MICE momentum builds in Shanghai

May 14, 2019

Bottom-view-of-the-Pudong-New-District-of-Shanghai-(Efired)-shutterstock_520792795_CMYK — View of the Pudong new district of Shanghai

Shanghai’s ability to remain fresh and exciting, with the continuous addition of new infrastructure and attractions for business events, has earned the city a strong business events reputation.

According to CWT Meetings & Events, it holds the top spot among the top 10 cities in Asia-Pacific in 2019, and industry members are upbeat the city will continue to do well.

View of the Pudong new district of Shanghai

Violet Wang, destination manager, Pacific World China, commented: “We have 200 airports in total in China, while another 240 are being planned or are under construction for completion before 2022, which means air capacity could double over the next three years. Ongoing projects include Terminal 3 of Pudong International Airport, and this will definitely benefit the future of international events.”

Wang added Shanghai’s safety factor, booming business environment – including surrounding areas like Suzhou, Taicang and Hangzhou – good hotel and conference infrastructure, as well as increasing numbers of professionals, all make the city attractive for corporate and association meetings and incentives.

“Business is definitely increasing, at least for our company. Our event volume nearly doubled in the past year and will continue to increase,” she said.

The growth potential for business events in Shanghai saw international carrier Delta Air Lines launching a non-stop daily service between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in 2018, linking China’s business centre and the American carrier’s US hub, which offers more than 1,000 departures a day.

Wong Hong, president, Delta, Greater China and Singapore, said the new service complements Delta’s existing direct flights between Shanghai and Detroit, Seattle and Los Angeles, providing the city with non-stop service to and from four US gateways.

For Shanghai-based Sam Braybon, director of The Bespoke Travel Company, the opening of Shanghai Edition hotel with nine different F&B venues, the revival of Columbia Circle – an historical area with good event potential – and the reopening of the Shanghai History Museum with a 9,800m² exhibition area home to around 1,100 artefacts – are giving DMCs and meeting planners new options.

He added Shanghai’s varied dining and restaurant scene, which caters to differing budgets, has given rise to food-related activities being “super popular”.

“Our company is just about to launch a new cooking class in a French Concession villa,” he shared.

Other new ideas for activities that might appeal to international meeting participants include an art tour of the city’s best galleries with an art industry insider or, a jog through new and super cool paths in the South Bund area, he added.

On the city’s outlook, Braybon said: “We forecast growth of about five to 10 per cent for Shanghai in 2019, as there are a lot of good opportunities since many companies continue to be curious about China’s rapid evolution.”

Demand for Shanghai last year was high with room rates rising despite the increase in hotel inventory, and market sentiment for 2019 continues to be buoyant.

Julien Delerue, founder and CEO, 1000meetings, an RFP technology platform with a database of hotels in China spanning the past 10 years, said: “For the last two years, the average five-star room rate was around RMB1,000 (US$146). Now the rate ranges between RMB1,300 and RMB1,500 during peak periods,” Delerue commented.

But meeting planners considering Shanghai also have access to less-expensive options, and Delerue pointed out Shanghai also offers plenty of four-star and lower-category room options below RMB1,000.

Kin Qin, deputy general manager, Century Holiday International Travel Group, is also upbeat about Shanghai. He commented: “There are certainly a lot of air access choices to Shanghai, and the supply of new hotels has been increasing over the last two years.

“With the continued increase in air capacity and hotel inventory, Shanghai continues to be a popular destination, and its image will also get stronger.”

A star is born

By Tiara Maharani

May 9, 2019

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ICE-BSD-night-aerial-1 — Indonesia Convention Exhibition

South Tangerang (Tangerang Selatan), which lies on the south-western border of Jakarta, is gearing up to become a major player on the global business events destination stage, as more events and new developments arrive in the city.

In 2015, Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), the largest convention and exhibition centre in the country, opened with 220,000m² of events space in South Tangerang’s Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) area.

An aerial view of Indonesia Convention Exhibition

Since then, the number of events in Banten province – which includes South Tangerang – has been on the rise.

According to the Indonesian Exhibition Companies Association (IECA), only 15 events were held in Banten province in 2016. That number doubled to 33 events in 2017, and rose further to 58 events in 2018.

