Sri Lanka shuts borders for two weeks

March 19, 2020

Colombo,-Sri-Lanka.-Gangaramaya-Park — Sri Lanka denies entry to foreigners for two weeks; Colombo's Gangaramaya Park pictured

Sri Lanka will be banning all incoming flights for two weeks starting Wednesday to stem the spread of Covid-19.

Flights already in the air will be allowed to land and passengers can disembark, said Mohan Samaranayake, a spokesperson for president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka stops incoming flights two weeks; Colombo’s Gangaramaya Park pictured

The decisions were made at a meeting held by the Corona Prevention Task Force presided over by the president.

However, outgoing flights and incoming cargo flights will continue to operate at the country’s main international airport outside Colombo. Entry at the country’s ports have already been banned since last week.

The move is in response to a call by Sri Lankan tour operators on Monday for the government to heed locals’ cry for the banning of all tourist arrivals to the country, amid increasing cases of Covid-19 in the country.

“The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, as a socially responsible organisation, has taken into consideration the increase in protests around the island by locals against foreign nationals, (as well as) the closure of wildlife parks and other tourist sites, and have decided that the relevant government authorities should consider restricting all foreign tourists from entering Sri Lanka from March 16-31,” its President Mahen Kariyawasam said in a statement on Tuesday.

Kariyawasam told TTGmice that they had put forth the request to state-owned Sri Lanka Tourism chairperson Kimarli Fernando during a meeting on Monday, with the latter saying she would forward the request to the Task Force.

There have been several reports across the island of locals protesting against tourists visiting their areas. To date, Sri Lanka has reported 28 cases of Covid-19, all of which are Sri Lankans, with the majority having returned from Italy where they work.

Hotels and resorts have been reporting huge drops in occupancies over the past week, amid growing fears over contagion.

On Tuesday, the government added visitors from Qatar, Canada and Bahrain to the list of people banned from entering the country. The restriction also applies to visitors from Italy, South Korea, the UK, France, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, and Denmark.

As part of measures to curb the spread of the virus, the government has declared a three-day holiday till March 19, during which public gatherings are banned and schools and universities closed.

Japanese cities set on path to become more walkable

By Kathryn Wortley

March 19, 2020

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Marunouchi-Tokyo,Japan — Tokyo's Marunouchi district

Japan Tourism Facilities Association has called on cities in Japan to become more walkable to attract business events.

Vice-president of the association Shirou Wakui said improving urban environments by introducing greening, art, cycling and walking paths and mobility as a service would draw more business events.

Tokyo’s Marunouchi district has been pedestrianised, allowing for al fresco dining

Wakui cited Nice in France, Vienna in Austria, and Portland in the US as examples of cities that have been rejuvenated by improving their walkability, attracting residents, tourists and business groups.

“Improving walkability is especially important to support gastronomy tourism,” he said, pointing out the uptake of food and drink walking tours depends largely on the walking environment.

He introduced the acronym WEDO (walkable, eye-level, diversity, open), the premise that urban areas should be appealing, accessible to all and cater for people, (not vehicles). Japan, Wakui said, is starting to adopt WEDO.

One example is Tokyo’s business and high-end shopping district of Otemachi and Marunouchi. It features street art, benches, greening, al fresco dining and infrastructure such as cooling mist in the summer. At lunchtime, food stands are set up and the area is pedestrianised, with seating and tables put out. The area also hosts pop-up events, such as music recitals and markets, and was a hub for activities during Rugby World Cup 2019.

The result is a thriving environment that attracts incentive groups for shopping, dining, entertainment and free time.

Wakui also relayed the example of Kumamoto City’s Sakura Machi which has also attracted corporate groups by boosting walkability. Opened in September 2019, the facility replaced a declining shopping arcade with an easily accessible and green environment that is home to a bus centre, luxury hotels, restaurants, a shopping centre and an event hall.

Other cities aim to follow suit. Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture is undertaking an extensive greening programme while a new bridge is planned for Yokohama’s waterfront to improve pedestrian routes.

Hiromi Murayama, manager of sales and marketing at Pacifico Yokohama, told TTGmice that walkability is an increasingly important consideration for business events planners when booking the convention centre as many delegates want to jog or walk outside during their downtime.

Informa bundles ConnecTechAsia together with other tech events

By TTGmice

March 19, 2020

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ConnecTechAsia-2019 — ConnecTechAsia will be postponed to the later part of this year

Informa Markets has announced that it will hold the postponed ConnecTechAsia jointly with other tech events under its portfolio from September 29 to October 2, 2020.

Among the events that the Infocomm media and tech conference will be bunched up with are tech and telco conference TechXLR8 Asia, and information security event Black Hat Asia.

