Asia/Singapore Monday, 22nd December 2025
Page 595

Avocado experts to descend on New Zealand in 2023

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Holy guacamole – New Zealand to welcome global avocado experts

New Zealand will be welcoming international avocado experts come 2023, after winning the bid to host the 10th World Avocado Congress.

The five-day conference will bring thousands of the world’s leading avocado growers, researchers, marketers, innovators and investors to the destination.

Holy guacamole – New Zealand to welcome global avocado experts

New Zealand’s bid was led by Tauranga-based NZ Avocado, which represents 1,350 New Zealand growers, with support from Tourism New Zealand, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the New Zealand Embassy in Colombia.

NZ Avocado’s chief executive Jen Scoular said New Zealand’s team approach was integral to its win. This included six months of lobbying activity with key representatives of the international avocado industry, a VIP event for influential delegates hosted by the New Zealand Ambassador to Colombia, and a video message from prime minister Jacinda Ardern inviting voters to come and experience New Zealand first-hand.

Scoular added the congress will demonstrate New Zealand’s growing practices, food safety and quality systems, and the ethical treatment of growers and communities.

The country currently contributes two per cent of global avocado production, and is the world’s ninth largest avocado exporter. New Zealand was up against Mexico, the largest avocado exporter in the world, and Kenya, the sixth largest exporter of avocados globally, in the competitive bid.

Tourism New Zealand’s global manager business events, Lisa Gardiner, said in a statement: “This is a huge boost for our local avocado industry and a chance to showcase New Zealand’s horticulture industry to thousands of influential international guests. It also provides the opportunity to access innovation, global knowledge and science to support the growth of the sector.”

Beyond Asia: Grand Hyatt at SFO, Acomodeo and Avis Germany, and WSCM 2023

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Grand Hyatt SFO Standard King
Grand Hyatt SFO Standard King

Grand Hyatt at SFO now open for stays
The only on-airport hotel at San Francisco International Airport, built to the tune of US$237 million, has opened with 351 rooms including 22 suites.

Facilities on-site include a 24-hour fitness centre, a massage suite, and two F&B venues – the 108-seater Quail & Crane; and the Twin Crafts Market & Bar, a multifunctional lounge with on-the-go food and cocktail bar. The property also boasts 18 event spaces including a Grand Ballroom – each named after storied planes like Stratocruiser and Looper – totalling 1,340m2.

Grand Hyatt at SFO is directly connected to all airport terminals via its own dedicated, newly-constructed AirTrain station. For fly-in, fly-out conference travellers, and those who require daytime layovers, day-use rates start at US$125 for the use of guestrooms for six hours between 08.00 and 20.00.

Acomodeo and Avis Germany announce collaboration
Global serviced apartment provider Acomodeo and car rentals Avis Germany have established a strategic partnership, targeted at business travellers who require long-term rentals along with serviced apartments.

Both Acomodeo and Avis Germany will develop additional services for their existing and future customers, offering a seamless booking experience and exclusive benefits, including corporate rates, limited-time offers and other promotions at point of sale.

According to the press statement, this partnership was formed due to rising instances of workforce mobility where more and more employees find themselves travelling to distant cities for weeks or even months to work on a project. The longer the project, the less convenient and cost-effective the daily use of taxi and hotel rooms become.

Qatar to host prestigious choral event in 2023
Qatar has won the rights to host the World Symposium of Choral Music (WSCM) in 2023, following a successful bid by Qatar National Choral Association, supported by Qatar National Tourism Council.

Held once every three years, the International Federation of Choral Music’s flagship event is considered the most prestigious non-competitive choral event. It will attract 2,000 to 4,000 international choirs, conductors, presenters, composers, and choristers to Qatar.

Barcelona, Vienna, Seoul, and Kyoto have hosted past WSCMs.

Sala Hospitality names group DOSM

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Sala Hospitality Group has appointed Benjaporn Magroodtong as group director of sales & marketing, based at the company’s Bangkok headquarters.

A Thai national, Benjaporn was previously the company’s director of sales – a position she has held since July 2015. With 20 years of experience with brands such as JW Marriott and Anantara, she will now be tasked with developing and executing sales and domestic marketing, branding and advertising.

