Asia/Singapore Thursday, 9th April 2026
Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTGmice | ICC Sydney strengthens event accessibility via sensory maps and visual stories
TTGmice | JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa entices event planners with more meeting perks
TTGmice | The Westin Desaru Coast Resort launches dedicated conference centre platform
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A breath of fresh air

By TTGmice
0

Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia

Xperience Singapore’s Crazy Rich Asians Tour
While the hype surrounding popular film Crazy Rich Asians has calmed, tours inspired by the movie remain a wealth of rich cultural experiences for visitors to Singapore. In Xperience Singapore’s take of a behind-the-scenes journey, participants will visit a number of movie locations that also hold historical and cultural significance. These include the Gothic chapel CHIJMES and Newton Circus Food Centre with its Michelin-listed hawker stalls.

 

Finally, in a rare opportunity, guests can also partake in a private mahjong session with an expert. A gamble between four persons, mahjong is no longer played in public, making it almost inaccessible to visitors. The two-hour tours are kept small and intimate, ranging from two to a maximum of five individuals at a given time.
contact@xperiencedmc.com

 

Sunrise at Mount Bromo and Breakfast on the Savannah
This two-day trip starts from Surabaya, where upon arrival at Juanda International Airport, delegates will be transferred to Cemorolawang Village near Mount Bromo for an overnight stay at the local hotel.

Guests will be then hop into a 4WD jeep at 03.00 to the Penanjakan view point to watch the sunrise, before continuing to the mountain’s crater, followed by a pony ride before climbing 245 stairs to the summit. After that exercise, delegates will be brought to a quiet area for a freshly-prepared breakfast served picnic-style.

Under new health regulations, group sizes will be limited to 15, while the jeep will accommodate only two instead of four.
info@monastours.com

 

Wildlife Encounters in Sabah
This two-day programme by Borneo Trails to Sandakan and the Kinabatangan River in Sukau, Malaysia is ideal for those who want to get away from the city.

It starts with a tour to see two endangered species, the orangutan and the Borneo sun bear at their respective rehabilitiation centres. At both centres, delegates will be briefed on what Sabah is doing to rehabilitate these animals so that they can be released back into the wild.

This is followed by a two-hour drive to Sukau, and a stay at the eco-friendly 12-room Borneo Nature Lodge, located along the Kinabatangan River. Guests can opt for a day or night cruise with an experienced guide to spot local wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, wild cats and hornbills.

This is suitable for small groups of up to 20 people, and with advance notice, companies will also be given the option to book the entire resort for the ultimate privacy.
bernadette@borneotrails.com

 

Jetski Island Adventure Excursion
The four-hour jet ski excursion offered by Mega Water Sports explores the natural beauty of the southern islands of Langkawi, which is a UNESCO Global Geopark.

The experienced guide will share knowledge of what Malaysia’s Langkawi Geopark is about, the limestone formations along the way, as well as point out wildlife sightings of eagles, hornbills, long tailed macaques and dusky leaf langurs. A stop at a secluded island for delegates to swim and relax on the beach is also included.

This activity can take a maximum of 40 people at one time, split into four groups of 10 people on five jet skis.
info@megawatersports.com

Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand

Khmer Party in Chhreav Village
The Khmer people hold a gathering every year in the countryside to celebrate the rice harvest. Asian Trails can arrange for groups of between 26 to 60 to partake in the outdoor traditional event in Chhreav Village, a 20-minute drive from Siem Reap. It will be an evening of gastronomical delights and local cultural experiences.

Photo by: Jaya Catering, Siem Reap, Asian Trails

 

The group will be able to taste Khmer cuisine, where the dining area is set up around a local craft market with stalls in wooden cottages. After eating their fill, guests will be able to try their hand at a sculpture workshop, making baskets, milling rice, shadow-puppet making, or fishing. There will also be a Bokator – Cambodian martial art demonstration – and a chance to dance to traditional music.
res@asiantrails.com.kh

 

The Vietage
The Vietage, a 12-guest carriage, has launched luxury railway journeys through the Vietnamese countryside linking Danang and Quy Nhon.

