Hilton Kota Kinabalu has appointed Andrew Nisbet as general manager.
In his new role, Nisbet will oversee the day-to-day operations and spearhead the growth and development of the property.
Boasting more than two decades of hospitality experience for the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, he previously served as the cluster general manager at Hilton Hanoi Opera and Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi since 2015.
In 2014, Nisbet was based at Hilton Melbourne on the Park (now Pullman Melbourne On the Park) as general manager. He has also held positions in the areas of F&B, conference & banqueting sales, operations and general management.
Prior to that, Nisbet fast-tracked from the role of director of operations to hotel manager and finally to general manager in 2012 when he led the team at Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa and Kawarau Hotel.
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium has appointed Shadab Amin as director of sales & marketing.
In his new role, Amin will manage all aspects of sales and marketing, including business development, customer relationship management, digital marketing, and brand and communication strategies.
Amin brings with him a decade of hospitality experience. He joined IHG in Manila and subsequently, moved to Crowne Plaza Muscat and Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, before settling down in Singapore.
During his stint in Manila, Amin played a pivotal role in laying the foundation of IHG’s India global sales team, while at Muscat and Maldives, he held key sales positions that drove revenue targets.
After moving to Singapore in 2017, Amin joined Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium as a senior business development manager. During his three-year tenure in Singapore, he grew progressively to the position of director of sales.
Hiring in the travel and tourism landscape is starting up slowly, with job opportunities emerging more in startups and companies that are pivoting to new businesses that take advantage of the current consumption behaviours.
In this new episode of TTG Conversations: Five questions video series, Andrew Chan, founder and CEO of ACI HR Solutions, discusses problems stemming from an employers’ market today, age discrimination in hiring, resources available to travel and tourism job seekers, and more.
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.
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.