Zhang to lead the charge at Fusion Suites Saigon

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Ray Jingshu Zhang has been hired as the new general manager of Fusion Suites Saigon.

With a decade of experience working in the hospitality industry across Asia-Pacific, the Australian national most recently worked as pre-opening deputy general manager of Banwa Private Island in the Philippines.

Prior to this, Zhang was group operation project manager for Regent Hotels & Resorts, where he managed hotel projects through their pre-opening phases in locations including Jakarta, Montenegro, Taipei, Guam and Phu Quoc. He has also held management level positions with IHG Hotels & Resorts in Australia, and the Park Hyatt Melbourne.

Finnair finds rosy growth prospects in Asia

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Finnair

Asia remains a key growth market for Finnair, as the carrier plans to step up frequency and capacity on key routes to match demand from the region.

Finnair will grow its network in Asia by 12 per cent this year, having increased frequencies to Hong Kong and Narita to twice daily from this summer. In December, it will add twice-weekly services to Sapporo in Hokkaido to become the first European carrier to serve the Hokkaido route since KLM suspended its services in 2002.

Finnair is focused on Asia growth

The carrier will further expand its services in North Asia next year, commencing daily flights from Helsinki to Haneda and thrice-weekly flights from Helsinki to Busan in March.

Finnair’s general manager for Asia-Pacific, Tamas Hanyi, said that overall passenger growth on its Singapore-Helsinki route had increased by seven per cent last year, while group travel had surged 30 per cent in the same period.

He added that “bookings on the Singapore-Helsinki route in 1Q2020 are also looking really good,” despite headwinds from the ongoing US-China trade war and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

Positive sentiments are also observed for Asia as a tourist source market for Finland.

Said Mervi Toivonen, director of Visit Finland global sales promotion: “Travel from Asia to Finland is growing steadily with a 10 per cent increase from January to August 2019.”

He added that the total number of overnight stays by Asian visitors in Finland has risen by 10 per cent in the first eight months of this year, as compared to the same period in 2018.

Gothenburg tops GDS-Index 2019 list

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Gothenburg (pictured) was the highest scoring city when the results of the Global Destination Sustainability Index were revealed this year

Gothenburg is the world’s most sustainable city for the fourth year in a row, according to the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) 2019, released at the 58th ICCA World Congress in Houston last week.

The city scored a 89.64 out of a possible 100 points, and with a seven per cent improvement from last year.

Gothenburg (pictured) was the highest scoring city when the results of the GDS-Index were revealed this year

The next two cities after Gothenburg were Copenhagen and Zurich, while the Australian cities of Sydney and Melbourne came in at the eight and 10th place respectively. New destinations who advanced into the top 10 included Aalborg and Dublin, with significant jumps in performance for Glasgow, Sydney and Zurich. The ranking first started in 2016.

The index took into account the sustainability performance of 50 global business tourism and events destinations, where the GDS-Index benchmarks performance across four key areas – city’s environmental strategy and infrastructure; city’s social sustainability performance; industry supplier support; and the DMO’s strategy and initiatives.

In addition, the judging panel, made up of six industry experts, selected Sydney to win the GDS-Index Innovation Award for its outstanding Sustainable Destination Partnership; a multi-stakeholder collaboration that has resulted in the environmental footprinting of the Sydney hospitality sector, then the co-creation of a strategy to achieve a 70 per cent reduction in carbon emissions and divert 90 per cent of its waste by 2030.

The jury was also impressed by the joint second place projects presented by Wonderful Copenhagen for its Stakeholder Engagement programme and the Green Supply Chains initiative of Ljubljana Tourism.

For the first time, the GDS-Index Best Improver Award was presented to a region, with the honours being installed on the Meet in Ireland Partnership representing Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Kerry. They joined the GDS-Index in 2018 with a vision to collaborate and improve destination sustainability as a region. Aalborg and Ljubljana also made major performance and ranking jumps.

The top 10 destinations in the GDS-Index 2019

The 2019 GDS-Index results also demonstrate that DMOs are in action on sustainability, with a 29 per cent increase in terms of overall performance from 2018.