It journeys for six hours between Anantara Hoi An Resort and Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, passing through local villages, the rural countryside, and stops at a few stations on the way.

Amenities onboard the custom-designed carriage include a sit-up bar, and a dedicated area with spa treatment chairs. An à la carte menu also offers premium wines, champagnes and treats such as local caviar and cheeses, all available for pre-purchase.

The Vietage runs for 11 months each year, taking a break during the annual Vietnamese Tet holiday period.
vietage@thevietagetrain.com

 

Local Alike “Covid Therapy” Activities
Ethically-conscious community-based tourism enterprise Local Alike in Thailand has debuted a series of six post-Covid therapy activities.

They are Aural Therapy through folk music and the sound of nature in Chiang Mai; Endless Horizon Visual Therapy in a village nestled in the mountains of Mae Hong Sorn; Breath of Life Oxygen Therapy in Chulapornpattana local community in Yala; Eat Well to Live Well Therapeutic Gastronomy at a community in Rayong; Forest Bathing to revitalise the body at Baan Rai Jai Kaew organic farm with an included homestay; and Spiritual Therapy Path to Peace in Lamphoon.

Each trip is usually 2D/1N long but can be customised according to a group’s preference, and is limited to 20 pax or less.
sales@localalike.com

 

9 Hornbills Tented Camp
Probably no form of accommodation is more suited to social distancing than glamping, and the secluded, adults-only 9 Hornbills Tented Camp on Ko Yao Noi Island in Thailand will take all the bite out of the necessary health and safety measure.

The seven tented villas here open out to a view of the sea, and each dwelling boasts its own private infinity pool where floating breakfast platters and butler service are order of the day. Groups that book out the entire resort will have the property’s private beach all to themselves.

Snooze in a beachside hammock, snag a kayak or paddle board and hit the water, or rent motorbikes or bicycles to explore the island. Teambuilding activities or local explorations can also be organised by the resort, or through its partner, Khiri Travel.
reservations@9hornbills.com

Maldives, New Zealand, Hong Kong

Soneva Fushi Island Buyout
Soneva Fushi, a luxury beach resort in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll, recently released an Island Buyout Offer.

Prices start from US$100,000++ per night, and are inclusive of accommodation in any of the one- to nine-bedroom villas for as many people as an event planner desires. However, prices do not include meals, experiences or transfers.

Guests will be able to watch films at the outdoor Cinema Paradiso, saunter into any restaurant at any given time of the day for a bite, head to the spa for a soothing scrub, cycle on trails through the island jungle, snorkel with manta rays, or just laze by the beach with a cocktail in hand.
reservations@soneva.com

 

Pure Adventure with Nature
This five-day, four-night programme in New Zealand’s Queenstown is packed to the brim with all the adrenaline activities one could dream of.

Planners will have a slew of land and water activities to choose from, ranging from bungee jumping and skydiving to whitewater rafting and horse riding. Winners will also be brought to restaurants such as Waikatipu Grille and Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, to taste dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients.

There will be a chance to interact with the Maoris, and work with the Wakatipu Reforestation Trust, a volunteer-led community organisation that aims to protect and restore the native biodiversity of the region through revegetation projects. Group sizes range from 20 to 120 pax.
connect@micematters.com

 

Lamma Fisherfolks’ Village
Situated on Lamma Island, the 1,858m2 floating exhibition area is the only venue in Hong Kong that preserves the local fisherfolk culture and history of the fishering industry.

Participants can discover what life was like on the island, through various exhibits and activities such as hook-less fishing, traditional net fishing, cocktail mixing with preserved salted tangerine, or even Hakka tea pudding class in just half a day.

The open-air setting is a plus as groups can be split up and take part in different activities simultaneously. It should be avoided during the typhoon season, as well as on the weekends as it gets crowded with locals.

Sideline programmes like hiking and cultural tours at So Kwu Wan are also offered, while in the summer, guests can even try their hand at dragonboat paddling.
cs@rainbowtour.com.hk

 

Geopark Wonders Walk
Sharp Island in Hong Kong – a UNESCO Global Geopark – is a long and narrow south-north island located a stone’s throw from Sai Kung Town Centre.