“Of the 58 events, 80 per cent were held in South Tangerang. This shows that Banten’s MICE activities are centred in South Tangerang,” Deden Sunandar, IECA’s Banten chapter chairman said. “Events have not only increased in quantity, but also in quality.

“Before ICE opened, most events in Banten were only on a local scale. Now more than 50 per cent of events are international,” he added.

Irvan Mahidin, vice chairman of Indonesia Event Industry Council (IVENDO), said organisers are starting to consider South Tangerang because it is closer to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Exhibitors can easily transport goods from the airport or seaport to the exhibition hall.

“The local government is very cooperative in helping organisers – from immigration, customs to taxation. Organisers are truly spoilt in South Tangerang,” Mahidin noted.

However, conveniences such as these have not yet attracted Chinese organisers to South Tangerang. One of the main reasons, said Mahidin, is because most people only think about the capital city of Jakarta. As the largest metropolitan city in Indonesia, Jakarta is still more attractive than South Tangerang.

That is why ICE is very focused on promotions and has been proactively participating in tradeshows and conducting roadshows, Ryan Adrian, president director of Indonesia International Expo (which owns ICE), said.

Adrian added: “Over the past three years, ICE’s business has grown 30 per cent. However, the number of international events held at ICE remains relatively low. We want to increase international events, and one way to do that is to attract the Chinese market.”

The largest Chinese event held at ICE thus far, in October 2017, was the 19^thTeoChew International Federation Convention with 5,000 participants.

“Several exhibitions from China have been held in South Tangerang. The scale is still small, but every year it always gets bigger,” Adrian shared.

For 2019, Mahidin has targeted the Chinese market, and aims to grow it by 40 per cent.

“There are still many sectors that have not been worked on, and we have not yet explored many Chinese regions. Currently, most events come from Hong Kong, Beijing, and Guangzhou,” Mahidin said.

The potential for growth in South Tangerang has inspired Alcor Prime – which oversees The Kasablanka Hall, Upperroom, and Bekasi Convention Center – to open a multipurpose venue in Alam Sutera, Banten province. This new 10,000m² venue, expected to open in December 2019, will feature a 6,000m² grand ballroom and another 1,000m² ballroom that can be divided into six breakout rooms.

Jim Tehusijarana, director of Alcor MICE, noted that the demand for event space by corporates in the area were relatively high. As such, Alcor MICE were “targeting corporate and community events”.

Tehusijarana added: “At Tangerang, companies need space to exhibit their products on a small scale. At ICE, the space is too big for them. We want to bridge that gap by providing medium-scale spaces that are also flexible for large events.”

With continued infrastructure growth and strong commitment from the local government, the future of South Tangerang’s business events industry is bright. And if this growth continues over the next five years, industry players say the city could well rival Jakarta as the centre for business events in Indonesia.

Watch that space – part 2

By TTGmice

May 9, 2019

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Cambodia

Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh
Following hot on the heels of Courtyard by Marriott’s first Cambodian outing in Siem Reap, a sister property opened in Phnom Penh in January.

The long-awaited international brand’s appearance in Phnom Penh is appealing to business travellers seeking globally renowned hotels, which are scarce in the capital. It has two meeting rooms catering for up to 48 pax, as well as outdoor function spaces, including a rooftop swimming pool area, deck and rooftop bar offering views of the city. An Executive Club Lounge overlooks the Mekong River and features its own private meeting room space.

TTC Hotel Premium – Angkor
Building on Siem Reap’s growing collection of properties geared towards business events, TTC Hotel Premium-Angkor has been hosting regional events since opening in May 2018.

It boasts an intricately designed conference hall and accompanying facilities in Khmer style that contain five flexible spaces, depending on the event or meeting. At full capacity, the largest space – the theatre – houses up to 200 pax, with a cocktail or banquet setting hosting 100 pax across 10 round tables. Outdoor events and cocktail evenings can also be arranged around the pool.

– Marissa Carruthers

Indonesia

The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Standing atop the cliff of Nusa Dua, with views of the Indian Ocean and tropical gardens, The Apurva Kempinski Bali features 475 luxurious guestrooms, suites and villas.

