Scenic Hotel Group has appointed Bernard Yong as international sales manager, a new role within the group. He will work with Steve Shearer, director of international sales and brand development.
Yong has experience in the hospitality industry, including eight years at Mitchell Corporation, where he was involved in business development and client relations. He has also worked in real estate and duty-free management.
TTGmice will be taking a break on Thursday, May 1, as it is Labour Day in Singapore. News will resume on Friday, May 2.
Business travel in the Middle East is soaring, with Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia expected to be the fastest-growing business travel markets in the Middle East this year, as per the 2024 Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Business Travel Index Outlook Report.
The region’s estimated business travel spend was US$18.1 billion in 2024.
Sharing insights at Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, Catherine Logan, regional senior vice president EMEA and APAC at GBTA, highlighted that the Middle East outperformed all other regions in its post-pandemic recovery.
“Business travel spend in the Middle East has reached 19.4 per cent higher than the pre-Covid level,” Logan said.
Looking ahead to 2025, the region’s growth is expected to slow slightly.
“In 2025, the Middle East’s business travel spend growth of 6.1 per cent is expected to lag global growth of 10.4 per cent. This is because business travel in the Middle East recovered from the pandemic way quicker than the rest of the world. It saw a big surge earlier, so the rest of the markets like APAC which took longer to come out of Covid are now seeing high rates of growth,” Logan told TTGmice.
In 2025, Israel is forecasted to lead the region’s business travel demand with an expected spend of US$4.9 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia at US$3.6 billion and the UAE at US$2.8 billion.
Ciaran Kelly, managing director of Middle East & Africa, FCM Travel, said, “The main markets driving growth for business travel for us include UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Egypt. We are noticing a lot of activities taking place in these markets from inbound, domestic, and outbound business travel perspectives.
“There is a strong demand for regional business travel. For example, it is almost impossible to get a seat on a flight from Dubai to Riyadh these days.”
As per the GBTA report, the Asia-Pacific region, with an estimated business travel spend of US$612.6 billion, led global demand in 2024.
Brought to you by Crowne Plaza Danang City Centre
As Danang’s appeal as a meetings and events destination grows, hoteliers are catering to this demand with new launches.
Opened in the last quarter of 2024, the 283-key Crowne Plaza Danang City Centre is one of the latest properties under IHG’s growing Crown Plaza portfolio in Vietnam.
Balanced with contemporary style and local charm in the heart of Danang, the hotel invites guests to find inspiration, productivity, connection, and moments of recharge in its thoughtfully designed urban destination hub.
Located in the heart of Hai Chau district, just 15 minutes from Danang International Airport, the 31-storey hotel is surrounded by the city’s government and commercial offices, and within walking distance of iconic attractions like Dragon Bridge and Han Market. Its central location and ease of access make it an efficient base for both domestic and international business travellers.
Each of the hotel’s spacious rooms and suites offers scenic views of the Han River or city skyline, letting guests experience the charm of Danang in comfort.
Planners will be pleased to know that the hotel offers more than 500m² of versatile meeting space, including a grand ballroom at 392m². With a tall ceiling height of 4.75m, the ballroom can accommodate up to 260 in banquet style or 324 in theatre style, making it ideal for weddings, dinners, and other grand occasions. There are also two other sizeable meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 40 and 50 persons in theatre style.
On hand to help with the event organisation is the hotel’s dedicated event planning team that can provide suggestions on customised menus and packages to ensure that all types of events run smoothly.
For a more exclusive meeting space, the Club Lounge on the 24th floor boasts a business centre, dining lounge, library and private meeting room, offering both privacy and premium service for those seeking a quiet space to work, meet or recharge.
After meetings, guests can unwind at the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy treatments at the spa, which blends Eastern and Western therapies. The hotel’s fitness centre, which is fully equipped with state-of-the-art machines, lets guests maintain their fitness routines during their stay.
For food, Embers & Leaves on the fourth floor is an all-day dining restaurant that offers poolside views and a menu featuring international favourites, Asian cuisine, and classic Vietnamese dishes. For more relaxed meet-ups or breaks between sessions, Vibe, the hotel’s lobby lounge, delivers an Italian-inspired setting ideal for cocktails, afternoon tea, or informal business discussions.
To plan your next event here, visit Crowne Plaza Danang City Centre now. Don’t forget to vote for us as the Best New Hotel for TTG Travel Awards 2025 too!
You have been CEO of ICC Sydney for about eight months now, but your journey with the venue goes back a decade. How has that shaped your approach to leadership?
Having been with ICC Sydney for 10 years as general manager before stepping into the CEO role, I have had the privilege of seeing the venue grow from strength to strength. It is more than just a building – it is a dynamic space that brings people, ideas, and innovation, together.
My focus is on continuing the legacy of excellence set by my predecessor, Geoff Donaghy, while pushing the boundaries of what a convention centre can be. Every day, we strive to be more than a venue – whether that is through our community engagement, corporate social responsibility initiatives, or the economic impact we generate for New South Wales and beyond.