A three-hour tour, led by a certified EcoGuide, will take visitors on a hike around the island to look at various kinds of igneous rocks, such as volcanic breccia, quartz monzonite and rhyolite.

Visitors will also get to see evidence of a huge ancient caldera – it is believe that around 140 million years ago a volcano was located in Sai Kung – and walk across a tombolo (a sand bar) to another smaller island.

The tour is available all year round, with summer tipped as a good season for photos and clear blue sky and sea. Group sizes range from two, to a maximum of 10.
derektse@ecotravel.hk

Lure of the unusual

By Karen Yue
0

Aventri’s partnership with VenueBook clearly indicates a growing need for unique, standalone venues among corporate planners. Is this trend present and growing in Asia-Pacific?
Over the past few years, demand for non-traditional meeting spaces has been growing worldwide. The venue is one of the most important drivers for attendance and attendee satisfaction. Attendees today are looking for unique cultural experiences, and planners are finding unconventional venues are a great way to deliver on this promise.

This is good news for event professionals in Asia-Pacific, home to stellar non-traditional venues.

Event spaces in high demand here include restaurants, art galleries, museums, bars, historic landmarks, speedboats and sailboats for group excursions, renovated mansions, theatres, as well as venues in botanic gardens, parks, aquariums, towers, zoos and more.

Is a growing need for shorter, more focused meetings one of the factors driving the demand for such venues?
Yes, that’s one of the factors. Non-traditional venues work well for shorter events, including meetings within meetings.

Let’s say you want to entertain customers during a large international conference at a convention centre. Hosting a meeting at a unique venue nearby is a great way to deepen connections and provide a richer and fuller cultural experience.

Switching up the venue to a favourite local restaurant, boat excursion or vineyard and winery, for example, can provide a refreshing change of pace and a look at the distinct flavour of the destination.

What other factors are driving this trend?
Rise in experiential events, (the preferences of the) millennial workforce, and growth of small meetings.

Global meeting owners and planners today are focusing more on the experiential aspects of meetings and events, according to the 2020 Global Meetings and Events Forecast by American Express Meetings & Events.

(The theme) and content (now) demand more attention; organisers are increasingly looking at the venue as a way to deliver unforgettable, immersive experiences.
This brings us to the next trend. (The millennial generation) is expected to form the largest group of business travellers worldwide starting in 2024.

Here are a few general insights Aventri has gathered about millennials’ attitudes on meetings and events: the Internet and globalisation have produced a generation that’s keenly culturally aware. Millennials value broadening their global perspective and experiencing different ways of life first-hand.

This means going beyond the meeting room and experiencing the host destination. Non-traditional venues fit the bill, providing authentic local experiences.

The trend toward small meetings has also driven interest in unique venues.
According to GBTA’s How Do Companies Approach Simple Meetings? study, half of all corporate meetings are simple or small meetings.

Small meetings encourage two-way conversations, feedback and bonding among attendees. Non-traditional venues provide more intimate settings for achieving vital business goals.

What does this mean for traditional venues?
Traditional and non-traditional venues can work hand-in-hand.

When attendees come to a city for larger events, you may want to change things up with smaller supporting events. From concerts and wine tastings to dinners with key clients at iconic restaurants, unique venues help you deliver the unexpected…after being inside all day for a conference.

How do you expect the Covid-19 pandemic to impact venue choice when events resume?
When meetings resume, there will likely be changes in the size and type of meetings. We also expect to see more emphasis on health and safety, food service, hybrid events and contract clauses.

Some other predictions that apply to both unique and traditional venues are: an increase in local and regional drive-to events as air travel remains a concern for some; smaller meetings with more spacing between seats will be in-demand; and more events may take place in large museums or outdoors in private parks, botanic gardens and sports stadiums, with plenty of room for people to spread out.

All venues must meet more stringent health and safety standards. Before booking, planners will make in-depth enquiries about behind-the-scenes operations, including sanitising procedures and food preparation. During events, attendees will want to see plenty of hand sanitisers available.

