An orangutan in Matang Wildlife Centre, Sarawak, pictured
Malaysia has won the bid against China for the International Primatological Society (IPS) Congress 2022.
This will be the first time the biennial congress will be held in Malaysia, and around 1,200 delegates are expected to attend.
An orangutan in Matang Wildlife Centre, Sarawak, pictured
The bid presentation, held in Nairobi during the IPS Congress 2018, was led by the Malaysian Primatological Society, with support from both the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau and Sarawak Convention Bureau.
In addition, Place Borneo has been appointed as the PCO while Borneo Convention Center Kuching will be the event venue.
Mona Abdul Manap, Place Borneo’s managing director, told TTGmice on the sidelines of the Business Events Forum by The Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers: “Our immediate task is to coordinate with co-hosts Sarawak Forestry Corporation and Malaysian Primatological Society to research projects on primatology in Sarawak and Malaysia. These findings will then be presented during the congress in 2022.”
She added that they will also start marketing the 2022 congress in 2019, in addition to the Ecuador congress happening in 2020, to members of the International Primatological Society who are located worldwide.
This is the second time the Malaysian Primatological Society has made a bid for the congress.
According to Mona, Sarawak’s appeal lay in its proximity to Sabah and Indonesia, where there are primates living in the wild, as well as conservation centres which makes it convenient to hold congress training trips as a pre- or post event.
Asia-based organisations Toyota, Suzuki, Michelin Tire and Rotary International are among an “impressive list of global power brands” that have recently chosen Guam and Dusit Thani Guam Resort for their incentive travel events and conference, noted a statement issued by both Guam Visitor Bureau and the luxury property which is part of Bangkok-based Dusit Thani Group.
For instance, US Toyota brought 500 people from Japan for an incentive reward programme, while an incentive group of 2,200 came with Suzuki Japan. There was also a 100-strong group from Michelin Tire Taiwan.
Dusit Thani Guam Resort
These groups stayed at the 421-key Dusit Thani Guam Resort, which features Grand Ballrooms that can host up to 2,000 people for a ceremony and up to 1,500 for a banquet dinner.
Following on their heels is the Rotary International Japan Conference which will bring 1,400 delegates to the destination in February 2019.
Pilar Laguana, director of global marketing for the Guam Visitors Bureau, commented: “The growing interest in Guam from the MICE sector and holiday travellers over the past 12 months has been encouraging.
“The rise of ‘bleisure’ as an increasing influence on destination choices for meetings and incentives is also in our favour. The beaches, jungle and unique Chamorro culture are powerful attractions and considerations when event organisers are looking for a fresh destination that offers new and interesting leisure experiences before or after a business event.”
Tourism Australia has announced that its incentive event, Dreamtime, will be held in Perth, Western Australia, next year.
Dreamtime 2019 will be held from December 2-3, with international buyers and media then continuing on educational visits to other Australian destinations.
Perth city view from Kings Park
The programme includes media event and networking opportunities between Australian industry and international business events buyers from markets including Greater China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, New Zealand, the US and the UK.
“Dreamtime is Australia’s largest business events showcase and taking the event to Perth is an exciting development for the city. With new hotel infrastructure developments, new international non-stop flights from London and a growing incentive offering, Perth is continuing to raise its profile internationally,” said Tourism Australia’s managing director John O’Sullivan.
Luxury car rentals now made available in Singapore
Avis Car Rental has launched its premium Avis Prestige service in Singapore through its partnership with Wearnes Leasing, a division of South-east Asian luxury car retailer Wearnes Automotive.
The partnership will enable customers travelling to Singapore to have a wider selection of luxury rental car choices, including premium marques such as Jaguar, Infiniti, Land Rover and Volvo.
Luxury car rentals now made available in Singapore
Customers travelling to Singapore can collect their Avis Prestige vehicle either at Changi Airport, Havelock Road or arrange for a delivery to their doorstep.
Helen Lau, general manager, Singapore, Avis Budget Group, said: “We’re committed to developing and extending an unrivalled customer experience – and that includes offering exquisite cars and meet-and-greet services that meets the exacting requirements of our high caliber customers.”
A rendering of the upcoming Mandarin Oriental, Moscow
Mandarin Oriental goes to Moscow
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has signed a management contract for a new hotel and branded residences in Moscow, which are expected to open in 2021.
Mandarin Oriental, Moscow will stand in a prime riverfront location in the heart of the city, directly facing the Kremlin. The boutique property will feature 65 guestrooms and suites, two restaurants, a lounge bar, and spa and wellness facilities including a 25m-long indoor swimming pool.
The project will also house 137 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, which will be the first branded luxury residential development in Moscow. Pierre-Yves Rochon Studio has been appointed as the interior designer, alongside Sergey Skuratov Architects.
Maastricht wins hosting rights to two international conferences
Maastricht in the Netherlands is proving its credentials as a major bio-hub, thanks to two major international conferences due to be held at MECC Maastricht.
The two events are the European Congress on Biotechnology in 2020, and the Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics (ESB) in 2021. Just last month from September 9-13, the annual European Conference on Biomaterials was also held, where more than 900 experts attended.
Las Vegas CVA appoints Steve Hill as its new CEO
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has selected Steve Hill as its next CEO.
Hill is the ninth CEO of LVCVA following the retirement of Rossi Ralenkotter. A Las Vegas resident for more than 30 years, he founded Silver Slate Materials in 1987, before he will appointed the first director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) in 2011.