Speaking of stepping into the shoes of Geoff Donaghy, a highly respected leader in this industry, how have you been approaching that transition?
I prefer to think of it as carrying forward a legacy rather than filling shoes. Geoff and I shared a deep love of music, and we often used songs to frame leadership moments.
For instance, we had a shorthand phrase – ‘Dave Brubeck moment’ – inspired by the jazz legend’s song Take Five. It was our way of signalling when it was time to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. More than that, Geoff was a leader who deeply cared about people, and that is something I strive to continue.
What inspired you to take on this role at this particular time?
It felt like a natural evolution, given my history with the venue. Stepping into the CEO role allows me to help shape its next chapter.
One of the things I love about my job is that I get to work with an extraordinary team to constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible. The challenge now is looking ahead. How do we evolve over the next 10 years to remain at the forefront of the industry? That is what drives me.
Where do you see ICC Sydney heading in the next decade?
Our long-term vision is clear: to remain a world-class venue that delivers meaningful impact. That means constantly innovating, whether through technology, sustainability, or how we engage with our clients and community.
We have just renewed our contract for another 10 years, so we are thinking big. What will the events of the future look like? Would an 18-year-old walk into that building and still want to sit in a ballroom round table, or would they want something completely different? Our job is to anticipate these shifts and ensure we are ready to meet them head-on.
How are you approaching new technologies like AI for the venue?
AI is the big question mark, isn’t it? If you watch The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the answer is 42 (laughs). The truth is, we are all still figuring it out.
My approach is to focus on what’s tangible: How does technology improve our team’s experience? How does it enhance the client journey? We’ve made significant investments in upgrading our Wi-Fi infrastructure, ensuring our venue is equipped for whatever comes next. But we are not rushing into AI just for the sake of it. We observe, we test, we adapt. It is all about making sure any innovation we adopt genuinely adds value.
Apart from that, what would you say is your biggest challenge as CEO?
Filtering all the creative ideas that come to mind daily! Blue sky thinking is great, but you also need a solid framework to determine what’s worth pursuing. I always ask: Does this align with our vision of being more than a venue? Does it enhance our impact on people, clients, and the community? If it does not, it is not worth our time.
You mentioned the importance of culture in leadership. How would you describe your leadership style?
People first, always. I have worked across multiple continents, in vastly different cultures, and one thing remains true. If you foster a strong, people-first culture, everything else follows. Performance, profitability, and success all stem from having a motivated, engaged team. I lead with authenticity and transparency. I also believe in constant small improvements; what we call CSI (Continuous Small Improvement). If we are always learning and refining, we are always moving forward.
Finally, what’s one leadership lesson that has shaped your career?
Nelson Mandela once said: ‘I never lose. I either win or I learn.’ That’s a philosophy I live by. In leadership, there are no failures – only lessons. If we adopt that and get that into our culture, then I am not the leader. I am a singular person setting a vision, but we collectively never lose.
SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has officially commenced construction on SMXCITE, a groundbreaking new venue in Pasay City.
Located within the SM Mall of Asia Complex, and directly across from the SM MOA Arena, SMXCITE is set to become the Philippines’ largest international exhibition space under its brand portfolio.
Anticipated for completion in early 2027, SMXCITE will introduce over 18,000m2 of leasable trade hall space, effectively doubling the current capacity of SMX Convention Center Manila. Upon opening, the combined venues will offer 35,000m2 of adaptable exhibition and event space within the SM Mall of Asia Complex.
Designed to meet rigorous international standards, SMXCITE will boast five expansive exhibition halls capable of accommodating over 800 standard 3×3-meter booths. Additionally, the venue will feature four well-appointed meeting rooms suitable for breakout sessions and strategic discussions, along with two dedicated VIP lounges. In total, the venue can host a little over 18,000 guests.
Sustainability is a core principle of SMXCITE’s development, with plans incorporating natural lighting, energy-efficient infrastructure, and environmentally responsible design principles, mirroring the eco-conscious practices of SMX Manila.
“SMXCITE marks a pivotal step in our continued efforts to build future-ready venues that meet global standards,” said Walid Wafik, senior vice president for operations of SMHCC. “With this new exhibition centre, along with exciting projects on the horizon in Cebu and in Cabanatuan, we’re expanding our reach and reinforcing our commitment to elevate the Philippine MICE experience across the country.”
The Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau (OCTB) and ride-hailing platform Uber Japan have formed a partnership to support the growth of the local business events industry as the city attracts more global attention.
“Driven by the upcoming 2025 World Expo and the development of an integrated resort, the OCTB is committed to establishing Osaka as a leading MICE events destination in Japan and Asia,” an OCTB statement stated, adding that the organisation aims “to attract and create MICE events that foster new business and innovation as well as drive global investment into Osaka”.
