Dida, a tech-driven global travel distribution company, has appointed Florian Blois as its director of strategic partnerships.
In this role, Blois will lead global partnerships, focusing on DMOs, international hotel chains, airlines, as well as tour and activity providers to drive business growth through strategic collaborations and innovative marketing initiatives.
Reporting directly to Dida’s CMO, Gareth Matthews, Blois will work to develop and execute personalised marketing and sales strategies that further elevate Dida’s partners across its global platforms and distribution channels.
Before joining Dida, he was the senior regional manager – destination development & marketing at HBX Group (formerly Hotelbeds) where he managed global partnerships and led strategic marketing campaigns for DMOs across EMEA and Asia-Pacific.
The Langham, Hong Kong, has appointed Encore, an Australia-headquartered event technology and creative production company, as its official in-house event production partner.
This partnership is a major milestone for Encore as the company continues to expand across Asia-Pacific.
The Langham Hong Kong Ballroom
Whether hosting high-profile corporate conferences, gala dinners, or intimate private gatherings, clients of The Langham, Hong Kong, will now benefit from Encore’s extensive capabilities. These include creative strategy and design, state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, immersive event production, and seamless execution, ensuring every event is flawless and memorable.
Stephanie Choi, director of sales & marketing at The Langham, Hong Kong, commented on the new partnership: “As Langham’s flagship hotel in Hong Kong, we are committed to providing our guests with world-class experiences, and this extends to our event offerings. Encore’s reputation for delivering immersive and innovative event productions with the very latest in technology makes them the ideal partner to enhance our event services and exceed client expectations.”
Further bolstering Encore’s credentials, the company has been recognised by Forbes Travel Guide as the Official Event Solutions Company. This endorsement from the only independent global rating system for luxury hotels underscores Encore’s leadership in event technology and its commitment to supporting world-class venues.
Scott Nodsle, managing director, Encore International, expressed his enthusiasm for the expanded collaboration: “As a long-time partner of Langham Hospitality Group worldwide, we are thrilled to expand our collaboration to The Langham, Hong Kong. Our team is passionate about creating immersive, world-class events that push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. We look forward to delivering exceptional experiences that align with the luxury and service excellence synonymous with The Langham brand.”
Millennium Hotels and Resorts has appointed Melanie Beattie as its vice president of sales and partnerships for New Zealand.
A dynamic leader with a background in both start-ups and corporate settings, Beattie specialises in driving growth, sales performance, and strategic partnerships across various industries.
Prior to joining Millennium Hotels and Resorts, she was head of distribution at Fidelity Life Assurance Company.
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The event industry in Asia is experiencing remarkable growth as organisers invest heavily in hosting and enhancing events
The Asian events industry is demonstrating a strong wave of optimism for 2025, fuelled by an increased commitment from event organisers, as highlighted in the newly-released Cvent Event Industry Report 2025 Asia Edition.
Key findings indicate that 73% of event professionals plan to boost their total event volume in 2025. This marks a notable increase from the 64% who anticipated growth in the previous year, signalling a confident resurgence and forward momentum within the sector.
The event industry in Asia is experiencing remarkable growth as organisers invest heavily in hosting and enhancing events
The report also indicates that event planners intend to expand their events across various formats, with a 58% increase projected for in-person events. Webinars and virtual events are also expected to see a 58% increase, while hybrid events are expected to grow by 57%.
Generating revenue emerged as the top factor influencing planners and managing competition from other industry events, which remains the biggest challenge in event management. Planners must strategise better, leverage technology and innovate experiential solutions to stand out.
The report further decodes the reason behind the positive market outlook in Asia, with 74% of event professionals planning to increase spending on events, and 100% of Asia event professionals viewing event expenditure as a priority.
There is also a willingness of organisations to invest in event technology if additional funds are allocated, with 25% prioritising event technology, 21% emphasising event promotions, and 13% focusing on doing more events.
Technology is rapidly transforming the events industry, with factors like brand reliability, ease of use and reporting analytics determining the choice of event tech. This further highlights Asia’s high receptiveness to tech advancements, with 90% of organisations showing a strong willingness to adopt and try out uncharted territories in event tech solutions. AI will also play a larger role, with 87% of organisations using it to plan, design, manage, and/or market their events.
