Six in 10 travellers report feeling more creative and productive when travelling for business, according to a research by global travel management company CWT.
Millennial travellers are more likely to say that they are more creative and productive when traveling for business. Those in the Americas lead the way (77% feeling more creative and productive), followed closely by those in Asia-Pacific (75% feeling more creative and 73% more productive), while European millennials rank third (58% and 57% respectively).
Millennials especially, say they are more creative and productive when on business trips
Overall, travelers from Asia-Pacific are more likely to have increased creativity (65%) and productivity (64%) compared to travelers from the Americas (58% and 60% respectively) and Europe (53% and 51% respectively).
CWT’s research also shows that six in 10 travellers are most productive when working face-to-face and collaborating with colleagues as opposed to working alone (30%) or remotely (14%). Asia-Pacific travellers’ productivity benefits the most from working face-to-face: 61% versus 53% for travelers from the Americas and Europe.
Niklas Andreen, executive vice president and chief traveller experience officer at CWT: “These findings are not a surprise – travel energises people, fosters fresh thinking, creates connections – and nothing beats a face-to-face meeting.”
The survey was created by CWT and conducted by Artemis Strategy Group between January 29 and 9 February, 2019. Responses were collected from more than 2,700 business travelers from all over the globe who travelled for business four or more times in the previous 12 months.
Starting from September 2019, Hello Kitty Land Tokyo (also known as Sanrio Puroland) in Japan will open its doors for both private and corporate events.
There are two options for event hire. Interested parties will be able to do a theme park buyout, in which case it would be closed to the public. Otherwise, it is also possible to hold a private event in a space such as the Fairyland Theater, Märchen Theater, Entertainment Hall or Yakata Restaurant.
Hello Kitty Land Tokyo
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Hello Kitty character
Yakata Restaurant
Märchen Theater
Throughout the duration of private events, participants will be able to access all of Hello Kitty Land Tokyo without any restrictions.
Reservations start from ¥1 million yen (US$9,222), and includes 200 day passes, lighting, and audio/PA system. Meanwhile, the entire theme park can be booked for ¥10 million, together with 300 day passes or more and other customisable options such as the appearance of a favourite Puroland character or an exclusively designed show. In total, Hello Kitty Land Tokyo can host up to 6,000 people.
“We wanted to make it possible for fans and companies alike to use Hello Kitty Land Tokyo as venue for unforgettable private events. We are expecting an increase in demand from inbound tourism groups and MICE travel until 2020 and beyond,” commented Yuya Makizato, Puroland Entertainment’s spokesperson.
Venue hire will only be available until March 2020, though reservations beyond that can be negotiated.
The Raffles hotel brand under Accor, has opened its latest property in Greater China, the Raffles Shenzhen.
Raffles Shenzhen is strategically situated in One Shenzhen Bay, a 72-storey high building in the CBD. Along with the hotel, the building includes the Sky Concert Hall, certified as the highest music hall in the world, on the 71st floor; a Raffles brand residence; a helipad on the roof; class A office space; a car showroom; and international clubs.
Raffles Shenzhen Premier Room
Guests are welcomed through the 34th floor Sky Lobby with views of Shenzhen Bay, where the views extend to the 168 guestrooms and suites above.
Amenities on-site include six restaurants and bars, and 3,000m2 of event space including a pillarless grand ballroom supported by eight multifunction halls. There are recreational facilities as well, such as the Raffles Spa, fitness centre, and an indoor swimming pool area that includes a Jacuzzi, vitality pool and sauna.
The Higueron Hotel Malaga, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Higueron Hotel Malaga, Curio Collection by Hilton
Spain: Hilton adds Spanish property to portfolio
Hilton has unveiled a new Spanish property in the port city of Malaga in Costa del Sol.
The Higueron Hotel Malaga, Curio Collection by Hilton, offers 177 guestrooms, a sustainable Michelin-star restaurant, two art exhibits with works from local and international artists, and boasts the largest conference centre in the region.
Spanning 2,255m2, the conference space offers six meeting rooms and can hold up to 1,000 attendees, and is an ideal backdrop for a Mediterranean cocktail reception, to large-scale conferences.
The hotel is located 12km from Malaga-Costa del Sol International Airport, which operates extensive routes to destinations such as France, the UK and, most recently, the UAE.
Hungary: Hungexpo Budapest’s gets an upgrade, new facilities The largest multifunctional event venue in Hungary, the 36ha Hungexpo Budapest, has started its major remodelling project.
