Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is helping to combat the usual winter tourism slump by attracting thousands of visitors and generating millions in economic impact for the city.
The centre is currently in the middle of its busiest season since opening in May 2022. Over the four months to November 2025, more than 32,000 visitors are expected to attend over 80 events, with an estimated economic impact of over NZ$43.8 million (US$25.4 million).
Te Pae Christchurch
General manager Ross Steele highlighted the value of the venue in balancing out seasonal fluctuations in the tourism industry.
“The colder months, which are typically the shoulder seasons for leisure tourism, are extremely popular for conference organisers,” said Steele. “This provides a major opportunity to boost visitation year-round.”
Over the next four months, the event schedule includes 36 multi-day conferences, six of which are major international events. These conferences are expected to generate approximately 50,000 hotel nights in Christchurch alone.
“The positive impact is not just confined to Christchurch, with the wider South Island in particular expecting a surge in activity generated from the conference programme,” said Ross.
“For example, from the six major international conferences planned, we know delegates are planning to tie in pre- and post-event touring, often with friends and family, into their itinerary. Overall, visitation for conferences during the period is expected to contribute more than 20,000 guest nights to New Zealand’s accommodation sector outside of Christchurch.”
The hospitality giant currently has 14 brands in Singapore today featuring a combined 15,377m2 of event space, where in 2024, business events comprised nine per cent of Marriott’s revenue in Singapore.
Montal providing updates from Marriott International to media; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
“Business events are extremely important for us. For the first six months of 2025, business events made up 9.5 of our revenue in Singapore, an increase of 0.5 per cent (over 2024). We are very encouraged by this (figure),” Oriol Montal, regional vice president, luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, shared.
He added that key inbound source markets for business events were US, Singapore, China, India, and South Korea.
“We believe that every event is different, and our diverse portfolio in different locations around Singapore will help us cater to any event, whatever the need is,” added Montal.
One way that Marriott International is contributing is through the upgrading of properties such as the St. Regis Singapore and W Singapore – Sentosa Cove.
By end 2025, St. Regis Singapore will complete the transformation of its 299 guestrooms, restaurants, bar, spa, and meeting spaces. Several major upgrades, the hotel’s general manager Nick Heath shared, was “installation of filtered potable water taps in all rooms”, and the renovation of the John Jacob Ballroom.
The revamped John Jacob Ballroom now boasts ornamental motifs reminiscent of trailing vines, and the pillarless space can host 400 guests for a formal dinner or 500 in theatre-style. The naturally-lit venue has also been outfitted with two high-resolution LED walls measuring 9.6m by 5.3m, promising captivating visual displays. Ten intelligent lighting systems allow for seamless mood curation, while a state-of-the-art sound system ensures absolute clarity.
Five additional meeting rooms on Level 1 will also debut in October 2025.
Heath added: “Singapore’s strategic geographical location within Asia Pacific, and the city’s established reputation for safety, cleanliness and efficiency, make it a top choice for event planners.”
Over in Sentosa, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove’s guestrooms, spa, restaurants, and meeting venues, are also undergoing revitalisation, which will be completed by early 2026. Its signature Great Room features a striking 14 x 5-metre LED wall and connects to an adjoining foyer and outdoor terrace, while naturally-lit, pillarless meeting rooms overlook tropical gardens. The 500m2 W Lawn also offers an open-air venue for al fresco celebrations.
Christian Metzner, the hotel’s general manager, shared: “The rooms have undergone a complete transformation and now offers a more island feel with a marina design narrative. There’s also going to be a water filter in every room, as well as the largest solar panel system on any hotel roof in Singapore.”
Part of Resorts World Sentosa, the five-storey The Laurus – A Luxury Collection Resort will feature 183 suites. The property will also have a dedicated events venue, good for 180 guests for dinner or 250 in a theatre-style arrangement, and boast easy access to Resorts World Convention Centre.
The event aims to promote Vietnam's tourism and foster international cooperation across Asia
The 19th Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC 2025) will take place from September 4 to 6, 2025, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center.
With the theme Sustainable Tourism – Vibrant Experiences, ITE HCMC 2025 will focus on eco-friendly travel and cultural preservation. The expo will showcase products that cater to international travellers looking for sustainable and immersive journeys.
The event aims to promote Vietnam’s tourism and foster international cooperation across Asia
ITE HCMC is the only tourism expo in Vietnam with an International Buyers Program. This year, it expects to host over 240 buyers from more than 32 countries. As of August 8, 2025, over 250 companies and brands have confirmed their attendance.