Guy Bigwood, managing director of the GDS-Index, said in a statement: “This year’s results provide positive signs of a global shift in how DMOs integrate sustainability into their strategy, value proposal, stewardship and reporting activities. The results also highlight the need for DMOs to get much better at developing an inspiring vision of change, engaging their stakeholders and managing resources to implement and measure social impact for their communities and visitors.”

James Rees, president of ICCA, added: “As the effects of climate change become evident and social pressure for action increases, the meetings and events industry must continue to create positive economic impact for destinations, but also help influence the social and environmental policies that are affected by our business. DMOs are a key catalyst and enabler of a sustainable visitor economy, and I am delighted to see the GDS-Index evolving and playing a vital role in accelerating the creation of sustainable destinations.”

To find out more about the survey and the results for all cities involved, click here.

Full integration of travel management process still not yet a reality: ACTE, AMEX GBT study

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Businesses can achieve integrated travel programmes, but collaboration with all stakeholders is required

End-to-end travel management has been a goal for corporate travel buyers, but a new study published by Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) in collaboration with American Express Global Business Travel (AMEX GBT), revealed that only 72% say their programmes are somewhat integrated.

According to The Journey to Integrated Travel Management report, this is due to several factors ranging from evolving technology to obtaining support from relevant stakeholders in the organisation.

Businesses can achieve integrated travel programmes, but collaboration with all stakeholders is required

Almost a quarter (22%) of travel managers have no further plans to integrate. These respondents identify a number of barriers to progress, including lack of resources (25%), and a perceived lack of internal and stakeholder support (30%).

Business travellers pose the biggest challenge to integration, with 37% of respondents reporting traveller adoption and unwillingness to change as their top barrier – despite the fact that travellers are also one of the main drivers for end-to-end integration, cited by more than a third (34%) of respondents.

The study found that internal stakeholders in procurement (53%) and finance (45%) are top drivers of change, with business travellers just behind. As such, travel buyers are urged to secure buy-in from these stakeholder groups.

The complexity of end-to-end integration demands not only internal advocacy, but support from all partners in the travel workflow, advised the study.

Travel managers say technology platform providers (62%), travel management companies (59%), payment providers (39%), and suppliers (33%) are instrumental in helping them achieve integration.

Underlining the importance of an integrated travel programme, Leigh Bochicchio, executive director of ACTE, said: “The corporate travel manager’s core mission is to set up business travellers for success – and integration efforts are key to creating these conditions. Having to navigate a constellation of tools and technology to plan a trip can hinder productivity for travellers.”

Bruno Murray, vice president at AMEX GBT, added: “With advances in technology and services, a truly integrated travel and expense management ecosystem is achievable, delivering a better user experience, and efficiencies and control to buyers and their organisations. Barriers to integration can be overcome with the right technologies and change management expertise – and I encourage all travel buyers to challenge their TMCs to deliver on this.”

The full report also offers offers advice on change management and getting the support and buy-in from various stakeholders and partners.

Myanmar to get first Westin hotel come 2021

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Marriott International has signed an agreement with Myanmar’s property developer, Yoma Land, to bring the Westin brand into the country in late 2021.

Under the agreement, the new-build Westin Yangon which will feature 281 rooms and suites alongside 90 premium serviced apartments, will make up part of the Yoma Central integrated real estate development.

Upon completion in 2021, Yoma Central expects to be anchored by the restored former headquarters of the Burma Railway Company, one of Yangon’s oldest colonial-era buildings. Yoma Central plans to also feature two Grade A office towers and a collection of luxury private homes, all of which will be connected by a retail podium.

The hotel will also feature Westin’s signature services and amenities such as the fully equipped WestinWorkout Fitness Studio, the RunWestin programme, and The Heavenly Spa By Westin. Guests can also pack light and stay fit while travelling with the Westin Gear Lending programme, featuring New Balance clothing and shoes delivered to their rooms.

F&B establishments include an all-day dining outlet, two specialty restaurants, as well as the lobby lounge, pool bar and rooftop bar. The business community can avail themselves of the four meeting rooms, a board room and 2,470m2 of conference and event space.

IBTM unveils first exhibitor signings for inaugural APAC tradeshow

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Next year's IBTM Asia-Pacific will be its first; IBTM China 2019 pictured

IBTM, part of Reed Travel Exhibitions, has announced the first exhibitor signings for its newest show, IBTM Asia Pacific.