The resort is designed for meetings, where the Candi Ballroom offers ocean views and 1,076m² of pillar-free space; while the smaller Ocean View Grand Ballroom and Cliff Boardroom bask in abundant natural light overlooking the beach; and a spacious 2,200m² oceanfront lawn is a unique outdoor venue for gatherings and events.

The property also offers unique, bespoke experiences for groups who are looking for outdoor and cultural interactions. Customised experiences on offer include classes in Balinese dress and cooking, a temple ceremony, or yoga on the beach.

JHL Solitaire Gading Serpong
This 144-room property is the first five-star hotel in the Gading Serpong area in South Tangerang, West Jakarta. It stands approximately 10 minutes away from the Indonesia Convention Exhibition.

Located on the top floor of the hotel, the pillar-free Sky Ballroom can accommodate up to 800 people theatre-style, and offers a 180-degree view of the city.

The hotel also features seven meeting rooms, including the Sky Garden Room. Other indoor venues can accommodate up to 20 pax theatre-style and when combined with the open-air garden, the space can host up to 80 people for standing receptions or product launches.
For a casual corporate dinner party, the Empress Chinese Bar near the swimming pool is a great outdoor venue for up to 150 people. The hotel’s all-day dining venue, Mangan Restaurant, is also available for event buyouts.

– Mimi Hudoyo

Laos

Pullman Luang Prabang
As Laos starts to tap into the business events market, new hotels are ensuring their properties are ready to cater to business guests, and Pullman Luang Prabang is leading the way.

Opened in July 2018, it is the first of its kind in a town known more for its cultural heritage than convention halls and meetings spaces.

Set around landscaped tropical gardens, babbling brooks and ponds, the conference centre comprises five flexible meeting rooms, a breakout room, al fresco area and day-lit ballroom. For intimate events, the two-bedroom suite hosts up to 50 guests next to the private pool, or 12 for a board meeting.

– Marissa Carruthers

Malaysia

W Kuala Lumpur
Perfectly situated in the city centre, the 150-key W Kuala Lumpur overlooks the Twin Towers. One of its most distinct design features is the pixel or dot, which is integrated throughout the hotel and symbolises a multicultural Malaysia.

All of the guestrooms feature a mix of the city’s heritage and modernity with indigenous “Wau” tassels and pixelated recreations of batik designs.

For events, W Kuala Lumpur offers 1,475m² of meetings space and unique setups with beanbags and sofas. Even non-traditional meeting spaces such as a bar or suite can be transformed for small gatherings.

Attendees can break the mould in a bold conference space, or host a celebration in the Great Room, which can cater for 700 people and features an impressive, 11-meter-high HD LED wall.

After a day of meetings, guests who want to explore the city can approach a W Insider, who recommends places and crafts itineraries.

Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur
Organisers looking to get away from crowds may consider the 55-room Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur.

Occupying the top seven floors of the Banyan Tree Signatures Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Building, the hotel boasts stunning views of the Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Tower.

Rooms and suites here start from 51m² and go up to 200m². For events, Banyan Tree offers three fully equipped boardrooms to hold meetings for up to 16 people each. The property’s two restaurants are versatile and can be used for private functions.

With Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park and Kuala Lumpur Eco Park within easy walking distance, organisers can also incorporate recreational activities in the evenings after a day of heavy discussions, or delegates can also make use of the spa. Best of all, the entire property can be bought out by meeting planners.

– S Puvaneswary

Myanmar

Rosewood Yangon
Rosewood Yangon marks the brand’s first outing in Myanmar and seventh in Asia.

Located in the city’s historic core on The Strand, Rosewood Yangon is housed in a heritage 1927 building – originally the New Law Courts – that has been lovingly restored inside and out.

The 205-key property boasts five dining venues, a spa, rooftop infinity pool and a fitness studio. Meeting and function facilities include a Ballroom, Heritage Salon, Bridal Suite, Event Studio, three meeting rooms, and a Terrace Suite boasting a large outdoor deck.

Awei Metta Yangon
Since its opening last December, Awei Metta has proved a popular Yangon venue for business events.

Located in the leafy western suburbs, halfway between the international airport and downtown Yangon, the modern 46-key resort overlooks the Gary Player-designed Pun Hlaing Golf Club. It features a 315m² ballroom, which acts as a conference room and can seat up to 250 people. There are an additional two meeting rooms, for up to 20.

