Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) hosted the annual Celebration of Sales Excellence (CSE) 2018 on April 12, 2019, to honour top-performing travel trade partners for bringing a growing number of guests from around the world to the resort.
The Sales Excellence Awards were awarded to 20 trade partners, while five trade partners received the AdvanceEAR Awards, where the Top Sales AchievEAR of the Year Award went to Lvmama.com.
HKDL’s managing director Stephanie Young – who assumed the post in February – took the opportunity to greet travel trade partners and thanked them for their ongoing contribution to the resort’s remarkable results.
These trade partners were also rewarded with a staycation to experience first-hand the resort’s latest Marvel attraction which launched on March 31, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!.
US: A ‘pawsitive’ meeting experience with Renaissance Reno Downtown
The Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel in Reno, Nevada, has launched a Puppy Meetings Package that offers groups a 30-minute play date with four-legged friends.
The break promises to unleash the benefits of interacting with pets – which range from mood improvement to reduced stress – with the goal of higher productivity and a more “pawsitive” meeting experience. A portion of the proceeds from the package will also be donated to the animal rescue organization of the meeting planner’s choice.
The Puppy Meetings Package is valid for events at Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel with 25 or more attendees. The 214-key pet-friendly hotel can cater to groups of up to 650 with eight event rooms.
Canada: Capital city launches ThinkOttawa ambassador programme
Ottawa Tourism, Shaw Centre and Invest Ottawa have collaborated to launch an ambassador programme to bring more conferences and conventions to Canada’s capital city.
In addition to attracting potential ambassadors, the ThinkOttawa programme will also offer a number of solutions and support services to help win and deliver events across the city.
“Ambassador programmes are not unusual in the world of association conferences and congresses but we wanted to go the extra mile and create a truly bespoke offering for those individuals wanting to get involved,” commented Ottawa Tourism’s vice president, meetings and major events, Lesley Mackay.
“Specifically, we are looking to help those individuals become leaders, share knowledge, connect, introduce ThinkOttawa and identify opportunities for the city. As Canada’s capital we are home to national and international association representatives all looking to host events in creative and inspiring spaces. We want to show them why Ottawa is the perfect destination and how easy it is to hold events here.”
Spain: Fira de Barcelona’s two sites slated for expansion
Barcelona’s trade fair institution Fira de Barcelona will be expanding its two event venues – Gran Via and Montjuïc.
Designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, Gran Via currently has a total exhibition area of 240,000m2, which will be extended by 60,000m2 with the construction of a new two-storey building, and premises for offices and services. The expansion is scheduled for completion in 2024, and will bring the venue’s total size to 300,000m2.
Meanwhile, the Montjuïc venue will be remodelled to include functional, versatile and sustainable facilities. Once remodelled, the Montjuïc site will be able to host fairs by offering modular solutions that can adapt to the needs of a wide range of events. The Alfons XIII palace with its auditorium will then be used to host congresses, while the Victòria Eugenia palace used for cultural events. This €380 million (US$429) major infrastructure project has a target completion date of 2029.
Corporate planners or event organisers are now able to book out W Koh Samui in Thailand in its entirety, for US$100,000 per night under the Our Hotel, All Yours package.
The price includes 74 pool villas, and facilities such as the outdoor WET pool, fully-equipped FIT gym and W Beach. It also includes a W Insider who will help curate do’s and don’ts, and recommendations for activities.
W Koh Samui
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For those staying a minimum of three nights, W Koh Samui is also throwing in roundtrip airport transfers, daily breakfast at The Kitchen Table and half-board meal (lunch or dinner) for a maximum of 160 guests. Full day photography service (eight hours per day) is offered throughout the three nights stay.
The offer includes one-time experience of:
One cocktail reception which includes three types of nibbles and two-hours of free flow soft drinks, juice, local beer and house wine
One gala dinner which includes two-hours of free flow soft drinks, juice, local beer and house wine
One time firework show during the stay
90-minute Well Thai’d (Thai massage) or Well Delighted (aromatherapy massage)
One choice of activities ranging from a Thai cooking class, jet ski safari, Thai boxing classes, yoga or aqua aerobic
Kimpton Hotels & Resorts has made its debut on the Asian continent with its latest opening in Taipei’s Da’an District.
The luxury hotel in the heart of Taipei features 129 rooms and has been designed by Neri & Hu, an award-winning Shanghai-based architecture and design practice.
Guestroom
Kimpton Da An will boast the brand’s signature perks such as in-room yoga mats and a Morning Kick-Starter, as well as tea and coffee served in the lobby living room. Guests can also take part in wellness morning yoga on the rooftop, free fitness and wellness classes or explore the city with complimentary bicycles.
Guests can also meet fellow travellers at Kimpton’s daily social hour in the hotel’s lobby lounge, or dine at The Tavernist restaurant led by chef James Sharman. The hotel is also pet-friendly.