The industry has also demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and accessibility.
A significant 88% of respondents claim a sustainability target for their events this year, with 70% willing to track event/attendee carbon footprint to become more sustainable. Moreover, 80% of organisations implemented sustainable events last year. This commitment to sustainability is further complemented by the increasing focus on accessibility, with 72% of respondents claiming they have an accessibility target for their events this year. This collective responsibility and consideration are shaping the future of events positively.
Cvent commissioned an independent market research consultancy, Censuswide, to conduct the survey for this report. The research was conducted between November 26, 2024, and December 6, 2024, with 320 senior event planners, marketers, and other decision-makers (aged 25+) from Asia participating in the survey. The survey respondents were from firms with revenue ranging from US$100 million and above, across a broad range of industry sectors.
Bertrand Margerie brings over 30 years of experience with leading hospitality brands across four continents to his new role as general manager of Kuramathi Maldives.
With expertise in rooms and revenue management, his career spans over three decades of operational expertise, with notable leadership roles including most recent appointments at Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort, Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, Melati Beach Resort & Spa in Samui, and Mövenpick Karon Beach, Phuket.
ACC 2025 will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration
The Asia Carbon Conference (ACC) is set to return to Kuching in 2025, reinforcing the region’s commitment to a green economy that balances economic progress with environmental responsibility.
Organised by Argus Media and hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak, ACC 2025 will take place from May 29-30 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
ACC 2025 will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration
The conference is expected to draw 400 delegates from across Asia and beyond, including industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates. The event will be officially opened with a keynote address by Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Abang Haji Openg, the premier of Sarawak.
Featuring speakers from Singapore, India, Australia, and the European Union, discussions at ACC 2025 will centre on critical topics such as the evolution of carbon markets, strategies for achieving net-zero emissions, the transition towards sustainable energy sources, and the growing importance of corporate climate responsibility. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with global experts, participate in insightful panel discussions, and discover cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of carbon management in Asia.
A key highlight of the conference agenda is the VIP Government Fireside Chat, which will focus on the potential for creating an integrated South-east Asian marketplace for carbon and exploring renewable energy opportunities across Asia. This session promises valuable insights from government leaders and industry experts on the developing landscape of carbon markets and regulatory frameworks within the region.
Early bird registration for the Asia Carbon Conference 2025 is currently open, offering discounted rates for participants who register by May 9, 2025.
Speakers on the Reshaping Global Airport Operations fireside chat emphasise the collective efforts needed to bring airport operations into the future
The three-day inter airport Southeast Asia 2025, which kicked off on March 25 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, is seeing hot discussions about the future of airport operations and passenger experience. These conversations, which are built on the event theme, Airport Operations for Tomorrow, are said to be critical, as the aviation industry is witnessing rapid transformation and has projected global passenger traffic to reach 19.5 billion by 2042.
The event opened with a fireside chat on Reshaping Global Airport Operations, which delved into the fundamental shift airport operations will face and how airports must evolve to balance the imperatives of efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.
Speakers on the Reshaping Global Airport Operations fireside chat emphasise the collective efforts needed to bring airport operations into the future
When asked to share one game-changing technology that would redefine the industry, Patrick Ky, CEO, International Centre for Aviation Innovation, said “innovation that drives data sharing will be key”, but that would require many regulatory aspects and willingness from airports to share with each other.
Glory Wee, senior director, aviation development group, Civil Aviation Authority Singapore, added: “It is clear from our discussion that in order to reshape airport operations, it is not just about technological advancements but also about setting standards, data integrity, collaborations, and sharing best practices. Above all, the industry needs to work towards building trust with partners and ecosystem players.”
Leading airports also presented case studies highlighting their technological integrations, regional growth strategies, and efforts to meet rising demand while enhancing passenger experience.