Other amenities include a small business centre, restaurant, lobby lounge and bar, cigar room, fitness centre, spa, swimming pool and tennis courts.

– Marissa Carruthers

Philippines

Grand Hyatt Manila
This new hotel set within the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig literally takes luxury to new heights. Taking full advantage of the building’s height – at 318 meters or 62 storeys, the tallest in the Philippines – the hotel occupies the top floors above luxe residences and commercial areas.

All of the 461 spacious rooms feature unobstructed views of the metro’s skyline. Meanwhile, business events venues also dazzle with the latest technology, modern equipment, and luxe decor including the pillar-free jewelry-box inspired Grand Ballroom that features a show kitchen facility.

– Rosa Ocampo

Vietnam

Wyndham Legend Halong Bay
As an increasing amount of investment is ploughed into Quang Ninh province, hopes are being pinned on Halong City becoming a hot regional business destination, where Wyndham is one of the latest hotels to open.

The 217-key property, which boasts views across iconic Halong Bay, has recruited a top team of event planners to help organise all kinds of business meetings. The hotel boasts more than 3,000m² of space spread across six rooms. Guests who book an executive suite receive access to the hotel’s exclusive club lounge.

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort
Since opening its doors in June 2018, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort’s impressive meeting facilities have helped cement the rising island as one of Vietnam’s major business events players.

The resort’s conference centre features more than 2,300m² of indoor events space, including an 870m² pillarless ballroom that can host up to 600 pax and theatre for up to 130 pax. Outdoor offerings include the Beachfront Garden, poolside and Lava Beachfront. The resort is also home to INK 360 – the island’s highest rooftop bar – and boasts a teambuilding programme.

– Marissa Carruthers

MITEC takes large steps towards a sustainable MICE future

By S Puvaneswary

May 8, 2019

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MITEC_-_03 — MITEC pushes the green envelope; aims to reduce its environmental impact and drive sustainability

The Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), the country’s largest exhibition venue, is advocating “green” exhibitions to reduce its environment impact and drive sustainability, and is walking the talk by incentivising event planners and partners.

For instance, MITEC will extend a discount to exhibition organisers and partners should they use biodegradable products at their exhibitions. This is also in line with the the centre’s aim to move progressively towards 100 per cent biodegradable cleaning chemicals for the cleaning of toilets, carpets, glass and floors.

MITEC pushes the green envelope; aims to reduce its environmental impact and drive sustainability

MITEC’s CEO Gunther Beissel said: “Most stakeholders have a personal interest in reducing the environmental impact of their events. Although they increasingly view green issues as adding value to their brand, they also fear it will add additional expenses, time and resources.”

Beissel shared that the centre recently is pushing for a paperless communication method between the centre and its clients and partners, as well as deliver a new level of convenience, through its recently launched event management and coordination platform.

In addition, the venue is investing in an e-event evaluation and feedback digital platform for a seamless and paperless Client Experience Management, which will launch in 2H2019. The culinary team at MITEC has also recently unveiled the use of bio-degradable crockery and cutlery for conference lunches.

At the end of last year, the centre launched #myWorld Programme which supported the development and implementation of minimum standards for sustainable events and exhibitions. The #myWorld Programme encouraged stakeholders to be involved with the venue’s aim to work towards a better planet by reducing their environmental footprint when exhibiting or organising an event.

As a venue provider, MITEC has been awarded with a temporary Green Building Index certificate and is enroute to receive a full certification. The centre is also committed to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Sabre survey reveals trends shaping booking behaviour in APAC

By TTGmice

May 8, 2019

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As economic growth continues to sweep across the Asia-Pacific, more and more companies are expecting their corporate travel managers to contribute to their business success by asking them to look for door-to-door travel booking solutions, demanding expense integration, and to identify cost saving opportunities.

This was revealed in aSabre Corporate Travel Survey that compiled insight from over 70 corporate travel management companies (TMCs) from across the region.

Corporate travel is on the rise in the region, but people are doing it differently

Almost seven in 10 (65%) respondents admit they are asked to identify cost savings, and this cost-conscious approach is encouraging travel managers to find new ways to minimise spending. While premium economy continues to gain ground in the region, one travel manager in three has recorded an increase of close to 5% in premium economy bookings over the last year.