Physical distancing protocols (mean that) planners and venues (will need) to provide more space in lobbies and public areas. Bar set-ups will need to factor in (safe) distancing too.

Face-to-face event enquiries return with new considerations

By Karen Yue
0

• Domestic events are materialising this year
• New RFPs have greater curiosity around health, safety aspects and contract flexibility
• CVBs urged to be proactive communications hubs

Business event specialists in Asia-Pacific are starting to see a revival of face-to-face event interest, with some likely to take place as soon as 3Q2020.

Despite “massive amount of apprehension about groups and how big they can be”, Ian Cummings, global vice president, commercial, CWT Meetings & Events noted that clients were starting to consider events for the last two quarters of 2020.

Local face-to-face meetings are resuming

Cummings suggested that this was possible, as governments in certain countries have allowed events to resume, subject to some health and safety restrictions.

Francis Cheong, co-founder and group CEO of Malaysia-based Aavii Worldwide, is preparing for domestic face-to-face events that will come alive from late-September, with most of the interest stemming from pharmaceutical and insurance companies.

He has also just completed “an extremely rare” pitch for an international incentive programme in 2021.

“Multinational clients in Malaysia are starting to look for (overseas event) alternatives because it has been more than four months of business inactivity in Malaysia. (However), clients are only looking at 2H2021 and are still very cautious with decisions,” Cheong told TTGmice.

New selection criteria
With the return of RFPs, event planners have observed a different set of considerations when evaluating potential destinations and event vendors.

Unique activities, exciting venues and appealing attractions in a destination now sit lower on clients’ checklist, according to Petrina Goh, commercial director of CWT Meetings & Events in Singapore. The destination’s track record in coping with the Covid-19 outbreak, safety standards and availability of good hospitals are deemed more important today.

Cheong: pharmaceutical and insurance companies are most active with event plans now

BCD Travel now runs through a comprehensive set of questions, on behalf of their clients, when deciding on a destination or supplier.

According to company spokesperson Agnes Heng, the checklist includes policies on surgical masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees, guests and event attendees; updated capacity charts with social distancing measures in place; crisis management plan; and the availability of an infection mitigation coordinator onsite; among others.

And with event plans likely to be disrupted by sudden infection resurgence, event planners and their clients are also scrutinising attrition clauses, minimum spend requirements and cancellation or postponement policies.

CVBs as information consolidator
The current complexity around event decision-making, frequent changes to travel and activity restrictions, as well as differing health and safety regulations across destinations, have led event specialists to advise CVBs to be more informative.

Cummings said: “There are some CVBs that we are just not hearing from at all and therefore have no information on their destination. TCEB (Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau) is a great example (of an Asian CVB that is doing it right). I get three or four pop-ups a day on LinkedIn on TCEB initiatives, things that are happening in this industry, and updates on (Thai) airports and airlines particularly their routes and pricing, etc.

Cummings: CVBs should be effective consolidator and disseminator of relevant information from various sources across the country

“Another important piece of information is incentives (for companies to meet in the destination). Some incentives or special treatment for groups will help with decisions.”

He believes that CVBs should now act as communication hubs – an effective consolidator and disseminator of relevant information from various sources across the country.

“We used to think that (destination) information overload for our clients isn’t great, but it is now better to have more information (as that can help improve clients’ perception of a destination),” opined Goh.

She said that in addition to looking to planners for advice, clients also turn to CVB websites in hopes of getting information on attraction reopenings, venue capacity limits, and new pricing structure of event products, especially if rates have been changed to accommodate social distancing requirements and capacity limits.

And if done right, CVBs could well sway clients’ decision with their messaging during this business crisis.

Cheong said: “CVBs will play an even more important role now than ever. They need to think differently about how to inspire travel intent during such unusual times. Their content for training and destination updates need to be revolutionised, such as by focusing on what can be done in the destination before and after a vaccine is available. For example, CVBs can play up faraway yet unique spots and outdoor glamping ideas in remote places.

