corporate travel appetite has also meant a reduced need for professional CTMs.
A Singapore-based CTM expressed worries about his role: “There is a worldwide recession, there is not so much travel and I am concerned about the industry as many have been furloughed or have lost their jobs.”
He explained that his company has a core team of CTMs as well as a team of nearly 100 people, including support staff, looking after travel, meetings and card services in the region.
He opined that if the situation drags on, the current headcount could be reduced to just one person in each of the 14 markets the company operates in.
However, Adriana Nainggolan, travel programme manager, Asia-Pacific, Autodesk, and a Shanghai-based CTM remain optimistic.
Nainggolan said: “The situation now is very complicated with many borders closed and many travel bubbles. There is no point predicting who can travel as the news keeps changing. We need to wait and have to prepare to conduct refresher training for staff and with our preferred vendors.”
The Shanghai CTM added: “We need to find a way around Covid-19. We just have to find the right balance to keep the business going and keep our travellers safe. We have to learn to adapt, as Covid-19 could be around for a long time.
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.