Not only will all existing pavilions receive a refurbishment, with new flooring and a facelift of the exterior, all of its eight exhibition halls, ranging from 5,000m2 to 20,000m2 and totalling 60,000m2 of space, will be interconnected with a covered passageway.
Additionally, two new exhibition halls of 5,500m2 and 7,500m2, both of which will boast a 10m-high ceiling, will be added to the event venue. In addition, a brand new arrival hall, and a conference centre will also be constructed. The three-storey congress centre will boast a 2,000 seat auditorium and three dozen smaller meeting rooms, plus a 2,000m2 rooftop terrace. Construction is expected to be completed by 2021.
US: Denver to host Music Cities Convention next year
The Music Cities Convention, first held in Brighton, UK, in 2015, will be heading to Denver, Colorado, in 2020.
The conference, which organisers claim is the largest in the world to explore the relationship between music and the built environment, will be held from September 23-25 at the McNichols Building.
University of Colorado Denver professor Storm Gloor, who developed a course called Music Cities, which teaches how municipalities could benefit from the music economy, linked up with Denver venues and the university to bring the international convention to the city.
The Denver convention will be the fourth edition in the US and ninth global edition. Organisers expect 40 speakers and 300 delegates the September event.
Following its earlier announcement that current CEO Markus Semer and CFO Colin Lubbe are stepping down from their roles, the Kempinski Group has found a new CEO in Martin Smura, who will take the helm beginning July 1.
The 50-year-old Smura brings a vast amount of management experience and expertise from top international hotel companies on five continents, and was most recently executive chairman of the board of the Dorint Hotel Group.
Smura also spent 15 years with the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in various capacities such as director operations in East and Western Europe. He also held his first general management post while with IHG, and was the group’s youngest regional GM at 30.
Could you give us a quick introduction to the role the Hong Kong Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (HKAPI) plays in Hong Kong’s public healthcare system?
Founded in 1968, HKAPI is one of the earliest associations in the world formed by R&D-based pharmaceutical companies. We work closely with different government bureaux, professional associations, academics and patient groups, consistently providing expert views across the entire spectrum of healthcare matters, including healthcare system reform, research and development as well as patient empowerment.
Though that mission has evolved over the years, it still follows the industry’s fundamental pharmaceutical philosophy that medicine is for all people.
Sabrina Chan
HKAPI also provides constructive advice on the healthcare system, supporting the implementation of regulatory requirements while maintaining supplies of critical drugs and vaccines to safeguard the public.
For instance, we reviewed the Drug Office’s e-submission system before its official launch two years ago. HKAPI implemented a pilot test on it and then gave comments to bridge (user) gap and to minimise bugs. We also offered training for members.
What are the various functions of HKAPI?
I lead the executive office and the day-to-day running of the associations’ interest in accordance with the strategic plans and budget. I also work with an eight-member Board of Directors, who are our sponsors and elected by full-time members once every two years in AGMs.
There are several task forces set up for strategic initiatives and system betterment, namely Preventive and Primary Healthcare; Patients, Enlistment & Risk-sharing; Open Access; R&D/Eco-system; Regulatory Affairs; Ethics and Compliance as well as Macau.
I work with staff, sponsors and taskforces to develop policies and planning for the implementation of strategic directions, and support the effective implementation of strategic plans.
Together, we review and evaluate present and future opportunities, threats and risks in the external environment as well as current and future strengths, weakness and risks relating to the industry.
How big is the association today?
There are 39 full members, 28 associate members and two members under Academics and NGOs – the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Cancer Fund.
Multinational companies engaged in the research and/or development of pharmaceuticals remain our core members, including the world’s top 20 companies. Our member companies provide over 70 per cent of the prescription medicines in Hong Kong. Annual subscription fee for
Has this membership changed?
When I first (joined HKAPI in 2004), there were 53 members. That number slipped over time due to mergers and acquisition (M&A) among member companies. This is a dynamic phenomenon but it doesn’t impact our membership revenue since annual subscription fee is based on members’ sales turnover.
The pharmaceutical industry faces high risks because of the costly and lengthy R&D process for new drugs, which comes with a high chance of failure. According to a 2016 study by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the discovery of a new drug through to getting the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval takes 10 to 15 years and costs US$2.6 billion. Less than 12 per cent of these candidate medicines make it into a Phase One clinical trial approved by the FDA.
On the other hand, our associate member categories have become more diversified, attracting law firms, device companies, communications, researchers, PR firms and even local big companies. We hope they provide better services for our members, and understand us more through HKAPI (and the) platform (we provide) for training and exchange of best practices and experience.
