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.
New Zealand’s aerial and cirque entertainment company, The Dust Palace, performed some of their bespoke showpieces alongside musicians at the opening night of CINZ (Conventions and Incentives New Zealand) MEETINGS 2019 on May 28.
Held at Auckland’s Aotea Centre, more than 650 business event specialists were in attendance. This event signalled the opening of the two-day annual showcase, which officially started yesterday (Wednesday) at the ASB Showgrounds.
Other local suppliers included visuals from Big Picture; sound and lighting from Auckland Live; and catering from the Kitchen at SkyCity.
Over 190 exhibitors and 500 buyers are expected to gather for some 6,000 meetings during the two days of pre-scheduled appointments and social networking events.
The city of Hamburg (pictured) will welcome more than 25,000 Rotary members
The city of Hamburg (pictured) will welcome more than 25,000 Rotary members
Germany: Rotary 110th convention brings world to Hamburg
Hamburg will be transformed into a “Rotary City” as more than 25,000 Rotary members from 170 countries around the globe will be getting together in the German city for their annual international meeting.
Held from June 1 to 5, Rotary members attending the Hamburg convention will initiate projects, engage in exchange, and work together for a better world.
In addition to the convention in the exhibition halls of Hamburg-Messe, Rotary members will be enjoying activities throughout the city such as bicycle tours, an opening party at the Chamber of Commerce, a sailing trip on the Alster-Lake, as well as exclusive Rotary concerts in the Elbphilharmonie concert hall.
UK: ICC Birmingham secures five association contracts
The ICC Birmingham team has secured five association contracts in three weeks, marking the team’s most successful year for medical events.
The record end to the financial year saw the team secure The Royal College of Physicians (April 2020), Psychological Society (July 2021), Association of Surgeons in Training (March 2020), British Orthodontic Society (October 2021) and the UK Interdisciplinary Breast Cancer Symposium (January 2020).
Medical continues to be an important sector for the ICC, as it has the ability to host large association congresses of up to 4,000 delegates.
Last year, the venue welcomed the 2,000-strong British Orthopaedic Association Centenary Congress. This year, Birmingham will be playing host to several other medical events, such as the British Society for Rheumatology, and British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Switzerland: Virtual Educa joins hands with Kenes Group Spain
Virtual Educa, an organisation set to promote innovation in education, and Kenes Group, a PCO and AMC, have signed a framework agreement outlining the collaboration on multiple projects for the next four years.
The framework addresses the projects of the European Union Virtual Educa Association, including partial conference management of the XXI International Meeting Virtual Educa Peru 2019, and the full PCO support for the XXII International Meeting Virtual Educa 2020. The agreement extends to 2022 and includes the provision of association management services.
The Virtual Educa International Symposium is made of a multilateral forum, an international conference, and a commercial exhibition.
A number of Holiday Inn Express hotels in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea, have launched a Meet For Free booking.
From now till March 1, 2020, event planners will be able to enjoy a complimentary meeting venue when they book a minimum of 10 guestrooms as part of the stay (booked between now and March 1, 2020).
Participating Holiday Inn properites
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Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam Meeting Room
Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam Meeting Room
Holiday Inn Express Singapore Orchard Road Meeting Room Classroom Set Up
Holiday Inn Express Singapore Orchard Road Meeting Room Classroom Set Up
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae Meeting Room
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae Meeting Room
Additionally, event planners will be able to avail following perks such as assistance from an on-site team; complimentary breakfast and lunch; complimentary use of meeting collaterals such as whiteboards and flipcharts; a morning welcome reception; free-flow coffee and tea; and two meeting breaks with three snack items.
Bookers who are also IHG Business Rewards members stand to earn double IHG Rewards Club points for every qualified booking made from now until August 1, 2019 for rooms, meetings and events (up to US$20,000 per event) taking place before August 31, 2019.
Additionally, travellers can earn three IHG points for every US$1 spent from now until September 30, 2019 for rooms, meetings and events taking place between now and March 1, 2020.
The second Four Seasons hotel in India, the Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE, has opened in the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state.
Set amid 2.3 hectares of land, the property offers 191 rooms and 39 suites, some of which offer views of the Palace Grounds. Meanwhile, the Garden Suites come with a living and dining area, as well as a private terrace, bedroom, large bathroom and double closets. Regardless of category, all accommodation feature the fully-customisable Four Seasons Bed with a mattress topper.
Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE
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Embassy ONE is also home to 105 Four Seasons Private Residences, the first of its kind in India.
Facilities on-site include an outdoor pool, the Infuse Spa with 11 treatment rooms, and no less than five F&B options ranging from a cocktail bar to the Far & East restaurant serving Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisines.
Event planners may avail the 1,540m2 event spaces ranging from the Grand Ballroom and open terrace, the largest of which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
Behind the imposing, Brutalist concrete that defines Zurich’s Oerlikon district lies a surprising secret. While its exterior honours the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, stepping inside Mama Shelter reveals a vibrant, neon-soaked world that is a far cry from its rigid shell
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
