Bangkok-based Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has appointed Bryan Gabriel as CCO.
In his new role, Gabriel will oversee the group’s sales and marketing department, implementing the most effective ways and systems to support the brand’s expansion.
Having worked with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) for 15 years, Gabriel was most recently the head of commercial for America at IHG.
He has also served in a variety of other leadership roles with the hotel group, including the director of sales and marketing at InterContinental Jakarta, general manager of Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island, and director of commercial for IHG South West Asia.
Some 500 researchers from around the world in the fields of atmospheric peat science, environment, hydrologists, biochemistry, soil science and meteorologists will be arriving in Kuching’s – the state capital of Sarawak – for the AsiaFlux 2020 conference this September.
Held from September 22-24, the three-day conference has been themed The Nexus of Land Use Change, Ecosystems & Climate: A Path towards Sustainable Development Goals. The conference will also act as a platform to raise awareness on the importance of greenhouse gas cycles in guiding sustainable land use policies in the region and its global impact.
AsiaFlux is a regional research network involved in the long-term study of climate change in relation to carbon, water and energy fluxes between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere in Asia. From there, scientific data is generated, which will then be analysed, and used to develop a science-based land-use policy to support land-use management and biomass production in mitigating climate change, human life and sustainable development in Asia.
AsiaFlux is affiliated to the global Fluxnet network of micrometeorological tower sites of which there are more than 500 operating around the world.
Lulie Melling, organising chairman of AsiaFlux 2020, shared: “Hosting the AsiaFlux 2020 Conference is testimony of the global recognition of Sarawak government’s commitment to climate change and getting world accreditation for the Sarawak Flux Tower Study. This is the only state in Malaysia which has as many as three Flux towers, two of which are located in Betong and Sibu.”
Melling – who is also the director of Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Insitute – added: “It is also a great opportunity for young scientists from South-east Asia to network with leaders in the field of carbon, water and energy cycles and avail themselves to the latest in greenhouse gas flux measurements.”
Melling: event to bring global attention to Sarawak Flux Tower Study
The conference is jointly organised by the Malaysian Peat Society, Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute and AsiaFlux Science Steering Committee in collaboration with the National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan; Hokkaido University; Malaysian Palm Oil Board; Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, and Malaysian Research and Development Institute.
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) have decided to launch HITEC Asia this December in Macau.
HITEC Asia joins other HITEC conferences in Europe and the US, a series of events that bring hospitality professionals together for education, networking, best practices, innovation and exclusive marketplaces.
HITEC conferences are held in many cities around the world; HITEC Minneapolis 2019 pictured
“The HITEC brand of conferences is celebrating its 48th year and has become known as the place to learn about and purchase hospitality technology around the globe,” said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe.
“After years of requests from stakeholders to bring the HITEC brand to Asia, HFTP is excited to announce this event and also very pleased to have HTNG as co-producers for this new venture.”
HITEC Asia is expected to attract over 300 hoteliers and feature some of the best technology suppliers in the region. It will also conduct educational seminars presented by global experts and leading-edge innovation pitches from regional start ups.
“HTNG has been successful in the region for over a decade solving industry standards problems and developing best practices,” said HTNG CEO Mike Blake.
“Due to the strength of HFTP’s HITEC brand and HTNG’s success and network in the region, we mutually decided that our nonprofit organizations could make a much larger impact by teaming up for a stellar conference and exhibition,” Blake added.
Come March 16, Chinese ride-hailing giant DiDi will launch ride-sharing services in Sydney, Australia with DiDi Express (carpooling) and Didi Max (seven-seater) services.
Getting around Sydney will be even easier with the entry of a new ride-hailing service
DiDi Australia general manager Lyn Ma said: “We are eager to work alongside local stakeholders in the Sydney transportation industry, using leading AI technologies and local operational expertise to innovate and build a better, trusted product with the aim of becoming Sydney’s preferred ridesharing platform.”
The company first moved into the Australian market in May 2018. So far, it has served more than two million passengers in seven cities across four states.
Avani Central Busan Hotel has opened in the heart of Busan’s financial centre.
There are 289 rooms across seven categories on offer, where guestrooms feature either city or mountain views. Room amenities include flatscreen TVs, free Wi-Fi, rain showers, and tea and coffee making stations.
Business travellers may avail facilities such as a meeting room, as well as The Lobby Lounge which doubles up as a casual meeting area. There is also an all-day dining restaurant that serves Korean and international fare, as well as a 24-hour gym.
The hotel is directly connected to the Busan subway system and is a 15-minute drive to Korean Train Express (KTX) stop and international cruise terminal.