What do your friends think you do for a living?
They think my job is very relaxing, that I’m always travelling around the world to inspect and stay in luxury hotels and resorts, be pampered and talk to people.
How far is that from the truth?
If only that’s half the truth! As an event planner, there are thousands of things to watch out for, such as being prepared for unexpected happenings, ensuring meeting room temperature is at a comfortable level, accommodating female attendees in guestrooms not far from the lift lobby, watching the drinks tab while ensuring everyone has a good time, etc.
An event planner has to be precise and methodical and yet possess an imaginative mind, to create events that will mesmerise participants for years to come. Preparing and sticking to the budget is an art to be learnt. One must also enjoy socialising to stay in this industry.
What do you love most about your job?
I love going to new places and meeting people, learning about the history of the destination, and the local way of life and culture. My job gives me that privilege.
Having studied so many destinations for your events, which is your favourite and why?
China, for her rich history and most importantly, the fact that she’s the motherland of my ancestors.
China is mystical and every visit is a new adventure for me. I wish to explore all of China.
I have been to Xi’an twice and still want to go back. It is intriguing to walk the steps and paths of ancient emperors and empresses, and to imagine myself living in that era.
Right now, my eye is on Urumqi which I plan to visit late 2019, after the completion of my studies.
What’s your pet peeve during fam trips?
Most hosts tend to cramp too many hotel and site inspections into a day which isn’t beneficial. After seeing two hotels and two venues, nothing more will be absorbed and that defeats the purpose of fam trips.
As well, a daily debrief and feedback session over dinner when everyone is relaxed would be more useful to the host than asking for feedback after the entire trip.
Hosts like to ask for dollar commitment after the fam trip which I feel is inappropriate. The purpose of fam trips is to showcase the best of the destination and venues, not to secure a business commitment from participants.
Do you see yourself in a different job?
I would like to impart my knowledge to newcomers in the travel/MICE industry, such as by having interns shadow me or tutoring in polytechnics which is my retirement plan.
You are taking a degree course in International Hospitality & Tourism Management. Why?
This 18-month course is for self-actualisation. I feel I need new ideas and to know what people are learning now. My studies are sponsored by my company, and I am very lucky to have a very supportive boss and employer.
The capital city has a successful track record in attracting and hosting large-scale congresses
The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) launched its new support programme for 2019 in Beijing, China on April 15, in conjunction with its week-long roadshow covering four Chinese cities.
The four Chinese cities – Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Shenzhen – will see MyCEB conducting in-house training for China business events agents in second-tier cities, coupled with a showcase of products and services by industry partners.
China has been, and continues to be a major market for Malaysia to tap; Kuala Lumpur pictured
The Malaysia Twin Deal V (MTD V) – where is V short for “vibes” – is similar to its predecessor, the Malaysia Twin Deal XP which ended last year, but with options for more group sizes.
Zulkefli Sharif, CEO, MyCEB, shared: “With MTD V, the format of the programme is still according to Deal 1 (value added support for international corporate meetings and incentive groups) and Deal 2 (incentive rewards for international corporate meetings and incentive planners) but we have (introduced) different levels in relation to the number of participants.”
For instance, each level receives support from MyCEB, while planners will also receive incentive rewards according to the cumulative number of participants. Rewards have also been enhanced, with new inclusions such as a photo booth, and a welcome banner in both digital and physical form.
“Under Deal 1, MyCEB will provide value-added support for groups with as low as 30 participants right up to big delegations of 500 or more. For Deal 2 which is targeted at planners, rewards come in cumulative of 500 to 2,000 participants while special rewards will be made available for 2,000 to 8,000 participants,” Zulkefli elaborated.
“This format – which shows wide coverage from minimum participants (to large groups) – is a clear demonstration of our sincerity in working with our Chinese counterparts.”
Commenting on the deal, Arokia Das Anthony, director, Luxury Tours Malaysia, said: “It is timely because in these challenging times, MyCEB is going out of the way to slightly level the playing field with neighbouring countries when it comes to MICE events.
“MyCEB’s sponsorship will help to lower overall costs, and make the entire business events package more competitively priced,” he noted.
Adam Kamal, general manager at Tour East Malaysia, agreed: “Providing support in the form of a welcome dinner, complimentary cultural show and partial sponsorship for gala dinners or F&B will assist in lowering overall costs.
“It would be great if MyCEB would emulate neighbouring countries and consider providing financial support to the organisers (as well),” he added.
Last year, Malaysia welcomed a total of 30,859 Chinese delegates brining in RM209 million (US$51 million) in visitor expenditure, and an economic impact of RM 491 million.