Since HKAPI also focuses on intellectual property such as patents, members like Baker & McKenzie has helped us a lot on law-related discussions.
How competitive is Hong Kong’s pharmaceutical industry?
Last year we did a survey on Hong Kong’s clinical trial attractiveness and identified other countries like Singapore and South Korea that have already exceeded us, so we have to catch up. For example South Korea has a dedicated department – the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety – which takes a one-stop-shop approach to attract clinical trials. But this is not happening in Hong Kong yet. We have to apply for approval from ethics committees, negotiate with investigators and apply for procedures – all of which takes a longer time.
We have submitted proposals to the government to have a faster setup of clinical trials in Hong Kong.
Does HKAPI have a major annual conference that brings international pharmaceutical professionals together?
We seldom do but our members may work with different associations to hold theirs. We may also support related conferences.
For instance, the Pharmaceutical Society of Hong Kong will host the 2020 Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations Congress, drawing 2,200 delegates. HKAPI will definitely support it and details of our involvement are usually announced at a later stage.
Hong Kong has risen higher in status as a medical hub in Asia due to her high compliance with the code of practice. HKAPI has laid down standards for all medical conferences held in Hong Kong. We produce and distribute unbiased promotional leaflets and advertisements to prevent patients from being affected by inaccurate, outdated or missing information (regarding medicine). Also, we specify that medical conferences cannot take place in resorts where gaming opportunities are present.
HKAPI has a close working relationship with Meetings and Exhibition Hong Kong (MEHK). How does this partnership work?
MEHK has long been a super-connector for and a long-term supporter of HKAPI. We work across many facets and maintain a long-term partnership in elevating Hong Kong’s profile in the world’s pharmaceutical industry.
As MEHK extends its business network through HKAPI to bring even more pharmaceutical events to the city, HKAPI takes on the role of city ambassador.
And when HKAPI hosts its local events, MEHK conducts study missions to international association meetings and functions as a bridge to connect us with international association partners and event organisers for global exposure. MEHK’s efforts include securing speaker line-ups and opportunities for us to join industry networking events.
When MEHK organises study missions for association executives, I am often invited to speak about my experiences in running associations in Hong Kong and in Asia-Pacific.
As well, MEHK always helps to advise medical event organisers on compliance with our Code of Practice.
Is HKAPI affiliated with regional associations?
We are a member of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) since 1970 as well as a member of the steering committee of the Asia Partnership Conference of Pharmaceutical Associations (APAC) since its establishment in 2011.
Do these affiliations help HKAPI in connecting members with global peers or be involved in global activities?
I am myself a member of the working group and mentor of the three-day APEC Business Ethics for SME Forum since 2012. It’s tough from the outset as it was a small group of trainers and therefore required high involvement from members. My role varied every year, working with members and mentors and taking on speaking, training and facilitating responsibilities.
This year, the APEC Business Ethics for SME Forum was held in Japan and the theme was Promoting a Code of Ethics – Identifying the Relevant Stakeholders. I was a speaker at the opening and closing Japanese sessions and was also involved with mentor assignment and tables. I would say this was the most sustainable meeting I have (been part of), and I am so happy to see our group growing stronger with more members.
For years, we worked hard on promoting the Code of Practice and were rewarded by more Asian countries joining us. The Philippines issued an Administrative Order for the code in 2014. Recently, China Pharmaceutical Innovation and Research Development Association joined IFPMA and I flew to the capital and assisted it by reviewing its first draft of the code with other members.
What’s the biggest challenge in the work that you do for HKAPI?
It’s how to align different members’ demands and thinking (with our goals and activities). We have adopted various methods to obtain members’ thoughts, such having our CEO to meet with the general managers of member companies to seek their views. Prior to that, we conducted member surveys.
We adopt an evidence-based discussion approach and we carry out a lot of surveys and research. As such, coordination and support from members is vital.
When developing systems, I need to balance societal benefits with compliance clauses. I am fortunate to have the support of the Board of Directors. Our members treat me well too.
No matter how different the Board’s view is during discussion, we must unanimously align with the outcome.
I am also very proud of our high ethical standards and compliance to the Code of Practice. For years we have worked very hard on this for the industry because if one member were to breach the code, it would be a loss for the whole industry.
HKAPI marked its 50th anniversary in 2018. What’s your vision for the next 50 years?
We hope to help Hong Kong citizens expediently use innovative and effective healthcare solutions, and to continue to foster professional development to fuel industry growth.