As travel-related expenses become a central consideration for companies, the survey also reveals that downgrades, shifting reservations from business to economy class, account for close to 40% of their bookings. What’s more, almost one in four have identified a significant increase in their low-cost carrier (LCC) share of volume.

The survey also reveals that 32% of respondents expect solutions that enable mobile booking capacities will become mainstream within the next two years, but only 10% believe that virtual payment solutions will gain widespread acceptance – an unfortunate conclusion, as virtual payments are a tremendous asset for corporate travel management companies looking to optimise their reporting capabilities through rich data capturing, and help to better manage revenue.

Finally, the Sabre Corporate Travel Survey also revealed that robust travel policies and better visibility of the total cost of trips are anticipated to become much more important in the next two years. Travel policy compliance remains an important cause for concern, with 76% of respondents indicating that travellers are using online consumer sites offering lower fares and rates to shop for their travel.

Walking the talk

By Industry Expert

May 8, 2019

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photo_1 — The Local Hosts of some of the 10 conventions pose with their student ‘escorts’ during the launch of Chumbaka Junior Innovate Fund

Many of the world’s corporate citizens and organisations incorporate an element of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their event programmes as their giving-back to society. Besides building a positive business reputation, better brand recognition (and increased sales), such programmes also help enhance their team members’ loyalty while cementing interpersonal bonds.

In my last Perspectives opinion piece, I shared how two organisations – the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Tourism Promotion Board Philippines – used meetings and conventions as their conduit to CSR.

The Local Hosts of some of the 10 conventions pose with their student ‘escorts’ during the launch of Chumbaka Junior Innovate Fund

I was recently delighted to be part of similar efforts closer to home.

The Sarawak Convention Bureau (Sarawak CB, also known as Business Events Sarawak) has hit on an effective and meaningful way to build CSR into 10 national and international conventions that will take place in the state of Sarawak this year. As part of a research project which covers these 10 conventions, the participants, local host committees and also the HQ organisations (where applicable) will be surveyed.

For every completed questionnaire, Sarawak CB will donate US$1 to the Chumbaka Junior Innovate Fund. This Fund is a home-grown effort targeted at rural schools in Sarawak with the goal of introducing these students to the world of digital technology. It is hoped that by the end of the campaign, enough funds would have been raised to purchase some 70 digital learning kits for these schools.

The chairman of Sarawak CB, Muhammad Leo Toyad Abdullah, said: “We want to emphasise the importance of business events as the driver that accelerates change in Sarawak. Our latest initiative will power the Children of Today, for Tomorrow.”

Echoing his sentiments, Sarawak’s minister of education, science and technological research Michael Manyin Jawong, who was also present at the Launch of the Chumbaka Innovate Fund in a school just outside Kuching, reiterated that his ministry will continue to actively pursue the impacts from this legacy so that Sarawak can be a role model leader in education and research.

The 10 selected conventions for this CSR project are 8th International Conference on Bioprocessing; Conference on Inclusive Early Childhood Education; 1st World Chinese Medicine Forum; 24th International Kodaly International Symposium; 3rd MSHA International Spinal Health Congress; 6th Movement, Health and Exercise Conference and 12th International Sports Science Conference; Congress of the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors; IEEE Nanoelectronics Conference; 1st International Conference on Education in the Digital Ecosystem; and the 27th Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society Conference.

The writer with Gary Grimmer, CEO of GainingEdge, and the school team in a computer lab. Such labs will benefit when convention delegates and organisers complete survey questionnaires for Sarawak CB in return for a donation to the Chumbaka Junior Innovate Fund.

Sarawak CB is no stranger to investing time and effort on legacy outcomes – when the bureau played host to the ICCA Annual Congress in 2016 in Kuching, a CSR project linked to the state’s endangered primate – the orang utan or Man of the Forest – kicked off with their pre-event marketing.

Additionally, when ICCA Congress participants converged in Kuching, they were encouraged to bring one or two English language books with them for the Book Share Programme, an initiative of the Librarians Association of Malaysia – Sarawak Chapter. These books, donated by ICCA members from around the world, eventually made their way to libraries and community halls in rural Sarawak.