Shinichiro Motomiya, general manager, Narita International Airport Corporation, detailed the airport’s expansion project for the 2030s, which includes extending an existing runway, constructing a new runway, improving connectivity into the city, and consolidating this into a single terminal to accommodate the expected increase of passenger capacity from 57 to 75 million.
Nguyen Dang Minh, director of airport operations department, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), also shared the organisation’s master plan to develop a robust and resilient airport network by 2050. By 2030, ACV will equip 30 airports across the country with a combined capacity to handle 275.9 million passengers annually. By 2050, the network will expand to 33 airports (14 international and 19 domestic), ensuring that 97 per cent of the population has access to an airport within 100km.
At the heart of this transformation is the Long Thanh International Airport project, positioned as a key national aviation hub and one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the region.
Delegates attending inter airport Southeast Asia 2025 today and tomorrow will have access to groundbreaking discussions and innovations that address efficiency, sustainability, and automation in ground handling and airport logistics.
Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal reopens after a year-long renovation, featuring self-service kiosks and automated lanes for faster passenger processing
After a year-long renovation, the upgraded Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT) at Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) is set to support increased travel between Singapore, the Riau Islands, Indonesia, and Johor, Malaysia, with self-service kiosks and automated lanes that speed up passenger processing.
Tanah Merah is one of three ferry terminals and one cruise terminal operated by SCC, alongside its international cruise and regional ferry terminal at HarbourFront Centre, and its domestic ferry terminal at Pasir Panjang.
Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal reopens after a year-long renovation, featuring self-service kiosks and automated lanes for faster passenger processing
SCC expects up to 70 per cent of ferry passengers to use self-check-ins at TMFT’s 15 new kiosks, which will be fully deployed by the end of the year. Travellers will no longer need to queue at ferry operator counters for boarding passes; instead, they can scan their passports at the kiosks to print both boarding passes and luggage tags. Bags can then be dropped at six counters, an increase from the previous four.
The traveller experience is further enhanced in the immigration halls with the introduction of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)’s passport-less clearance initiative. Singapore residents arriving and departing, as well as all departing foreign travellers, can now clear immigration using facial and iris biometrics, eliminating the need to present their passports. With this new system, travellers can clear immigration in about 10 seconds, making the process 60 per cent faster than before.
Additionally, ICA has increased the overall clearance capacity in the immigration halls by about 50 per cent, expanding from 12 to 26 lanes for arriving passengers and from 12 to 20 lanes for departing passengers.
The upgrade at TMFT introduces new amenities, including F&B outlets like Woon’s Kopi by Killiney, Subway, Luckin Coffee, and Lepak Corner, an outdoor children’s playground, and ‘flexi’ rooms that can be converted for meetings, catering to business travellers heading to Batam or Bintan. Other additions include a prayer room and more. Inside the departure area, a new lounge will complement the existing Bintan Resorts Ferries Emerald Lounge.
SCC CEO Jacqueline Tan said: “We are pleased that the upgrade of Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal has been completed according to plan and within the projected timeline. With the seamless, contactless systems, optimised space, and new amenities, we are able to offer ferry passengers elevated user experiences. This enhances our role as a regional gateway from Singapore to Riau Islands and Malaysia, as economic growth generates higher passenger volumes in the coming years.”
Sip sustainably at events with Huskee's 'Borrow' programme; photo by Elin Bandmann Photography
Huskee, an Australian-headquartered company focused on reusable coffee cups and reuse solutions, has launched Borrow by Huskee, a free, turnkey reusable cup system for venues and events, designed to eliminate the barrier of customers needing to remember to bring their cup.
The new system was showcased at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE), with its official launch slated for Barangaroo in Sydney this June. Borrow by Huskee will allow cafes and businesses to order specially designed BorrowCups in two sizes (8oz and 12oz) for their customers to “borrow” when purchasing a coffee or other beverage.
Sip sustainably at events with Huskee’s ‘Borrow’ programme; photo by Elin Bandmann Photography
After enjoying their drink, customers have up to 14 days to return the BorrowCup to any participating cafe or a newly-developed SmartBin. Huskee will then collect, professionally wash, and return the cups to cafes for continued reuse.
