A spectacular fireworks display over Sydney Harbour’s Goat Island was the culmination of a five-day familiarisation visit, from May 26 to 30, for 21 corporate clients, travel agents and media from China, India, Japan and Taiwan, as part of Business Events Sydney’s (BESydney) 50th anniversary year.
According to BESydney CEO, Lyn Lewis-Smith, incentive gatherings and corporate meetings from Asia now make up half of the bureau’s business event wins each year, more than doubling over the past decade.
“We were one of the first Australian convention bureaus to commit to the Asian market, and those longstanding ties have given us a great foundation to continue to grow,” said Lewis-Smith.
Hai Au Aviation, the provider of Vietnam’s first and only seaplane experiences, has commenced a new Danang-Hue route that includes a scenic aerial tour of the latter UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Scenic flights over Danang and Hue are available
The daily 40-minute flight is operated between Danang International Airport and Phu Bai International Airport, and allows passengers to also book scenic flights over Danang’s famed Son Tra Peninsula and its 30km-long coastline as well as Hue’s Citadel, Imperial Enclosure, and coastal lagoons.
The aircraft used for this route is the 12-passenger Cessna Grand Caravan 208B-EX, one of the industry’s safest, most powerful single-engine airplanes.
Avani Hotels & Resorts has appointed Javier Pardo as vice president of operations.
In his new role, Pardo will oversee the operational and financial performance for the brand, and will also lead new brand initiatives.
Based in the company’s regional office in Bangkok, Pardo will report directly to Robert Kunkler, COO of Minor Hotels.
Pardo brings almost two decades of hospitality experience across Europe to the table, with his last posting being director of operations and commercial director for the NH Hotel Group.
A refreshing experience beckons at Singapore’s resort destination for vacations, events, and staycations. This new Village Hotel at Sentosa offers a welcome getaway from the city’s bustle.
Village Hotel at Sentosa opens its doors to families, as well as leisure and meeting groups, a unique island experience.
Located at the heart of Sentosa, the new hotels are well connected to the attractions on the island as well as within close proximity to the key locations on Singapore mainland.
2 minutes’ walk from Imbiah Monorail Station
10 minutes from Singapore’s Cable Car Sky Network
15 minutes from Singapore’s Central Business District, major shopping areas and attractions including Gardens by the Bay and Trick Eye Museum
Village Hotels at Sentosa offers the perfect experience for leisure and business groups. The 606-room hotel perfectly captures all Sentosa’s Sun, sand and sea in its modern architecture and the décor in sun-washed hues of nature by the sea. A unique recreation experience also awaits within the hotel. The pool deck located on the 3rd level of the hotel offers 4 themed pool experiences. From the Children’s Play Pool with its water slides and water features to the Adventure Pool, drift away through the Amazonian jungle along the Lazy River Pool to the breath-taking Pamukkale Pool with its picturesque sea view. The hotel also offers on delighting the guests with activities and entertainment for all ages – Aqua Zumba classes, balloon sculpting and sand castle building at Palawan Beach. You are literally transported into a world of endless fun at the hotel.
Not forgetting the thematic gardens, and outdoor spaces for rest, recreation or even intimate events. Mix business with pleasure when you book a space with us. After your event, retreat to our Pamukkale Pool which comes with a view and bar – perfect for drinks and networking.
Holding large-scale celebrations and meetings for up to 360 people are possible too at The Commune within Village Hotel at Sentosa. The Commune is a welcoming space with large windows that overlook the Heritage Courtyard. Its flexible and spacious area makes it ideal for big conferences and events.
Cosy and more intimate events are not forgotten as they can be held at the Revelry Hall in Events Centre which is ideal for celebrations and social events.
Exclusively catering to adults, The Outpost Hotel has 193 guest rooms with contemporary industrial aesthetics and clean crisp lines inspired by black-and-white design. Offering personalised services and amenities, the hotel is built for adults and couples seeking exclusivity. Room amenities include toiletries kit by Australian beauty brand APPELLES Apothecary & Lab, pillow mist kit for turn down service, and customized complimentary mini bars from a selection of wine, liquor, chocolates, and gluten-free snacks. The Outpost Hotel soft opened since 1 April and its full experience will be available from 1 July 2019.
Housed in a designated conserved building, the 40 luxurious guest rooms and suites of The Barracks Hotel are decorated with old-world sophistication and elegance will suit your most prestigious guests. On the ground floor, rooms offer direct access to the private pool and jacuzzi. The Barracks Hotel will open in Q3 of 2019.
