Sheraton Grand Danang Resort has rolled out the Signature Meetings Package, offering welcome drinks, themed coffee break (Garden to Table, Go Local, Energizer, Kitchen, or Grab and Go), signature lunch (Asian/Vietnamese/Western menu), smart audio visual equipment, smart meeting amenities, and unlimited tea and coffee.
A full-day meeting package will cost US$65++ per person while a half-day meeting package is priced at US$55++ per person.
For more information about or booking of these packages, email danang.sales2@sheraton.com or call +84 236 3988 999.
Alila SCBD Jakarta has opened next to the Indonesia Stock Exchange, featuring a striking façade with its irregular, boot-like architecture comprising a long podium and a diamond-shaped tower.
Alila SCBD Jakarta
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The five-star property boasts 227 studios and suites, as well as recreational facilities such as a spa, outdoor swimming pool and gym. There are several F&B options ranging from the New-York style Vong Kitchen to 24-hour Le Burger, both by Michelin-starred Jean-Georges Vongerichten and son Cedric, as well as Hakkasan specialty restaurants by the Hakkasan Group.
For events and meetings, there are 13 event studios on-site as well.
The minimalist property features original art works, including the Orbital of Joy, a large wall-mounted artwork by Yogyakarta-based art duo Indieguerillas outside the entrance to the hotel; and a dramatic art installation titled Birds, Bats and Butterflies, created by Australian-born architect and artist Richard Hassell, inside the large living room-styled lobby.
Rajeev Kohli
SITE president 2016 and 2017, joint managing director,
Creative Travel India
Budget increases
SITE partnered with the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and Financial and Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) in 2018 to deliver the first-ever Incentive Travel Industry Index representing the views of more than 1,000 senior incentive travel professionals in 86 countries.
Fifty-four per cent of buyers predict the per person median in 2019 will be US$4,000 – same as last year – but $1,000 more than the 2016 figure. Per person average for corporate buyers is US$8,151 and per person average for agencies is US$5,193. Some companies are reporting per person investments of as much as $50,000.
Rise in the number of qualifiers
Globally 65 per cent of all buyers are increasing the number of qualifiers – 58 per cent in US, 67 per cent in the EU and 73 per cent in Asia. Incentive houses reported a 71 per cent increase in 2018 compared to 54 per cent in 2017.
Inclusion in incentive travel programmes
Eighty-six per cent of buyers highlighted wellness – yoga, healthy meals, etc – and wellness at 86 per cent trumps corporate social responsibility (CSR) at 74 per cent. CSR has fallen out of favour, in particular with corporate buyers, down from 94 per cent in 2017 to 73 per cent in 2018).
Noor Ahmad Hamid
Regional director, Asia-Pacific, ICCA
Greater love for legacy
We see more and more international associations making “legacy” a central part of their thinking and activities. Creating a lasting legacy has become pivotal to their strategy, as many associations begin to look beyond traditional planning.
Shift in role of meetings industry
Meetings once conceived as being “part of tourism” are now seen as delivering “economic and societal impact”.
New focus of international associations
They include knowledge or skill transfer in developing countries, building the local community, advocating issues of relevance or advancing future intellectual leaders to leave a lasting positive impact on the destinations they visit.
This is the primary reason why ICCA has collaborated with BestCities Global Alliance to launch the Incredible Impacts Programme with the value of meetings tagged in areas such as legacy development, sustainability and accessibility. Launched in 2017, Incredible Impacts grants are awarded to associations who strive to ensure their events make a difference.
Benson Tang
Regional director,
Asia Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE)
The power of technology
Harnessing technology – artificial intelligence, chatbots, blockchain, etc – to manage corporate travel is on the radar for travel managers to consider in 2019.
The rise of millennials
By 2020, millennials will comprise half of the global workforce and are forecast to account for almost 50 per cent of corporate travel spend. To enhance the centricity of these travellers will be paramount in 2019.