“CVBs can also work with national carriers to come up with special chartered flights to destinations that are remote yet exciting enough for eager but weary event attendees,” Cheong added.

Monica Lee-Müller to helm UFI for 2021/22 period

By TTGmice
0

The UFI Board of Directors has elected Monica Lee-Müller as president of UFI for the 2021/22 period.

The UFI Presidential Trio for the 2020/21 term will therefore comprise:
– Monica Lee-Müller (Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) (HML); Hong Kong), incoming president
– Anbu Varathan (Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association; India), president 2020/21
– Mary Larkin (Diversified Communications; US), outgoing president

Monica Lee-Müller

This decision becomes effective at the conclusion of the 87th UFI Global Congress, which runs from November 15-20, 2020.

Lee-Müller has been the managing director of HML since July 2012. HML is the private company responsible for the management and operation of the 306,000m2 Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where about 1,000 events are held there every year.

She has been active in UFI for many years, supporting the association’s mission and driving developments, especially on diversity and sustainability projects. Lee-Müller has also served as a board member of UFI for the past 12 years.

UFI’s recent presidents were from South Africa (Craig Newman 2018/19), Italy (Corrado Peraboni 2017/18), Germany (Andreas Gruchow 2016/17), Russia (Sergey Alexeev 2015/16), Colombia (Andrés López-Valderrama 2014/15), and France (Renaud Hamaide, 2013/14).

Rejuvenate and recalibrate

By TTG
0

Brought to you by Gangwon Provincial Office

Yearning to take off on the next incentive trip or team building exercise as working from home takes a toll on physical and mental health?

In assisting planners for the next corporate getaway – be it to connect with one’s inner soul or embarking on an exhilarating adventure in the great outdoors – Gangwon Provincial Office presents a selection of retreats and activities that allow guests to rediscover themselves, and emerge refreshed.

Park Roche Resort & Wellness

Located in Jeongseon, Park Roche Resort & Wellness is located in a village named ‘Sugam’ – where a protagonist is said to have fallen into deep sleep on a rock – resonates with the resort’s unique selling point in recharging the body and mind through deep sleep.

Sugam Lab, a collaboration between the resort and Ace Bed R&D Institute, matches body type measurements to individual bedding for a guest’s duration of stay. Body composition and stress level measurements are then used to recommend personalised wellness programmes and outcomes analysed with a scientific approach.

Wellness programmes are also divided into three themes, starting from improving one’s daily habits, to reigniting passion and motivation, to revolutionary mediation techniques. Guests are also encouraged to participate in activities that calm their mind; for instance, painting stone or patterning mandala, practicing calligraphy and making herbarium.

Donghae Mureung Health Forest

A forest where no one would object losing themselves in, guests traverse a skywalk-type bridge to access this sanctuary; while soaking up sweeping views of the Mureung Valley, a must-see destination for its commanding scenery.

As South Korea has an established sauna culture, the highlight in visiting Donghae Mureung Health Forest would be to experience its themed alternative offerings featuring local produce (e.g. Salt Cave), and Oxygen Healing Room equipped with round-the-clock oxygen generators.

Guests may also choose from a variety of single-day or overnight (of up to 4) programmes. While single-day programmes lean more to craft making, overnight programmes can accommodate from 2 – 8 pax. Sit back and enjoy the views of the beautiful lake garden, sign up for healing or detoxing programmes led by well-trained instructors, or visit the Oseonnyeotang Outdoor Pool, which draws water from the Mureung Valley, in summer.

Yangyang Surfyy Beach

Blessed with a geographically coastal location, it’s surf’s up at South Korea’s first private beach for surfers located in Yangyang’s Hajodae beach.

There is something for everyone here, from surfing lessons to sussing out local produce at the traditional Yangyang Market – taking place every five days – get there early to beat the snaking queue for the stall peddling fish cake boiled in red crab broth.

For visitors who seek some zen from the hipster vibe, go to Naksana Temple, one of the few Buddhist monasteries overlooking the east coast and experience a variety of temple stay programmes such as Dadam (dialogues over a cup of tea) with monks.