ConnecTechAsia has been postponed to the later part of this year; last year’s edition pictured

ConnecTechAsia and TechXLR8 Asia are set to be held between September 29 and October 1 at the Singapore EXPO, while Black Hat Asia Asia will be held from the same start date till October 2 at Marina Bay Sands.

Jointly hosting the tech events will allow “the best possible networking experience” for attendees and “create an even stronger value proposition”, said Ivan Ferrari, event director, tech, media and entertainment events, Informa Markets.

Attendees for the newly-grouped events will hail from sectors like media and broadcasting, telecommunications, satellite and enterprise markets.

The bundled-together tech events will cover topics such as 5G, AI, IoT, over-the-top (OTT) television services – including video streaming services – data analytics, augmented and virtual reality, as well as cybersecurity, blockchain and enterprise solutions.

Other events included in the mix are sessions for C-suite attendees such as LeadersIn and accelerateHER, which will address innovation and diversity in relevant sectors, as well as an awards ceremony for the broadcast and service provider markets. Attendees can also participate in training workshops, exhibition tech tours, visits to innovation labs and a tech night party in central Singapore.

Informa Markets expects 45,000 attendees across both events, which will host 1,800 exhibitors from 76 territories.

Travelogix launches AnalytixV2

By TTGmice

March 19, 2020

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Data management specialist Travelogix has launched AnalytixV2, its latest data analysis platform that provides TMCs, travel managers and consortia with access to real-time travel management data, reports and analysis.

AnalytixV2 automates the consolidation of data from multiple back office and booking systems. This latest version provides a single source of business-critical information via live, intuitive and interactive reports with customisable dashboards that can be accessed by travel managers wherever they are.

AnalytixV2 looks to provide a single source of data for TMCs and travel managers

Users will be able to build and tailor multiple dashboards that include reports, graphs, and charts.

Chris Lewis, CEO and founder of Travelogix, said: “AnalytixV2 removes the manual processes associated with data management by automatically consolidating data from multiple back office and point of sales systems, reducing a cumbersome, resource-heavy, complicated process to a matter of seconds.”

TMCs that share clients across regional or global networks can also consolidate data from multiple sources using AnalytixV2 to provide a shared client with a single reporting platform containing data in any currency.

Beyond Asia: Dusit Doha Hotel; Resorts World Las Vegas; and Barbican Business Events

By TTGmice

March 19, 2020

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DDH-Amber_Meeting_Room — Dusit Doha Hotel's Amber meeting room

Dusit Doha Hotel rolls out full suite of offerings
The 360-key Dusit Doha Hotel, the first Dusit-branded property in Qatar situated within walking distance to the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, has been progressively opening up its suite of meeting offerings since its launch in August last year.

New facilities, including the Devarana Spa, join the Pearl Ballroom, Emerald and Amber meeting rooms, as well as all-day dining restaurant Taste in making the hotel an up-and-coming location for business events.

Bathed in natural light, the 574m² Pearl Ballroom can host 500 pax, and also has an additional 260m² private outdoor terrace. Spanning an entire floor, the white and gold ballroom, which can be divided into two smaller venues with separate entrance.

Event organisers who wish to host even smaller groups can look to the 168m² Emerald and Amber meeting room on the third floor, designed to hold 100 people. Both rooms also features a spacious pre-function area with a fully-equipped business centre, and breakout space.

Other facilities include Thai restaurant Benjarong, a rooftop lounge, a rooftop swimming pool with sun deck, and a gym.

Resorts World Las Vegas to feature three Hilton brands
Resorts World Las Vegas, a US$4.3 billion integrated resort set to open in mid-2021, will feature three Hilton brands – Hilton Hotels and Resorts; Conrad; and the hospitality company’s newest luxury brand, LXR. The integrated resort will have a total of 3,500 rooms.

Located nearby the Las Vegas Convention Centre expansion, the resort will offer 32,516m² of meeting and convention space, including the Lily Ballroom, which offers views of the Las Vegas strip through its floor-to-ceiling windows that open out to a balcony.

Other facilities at Resorts World Las Vegas include a theatre with a seating capacity of 5,000 pax; a pool complex; spa and fitness centre, as well as fine-dining F&B concepts.

New events manager at Barbican Business Events
Barbican Business Events, the corporate events planning team at arts venue the Barbican Centre, has appointed Emma Dickinson as a new events manager.

Dickinson joined Barbican Business Events from Twickenham Stadium, where she served as events and catering manager and delivered conferences and other large events for up to 1,500 attendees. Prior to that, she held a similar role at Leicester City Football Club.

Experienced in liaising with high profile clients as well as managing large on-site teams, Dickinson will be responsible for corporate events management and delivery at the Barbican Centre. Events she would be in charge of include AGMs for blue-chip clients, corporate presentations and seminars.