Rising trade tensions
According to the International Monetary Fund, disputes between the US and the rest of the world could cost the global economy US$430 billion. With the US “especially vulnerable” to escalating tariffs, this could affect corporate travel expenditure in 2019.
Mark Cochrane
Regional manager,
Asia-Pacific, UFI The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry
Mergers and acquisition
Following Informa’s acquisition of UBM and private equity firm, Blackstone’s acquisition of Global Sources, Clarion and PennWell, 2019 should be a year of more deals both big and small.
Mega venues
NECC (National Exhibition and Convention Center) opened in Shanghai in 2015 adding 400,000m2 to the market there. In 2019, Shenzhen World will boost that city’s capacity by an incredible 500,000m2. India is also, finally, adding significant capacity in Mumbai and Delhi. Big venues usually unlock big growth in exhibitions.
South-east Asia’s potential
The exhibition markets in the region from the large (in Thailand) to the small (in Cambodia and Vietnam) have been posting significant growth for more than three years. We expect that to continue in 2019 and beyond.
From left: PCMA CEO and president Sherrif Karamat and Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Karen Bolinger talking about the research at AIME
(Photo: Adelaine Ng)
Corporate incentive travel (CIT) is rising in popularity among corporations in Asia, and the region is rising as a key player of the sector, a research commissioned by the Melbourne Convention Bureau and the PCMA Foundation has found.
“CIT is becoming increasingly important to corporations in Asia, particularly as a tool for acquiring and retaining talented staff rather than just paying cash bonuses,” said PCMA CEO and president Sherrif Karamat at AIME 2019.
From left: PCMA CEO and president Sherrif Karamat and Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Karen Bolinger talking about the research at AIME (Photo: Adelaine Ng)
In addition, the research also found that the CIT sector is looking to source unusual destinations, and is eyeing secondary or third-tier cities as potential incentive travel locations.
Melbourne Convention Bureau’s CEO Karen Bolinger told TTGmice that regional areas and some Asian cities will have a steeper learning curve to ready themselves for the sector’s growth, but relayed that “they’re learning fast as they go”.
The report projects that with Asian travel expected to grow to US$1.2 trillion by 2026 and the CIT sector growing substantially within that, a new revenue opportunity with “massive potential” is presented for those who can tailor their offerings.
In order to better capture the expanding market, local destination bureaus should work with business events suppliers to create ‘wow’ experiences.
“Many corporations today engage professional CIT planners to book and plan these trips, and these planners play an important role in the supply chain,” Karamat added.
Bolinger shared that in her city’s case, it’s all about taking common tourist experiences to the next level.
“For example, people can go on a street art tour and they’ll say that’s nice, but anyone can do that. Nowadays, incentive travellers want to roll their sleeves up, immerse themselves and want bragging rights,” she elaborated.
“So instead we (can organise) a street art tour with an actual street artist, who then takes you back to one of the warehouses, and you get cans of paint to create your own street art.”
Venue operator AEG Ogden Group has revealed that it is promoting two general managers, coming shortly after the group’s announcement that it has been appointed operator for the upcoming Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Speaking at AIME 2019 on Tuesday afternoon, AEG Ogden’s director of convention centres, Geoff Donaghy, announced that Cairns Convention Centre (CCC) general manager Ross Steele will manage the Te Pae Christchurch, which is on track for a October 2020 opening.
Hamilton moving into Steele’s vacated role in Cairns (Photo: Adelaine Ng)
Hours later, it was announced that Darwin Convention Centre’s general manager Janet Hamilton will move into Steele’s vacated role in Cairns.
Both Steele and Hamilton have impressive records in the industry, with the Association of International Congress Centres ranking CCC number one in the world under his watch; and Hamilton breaking records in terms of number of market bids and delegate numbers attending conferences in Darwin.
Both Steele and Hamilton told TTGmice that they will continue courting the Asian market in their new roles.
“In my previous appointment with Cairns we’ve been in Asia a lot, so I see that as a real opportunity for Christchurch to work especially with the association and incentive market in Asia in the long term,” said Steele.