Chuncheon Chosunilbo Marathon

Chuncheon Chosunilbo Marathon is nicknamed Legend of Autumn for taking runners on a scenic route

The 2nd oldest marathon in Korea held every October coincides with the autumn season. Organise a team run to take in scenic Chuncheon; as the marathon course – adorned in maple leaves – meanders along captivating views of Soyanggang River, Lake Soyang and Lake Uiam. Half, full and 10km courses are available.

Having come to the capital city of Gangwon, bond at Soyanggang Skywalk, an observatory facility set over Uiamho Lake. The 156m walking path made of transparent glass offers visitors a thrilling experience as if they were walking on the lake.

For more information on other destinations and activities in Gangwon, email Nuri Kim, tourism marketing manager, Gangwon Tourism Kuala Lumpur Office at kim.nuri@ymail.com.

 

Dyandra Promosindo to help kickstart Indonesia’s exhibition industry with massive event

By Tiara Maharani
0
IFEX

Indonesian exhibition organiser Dyandra Promosindo will be organising Dyandra New Adventure (DNA) in October, an event that will comprise three exhibitions and a music concert happening concurrently at the Jakarta International Expo.

Scheduled for October 2-4, 2020, DNA will be a combination of Create By IFEX (Indonesia International Furniture Expo); IIMS (Indonesia International Motor Show); Property Weekend Fiesta; and Infinite Live! concert.

IFEX was previously B2B, but it has been modified to appeal to both B2C and B2B for this upcoming event

Create By IFEX will be staged on an area of 4,800m2, with around 150 exhibitors expected. Meanwhile, IIMS expects to bring attract more than 90 exhibitors, while the Property Weekend Fiesta will see over 200 participating developers. The music concert, Infinite Live!, will involve both domestic and foreign musicians, and will be held in the outdoor area that’s good for 5,000 people.

Taking up a total of 41,000m2 of space, DNA targets to attract a total of 95,000 visitors, and aims to generate 80.4 billion rupiah (US$5.7 million).

When asked about the motivation behind the massive event, Hendra Noor Saleh, president director of Dyandra Promosindo, said: “For more than four months, there has been no business. To kickstart the industry, we need to create a large momentum.”

And this momentum was sorely needed, as it will not only attract attention, but also foster new optimism, which will in turn help to revive the badly-hit industry, he added.

“With this in mind, we decided to hold DNA by putting four different industries into one event. This is a risky undertaking, but I feel that we should do something now to kickstart the sector,” Henda explained.

And although the industries and target markets differ, Michael Bayu believes that their “ecosystems are inter-related”, and by creating a cross audience, “visitors will be able to enjoy themselves as there are many things they can see in one venue”.

To entice exhibitors, Dyandra Promosindo has set a competitive booth price, to “help the industry bounce back”, shared Michael.

For The Indonesian Furniture and Craft Association (HIMKI) – the co-owner of Create By IFEX – DNA is an alternative for handicraft and furniture businesses to market their products after IFEX, a B2B furniture and craft exhibition supposed to be held in March was cancelled.

Abdul Sobur, secretary-general of HIMKI, shared that the concept of the exhibition has been changed to target the domestic market, instead of solely being B2B.

“The B2C portion will make up almost 85 per cent, while the B2B exhibition will be held virtually,” he added.

For Paulus Totok Lusida, chairman of Real Estate Indonesia – co-owner of Property Weekend Fiesta – said DNA provides fresh hope to lure potential buyers, and reach developers and markets outside the Jakarta metropolitan area.

Similarly, Property Weekend Fiesta will also feature a hybridised format which will see a festival, as well as an online exhibition that will last two weeks from September 28 to October 11.

Hendra asserted that DNA will follow basic health and safety protocols for guests’ safety, such as having a crowd controller, limiting the number of individuals at a booth, and installation of a gangway with a minimum width of three metres. DNA will also be using technology to implement non-cash payment systems and e-tickets.