For the first time, ITE HCMC will host major business travel companies like FCM Travel and American Express Global Business Travel, highlighting Ho Chi Minh City’s growing role as a hub for business tourism.
The event will also include B2B meetings and fam trips to key destinations for international buyers. These trips are designed to help buyers experience Vietnam’s tourism firsthand, from exploring Ho Tram to Con Dao.
ITE HCMC 2025 is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, in collaboration with the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism.
Amari Bangkok can also offer guests a sustainable EV Tuk Tuk experience
Amari Bangkok is providing exclusive benefits for corporate events and meetings, with offers valid through March 31, 2026.
The accommodation package includes a complimentary room for every 20 paid rooms and a free room with breakfast for the event organizer. Attendees will receive a branded welcome drink, and the group can enjoy private check-in, as well as early check-in and late check-out based on availability.
Amari Bangkok can also offer guests a sustainable EV Tuk Tuk experience
For meetings, the package includes a complimentary secretariat room, an upgraded sustainable meeting package, and free-flow coffee and tea. Additionally, corkage fees are waived, and groups can enjoy a 20 per cent discount on spa treatments and a 15 per cent discount on F&B.
Room rates start at THB 4,500 (US$138) nett per night, including breakfast.
With 564 rooms, Amari Bangkok features over 3,000m2 of event space across 18 meeting rooms. The largest, the Watergate Ballroom, can host up to 1,000 guests. Outdoor spaces are also available for smaller events of up to 300 people.
The partnership aims to advance sustainable tourism in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance (KLCCBEA) and Urbanice Malaysia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen Kuala Lumpur’s position as a sustainable tourism destination.
The agreement was formalised during the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Forum (ASUF) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The partnership aims to advance sustainable tourism in Kuala Lumpur
The partnership brings together KLCCBEA’s destination marketing expertise and Urbanice’s sustainable urban development strategies to support tourism growth that benefits local communities, protects cultural heritage, and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The two organisations also co-organised the inaugural Stakeholders Business Assembly during ASUF 2025. Themed Mobilising Partnerships to Drive Inclusive Economic Growth through Tourism, the assembly gathered more than 70 representatives from ASEAN member’s local authorities, tourism bodies, industry leaders, and cultural practitioners. Discussions focused on practical partnership models that can generate measurable economic and social benefits.
Participants highlighted five key factors for successful collaboration in sustainable tourism: creating mutual benefits, recognising the value of small initiatives, prioritising local products and resources, sharing ideas to generate value, and engaging champions to drive momentum. Two such champions were recognised – the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents for promoting tourism in rural northern regions, and KLCCBEA for coordinating initiatives such as Sustainable September.
Sustainable September, now in its third year, brings together KLCC precinct partners under a shared sustainability vision. Through events, community programmes, and educational campaigns, the initiative has grown to become a flagship example of collective impact and sustainable urban tourism in Kuala Lumpur.
Gurney Bay Hotel, a Parkroyal Partner Hotel, has appointed five seasoned hospitality professionals to its executive team ahead of its upcoming brand transformation.
Winnie Low, formerly director of F&B and operations leader across Pan Pacific, Millennium, InterContinental, Shangri-La, and Ritz-Carlton, joins as director of operations.
From left: Winnie Low, Ng Soo Chuan, and Tom Toh
Ng Soo Chuan, most recently overseeing financial operations at Lexis Suites Penang and Iconic Hotel, is appointed director of finance.
Tom Toh, previously cluster director of human resources at Forest City, Johor Bahru, takes on the role of director of people and culture.
Lee Ai Leng, formerly senior sales and marketing leader at Lexis Suites Penang, joins as director of sales and marketing.
Clarissa Lim, most recently cluster revenue manager for three Shangri-La properties in Penang, is named revenue manager, while Rochesder Hillary, previously involved in Parkroyal Langkawi Resort’s pre-opening, becomes marketing and communications manager.
The demographic structure of the global workforce is changing as people in Generation Alpha and Generation Beta come into employment, while Baby Boomers exit over the next decade.
With staff comprising several generations, organisation leaders will need to understand and appreciate the different characteristics, strengths and career motivations of each so as to have a cohesive and productive team, opined business industry professionals.
Seasoned business events professionals and young talents discuss how different generations can work together
Speaking at the ICCA Asia Pacific EvolvDestination Forum on August 21 – part of the wider Goyang Destination Week 2025 running from August 20 to 23 – Jittanun Techasarin, director, Convention Department at the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), pointed out that the different characteristics of “senior pros” and the younger generation of staff produce a beneficial blend for organisations.