Prior to the Christchurch earthquake in February 2011, Christchurch claimed 40 per cent of the Australasian events market for New Zealand, and the city is keen to regain its foothold in hosting conferences in the country.
Meanwhile, Hamilton says her successor, who is yet to be announced, will still need to work on changing Asia’s perception of Darwin.
“We’re the closest (Australian) city to Asia, so it’s actually (all about) getting that brand awareness out there for the territory,” she said.
Hamilton also revealed to TTGmice that Darwin has embarked on a research project into Asia focusing first on Singapore, which will see a delegation of potential clients visit the Australian city later this year. “And then we’ll broaden that as we continue our research and relationships,” she said.
HRS has unveiled its new Hotel Sourcing Report to provide intelligence on 2019 rate projections, the progress of continuous sourcing, rate trends in Shanghai and hotel scenarios for manufacturing companies.
Hotel sourcing is an an evolving practice, and as detailed in an ACTE Sourcing report from last year, 51% of companies have altered their approach to hotel sourcing in the past three years. Beyond changing the timing and frequency of their sourcing, multinational programmes are increasingly leveraging global performance data and benchmarking to drive better results.
HRS sheds light on rate trends and predictions as hotel sourcing evolves
Recent developments in hotel sourcing
Enhancements in automation and process improvement are making 2019 a watershed year for hotel sourcing. As detailed in last year’s ACTE report, more than 10% of companies have moved away from the traditional, once-a-year hotel RFP season to an engaged, year-round model.
Continuous sourcing ensures that companies can take advantage of rates fluctuating in select markets, as well as alter their procurement strategy as internal corporate priorities change. Continuous sourcing drives increased transparency in the relationship between corporates and hotel suppliers.
Hoteliers appreciate the elevated level of engagement from preferred partners that deliver consistent volume; corporate hotel programme leaders benefit from timely rate analysis that can drive faster implementation of newly-negotiated rates in all relevant shopping/booking channels.
With such benefits, it’s no surprise that 52% of programmes that practise continuous sourcing recorded both increased financial savings and flexibility. A whopping 44% measured increased programme compliance.
A deeper look at Shanghai as a business destination
Shanghai is China’s busiest hub for corporate travel and has retained
that status for several years. The government’s decision to create the country’s first free trade zone in Shanghai in 2013 has enhanced this position; more than 40,000 companies have established operations in Shanghai in the past five years.
While other first-tier cities like Beijing or Guangzhou have also seen major infrastructural changes, Shanghai has an advantage in its long history as an international hub. In the new millennium, buoyed by the opening of the free trade zone, the city has been transformed into one of the world’s most important and eclectic financial centres.
Overall in the Asia-Pacific, the hotel landscape is very fragmented. Ninety-five per cent of the hotels in the market are independent hotels, defining the environment as a pure buyer’s market. In Shanghai, specifically, market data showed an average rate increase for 2018 of 3.6% with an occupancy rate of 63% (source: ceicdata.com).
The traditional approach for hotel programmes is to drive high levels of optimisation; the main lever for improvements is the capability and willingness to innovate the approach. A growing number of hotel programmes are using an outsourced automated process (through benchmarking, volume bundling and alternative hotels), delivering rate decreases of 12% on average, with benefits in the quality of the hotel programme as well. In Shanghai, there are excellent opportunities for companies to save on all categories of hotels via automated outsourcing.
Here are the savings corporates were able to secure in 2018:
Corporates should aggressively negotiate to include Last Room Availability (LRA). An examination of Shanghai hotel contracts found a range of 60 to 87% of contracts including a clause for LRA.
Free Wi-Fi is a must. More than 90% of contracts include free Wi-Fi. Corporates should make this request up front in any Shanghai hotel negotiation.
*percentage of hotel contracts including LRA at the contracted rate
Data source: HRS analysis on 1 million room nights sourced for global clients in Shanghai in 2018
A deeper look at top vertical markets: manufacturing
Manufacturing firms book a significant number of hotel rooms around the world. With rare exceptions, manufacturing is a conservative sector when it comes to travel management. Hotel programmes are based on chains and historical agreements, despite the global market offering a fragmented landscape with 75% of global supply coming from independent local players. Leakage remains the main challenge to overcome.