Undoubtedly, our ongoing responsibility is to leverage the experience we gain from different places and multinational companies, and share best practices with our members to improve our medical system.
This is our dedication and explains why many position papers have been submitted over the last decade. One cannot imagine why a small office of six people would drive so many qualitative research and surveys. Some of these surveys are not one-off, rather they are questionnaires sent out regularly to monitor the effectiveness of a particular system.
Tell me more about HKAPI’s efforts on professional development.
HKAPI is a platform equipped with different forms of training for members because of good submission practice and good review practice. High ethical standard is our cornerstone.
We conduct systematic educational programmes such as a 22-week course for nominated medical representatives from member companies. We also conduct regulatory training programmes such as the one implemented with the University of Hong Kong (HKU). HKU students are welcome to participate for free to gain professional knowledge outside of their syllabus. As well, our ongoing Code of Practice workshop takes place at least once a year, drawing about 120 participants. All these are in addition to our patients’ workshops and trainer training sessions.
On the academic front, we support HKU and Macau University each year by staging a seminar to exchange intelligence on healthcare systems or special topics involving the two cities. Our seminar this year focused on public-private partnership in the healthcare system.
And finally, we have the Patient Empowerment Forum which is organised annually with the Hospital Authority and Hong Kong Alliance for Patient Organizations. It is now in its fifth year, and the 2018 edition covered topics like diabetes, medical device, digital device, medicine and home care. The event promotes exchange among stakeholders, academic members and even governments.
A champion for ethical standards
Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry, Sabrina Chan was with the External Affairs Department of i-CABLE Communications, tackling government relations, regulatory issues, corporate affairs, and the promotion of the company’s core products and services.
She co-founded the Telecommunications Research Project under the Centre of Asia Studies (University of Hong Kong, HKU), and was a journalist for various print and electronic media outlets.
Chan studied communications in Hong Kong when she began her tertiary education. She holds a graduate degree in International Studies from the University of Sheffield (UK), as well as law degrees from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and University of Tsinghua (China).
She is a member of the High Level Steering Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance and of the Business Facilitation Advisory Committee in Hong Kong.
Other career achievements include:
A close partnership with universities in the roles of Chair of Advisory Board of the HKU Bachelor of Pharmacy Programme, and as Adjunct Assistant Professor of CUHK School of Pharmacy
A long-time member of the Working Committee to develop strategies for promulgating Codes of Practice across APEC economies
A mentor with APEC and IFPMA programmes, where she shared best practices through training workshops and panel discussions at various forums attended by delegates from APEC member economies and biopharmaceutical sector experts
This article was first published in TTGassociations January 2019, a sister publication of TTGmice
Organisers of the 71st meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora Standing Committee have decided to shift the conference to Geneva, Switzerland, in the wake of the Easter Sunday bombings.
Originally planned for May 23 to June 3, CITES was postponed to September. But in a June 12 statement, CITES’ secretary-general Ivonne Higuero announced the decision to shift the conference to Geneva, and it will now run from August 16 to 28.
The UN wildlife conference is now headed for Geneva; leopard in the wild on the island of Sri Lanka
“This conclusion was reached after a consultation process with the CITES Standing Committee where they expressed security concerns; after careful consideration of the report of the mission of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security to Sri Lanka to assess the security situation on the ground; and after discussions with the Sri Lankan Government,” Higuero explained.
Sunil Dissanayake, director and CEO of Bandaranaike National Memorial Foundation – Sri Lanka’s biggest convention centre where the conference was to take place – confirmed the conference’s move to Geneva.
Dissanayake added that two weeks ago the UN Security Auditor was in Colombo on an inspection tour, visiting the venue as well as hotels, and said he was going to recommend that the summit could still take place in Sri Lanka.
“We offered new dates in September and the entire venue was booked for the event. But the UN committee has decided to shift the venue,” he said.
The wildlife conference was supposed to bring in 2,000 participants, and was viewed by stakeholders as a huge boost to its business events sector until the April 21 bombing shattered hopes.
Officials at Sri Lanka’s state-run Convention Bureau further shared there has been a pickup of 20-30 per cent occupancy in Colombo hotels this week which, when compared to almost zero occupancy in the days and weeks after the blast, was progress.
Shiromal Cooray, chairperson of Jetwing Hotels, said the cancellation of CITES was a blow to the industry just as travel advisories were being relaxed. Australia, India, China, the UK and Germany are among countries that have relaxed travel advisories.