At our new hotels in Sentosa, there will always be something for everyone.
Take your guests out of the city and transport them to Sentosa’s new getaway – where you can find meeting venues and event spaces filled with sunshine & sea breeze. Start planning your one-of-a-kind event with us. Email sales.sentosa@fareast.com.sg
The Swiss hotelier has three decades worth of management experience under his belt, and is one of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts’ longest-serving executives, having spent more than 15 years with the group.
Huber joined Mövenpick in 2003 as general manager of Mövenpick Resort El Quseir Red Sea in Egypt, and went on to manage a series of Mövenpick properties across the Middle East and Asia Pacific. He also served as the group’s vice president operations – Asia.
Most recently, Huber was general manager of Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh and director of operations for Vietnam.
Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) unveiled a new support programme – Privilege Penang – to benefit meetings, conferences and incentives.
Privilege Penang benefits are offered in tiers to suit different event sizes. Benefits range from the hosting of welcome receptions with local delicacies to half-day guided tours. Privilege Penang’s support packages are worth up to €20,000 (US$22,306) for events hosted in the Malaysian city.
These programmes aims to further entice organisers to host their business events in Penang (pictured)
To add greater value to Privilege Penang, PCEB has also collaborated with its airline partner Malaysia Airlines. Qualifying events can enjoy benefits such as having Malaysia Airlines as the official airline for their events, discounted rates for site inspection trips, hosting of speakers and buyers, special rates for Malaysia Airlines’ inflight advertising platform, and more.
Penang successfully hosted over 200 international meetings with 106,265 delegates from across the globe in 2018. The city has a convention capacity of 30,000 and 14,389 rated hotel rooms.
The management shakeup at 62-year-old Lotus Tours came earlier than expected after Corporate Travel Management (CTM) acquired a majority stake in Hong Kong-based Lotus Travel Group Limited in a deal worth HKD$300 million (US$38.2 million).
Following its official integration into CTM starting October 2, 2018 came the departure of a number of key management team staff like managing director and COO, Ken Ng, chief e-commerce officer Keller Mak and general manager Joseph Lam early this year.
A screenshot from the Lotus Tours website
A source said former Lotus Tours owner Patrick Kong had indicated the importance of succession in senior management to ensure a smooth transition in the first year, but this did not go according to plan.
A wave of resignations followed the exit of Lam. His departure was also said to have resulted in Lotus losing its status as international representative (IR) of Celebrity Cruises.
Last month, the cruise line announced the appointment of Jebsen Holidays as its IR for bookings departing from August 1, 2019. The Celebrity Cruises-dedicated team at Jebsen is led by Lam, who has been named general manager.
Still, CTM Asia, CEO, Larry Lo said the staff turnover was lower than expected given the change in business direction and management. “A lot of measures were implemented to strengthen staff communications and stabilise sentiment.” Examples include improving staff benefits and organising on-site and off-site teambuilding exercises.
Last March, CTM Asia managed to put all brands under one roof by relocating its office from Kwun Tong to Tsuen Wan. Taking up three zones, each sized at 1,858m2, both Lotus and CTM are sharing the whole floor of 18/F while Westminster Travel occupies half the floor space on 19/F.
In order to minimise confusion, all 300 corporate travel team members from TMC brands such as TLX, Westminster and Lotus Tours are now centralised within a team under CTM.
Meanwhile, Westminster and Lotus MICE divisions have been consolidated under a new team and rebranded as ETM (Events Travel Management). The original TLX MICE will now operate under the CTM brand and primarily focus on a handful of long-term repeat and niche customers.
Bogged down by the rise of OTAs, diminishing profit margins, escalating rent and labour costs, the majority of traditional travel agency brands have in recent years sold their stake to conglomerates. Hong Thai and Sunflower Travel Service were acquired by HNA Group while Wing On Travel is now part of Ctrip.
So far, only a handful of major family businesses in Hong Kong’s travel agency sector still operate on their own. They are Jetour, Miramar, Charming and Goldjoy Holidays.
The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland will be operating as a carbon neutral venue, said to be the only one of its kind in Asia-Pacific, when construction is complete come 2020.
The NZICC is part of a SkyCity Entertainment Group precinct which comprises three hotels, award-winning restaurants, the Sky Tower and the soon-to-open Weta Workshop and All Blacks Experience.