“Senior pros value stability, have deep experience, respect formal procedures, and prioritise organisational longevity and structured systems. On the other hand, millennials and Gen Zs are tech-savvy, seek rapid feedback and are highly value-driven. They prioritise meaningful work, inclusive cultures, and seek purpose beyond economic rewards,” Jittanun explained.
As such, organisations “must proactively design a workplace environment and professional ecosystem that will attract, include and leverage both established expertise and new possibilities”.
When asked by moderator Mike Williams, acting CEO of GainingEdge if the growing presence of younger staff would speed up displacement of Baby Boomers, Jittanun said their positions are assured as the business events industry values seasoned professionals and the success of the industry is determined by having various talents in the ecosystem.
Panellists on the session, Bridging Generations: Unlocking the Power of Cross-Generational Collaboration, are unanimous that open and respectful communications across generations are crucial for an efficient workplace.
Kyuree Kim, senior project manager, international cooperation division with the Korea MICE Association, shared observations that experienced team members tended to speak out without listening to younger colleagues, who may have “better ideas that would benefit projects”.
“Hence, we (in the middle and upper management) have to learn to listen without judgement,” Kim added.
Kim, who has been with the Korea MICE Association for almost 12 years, said her younger team mates were behind the idea of promoting the annual Korea MICE Expo on social media, a move that had good outcomes.
Ezza Ramli, a young professional with the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre who won the ICCA Asia Pacific Business Events Youth Challenge 2025’s Young Professionals category, said there are only three members in her office aged under 30, but they are encouraged to speak up at meetings.
She added that younger staff like herself can learn much from seasoned leaders.
Jittanun believes that the generation gap can be closed by strategic communication. TCEB has “intentionally built a culture of camaraderie, where team members feel connected and comfortable working together (like) a family”, she shared, adding that colleagues address older peers as “pi”, which means elder sibling in Thai, and younger ones as “nong”, which means younger sibling. This approach also abides by the Thai cultural concept of kreng jai, which encompasses politeness, self-restraint, and awareness of how one’s actions affect others.
Kenrich Sze, a student of Sunway University who won the Students Challenge, hopes for supportive leadership when he begins his career. “We have lots of ideas, but we are hesitant to share because of hierarchical concerns,” he said.
Williams acknowledged Asia’s strong respect for elders in terms of age or rank, and said this would mean staff deferring to their leaders for all decisions in some companies.
Kim opined that the middle management could be the one to break this “hierarchical” wall by connecting upper management with subordinates. She personally does this by listening to ideas from her younger staff, then picking out the good ones to build a proposal with data and supporting documents that she would use to persuade senior leadership.
Cathay Pacific has reopened its flagship lounge at Beijing Capital International Airport as part of its ongoing investment in mainland China. The redesign focuses on a human-centred approach to enhance the lounge experience.
This reopening is part of the airline’s wider lounge enhancement plan in Hong Kong and other destinations, following the reopening of The Bridge at Hong Kong International Airport in May.
The redesigned lounge features new dining areas, private spaces, and an art collection for passengers
In addition to the redesigned Beijing lounge, Cathay Pacific operates an airport lounge at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and a ferry port lounge at the Shekou Cruise Home Port in Shenzhen, its first facility for intermodal travellers.
In Hong Kong, the airline has reopened The Bridge and converted The Deck into an interim First class lounge while The Wing, First is under renovation and scheduled to reopen in 2026, followed by The Wing, Business. Customers may also access The Pier, First and The Pier, Business lounges at the airline’s home hub. Cathay Pacific plans to launch new flagship lounges in Hong Kong and, for the first time, in New York, as part of the Cathay Group’s investment of over HK$100 billion (US$12.8 billion) in aircraft, cabin products, lounges, and digital innovations.
The Beijing lounge is designed to work with its surroundings, using windows and roofing to provide natural light and views while keeping a comfortable temperature. Cherry wood and limestone are used throughout, and the reception has been updated from a counter to a podium format. It is also the first lounge outside Hong Kong to feature Cathay Pacific’s Lounge Ambassadors.
The Main Lounge offers a home-like atmosphere with furniture and lighting arranged for comfort, including private spaces. There are three dining venues: Noodle Bar, Food Hall and Teahouse, which offers Chinese teas brewed to order by the airline’s tea specialists.
The Terrace is a light-filled verandah with Solo Chairs for relaxation. An art collection throughout the lounge includes contemporary calligraphy and drawings on boarding passes by a variety of artists, developed with a curator from Cathay Pacific’s Gallery in the Skies concept.
Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam said: “The redesigned lounge complements Cathay Pacific’s seven daily return flights between Hong Kong and Beijing this summer, as we strive to offer customers greater choice and convenience – both in the air and on the ground – when they travel with us. We remain committed to providing customers with a seamless and elevated travel experience through our Hong Kong hub.”
Goyang Destination Week in progress; photo by Karen Yue
The fourth edition of the annual ICCA Asia Pacific Business Events Youth Challenge, an initiative that is supported by ICCA, Goyang City and Goyang Convention & Visitors Bureau this year, is underway this week, with final presentations kicking off this morning at Sono Calm Goyang hotel in South Korea.
The challenge, which comprises both Student and Young Professional categories, is designed to offer participants aged under 30 an opportunity to showcase their creative ideas and understand what is expected in the role of a business events professional in a bidding process, shared Waikin Wong, regional director Asia Pacific at ICCA.
The ICCA Asia Pacific Business Events Youth Challenge is one of several events under the banner of Goyang Destination Week taking place this week; photo by Karen Yue
Wong told TTGmice that the challenge is realistic, as it tests the participants’ ability to meet the requirements and criteria outlined in a client’s bid document or brief. A real business event is selected for the challenge every year, and a theme is identified for the participants to focus on.
For this year’s challenge, participants are required to design the delegate journey for a conference for the International Council for Traditions of Music and Dance.
The Student Category calls for a proposal that addresses potential factors that may cause dissatisfaction for the organiser during the site inspection, sustainability and wellness principles, and more. The Young Professional category calls for a proposal that covers host destination selection, communication plans, potential issues that could dent the delegate experience, and more.
Their proposals are judged by a panel of industry leaders in the region: Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s CEO Ashwin Gunasekeran; MOA:R Co’s chief strategy officer Bona Lee; Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau’s director of convention department Jittanun Techasarin; Tourism New Zealand’s special advisor business events Leonie Ashford; Daejeon Tourism Organization’s director Lorraine Han; Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau’s director Matsui Yoshiaki; and Talk2 Media and Events’s CEO Matt Pearce.
“The experience will bridge classroom learning with a real-life event organisation process. Participants will have to thoroughly read and digest the bid brief before drawing up their proposal, and be able to flesh out their ideas in front of judges. This is a real world experience that every event professional bidding for an event goes through,” added Wong.
Finalists are awarded with an opportunity to “go on a business trip” to present their proposal to a panel of judges in the event’s host city, and the winning team in each category will be invited to attend the high-profile ICCA Congress.
This year’s ICCA Congress will be held in Porto, Portugal in November.
Wong said the Asia Pacific Business Events Youth Challenge has inspired students to pursue a career in the industry.
Min Arona is one such example. She was one of the participants in the 2023 edition, and had gone on to work on the Goyang International Flower Festival – also known as the International Horticulture Goyang Korea.
“Participation in the Asia Pacific Business Events Youth Challenge allowed me to meet and learn from many peers from around the world, and I realised I enjoyed such interactions very much. The challenge was a positive influence on my decision to build my career in business events,” said Min.
Min is now an exhibition and AI track research student at Hallym University of Graduate Studies.
Kerala Wedding & MICE Conclave; photo by Rohit Kaul
The southern Indian state of Kerala is planning to establish a city-level MICE Promotion Bureau in Kochi to attract more business events.
The Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society, a non-profit organisation comprising private industry stakeholders to promote the state, has formally requested the tourism department through a letter to initiate a pilot bureau in Kochi.
Kerala Wedding & MICE Conclave
“We will take the proposal for the city MICE promotion bureau forward after the conclave. A high-level meeting with the tourism minister (P.A. Mohammed Riyas) is planned, where we will pitch the idea. We will also evaluate possible incentives to attract more business events,” Sikha Surendran, director of Kerala Tourism told TTGmice on the sidelines of the Kerala Wedding & MICE Conclave which took place between August 14-16 in Kochi.
Kerala’s interest in forming a city-level MICE Promotion Bureau comes at a time when India’s Ministry of Tourism is encouraging states to establish such entities. The ministry is currently reworking the entire support framework for business events in the country.
“The approach we are taking is that the state must first set up a city-level MICE Promotion Bureau. If the state government identifies a conference it wishes to attract and commits a certain amount of funding towards it, the government of India will match that contribution dollar-for-dollar.”
Suman Billa, additional secretary of tourism, emphasised the need for a unified strategy to attract major conferences to India. He noted that other global cities, including Dubai, Melbourne, and Frankfurt, have found success with similar models.
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