Three giraffes roam a protected national park in Kenya, Africa
Asia hots up The hallmarks of a hot meetings destination have shifted as demand for bleisure and unique events is on the rise, and Asia has taken centrestage. Due to increased sourcing volume to the region, Cvent last year unveiled two standalone Top 25 Meeting Destinations lists for Asia, and Australia & Oceania. The expanded list highlights Asia-Pacific’s strength and growing popularity as a destination for business events.
Singapore skyline
Topping the rankings was Singapore, followed by Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Bali and Mumbai. The list reflects how Asia-Pacific cities have enhanced their infrastructure and positioned their destination as prime event locations, noted Chris McAndrews, vice president of marketing for Cvent Hospitality Cloud.
“For example, Bangkok, which moved up one spot on this year’s list, has elevated its MICE profile with support from the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau in hosting industry-facing events such as its first Thailand MICE Forum. The destination has seen incredible investment in luxury hotels in recent years, offers great value, and the country delivers on desirable offerings including unique culture, world-class dining and shopping, vibrant nightlife, and some of the best beaches in the world,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the 2020 Summer Olympics has cast a spotlight on Tokyo, which has in turn boosted its room hotel inventory and tourist facilities. While infrastructure and accessibility have traditionally been critical in pulling events, these alone are no longer enough as “event organisers are looking for different locales to deliver more memorable events and offer their delegates a truly unique experience”, observed McAndrews.
Instead, next year will see demand strengthen for bleisure and unique events, which may serve to shake up the top 25 list as planners look to unexplored destinations.
McAndrews predicted: “Event organisers will now look beyond accessibility (and consider) if a particular destination can deliver a more exclusive cultural experience. For example, Pasay City in the Philippines, which is new to the list this year, could see even more traction in the years ahead as 9,000 additional rooms across hotels and serviced apartments open by 2021.
“We’re keeping our eye on other cities that are new to the list this year including Osaka, Hanoi and Chiba. It will also be interesting to see if Nadi in Fiji, which came in at number 10 on the Australia/Oceania Top 10 list, will continue to rise in rank within the Australia-heavy list.” – Pamela Chow
Allures beyond Asia Los Angeles Spurred by increased connectivity and expanding attractions, Los Angeles (LA) Tourism & Convention Board has launched the LA Insider Specialist Program in Asia to equip trade agents with destination facts, products and updates.
The programme provides agents with incentives for completing courses, such as vouchers and attraction tickets, as well updates on LA’s upcoming attractions.
The following years will see several new points of interest in the destination, including The Academy Museum in 2020; the LA Stadium, which will open in 2020 and host the 2022 Super Bowl; 30 new hotels in the next four years; as well as new and expanded airport terminals before the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.
To this end, Los Angeles Tourism’s regional director for Australia/New Zealand Craig Gibbons’ portfolio has been expanded to also oversee Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam – in addition to Australia and New Zealand – in August 2019.
Panoramic view of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) debuted at ITB Asia 2019, led by CEO Florian Sengstschmid, to explore collaborative opportunities with Asia’s travel agencies and encourage travellers to explore the country’s rich blend of modernity and antiquity through its Take Another Look campaign.
In Asia, China and India are Azerbaijan’s biggest visitor source markets, while South Korea and Japan have posted a strong increase in overnights. In response, ATB is set to open a marketing office in Seoul.
For South-east Asia, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia are on the radar for ATB.
More recently, Azerbaijan implemented a simplified e-visa procedure that is available to Thai and Vietnamese travellers. Singaporeans, Malaysians and Indonesians are eligible for visa upon arrival.
However, destination promotions are still nascent, admitted the NTO chief, as the former Soviet state looks towards tourism as a new economic revenue generator following sharp declines in global oil prices in recent years. ATB itself, Sengstschmid said, was only founded in 2018.
Malta Tourism arrivals to Malta have traditionally been dominated by European markets, with the UK, Germany and Italy as forerunners. However, recent economic and political issues in Europe have spurred the island to look towards the Far East to expand visitorship.
As part of its latest efforts to court Asians, Malta struck up a partnership with Manchester United Football Club as an official destination partner. The agreement, inked in September 2019, sees Malta being featured as the “players’ destination of choice” during the club’s overseas events, as the country is a popular holiday spot among the players and home to the oldest active Manchester United supporters’ club. Such a partnership would be effective in Asia, where Manchester United is a household name, and can lend its star power to the destination.
Malta has also been added to Qatar Airways’ roster of flights, which can bring even more travellers from Asia. The destination has also recently signed a MoU with four Chinese tour operators.
Three giraffes roam a protected national park in Kenya, Africa
Kenya Though small in numbers, South-east Asia is a high-yield travel market for Kenya and its tourism board has taken notice.
Kenya Tourism Board’s chairman, Jimi Kariuki shared that his bureau is engaging several airlines in talks for direct flights to the region. The only destination that Kenya Airways flies to in South-east Asia today is Bangkok.