NZICC has reiterated its ethos in being carbon neutral
NZICC’s carbon neutral goal is achieved by a new internal carbon levy on all emissions, which will then be used to offset both the venue’s carbon footprint, and fund investments in green projects in the wider organisation to help further reduce emissions.
Callum Mallet, NZICC’s general manager said: “As the largest convention centre to be built in New Zealand and being positioned to be New Zealand’s meeting place for the world, we have a responsibility to embrace sustainable business practices and deliver an authentic experience showcasing our innovative business approach.”
He added: “The NZICC is committed, through construction and operations, to not only ensure we deliver the most favourable experience for delegates, and to lead the way in the protection of our environment, as climate change is recognised as one of the biggest risk facing the planet. We are also committed to meeting the needs and expectations of the global business events community.”
The NZICC has also adopted a sustainability management plan and will participate in globally-recognised, independent verification programmes, including the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s (LEED) Green Building Rating System. The NZICC aims to achieve a certified status following the assessment of the sustainable nature by which the NZICC has been designed, built and delivered.
Through membership with the International Association of Convention Centres, NZICC aims to achieve and maintain a gold standard in the Quality Standards Programme, which identifies and independently evaluates 10 key areas of convention centre performance, including – customer service, quality of facilities and operations, employee relations, health, safety, security and emergency response, financial integrity, community relations, environmental responsibility, industry relations and supplier relations. A gold standard rating would illustrate the very highest level of performance by global standards.
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in the Philippines is gaining a windfall from the booming meetings and conventions sector, due to the lack of large-scale convention centres in the destination.
Anders Hallden, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino’s general manager, shared with TTGmice on the sidelines of the recent PATA Annual Summit 2019 in Cebu City that the hotel’s rooms are “already fully booked for June” and that “this year is looking extremely strong for MICE”.
Hallden: MICE business for the Waterfront hotel has been growing year-on-year due to its suitable size of large meetings
“We see record-breaking (performance) every year in both rooms and MICE,” said Hallden, adding that the business events and F&B sectors jointly account for 50 per cent of the hotel’s business, with rooms accounting for the other half.
Boasting the largest business events facilities among hotels in Cebu, no other hotel comes close to the property’s 10,000m2 of event space across 15 function rooms and two ballrooms – which can hold up to 7,500 pax. There are also 561 keys, as well as 10 F&B outlets among the facilities.
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino’s edge also comes into play, given that the city has no proper convention centre. The construction of SMX Convention Center Cebu, scheduled for an end-2017 opening, has stalled for several years now due to issues with the local government.
To improve its competitiveness and in anticipation of growing domestic and foreign arrivals to Cebu, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino – part of a homegrown brand that also has hotels in Mactan in Cebu, Davao and Manila – is gradually renovating its facilities, starting off with the banquet areas in January, followed by rooms.
“We’ll take it step by step because I have lots of business in my books and I don’t want to interrupt them,” Hallden said.
Hallden attributed the booming business events sector to Cebu’s new international airport terminal which opened last year and brought about more direct international flights, improvements in road, the opening of new hotels like the Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu, and very strong interest in Cebu; the city was ranked the 25th Best Destination in Asia by TripAdvisor.
Pacific World has released a report which revealed the company’s choice of emerging destinations for 2019 at IMEX Frankfurt, which companies can use as a tool when considering their next meeting or incentive travel location.
“We all know what’s possible today, but what are the places that are rising in popularity; destinations who have invested in developing capacities catering to the business events industry?” said Selina Sinclair, global managing director of Pacific World.
“Incentive travel today is multigenerational. Exploration, uniqueness, authenticity and traveling outside of comfort zones are key factors for creating effective and engaging meetings and incentives programmes. As we look ahead and consider the next generation of audiences, we take into consideration things like Instagram-ability, authentic engagement opportunities and access to undiscovered experiences,” she added.
As such, Pacific World’s research links between upcoming government investments in infrastructure, appetite from corporations for exploring under-explored destinations, and selection of event venues that facilitate deeper engagement that would lead to driving stronger business results.
Aix-en-Provence (its Place des cardeurs pictured) is one of Pacific World’s top destinations for 2019
Emerging destinations Selected by Pacific World for 2019
Several elements factor into Pacific World’s assessment for determining the potential for a destination: what are the government’s plans to improve or enhance accessibility, hotel and venue infrastructure? Does it have interesting and eclectic venue options that could be opened up for MICE groups? Are there opportunities for engagement and interactions with local industry and communities to create meaningful content?