137 Pillars offers meeting packages at its two Thai properties

By TTGmice

March 19, 2020

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11_Meeting_Room_on_level_6 — Meeting room

Hospitality brand 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts is offering corporate meeting packages with the option to book the entire property, at two of its properties, the 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai and 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok.

At 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, a full-day meeting package, excluding accommodation, will cost 1,800 baht (US$53) nett per pax, while a half-day package will cost 1,500 baht nett per pax.

Meeting room at 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok

Prices, valid for bookings until October 31, 2020, include the usage of meeting room, basic audiovisual equipment, set-up and high-speed Wi-Fi access. Companies can also book the entire property on an exclusive use basis.

Over in Bangkok, 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok has unveiled two packages – The Corporate Luxury Retreat Package and The Essential Meeting Package. An exclusive buyout option of its 34 suites is also available.

Delegates can convene at the Rajah Brooke meeting room, which can accommodate up to 30 people, depending on the layout. Meanwhile, Field to Fork organic lunches are offered at the hotel’s six venues.

The Corporate Luxury Retreat Package is priced at US$650 nett per night (single occupancy) includes accommodation in one of the suites, alongside a host of exclusive suites benefits such as breakfast at the private Baan Borneo Club Level 26.

This meeting package includes two coffee breaks (morning and afternoon) with five snack choices; set lunch; fresh fruits and water throughout the meeting period; and 15 per cent discount on F&B. A booking of a minimum of eight suites per night is required for non-buyout option, for a stay of two consecutive nights.

Next, the Essential Meeting Package is priced at US$212 nett per night (single occupancy) and includes accommodation in a 137 Pillars Residence and breakfast.

The meeting package includes a full-day meeting delegate package; two coffee breaks and business set lunch; complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access (guestroom and meeting room); and 15 per cent discount on F&B. Similarly, a minimum booking of eight rooms per night is required.

Both The Corporate Luxury Retreat Package and The Essential Meeting Package is valid until December 21, 2020.

Mövenpick opens in Cam Ranh, Vietnam

By TTGmice

March 19, 2020

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Movenpick_Cam_Ranh_Seaview_Superior_King_1 — Seaview Superior King

Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts has opened a new 500-key beachfront resort in central Vietnam’s up-and-coming destination, Cam Ranh.

Located along Bai Dai Beach in Khánh Hòa province, six kilometres from Cam Ranh Airport, the Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh boasts 118 one- to three-bedroom pool villas, as well as 382 apartments overlooking a 17km-long coast.

1 of 8

Among the apartments are 250 contemporary rooms designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates, as well as 132 studio apartments for long-stay guests, each boasting a fully-furnished kitchenette, and spacious living and dining areas.

Functions can be held at one of the resort’s six multifunction rooms, some of which come with outdoor spaces. With a seating capacity of 800 persons, the grand ballroom also has an 850m² outdoor lawn area, where teambuilding events or evening cocktails can be held.

Business travellers with their families in tow can make use of the family-friendly facilities in the resort, including an adventure rope park, two club areas for teenagers and younger children, as well as kids’ pool complete with a waterslide. Other facilities include a tennis court, a multipurpose sports field, and a 1,100m² Serenity Spa with its 23 treatment rooms and a wellness bistro.

There are also resort’s five F&B options on-site, ranging from the Tropicana Beach Club with live DJ music, to the Chubeli Beer House, which serves Swiss classics alongside a selection of European dishes. Mövenpick’s signature Chocolate Hour is also available daily at the Lobby Lounge, along with a selection of coffee blends and pastries.

Steven Phillips helms LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences

By TTGmice

March 18, 2020

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Steven Phillips has been appointed general manager to The Lux Collective’s flagship resort in Mauritius – LUX* Grand Baie Resort and Residences – scheduled to open 1Q2021.

Prior to joining LUX* Grand Baie Resort and Residences, Phillips served as area general manager for Joali Maldives, and was also the former general manager at Gili Lankanfushi for three years.

The UK native brings two decades’ worth of hotelier experience with various international brands, having overseen properties in London, Japan, Malta, Sri Lanka and Abu Dhabi.

WTTC chief calls on governments to immediately safeguard travel and tourism industry

By TTGmice

March 18, 2020

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In an open letter published on Tuesday, Gloria Guevara, president & CEO of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), has called on governments of all countries to take immediate action to help ensure the survival of the critical travel and tourism sector which is facing an existential threat during the current pandemic.

Guevara wrote: “No one can doubt that we are in uncharted territory. The coronavirus pandemic means the world is facing a threat on multiple fronts not seen in peacetime. The travel and tourism sector is uniquely exposed, and we estimate 50 million jobs globally are at risk.

WTTC’s Gloria Guevara calls on government support for tourism sector

“To put it bluntly, travel and tourism is in a fight for survival.