Hill takes over the LVCVA just when the organisation is about to get started on the largest infrastructure project in its history – the expansion and renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Centre. The project will add more than 130,000m2 of new space, with at least 55,700m2 of usable exhibit space.
Hyatt Hotels has just launched its newest meeting package, Value Worth Meeting For, and it is available at participating properties throughout Australia and South-east Asia.
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The Campus Bar
The Residence
To enjoy exclusive benefits such as five per cent off the master bill; one free upgrade for every 25 paid rooms; double World of Hyatt points; and standard Wi-Fi on event floors; planners or organisers have to book at least 10 rooms per night by January 31, 2019, with event materialisation by December 31, 2019.
JW Marriott Seoul has reopened following an eight-month-long renovation.
The property offers 379 guestrooms, including two multi-level penthouses and 32 suites. South Korean interior design firm Kesson revamped each guestroom to now feature a warm grey and taupe palette accompanied by a photo wall that displays the art of local artist Seungsang Park.
Revamped guestroom
For events, the property offers a total of 1,460m2 of meeting space comprising a 766m2 Grand Ballroom and six salons. Other facilities include seven F&B outlets, and a Fitness Club – made up of a gym, 85m-long jogging track, indoor golf zone, squash court, basketball court, swimming pool, scuba diving pool, jacuzzi, and sauna – that spans over three floors.
The property first made its debut back in 2000, and was Marriott International’s first luxury property in South Korea. It is centrally located in the Gangnam district and directly linked to the Shinsegae Department store and three Seoul Metro lines.
Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort has appointed Samit Ganguly as general manager, who brings over 18 years of hospitality experience and a comprehensive background in sales and marketing.
Ganguly first commenced his career with Hyatt in 2002, progressing through various sales roles before holding positions as director of convention sales at Hyatt Regency Dubai, and director of sales at Hyatt Regency Kolkata.
A tenure with Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group followed as director of marketing at The Radisson Blu Plaza in New Delhi. Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, Ganguly spent six years with The Ritz- Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place, initially as director of sales and marketing, and most recently as hotel manager.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
“Ho Chi Minh City is a pulsing city that retains an old-world charm despite its rapid growth. Beautiful pagodas sit next to vibrant markets, while food vendors serve steaming bowls of pho in the shade of historical colonial buildings. The best way to soak it all in, is to ride a local pedicab through the bustling streets. For guests who would prefer to escape the bustling city, I will recommend a Mekong River cruise.”
Felix Chan
Vice president, sales Asia
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
North Bali, Indonesia and Macleod Island, Myanmar
“My top picks include North Bali and Macleod Island in Myanmar, both of which are accessible right to their door step with Dream Cruises.
In North Bali, be sure to check out the wonders of Singaraja City, the enchanting Pura Ulun Danu Bratan which is a major Shaivite water temple located on the shores of Lake Bratan, and the traditional Candi Kuning market.
Macleod Island, Myanmar
MacLeod Island, which is exclusive to us, provides a uniquely diverse island adventure. It is a hidden and private island with untouched natural beauty and pristine beaches. Guests will get a sense of exclusivity and freedom to go scuba diving or jungle trekking. There is also a wide range of water sports to choose from. Guests can also simply relax on the beach.”
Michael Goh
Senior vice president, international sales
Genting Cruise Lines
Vietnam
“Arriving into Vietnam is an experience on its own. With the intimate size of Silversea’s ships, we can navigate freely through Ha Long bay during misty, foggy conditions. Once we arrive, you will tender ashore and take a transfer to the Giac Tam Buddhist Zen Monastery.
As you drive through the scenic country side of Ha Long Bay, you begin to absorb the culture. Upon reaching the spectacular monastery, your cultural experience peaks. Here you can experience a fascinating lesson on Zen meditation from one of the monks – an experience that stays with you for life.”
Phuket, Thailand and Penang, Malaysia
“I have two favourites. In Phuket, you will reach Patong Beach where our ship tenders. This is within walking distance to nearby attractions where there is plenty of shopping, food and beverage and relaxation options. I suggest that teambuilding groups go island hopping and snorkelling at Phi Phi island or sea cave canoeing at Phang Nga Bay National Park.
Over in Penang, the pier is situated at close proximity to George Town. There is a wide array of cultural sites, gastronomic and shopping attractions in Penang, which are easily accessible via our shore excursions. I recommend that groups join the Heritage Cycling Tour to Clan Jetty to view traditional settlements created by Chinese fisherman or the Habitat Nature Discovery at Penang Hill where they can enjoy sweeping views of Penang from a tree-top walk.”
Angie Stephen
Managing director, Singapore and South-east Asia
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Yokohama, Japan
“Yokohama is my pick, as the pier has a pleasant waterfront promenade which is a great spot for a stroll and for spectacular views of the Minato Mirai skyline. The port is also situated in the heart of Yokohama, so shopping and tourist attractions are easily accessible. In Yokohama, Sankeien Garden is a beautiful Japanese-style garden where you can view cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, depending on when you visit.”
Farriek Tawfik
Director, South-east Asia
Princess Cruises
This article is part of – Events of the high seas, first published in TTGmice October 2018
Greg Findlay has joined Makati Shangri-La, Manila as general manager.
Findlay brings with him over 18 years of extensive experience in hotel general management, having led five-star luxury properties and worked in countries throughout Asia Pacific.
Prior to joining the Shangri-La group, Findlay was the general manager of The Westin Bund Center in Shanghai.
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
The five-star property excels in backing its expansive facilities with seamless service and personalised attention, setting the benchmark for luxury in Bangkok.