Manufacturing companies also stand to gain from continuous sourcing, so they can take advantage of savings opportunities in different markets as rates evolve during any given year. Once-a-year hotel negotiations no longer suffice.
Based on sophisticated benchmarking and focused negotiation, the hotel programmes of more than two dozen global manufacturing companies reported rates (on average) 5% lower than average programmes.
In the past two years, HRS has found that manufacturing companies, in particular, have seen the quality of their hotel portfolios increase when they take advantage of outsourcing models during bidding seasons. As a result, these companies have registered increased traveller satisfaction, rising adherence to policies and better, the duty of care compliance.
Here are the savings corporates in manufacturing were able to secure in 2018:
As always, corporates in any vertical market should lock in LRA in their hotel supplier contracts. An examination of manufacturing company hotel contracts found a range of 58 to 69% of contracts including a clause for LRA.
Free Wi-Fi is a must. More than 90% of contracts include free Wi-Fi. Regardless of the vertical market, companies should make this a standard request in any hotel negotiation.
*percentage of hotel contracts including LRA at the contracted rate
Data source: HRS analysis on room nights sourced for global manufacturing clients in 2018
AIM Group discusses latest DMC trends in the White Paper
AIM Group International, a company specialised in congresses, events and destination management, has released a White Paper outlining the role and importance of DMCs in a changing environment.
“It is clear that nowadays the role of DMCs is evolving. Reserving accommodation, organising transport, booking restaurants or consulting event ideas are just a click away. Does that mean that DMCs are no longer needed? No, that is not the case,” Bob Novak, head of corporate & DMC department Prague office, argued.
AIM Group discusses latest DMC trends in the White Paper
Demonstrating that point, the White Paper specifies eight key reasons why clients can benefit from DMC services, from saving time to risk mitigation, economic savings and simplified finance management, and the ability to involve participants.
By having one partner to liaise with instead of a long list of local suppliers, clients can “cut out perfuse administration and simplify accounting and VAT recovery”, for example.
Meanwhile, the report noted that event organisation is a constantly evolving industry, influenced by new technologies, social change, new market offerings, and so on.
It highlighted top trends to watch in this changing environment, including:
– tailored experiences that are meaningful and have a direct link to the client or local community
– second-tier, emerging destinations or original locations
– greater social media engagement among participants
– CSR and local community legacies.
– ethical food: attention to organic, healthy, zero-Km requirements
– short notice and flexibility.
he move is part of the SIA group’s optimisation efforts
SilkAir is the only airline to operate a scheduled flight between the two cities
SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, will commence non-stop flights between Singapore and Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, on May 1, 2019.
Busan is the first South Korean city added to SilkAir’s network, and Silkair is the only airline to operate a scheduled flight between the two cities.
The four-times weekly flight will be operated with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, offering both business and economy class cabins.
The property is built right next to the entrance of Ocean Park and a stone’s throw from the eponymous MTR station. As footbridges connect Ocean Park Station to the hotel, there are no traffic worries, and it took me less than five minutes to walk the distance.
Since the MTR connection to the south side of Hong Kong Island debuted a few years ago, it offers visitors an additional means of access other than buses. Travelling time from Admiralty Station to the park now takes only four minutes.
The hotel’s location is also close to hiking and jogging trails that lead through some of the Hong Kong’s finest coastline and country parks.
Rooms
Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel’s rooms are spread across three eight-storey towers.
My daughter and I stayed in the twin-bed, 29m2 Premium Room of Marina Wing which overlooks the swimming pool. I loved the abundance of USB and electrical plugs on the walls, which came in handy for the numerous electronic gadgets I brought along for work.
However, it would be more convenient if there was an additional wall socket near the coffee/tea corner as I preferred to make my capsule coffee while boiling hot water simultaneously.
Also, the lighting in the room was bright enough, and a drum pendant light above the writing desk allowed me to easily read documents at night.