MICE sector in M’sia picks up, increase in hybrid format requests

By S Puvaneswary
0
offer event professionals easy way to organize multi-city hybrid meetings more effectively

Malaysian venue operators have reported a pick-up in enquires, and along with them, a growing interest in hybrid and virtual events.

This comes not long after the government gave the green light for business events – such as seminars and conferences – to start from July 1, with the exhibitions sector given the go-ahead on July 15.

The domestic MICE scene is showing gradual signs of recovery; Kuala Lumpur pictured

Christy Woon, director of sales & marketing for Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur shared that event organisers were asking the hotel for production studio set-ups in order to do live streaming sessions, as well as virtual reality productions.

Meanwhile, Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara’s assistant director of events, Emral Kuek, shared that the property has received a number of requests for physical meetings for 15 delegates or less.

She added: “Organisers for groups above 20 are opting for virtual meetings using Zoom, Webex and so on.”

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s general manager, Alan Pryor, agreed that the venue has seen growing interest from organisers for hybrid and virtual events, and he expects this demand to continue moving forward.

Pryor added that conferences, especially those that will take place from now until the end of this year, will “likely proceed, with many adopting a hybrid format”. Currently, the Centre has successfully hosted several small corporate meetings in July, with more upcoming.

When asked about the outlook for the meetings industry, Pryor said there will be a continued focus on domestic business events, adding that “it will probably take at least a year or two for business events, especially those with international attendees to make a comeback”. However, he acknowledged that this is also dependent on the global situation.

Woon also agreed that domestic events will lead the way through to 1H2021, where companies will request for venues with more space to conduct staff trainings.

Last week, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau unveiled a Meet in Malaysia campaign, where one component is focused on encouraging domestic MICE events.

Melbourne secures trio of business events

By TTGmice
0
MCB continues to work towards securing future international business events for Melbourne

Melbourne has been chosen as the host city for three business events – The International Trade Union Congress 2022, The International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health 2022, and The International Geographical Congress 2028.

Combined, these business events will deliver an A$24.8 million (US$17.8 million) economic contribution to the state, almost 15,000 room nights to boost the Victorian hotel and accommodation sector, and drive 3,750 delegates through the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre doors.

MCB continues to work towards securing future international business events for Victoria; Melbourne pictured

Melbourne Convention Bureau’s (MCB) CEO Julia Swanson said: “While we are presented with a challenging landscape, I’m pleased to say that MCB continues to secure international business events for Melbourne which will play a significant role in Victoria’s economic recovery in the years ahead.”

Since the onset of the pandemic, the majority of this year’s events have been rescheduled, taking a toll on many players in the business events industry. Currently, 70 per cent of planned events have been rescheduled to 2021.

But Swanson believes that news of these wins will provide a boost in the sector, and instil ongoing confidence in attracting future international business events to Victoria.

MCB is also continuing to identify, negotiate and secure the business events pipeline spanning out as far as 2028.

Singapore MICE recovery needs wide-ranging support: industry players

By Caroline Boey
0
MICE stakeholders in Singapore

To make Singapore’s Covid-19 private-public sector Industry Resilience Roadmap (IRR) recovery more robust and sustainable, key players say the focus must be on end-to-end digitalisation and establishing an approval body, big government funding and banking support to see small- and medium-size enterprises (SME) through “this challenge of a generation”.

Commenting on how Covid-19 had increased demand for digital event products, industry veteran, event technology champion and founder of miceNeurol, Kenny Goh, said such products are different and require new design and re-engineering to meet the demands of the approval authorities, attendees, presenters and sponsors.

MICE stakeholders in Singapore indicate the industry needs a lot more support to tide through this period; Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands pictured

Goh believed physical, virtual and hybrid events can all take place, but must be created digitally from start to finish and with digital accreditation of attendees being the key.

“From a business perspective, this reset is hellish for incumbents but heaven sent for those who have been championing digital-driven MICE,” he commented, adding that the monthly cost to hire one or two digital architects and engineers was around S$8,000 (US$5,757).

Goh also saw the need for an approval body to support organisers by giving in-principle approval for unique product concepts that meet the spirit of the law but not the letter of the law.