Singapore Tourism Board, Tourism New Zealand, Malaysia Convention Bureau, Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, UNECA and Genting Cruises are among the first major names to be confirmed as exhibitors.

Next year’s IBTM Asia-Pacific will be its first; IBTM China 2019 pictured

Dream Cruises, a member of Genting Cruise Lines, will host the event’s closing party at the Zouk Beach Club onboard the award-winning Genting Dream cruise ship, which homeports year-round in Singapore.

The event will take place on April 6-8, 2020, at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore.

Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park

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M Suite

Rooms
Marriott Hotels & Resorts’ first Marquis-designated property in Asia is a 1,388-room behemoth that towers over its neighbours along Sukhumvit Soi 22. The property offers nine room categories, from the 32m² lead-in Deluxe to the over 1,000m² Sky Suite.

I felt a sense of grandeur as I strolled through the foyer, which reminded me of a palace; fittingly so because this building once housed The Imperial Hotel Bangkok.

The M Suite was my home for three nights, sequestered on the 33rd storey of the North Tower. There were separate bedroom and living areas, and interiors were modern with a soft touch of Thai influence. A plus for business travellers was the desk and ergonomic chair in the living room, as well as numerous strategically-placed charging points.

The swanky and spacious marble bathroom featured separate components – a rainshower, bathtub, and water closet. I liked that there was an elevated space next to the closet that I could place my luggage on without having to stoop.

Although the bed was luxurious to the touch, I found the pillows to be way too soft even when stacked twice. I casually mentioned this to a staff member while waiting for my ride the next morning, and that evening when I returned, I was surprised to find three other pillows of varying firmness awaiting. This was when I found out there was a pillow menu available but subject to availability.

MICE facilities
The massive property offers 5,000m2 of event space, comprising three ballrooms and 32 event rooms. The Thai Chitlada Grand Ballroom is the largest indoor function area, and at 332m2 it can hold 1,230 people theatre-style or 770 people for banquets.

There is also an outdoor function area just by the swimming pool on the ninth floor, and another on the rooftop with a glittering view of Bangkok’s skyline.

One unique meeting space to note is The Apartment. Aptly named, this area sported a cooking area, fridge, dining table and countertop, reminiscent of someone’s home. Planners of small-sized events – I would say no more than 25 – can also arrange with the hotel team to meet with chefs, prepare a meal together by using surplus ingredients, and learn more about the hotel’s push for sustainability over a casual and relaxed meal.

Other facilities
Club guests have access to two lounges in the North and South Towers. The lounge in the South Tower is larger and offers light refreshments throughout the day while the North Tower lounge is smaller, and only provides drinks and snacks.

There are nine F&B venues on-site, ranging from the open-air Abar Rooftop on its lofty perch to Akira Back – the eponymous celebrity chef’s contemporary Japanese-Korean restaurant.

Meanwhile, ground-floor Goji Kitchen+Bar is where breakfast is served every morning. The buffet spread is extensive, serving up Thai, Indian, Chinese and international dishes. There is even a carving station complete with a chef slicing chunks of ham and frying up streaks of bacon, as well as a glistening long table in one corner piled high with pastries and croissants.

Recreational facilities include two outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness centre, and the Quan Spa with 11 treatment rooms.

Meanwhile, the Phrom Phong BTS Station – best way to get around traffic-clogged Bangkok – is a quick five-minute walk from the back of the hotel through Benchasiri Park. The Phrom Phong station is also in the middle of two massive shopping malls EmQuartier and Emporium.

Service
Staff were welcoming and always greeted me warmly whenever I returned. Service, from the housekeeping to the concierge, was exceptional; I think it’s difficult to top the hotel pillows magically appearing in my room after a casual remark.

Verdict
An appealing choice for event planners who need to house large groups of delegates in one property, as well as having enough function spaces to accommodate them all. Business travellers will also enjoy the hotel’s location in the immediate vicinity of several shopping centres, massage shops, and roadside eateries.

No. of rooms 1,388 keys
Contact details
Tel: 66 2 059 5555
Email: bookbkkmarquis@marriott.com

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