Facilities
It was during the hotel’s soft-opening period when I stayed, so the Central Lagoon was not open yet (it just opened this week).
The landscaped 1,410m2 swimming pool has an upper pool for practice laps, as well as toddler and kid pools for families with young kids. Aside from the fitness centre that’s open 24-7, a Harnn Heritage Spa is expected to open on-site at a later date.
As a city resort hotel under Ocean Park’s umbrella, don’t miss the signature 16m-high floor-to-ceiling aquarium that spans across three floors of the hotel.
For business travellers, the Club Wing is also home to the executive lounge, M Club, who offers a quiet spot for work and bites. Function spaces on-site include a 1,200m2 pillarless ballroom that can hold up to 80 banquet tables, two outdoor venues and two meeting rooms.
For large groups, a dedicated check-in area is provided. Corporate groups can also make use of a dedicated entrance to Ocean Park when staying in the hotel, while event planners can easily organise teambuilding sessions, educational programmes or hold themed cocktail sessions in Ocean Park.
F&B
There are four F&B options spread across the property. I stayed in the Marina Wing, with access to the 171-seater, all-day Marina Kitchen & Marina Café and the 126-seater Pier Lounge & Pier Bar.
My Sunday morning breakfast at Marina Café was spiced up by the appearance of two of Ocean Park’s characters, which I provided fun moments for both kids and adults lining up for the photo opportunity.
In the Club Wing, there’s a 92-seater Canton Bistro for classic Cantonese cuisine, as well as a 118-seater steakhouse called Prohibition Grill House & Cocktail Bar.
Service
Friendly and attentive. I only realised that I left my jacket in the room 15 minutes after checking out. I called up the hotel to check and within 15 minutes, I received both a call and email asking what would be the best way for me to collect my stuff.
Verdict
It is not only ideal for family and multi-generational travellers, but also for FITs and business travellers as the Club Wing offers elevated experience.
No. of rooms 471 Rates From HK$2,950 (US$376) Contact details
Tel: (852) 3555 1688
Email: mhrs.hkgop.generic@marriotthotels.com
Paris: Ascott says bonjour with latest France opening
The Ascott has opened La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris in France, its third property under The Crest Collection.
The luxury serviced residence is housed in a five-storey Haussmannian-style building in the heart of Paris’ 8th arrondissement. There are 70 keys in a mix of suites and duplex apartments with balcony, which all come furnished with a fully-equipped kitchen, Nespresso machine, dishwasher and a washer-dryer.
Guests can avail of services such as the 24-hour concierge and room service, valet-parking, laundry, buffet breakfast, fitness suite, residents’ lounge, complimentary L’Occitane toiletries and high-speed Internet access.
Later in the year, the first restaurant in France by Michelin-star Singaporean Chinese cuisine group Imperial Treasure will also open within La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris.
Muscat: New airport opens in Oman
The brand-new Muscat International Airport in Oman has a handling capacity of 20 million passengers per year, with an expansion potential for 56 million. It can handle 40 flights per hour, with a new, wide runway that can accommodate the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 aircraft.
The sultanate is also developing new airports in Salalah and Duqm, as well as building modern highways to connect interior destinations and improving its hospitality infrastructure.
Las Vegas: IMC breaks ground for The Expo at World Market Center
International Market Centers (IMC), owners and operators of World Market Center Las Vegas, has broken ground on the construction of The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas, a new 29,264m2 exhibition facility.
Costing US$90 million, the completed exhibition space will feature more than 18,000m2 of space, and will be divisible into two halls. In all, the combined space can accommodate up to 1,000 booths. There will also be a lobby area, registration area, onsite shuttle bus depot, attached parking garage and two food service areas.
Construction is scheduled to begin fully in April, and the grand opening is expected for IMC’s Summer 2020 Las Vegas Market, a semi-annual marketplace for the gift and home furnishings industries.
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.
Rajeev Kohli
Noor Ahmad Hamid
Benson Tang
Mark Cochrane