For now, Kenya is targeting the FIT market and small private groups, and showcasing its core tourism draws: its wildlife safari and pristine beaches, and its two large cities, Nairobi and Mombasa. The board is also looking at engaging local destination experts in key markets it has identified – Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam.
The year 2018 saw around 90,000 tourists from South-east Asia, a 25 per cent growth over 2017. – Rachel AJ Lee
John Woolley has joined The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, as general manager.
He brings over 20 years of experience with Marriott International to his new role, where his career has taken him around the globe.
Prior to his move, Woolley was general manager at Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort from 2015 to 2019.
The dual US/UK national’s career highlights include positions of area director of sales and marketing, South Asia and then the Caribbean. In addition, Woolley also launched a sales engine – the European Convention Network – that supports Marriott’s large group hotels in Europe before his move to Bali.
Crossroads Maldives, an integrated entertainment destination developed and operated by S Hotels and Resorts, has appointed Audra Arul as cluster director of sales and marketing for the complex, where she will be overseeing the SAii Lagoon Maldives, a Curio Collection by Hilton; and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives.
In her new role, Arul will be responsible for the overall commercial objectives of Crossroads Maldives and the two resorts, including achieving goals in revenue generation, yield management and brand engagement.
With more than two decades of experience, Arul has served in a variety of hotel sales and marketing positions with hospitality companies such as Accor, Marriott, Hyatt, and most recently, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts.
Peter King, MCEC's chief executive speaking at AIME. Photo: Adelaine Ng
Cisco Live’s cancellation of its 8,500-pax conference in Melbourne will have a ripple effect on the city’s economy, and is one of the latest in a string of tradeshow cancellations that have swept through Asia-Pacific.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s chief executive Peter King voiced his disappointment at the digital giant’s “difficult decision” to pull the plug on the annual flagship conference initially scheduled for March 3-6, 2020, due to concerns surrounding the Covid-19 outbreak.
Peter King, MCEC’s chief executive speaking at AIME. Photo: Adelaine Ng
King pointed out that the decision was made by Cisco’s US corporate office, and was not reflective of the current business events environment in Melbourne or Australia.
“Cisco is one of our largest events,” said King at a press conference at AIME. “It was an extremely disappointing cancellation because we as a business, (and) also the local business events community, invested a huge amount of time in Cisco. It’s a wonderful event that brings high-yield delegates to Melbourne and to have that cancelled at such a late stage (last week) was a hit.”
“We have hundreds of casual workers and also stand builders who will no longer have an income that week. And we’ve got many, many hotel rooms that are going to be vacant, many (cancelled) restaurant bookings, (bringing about) a ripple effect from such large events,” King continued.
The cancellation is a setback in what has been otherwise a successful run for MCEC, which earlier reported its best-ever result in excess of A$100 million (US$67 million) in turnover, an increase in diversity of events and a growing foray into live music entertainment as a result of their expansion in 2018.
Business from the incentive and corporate meetings in Asia are also proving to be strong sources of revenue, with international bookings making up about 12 to 15 per cent of income.
The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has extended its subvention programme for another year, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2020.
Titled Malaysia Twin Deal (MTD) – the original run date was until December 31, 2019 – the programme was aimed at incentivising international corporate groups and meetings to hold their events in Malaysia this year.
MyCEB extends its subvention programme to the end of this year; Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur pictured
MTD rewards both participants and meeting planners, and is applicable for bookings up to November 30, 2020, and groups need to arrive by December 31, 2020.
Deal 1 offers international corporate meetings and incentive groups with a minimum of 30 participants, various value-added supports where larger groups stand to gain more, such as a complimentary cultural performance, photo booth set-up, welcome banner and partial sponsorship for a gala dinner.
Meanwhile, Deal 2 offers incentive rewards for corporate meetings and incentive planners, and is based on cumulative numbers of participants. Under this deal, planners will stand a chance to be rewarded with iPad, a vacation for two to Kuala Lumpur or any two preferred destinations in Malaysia.
Additionally, the MTD rewards programme also includes special cumulative rewards for planners – with a minimum of 3,000 participants – for an educational trip to Malaysia, and up to 10 corporate clients of international corporate meetings and incentive planners.
Uzaidi Udanis, president, Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, shared: “The inbound business events industry is appreciative of the assistance provided by MyCEB especially during this Covid-19 crisis. But it takes more than perks and incentives to materialise groups as there are so many destination choices, and many destinations in this region also provide subventions.
“What we need is better collaboration and synergy between industry players and MyCEB in order to materialise more business events. Knowledge sharing and strategising session with industry players will help Malaysia to become more competitive and move forward faster.”
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