All these and more are analysed when considering what are the next emerging destinations or destinations to look out for.
Aix-en-Provence, France
A picture-perfect city in the south of France that was the inspiration for much of Paul Cezanne’s paintings, Aix-en-Provence is a great choice for corporate retreats and intimate groups. The city is stylish and vibrant, and is known for exceptional cuisine, chateaux, chapels and beautiful historic buildings – a perfect formula for delivering engaging experiences.
Aix-en-Provence offers alluring venues, like the Le Carrieres de Lumieres (Quarries of Lights) located near the village of Baux-de-Provence, a temporary art exhibition projecting works of art onto stone walls, the Caumont Museum, and curated experiences like a Catamaran sail around the breathtaking Calanques cliffs. Additionally, Aix-en-Provence offers access to many charming, little-known villages where attendees can discover the real soul of the South of France and have meaningful interactions with the locals. The city also offers convenient access to Cannes, Nice and Saint-Tropez.
Valencia, Spain
According to Pacific World’s 2019 Most In-Demand Destinations Report, Valencia is the third most visited destination in Spain and one of the top four most demanded destinations worldwide. Valencia is gaining in popularity as visitors discover it as an alternative to Barcelona and Madrid. Over the past three years, international arrivals to Valencia have increased by 47.5%.
Valencia should be on the radar for companies planning future meeting and incentive travel programs given its strong incentive travel infrastructure that is supported by nearly 5,000 hotel rooms, making it easy to manage a sizeable group around the city.
Known for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia is also a gastronomic and culture hub where incentive groups can immerse in the Spanish lifestyle and enjoy distinctive event venues. Valencia offers remarkable potential for curated experiences, such as the Rooftop Gastronomic Experience, an exclusive dinner party on one of the city’s many rooftop spaces, or a tour of the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia opera house, one of the most celebrated buildings in the world.
Qingdao, China
One of the top 10 most modern and economically successful cities in the world, Qingdao has become one of the most active MICE areas in China.
With the seventh largest seaport in the world, Qingdao has lots to offer for businesses considering future travel programmes. Qingdao offers extraordinary curated experiences, such as the Taoism Experience, which teaches guests about Taoism while they enjoy stunning views at Mount Lao, China’s largest coastal mountain range. Food enthusiasts will enjoy the Qingdao Dumplings Experience, which teaches visitors how to make the famous Jiaozi dumplings.
Qingdao also features impressive event spaces including the Qingdao Beer Museum, a world-famous brewing and manufacturing enterprise, and the new Lalu Qingdao China, an exquisite five-star property with stunning sea views, private beach area and outstanding seafood.
Destinations to look out for in 2020 and beyond
Pacific World has also compiled a list of destinations to look out for; locations that will develop further over the next few years to become more popular in the meetings and incentives industry.
Incheon, South Korea
The third largest city in South Korea, Incheon offers world class conference centers and hotels and is easily accessible with daily international flights to Incheon Airport. Incheon features the second largest harbour in South Korea and remnants of the Japanese Colonial period buildings.
Songdo, the newer part of the city, has been developed since early 2000 and is famous for its futuristic architecture and eco-friendly designs, including ample green space and a push to eliminate cars. Venues like the Songdo Convensia make Songdo the perfect location for large groups.
Inle Lake, Myanmar
Surrounded by small fishing villages and the Shan Mountains, Inle Lake is rich in culture and tradition. The city has worked to protect the lake, environment and local culture. The natural, slow pace of life makes Inle Lake the ideal destination for relaxing meditation and wellness retreats. Inle Lake is easily accessible at just 41km from Heho Airport in Yangon.
Gujarat, India
The former home to Mahatma Gandhi, Gujarat is an historic coastal town and spiritual destination where visitors can experience a variety of rituals, cuisines, festivals and celebrations. Gujarat features extraordinarily diverse topography ranging from deep green dense forests to stark white salt plains. Ahmedabad, the capital, is home to international hotels and venues, including The Arena by TransStadia. Gujarat is accessible via Ahmedabad International Airport.
Liverpool, UK
Located on a beautiful waterfront, Liverpool is an informal conference destination with impressive sporting, musical, historic and artistic cultural offerings. Liverpool is an affordable alternative to London with many exceptional event venues such as The Titanic Rum House, which beautiful views of the waterfront, and the Liverpool Cathedral, an historic venue ideal for awards presentations or galas. Liverpool is accessible from 220 flight locations worldwide, and rail from London is just two hours.
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.