Cooray said arrivals to the country are improving and that bookings, though slow, are trickling in for July and beyond. She believes the situation will further improve from December, but has braced herself for a 20 per cent dip in business compared to the same time last year.
Hong Kong protesters demonstrate against extradition bill
The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival, scheduled for June 14-16 at Central Harbourfront, appears to be the only event casualty from the disruptive protests held around the Central Government Complex in Admiralty and Wanchai areas.
The protests across several days were held in opposition of a controversial extradition law, with June 16’s drawing more than two million Hongkongers to the streets.
Hong Kong protesters demonstrate against extradition bill
Doris Lam, general manager of Momentous Asia Travel & Events Co, told TTGmice that she did not receive any event cancellation or postponement, and a conference on June 16 carried on as planned.
“Fortunately the conference took place in a hotel away from Wanchai (and) the gala dinner was held at a restaurant nearby. It turned out to be a smooth and good day for us (despite the protest that day),” remarked Lam.
MIMS (Hong Kong) was also not affected, shared head of CME and congress division, Sigourney Liu.
“We had no events last week, only a medical conference that is scheduled at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) next week,” Liu said.
But she noted with concern that “travellers’ confidence is shaken” now.
“Therefore, we have taken extra effort to have a contingency plan in case roads are blocked around affected areas. For instance, we will ask delegates to remain in their hotel and (have the presentations beamed to them through) live videos,” Liu said.
Cancellation of the event is “hard” at this late stage, she said, as guests have been invited and delegates have paid for hotel accommodation.
“We have had queries from delegates asking if it is risky to come, but I reassured them that Hong Kong is still a safe city. Our delegates are well-educated and trained doctors who are used to crises (so they are less panicky),” she added.
A Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) spokesperson maintains that the destination is still business as usual and tourist activities are not affected.
However, the spokesperson noted that “Admiralty is the major transportation hub and home to various hotels, shopping malls and attractions, so the large-scale demonstration in the area may cause inconvenience to visitors”.
She added: “HKTB will continue to closely monitor the development and keep trade partners and visitors informed of the latest information.”
Officers for a new term were elected at the recent World PCO Alliance annual general meeting during IMEX Frankfurt in Germany.
World PCO Alliance members at IMEX Frankfurt
Irish member Noel Mitchell of Keynote PCO is the Alliance’s new president, taking over from Gregg Talley of Talley Management Group; Nancy Tan of Singapore-based Ace:Daytons Direct is now vice president; and André Vietor of Spain’s Bco Congresos will serve as treasurer. These officers will serve two-year terms.
Founded in 2009, the World PCO Alliance provides leadership in meeting management through the delivery of streamlined and effective meetings around the globe. The organisation is comprised of 21 leading PCOs in the meetings industry from around the world.
Luxury hotel Conrad Bangkok has emerged from a major renovation that has given it new bragging rights in the Thai capital’s business events scene.
The hotel’s grand ballroom now houses what is said to be Bangkok’s first integrated modular LED wall. With panels measuring 35 metres in width and sitting on a 270-degree track, the LED wall is fully adaptable to planners’ requirements.
The Conrad Ballroom and its modular LED panels
As well, the space is equipped with professional stage lighting and individual table lighting – again, said to be the country’s newest standards in hotel meeting facilities.
Elsewhere, the hotel’s main entrance, lobby and guestrooms have also been upgraded. The lobby now sports a new design and offers seats with convenient power points, a feature modern, tech savvy travellers will appreciate.
Guestrooms are equipped with in-room lighting and temperature controls for more precise energy management, which is in line with the hotel’s 2030 sustainability goals.
General Manager Herman J Ehrlich, said the hotel is redefining the standards for business hotels in the city through its new infrastructure.
He believes that the hotel’s events hardware is complemented by “an unusual resort vibe offered through our extensive recreational facilities such as full-sized tennis courts, 36-metre long swimming pool, oversized Jacuzzi, dedicated and secure children playground, relaxation garden, eleven spa treatment rooms, and 600-metre fitness club with Yoga and Muay Thai studio”.
When asked for his outlook on business expectations, Ehrlich said Thailand’s presidency of ASEAN this year would attract a string of related meetings to Bangkok, securing a path of steady growth across a variety of business events.
He also credited Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau for its efforts in promoting the country for business gatherings and the presence of hotels with quality venues as reasons for Thailand’s continued success in attracting business events.
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
The five-star property excels in backing its expansive facilities with seamless service and personalised attention, setting the benchmark for luxury in Bangkok.