It is indeed heartening that the state has put such focus on their future generation. Be it mastering the English language or developing life skills in this age of Digital and Technology, the government of Sarawak – through Sarawak CB – has skilfully used meetings and conventions to leave a legacy for its local communities. As they say in the national language in Sarawak, terima kasih – thank you – to all convention participants and host organisations who are helping in this endeavour.

Jane Vong Holmes is senior manager – Asia of GainingEdge, a consultancy specialising in the business events industry. She has co-authored two UNWTO publications on the Asian meetings industry and various destination market studies. She is an ardent advocate for giving back to communities through conventions and events. Most recently, she recently released a joint-report on universal accessibility in the meetings industry.

Gold Coast claims large stake in Queensland’s MICE sector

By TTGmice

May 8, 2019

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The Gold Coast has been revealed as large contributor to Queensland’s business events market, attracting 44 per cent of all conferences that choose Queensland.

This results were revealed in the Queensland Business Events Survey (QBES), as latest figures reveal an upward trend for meetings over the last financial year.

Gold Coast’s (pictured) business events market share is propelled by a combination of world-class infrastructure, diverse experiences and increased accessibility with the added bonus of stunning beaches

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista said the results are a clear indication the city delivers a consistent and compelling offer for business events.

The survey also highlighted higher average delegate numbers per meeting for those attending Gold Coast conferences.

“The Gold Coast is a city delegates hope their company or association choose for their next meeting, with 14 per cent more delegates on average signing up for a conference in our city,” Battista said.

The Gold Coast already boasts the longest stay by business events delegates in Queensland, accounting for 3.1 days in the region.

“The results reflect the confidence and proactive approach of the city and industry partners to constantly reinvent our tourism and business events offering,” Battista concluded.

Etihad Airways embarks on economy class transformation

By TTGmice

May 8, 2019

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Etihad-Airways-A320-&-A321-Extra-spatial-Design-seats---2 — A look at the new economy class cabin

Etihad Airways has unveiled a major economy transformation programme, starting with the cabin upgrade and refurbishment of 23 narrow-body Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.

The retrofit programme, which includes new personalised wireless streaming entertainment to smartphone and tablet devices, is scheduled for completion in August this year.

Etihad has been progressively upgrading the economy cabins of its narrow-body fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, used mainly on shorthaul regional services, and further afield to 38 Etihad gateways within five hours of flight from Abu Dhabi.

The airline is installing modern and refreshed cabins featuring ergonomic Extra-spatial Design seats, which will provide increased knee room and add fast-charging USB points and an adjustable phone and tablet holder.

This adds to the first stage of enhancements to Etihad’s economy class that began in 2017 and introduced new seat options such as Neighbour-Free Seats, Economy Space, and Preferred Seats in the wide-body fleet.

The airline is also introducing a new economy dining concept on all its flights as part of a wider programme of enhancements to its inflight catering.

On journeys of over three hours, the main course of the core complimentary dining service is now a larger, contemporary bistro-style meal said to be “higher in quality, with a focus on fresh seasonal ingredients and more destination focused choices”.

For longer flights, dessert will be served separately with the after-meal coffee and tea service, reducing clutter on the tray during the main meal.

The airline is also touting more eco-friendly and lightweight cutlery.

In addition, the expanded ‘Sweet or Salty’ retail menu complements the core dining service with offerings including a Tapas box, hot dishes, and premium sweet and savoury snacks, all available for purchase. The retail service is enhanced by partnerships with brands such as Bateel, Starbucks, Thorntons, Cawston Press, Heavenly, Perrier and Barebells.

These upgrades were unveiled at Arabian Travel Market, together with a new advertising campaign, ‘Go Your Own Way’. As part of the airline’s overall ‘Choose Well’ brand platform, the campaign is meant to drive awareness of the airline’s greater commitment to giving passengers more control and options for personalisation.

Tony Douglas, group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “As part of our ‘Choose Well’ promise, we are empowering our guests with more control of their travel experiences, through onboard digital transformation, improved choice and redesigned cabins and products.”

Meanwhile, inflight entertainment systems have been upgraded on narrow-body aircraft. Guests will be able to log on and connect via browser to wirelessly stream more than 300 hours of free inflight entertainment through Etihad’s Panasonic eXW system directly to their own devices.