“Travel is the backbone of economies around the world. It brings in essential currency and inward investment, creates jobs and stimulates every sector. WTTC figures show travel and tourism contributes to 10.4 per cent of global GDP and 320 million jobs. It is responsible for creating one in five new jobs and, for eight successive years, has outpaced the growth of the global economy.

“Without travel and tourism, economies around the world face an existential threat.”

Guevara identified three vital and immediate measures to be taken by governments everywhere to “help ensure the survival of this critical job-creating sector”.

She emphasised that “any delay will be costed in millions of lost jobs and almost incalculable damage worldwide”.

She wrote: “Firstly, financial help must be granted to protect the incomes of the millions of workers in the sector facing severe economic difficulties.

“Secondly, governments must extend vital, unlimited interest-free loans to global travel and tourism companies as well as the millions of small and medium sized businesses as a stimulus to prevent them from collapse.

“Thirdly, all government taxes, dues and financial demands on the travel sector need to be waived with immediate effect at least for the next 12 months.”

These measures, she opined, taken in addition to recovery funds, will protect a sector which is already facing collapse.

“We are calling upon the world to take urgent and immediate action to prevent this global health crisis becoming a worldwide economic catastrophe. Doing nothing is not an option. We implore every government to take drastic and decisive action now to preserve and protect the contribution of the travel and tourism sector, on which more than 320 million people and their families depend on for their livelihoods,” she concluded.

Hong Kong prepares US$51 million war chest to lift tourism, MICE

By TTGmice

March 17, 2020

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Tourists-at-Victoria-Peak — Tourists at Victoria Peak in better economic times

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will be pushing out a HK$400 million (US$51 million) trade support plan to stimulate tourism and inbound business events once the Covid-19 crisis tapers off.

The announcement comes on the heels of newly released figures that signal a steep crash in visitor arrivals to the country. The provisional figure for visitor arrivals to Hong Kong in February was 199,000, down more than 96 per cent from the same time last year, said HKTB in a press release.

HKTB rolls out trade support plan; tourists at Victoria Peak in better economic times

Prior to the major border closure measure implemented by the government on February 8, there were 10,000 to 20,000 arrivals per day. Following after, the average daily arrivals fell to 3,300, about 80 per cent of whom were non-Mainland visitors. In view of the current development of the pandemic, HKTB expects a further drop in arrivals this March.

HKTB executive director Dane Cheng said: “The initiatives will cover local and overseas travel agencies, hotels, airlines and attractions, as well as the retail, dining and MICE industries. The estimated budget for the plan will be HK$400 million, funded by the proposed marketing budget in the 2020/21 financial year and the additional funding earmarked in the Budget.”

The plan focuses on three areas, namely, boosting domestic spending confidence and ambience; partnering with trade to intensify promotions in source markets, and stepping up MICE promotion to attract high-yield overnight visitors.

HKTB will offer subsidies to the retail and catering sectors for joint consumer promotion, as well as waive the renewal fee for Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme accredited merchants and offer a 50 per cent reduction in the application fee for new joiners.

The tourism board will also work with the trade to stimulate local spending, including stepping up promotions and support for the QTS Scheme.

In terms of subsidising the trade in their promotions, HKTB will waive the participation fees of the more than 40 trade activities it organises in visitor source markets, including trade fairs and travel missions, and provide subsidies for related air tickets and hotel accommodations.

The organisation will also fully host travel delegations to conduct roadshows in key markets, invite the travel trade in key markets on familiarisation trips to Hong Kong, reintroduce the matching fund for attractions for promotions, as well as increase the subsidising proportion for the Explore Hong Kong Tours support scheme.

In addition, it will partner with the travel trade from Hong Kong and source markets to conduct tactical promotions to attract visitors.

On the business events front, the NTO will subsidise event organisers to bid for large-scale conventions and exhibitions, lower the threshold for applying funding support for small & medium-sized meetings and incentives activities, and extend the scheme to the hotel sector, as well as waive the participation fees for relevant promotion activities organised by the HKTB in source markets and provide subsidies for related air tickets and hotel accommodations.

To attract business event visitors through enhanced promotions, the tourism board will also team up with the hotel sector on a new initiative, MeetON@HongKong, to provide groups with free meeting packages or dining packages.

In 2020/21, the proposed marketing budget, together with the additional funding announced in the Budget for the HKTB, is worth about HK$1,120 million.

Sri Lanka shuts borders for two weeks

Japanese cities set on path to become more walkable

Informa bundles ConnecTechAsia together with other tech events

Travelogix launches AnalytixV2

Beyond Asia: Dusit Doha Hotel; Resorts World Las Vegas; and Barbican Business Events

137 Pillars offers meeting packages at its two Thai properties

Mövenpick opens in Cam Ranh, Vietnam

Steven Phillips helms LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences

WTTC chief calls on governments to immediately safeguard travel and tourism industry

Hong Kong prepares US$51 million war chest to lift tourism, MICE

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