From this month, the partnership will provide promotional discount codes for Uber rides to organisers and attendees of qualifying international conventions, domestic conferences and incentive tours in a bid to “enhance attendee convenience and accessibility” and “encourage more organisers to choose Osaka as a host destination”.
OCTB’s president, Hiroshi Mizohata, stressed the bureau’s dedication to providing comprehensive support for business events in Osaka.
“We aim to promote the Uber app’s use in Osaka, as well as foster a seamless and accessible experience for participants from around the world at international conventions, incentive tours, and more.”
Shiro Yamanaka, general manager of Uber Japan, said the company is “honoured to partner” with OCTB “to enhance Osaka’s appeal as a MICE destination”.
He added: “As Osaka’s global presence continues to grow as host to the 2025 World Expo, Uber Japan is committed to supporting smooth travel in Osaka for international and domestic visitors, thereby contributing to further enhancing Osaka’s appeal.
The planning, designing, and developing of efficient and accessible intermodal transportation hubs, particularly at airports, will be the central focus of the Super Terminal Expo, taking place at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong from November 4-6, 2025.
The expo will also showcase the latest advancements and emerging trends in terminal design, airport construction, and master planning, featuring expertise from prominent architects, planners, and construction specialists.
The anticipated gathering of over 4,000 attendees will also provide a platform to explore cutting-edge solutions for passenger and cargo ground operations, intelligent terminal automation, AI-driven cargo management, and the integration of rail and metro systems within intermodal hubs. A strong emphasis throughout the event will be placed on sustainable practices and fostering collaboration within the industry.
A key feature of the Super Terminal Expo will be Airport Dialogues, a series of roundtable discussions designed to bring together academics, industry practitioners, and policymakers to address the most pressing challenges in airport design and development. Topics include Planning the Airport City of Tomorrow, and Driving Efficiency in Ground Operations: The Role of Infrastructure and Technology.
Adding a unique dimension to the event, attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to participate in behind-the-scenes tours of Hong Kong International Airport’s latest developments. These tours will offer a firsthand look at best practices and provide a deeper understanding of the complexities and innovations driving a world-class airport. These exclusive tours have limited availability and will be offered to selected hosted buyers, with further details regarding scheduling and invitations to be announced closer to the event.
Global meeting management platform Meetingselect has extended its reach into the Asia-Pacific market with the launch of its Meeting Booking Widget, making its regional debut at Singapore’s Novotel on Stevens.
The Meeting Booking Widget enables venues to offer meeting room reservations directly on their websites through a fully white-labelled and seamlessly embedded interface. With real-time availability, transparent pricing, and instant confirmation, planners can now search, book, and customise meeting spaces as intuitively as making a restaurant reservation.
Especially designed to meet the needs of Asia-Pacific venues, the widget supports multi-language capabilities, customisable F&B selections, and integrated payment options, streamlining internal operations while enhancing the end-user experience.
This launch complements Meetingselect’s broader strategic growth in the APAC region. While the company continues to expand its core platform offerings throughout Asia-Pacific, the Meeting Booking Widget represents an auxiliary product that enhances the digital capabilities of individual venues, enabling them to adopt self-service booking technology directly on their sites.
The rollout is part of a larger digital vision at Novotel Singapore on Stevens. In 2024, the property – which offers over 4,000m2 of event space – hosted over 250 meetings and events, bringing together key industries ranging from tech and finance to wellness and sustainability.
Building on this momentum, the team at Novotel Singapore on Stevens also unveiled the upcoming launch of a new event platform, Connect@Stevens, which will incorporate AI-powered scheduling tools, customisable event packages, and networking algorithms to foster deeper connections among participants. The platform will be co-created with Meetingselect and is slated to roll out progressively throughout 2025.
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced the five recipients of its 2025 Next Generation Leadership (NGL) grant, following a rigorous selection process overseen by an esteemed panel of international judges chaired by UFI president Hugh Jones.
They are Anida D’Costa, senior conference producer, Informa Markets (UAE); Diana Maria Salman, senior sales manager, Fexpocruz (Bolivia); Ilaria Basile, event operations manager, Clarion Events (UK); Sarah Jung, sales manager, Messe München (Germany); and Taher Hakami – Riyadh business events manager, Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (Saudi Arabia).
The 2025 NGL mission centres on redefining exhibition formats in response to the evolving needs of audiences, exhibitors, and organisers. Throughout the programme, the NGL grantees will discover and develop bold, forward-thinking approaches that challenge traditional event structures.
Awardees will begin their journey with an in-person workshop in June during the UFI European Events Week in Thessaloniki, Greece. Over the following seven months, they will collaborate online to further develop their project. The programme will conclude with a group presentation at the 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong SAR.
Now in its ninth edition, the NGL grant aims to recognise and support emerging talent within the exhibition industry. Eligible candidates must have fewer than 10 years of industry experience and demonstrate a strong commitment to driving innovation and positive change in their respective fields.