For a wider range of entertainment programming, including more Hollywood blockbusters, international movies, and premium TV programming such as HBO and Universal shows, guests can download the new E-bot Stream app prior to travel.

Beyond Asia: Dubai; Ottawa; and Cape Town

By TTGmice

May 8, 2019

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Dubai: voco debuts in the Middle East
The first voco-branded hotel in the Middle East stands along Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, eight kilometres away from Dubai International Airport and close to the metro and World Trade Centre.

Voco, Dubai boasts 471 guestrooms, furnished with beds made from recycled materials, and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that open out to downtown views. Recreational facilities include six restaurants and bars, an outdoor swimming pool, a gymnasium and Spa Zen. Corporate guests can also avail the four floors dedicated to meetings and events, offering a total of 21 meeting spaces.

IHG also added that voco Al Khobar will be opening Saudi Arabia later this year.

Ottawa: Game on in Canada
Canada’s largest gathering of the sport tourism industry will return to Ottawa in 2021 for the 21^st edition of Sport Event Congress.

The Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA), with the support of Ottawa Tourism, will hold the event March 8-10, 2021 at The Westin Ottawa. Most recently, the Canadian city hosted the 2019 Sport Events Congress March 19-21. Next year’s edition will be held in Edmonton, Alberta.

Held annually since 2001, the 2021 Sport Events Congress will bring together more than 400 national and provincial sport event rights holders, tourism professionals, event management firms and suppliers from the fastest growing segment of Canada’s tourism industry.

The Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance is a non-governmental, member-based, capacity building organisation that promotes sport tourism as a grassroots economic development initiative at the community level. The CSTA services over 500 members across Canada, including 130 municipalities.

Sport tourism is the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry in Canada with over CA$6.8 billion (US$5.1 biillion) in annual spending by domestic and international visitors.

Cape Town: United Airlines to fly direct to South African capital
United Airlines has announced that it plans to operate direct, three-times weekly flights between New York/Newark and Cape Town, subject to government approval.

United’s direct service between New York/Newark and Cape Town will decrease the current travel time from New York to Cape Town by more than four hours.

If approved, the proposed schedule will see the aircraft departing New York/Newark at 08.30, arriving in Cape Town at 18.00 the following day on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The return flight will depart Cape Town at 20.50, and arrive back in New York/Newark at 05.45 on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Upon launch, this will be the only non-stop service between the US and Cape Town. it will be be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft featuring 48 seats in United Polaris business class, 88 seats in United Economy Plus and 116 seats in United Economy.

Annalisa Ponchia joins AIM in newly-created position

By TTGmice

May 8, 2019

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AIM Group International has appointed Annalisa Ponchia as director of innovation and customer experience, a newly-established position in the company.

In this role, Ponchia has been tasked to drive innovation across all the company’s functions and raise the added value offered to clients.

Ponchia has organised conferences and events around the globe, and has more than 30 years of international experience in events and association management.

As CEO of the European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) for more than 12 years, she worked closely with the Society to develop and deliver its strategic vision, including partnership projects with the Pharmaceutical Industry, fundraising activities, marketing and communication.

Working with the ESOT Board and team, she also organised all their scientific and education events, including the biennial Congress (which regularly attracts over 4,000 attendees), where she created innovative new formats, leveraged emerging technologies and learning techniques.

Prior to this, Ponchia had 10 years’ experience running her own PCO company that specialised in medical meetings.

Ponchia is a certified meeting professional, with CMP and CMM designations, and she is Board member of industry associations such as AC Forum, PCMA EMEA and the IPCAA Compliance Task Force, and is active as a speaker at numerous association and industry events.

MICE momentum builds in Shanghai

A star is born

Watch that space – part 2

Cambodia

Indonesia

Laos

Malaysia

Myanmar

Philippines

Vietnam

MITEC takes large steps towards a sustainable MICE future

Sabre survey reveals trends shaping booking behaviour in APAC

Walking the talk

Gold Coast claims large stake in Queensland’s MICE sector

Etihad Airways embarks on economy class transformation

Beyond Asia: Dubai; Ottawa; and Cape Town

Annalisa Ponchia joins AIM in newly-created position

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