Having the approval body connected to authorities like the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Health was important, Goh opined, as it would allow innovative organisers the ability to develop and deliver events in the new normal that may require a lot of tweaks.

Meanwhile, Edward Liu, group managing director, Conference and Exhibition Management Services, said “government help is crucial” for industry recovery and new investment is needed.

He proposed a S$100 million events industry fund to bankroll key and sustainable events that will in turn help SMEs and PMETs (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) in the events ecosystem affected by Covid-19.

Liu continued: “More help should also be given to SMEs to apply for bridging loans at zero or low interest rate as Singapore banks have done well over the years. Banks here are now charging three per cent and it is not low enough. Switzerland’s rate is 0.5 per cent and it should be no more than one per cent.”

Frequent travellers ready to fly: Collinson Priority Pass survey

By TTGmice
0
Frequent travellers will lead the way in the recovery of the aviation industry

The coronavirus pandemic has brought global travel to a halt, but nearly three in four frequent flyers (71%) are ready to return to travel either immediately or within the next three to six months, according to a new survey from Collinson’s Priority Pass.

The global survey also reveals that unpredictable factors such as quarantines and border controls represent travellers’ top concern about returning to air travel – 74% identify this as a worry, and accordingly, half of travellers are willing to pay for a Covid-19 test to help ease travel restrictions.

Frequent travellers will lead the way in the recovery of the aviation industry

Andy Besant, director of travel experiences at Collinson, said: “The fact that most frequent travellers are prepared to return to air travel within the next half-year or even sooner is astounding. It means that if governments, airports and the travel industry can collectively take the right steps, we may see a near-normalisation of air travel far sooner than many predictions that set out recovery taking as long as until 2023.”

This is the biggest brand-executed survey about global air traveller sentiment in the Covid-19 era. Over 22,000 frequent flyer members of the Priority Pass programme were surveyed about recent changes to their air travel behaviours and expectations, and what measures would restore their confidence and get them back to the skies.

The Priority Pass member data further reveals that the airport lounge is seen as a high-value service to those ready to fly.

Almost seven in 10 travellers are willing to pay for access to an airport lounge where social distancing is maintained and the majority of travellers (57%) plan to use their airport lounge access more than they did before the coronavirus outbreak. When asked about overall concerns for the journey, a full 74% have no concerns about the airport lounge. Looking at the retail side, 16% of frequent flyers plan to increase their pre-order of shopping and food services.

In terms of the overall airport experience, travellers want and expect a contactless journey.

Eighty per cent of travellers would like to see contactless payment options across the journey the next time they travel, and 58% want access to real-time heatwave maps of the airport to avoid crowded areas. Around one in three travellers also cited an interest in “click & collect” services for shopping and food, travel apps with better functionality and airport information, and the use of digital queuing amongst airport retailers to limit in-store numbers.

Andy added: “The perception of the airport lounge is changing in the Covid-19 era. Frequent flyers now see the lounge as not only a place for refreshments and amenities, but also a necessary part of the journey where they can feel safe and at-ease. Our survey results leave no doubt that frequent flyers want to make more use of lounge access.

“Contactless experiences are likewise key to boosting traveller confidence, hence our recent initiatives to spearhead the contactless airport journey via new airport lounge standards and safer, touch-free experiences in the airport lounge.”

Todd Handcock, president Asia Pacific at Collinson, said: “Collinson’s global findings match up with the trends we’re seeing in Asia-Pacific, where the survey found that two in three frequent flyers (66%) are ready to return to travel within the next six months… Robust, standardised testing procedures and high levels of trust between nations are key to recovery, with the survey also showing that nearly half of APAC travellers (44%) are willing to pay for a Covid-19 test at the airport in order to ease restrictions.”

He added: “Another key finding for Asia Pacific is the fact that 52% of travellers expect to use their lounge access more than before the pandemic and 68% would be willing to pay for access to a lounge where guest numbers are controlled and social distancing is maintained. In addition, of all markets surveyed, APAC travellers are the most confident in the safety of the lounge with 78% citing no concerns around the airport lounge.”

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