Zulkefli shared: “For 2019, we are targeting a five per cent increase, especially with the string of new offerings the country has. This includes seven new hotels, and we are expecting another 10 to be up by 2020. (This will help) cater to demand as we also gear up for Visit Malaysia 2020.”
Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR), has launched a new MICE campaign named The Extra Millennium Mile.
As part of the campaign, the group will bring “authentic local culture” into the meeting experience in each of its four key Singapore hotels; while hotels across its wider South-east Asia portfolio will feature even more personalised benefits.
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Live Like a Local Survival Kit
Traditional Nonya Kuehs for delegates tea break
“We have observed a rising demand from event planners for local experiences. Moreover, as Singapore celebrates its Bicentennial this year, we are committed to delivering memorable moments for our guests (while) celebrating our nation’s culture and heritage,” explained Tan Kian Seng, interim group CEO of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels.
Four of MHR’s participating Singapore hotels will feature in the campaign, starting first with Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore and Copthorne King’s Hotel; followed by Orchard Hotel Singapore and M Hotel Singapore later this year.
Themed Live Like a Local, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore will welcome guests with a drink concocted using ingredients representative of multi-ethnic Singapore, and an in-room Live Like a Local Survival Kit comprising traditional snacks and sweets.
Over at Copthorne King’s Hotel, Peranakan Passion is the theme of the property’s corporate MICE campaign. Guests can expect Nyonya Kueh marking workshops, as well as little gifts like mini kay jars and traditional buah long long (a sour tropical fruit) drinks.
Later this year, delegates at Orchard Hotel Singapore will be able to toast to the world-famous Orchard shopping belt’s plantation past with contemporary spice-based welcome cocktails, and meet in the botanical-inspired interiors of its refreshed function spaces.
Finally, M Hotel Singapore will pay tribute to its iconic neighbourhood, allowing delegates to savour Singapore’s culinary past and present through a spread that starts from the 1960s and ends in today’s modern fusion flavours.
To top off The Extra Millennium Mile, all four Singapore properties, along with select South-east Asia properties, will offer meeting organisers who book within the campaign period an additional tactical offer – two complimentary benefits of their choice. Benefits include breakfast rolls on arrival, fresh smoothies for coffee break, or chef’s selection of upgraded meal options.
The Extra Millennium Mile offer is valid for new bookings confirmed between now until September 30, 2019, for stays until December 31, 2019 at participating Millennium Hotels & Resorts properties.
BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E) has added Taiwan-based G-Concept, part of GIS Group, to its Global Partner Network, to better serve customers in need of larger, global scope with local delivery in Taiwan.
“When we look to grow specific markets, we make a strategic decision to either expand our wholly-owned operations or partner with local businesses to serve our customers,” said Scott Graf, global president of BCD M&E, adding that these partners bring an “understanding of local business nuance” to the table.
BCD Meetings & Events expands reach to Taiwan; its capital Taipei pictured
In addition to Taiwan, BCD M&E signed additional global markets over the last three years including: Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Russia, South Africa, Romania, Hungary, Israel, Spain, Italy, Poland, Greece and Colombia.
BCD M&E will continue its Global Partner Network expansion in key markets throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa; Asia-Pacific; and Latin America regions in 2019.
CWT, the B2B4E travel management platform, has appointed Dirk Van Leeuwen as head of global operations for CWT’s Traveler Experience function.
Van Leeuwen will be based in Paris, where he will ensure travellers have a consistent experience when interacting with CWT’s counsellors anywhere in the world. He has also been made responsible for the roll-out of key Travel Experience initiatives across CWT’s contact centres, including messaging.
Prior to this role, the Dutch national was a leader at Woonoz, an innovative e-learning company. Before that, he spent 12 years in contact centers leading global customer experience teams.
St Regis Hotels & Resorts has made its debut in Hong Kong with the opening of a 27-storey hotel in the Wan Chai district, steps away from the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center
The luxury hotel offers 129 guestrooms and suites, alongside facilities such as a heated swimming pool, poolside bar, health club, and spa.
Deluxe Room
Guests of the hotel will also be able to enjoy the brand’s signature Butler Service, where services include private in-room check-in, unpacking and packing, beverage service and garment pressing.
Through a dedicated butler, guests can also make plans or arrangements for occasions. The hotel will also introduce eButler chat – where guests can contact their dedicated Butler through the Marriott Mobile App, available 24 hours a day, or by scanning an electronic Butler contact card that connects the guest to the Butler via a dedicated line, email, and apps like WhatsApp and WeChat.
Dining options on the property include French restaurant L’Envol headed by award-winning chef Olivier Elzer; Cantonese restaurant by Hung Chi-Kwong; The St Regis Bar; and The Drawing Room.
The St Regis Hong Kong also boasts more than 1,100m2 of event space across five venues, ranging from the 518m2 Astor Ballroom to the Rockefeller Room suitable for corporate meetings.
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.