Huskee co-founder, Saxon Wright, said: “This new approach aims to simplify and streamline the BYO and reusable drink sector, removing the need to remember to bring a reusable cup. Our goal is to make it easier and more accessible than ever for people to support circular solutions.
Patrons can participate by downloading the Borrow app and scanning the unique QR code on a BorrowCup each time they order a drink. Technology will help to capture data, such as borrow durations, return rates at Smart Bins, and the system’s environmental impact in terms of carbon emissions and landfill diversion
The SmartBin technology also ensures hygiene by only accepting scanned BorrowCups with the correct QR code, mitigating the risk of contamination. The Borrow app will also feature a Smart Locations function, enabling users to easily locate the nearest return point.
The BorrowCup itself is a newly-designed cup by Huskee, retaining the brand’s signature fins for insulation. It is manufactured from 100 per cent polypropylene, a durable and food-grade plastic known for its stability, longevity, and recyclability.
Huskee’s WashHub, located in St Peters, will clean, dry, and sanitise the collected BorrowCups, ensuring hygienic packing and storage before they are returned to participating businesses. Once a BorrowCup reaches the end of its usable life, it will be integrated into HuskeeLoop, the company’s closed-loop recycling programme that transforms old cups into new products, fostering true circularity.
Borrow by Huskee is now live, and Huskee is actively engaging with cafes and venues interested in adopting this innovative reusable cup system.
“Starting in Sydney, we aim to expand and scale this year, rolling out this service to as many venues as possible across the country,” added Wright.
SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Lagoon Maldives – resorts under the S Hotels and Resorts portfolio – have become the first and only venues in Thailand and the Maldives to receive the Gold Sustainable Event Standards certification from the Event Industry Council (EIC).
This recognition follows substantial investments in upgrading the event facilities at both resorts.
SAii Laguna Phuket
SAii Laguna Phuket’s 1,900m2 ocean-facing complex offers sustainable meeting solutions aligned with the Thailand MICE Venue Standards set by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau. The venue features the Similan Ballroom, nine breakout rooms, a VIP room equipped with the latest audiovisual technology, and three outdoor event spaces. All events here are free from single-use plastics, thanks to initiatives like reusable decorations and a ban on plastic straws.
The resort has also implemented recycling programmes, offers green transportation options, and utilises advanced technology to help event organisers measure and minimise their environmental impact by calculating the carbon footprint of their events.
SAii Laguna Phuket also collaborates with Seeds of Change, a local community organisation focused on sustainability and environmental awareness in Phuket, to create eco-friendly beach bags. These unique bags, handmade by community members, are crafted from upcycled materials from previous renovations. Guests will find these bags in their rooms for their island explorations.
Beyond events, delegates can also participate in community-supporting group activities such as cooking classes featuring local produce and beach clean-ups. In a further green initiative, the resort has introduced the Sustainable Sleep concept, featuring eco-friendly King Koil mattresses made from allergen-proof and moisture-repellent fabric in all renovated guestrooms.
Dining at SAii Laguna Phuket emphasises sustainability, with diverse restaurants offering healthy dishes prepared with locally-sourced ingredients and fresh produce from the on-site organic garden. Guests can also enjoy non-motorised water sports like kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
SAii properties in Thailand have also been awarded Green Globe certifications for three consecutive years, while the Maldives property has received the accolade for two consecutive years.
Over in the Maldives, SAii Lagoon Maldives actively minimises polystyrene use, eliminates paperwork through electronic documents, and utilises renewable energy from solar panels. The resort also restricts power use during rehearsals, employs energy-efficient LED displays, and has eliminated single-use and disposable plastic products.
The resort’s 326m2 Event Hall can accommodate over 400 delegates, event planners can organise environmentally and socially conscious activities, from beachfront boardrooms to ecological experiences, all aligned with Hilton Worldwide’s “Meet with Purpose” concept.
This concept focuses on reducing waste and incorporates interactive cooking and dining experiences that are healthy, sustainable, and engaging, utilising locally sourced produce and ingredients from the organic garden and the surrounding Maldivian seas.
“At SAii, we have integrated sustainable practices into every facet of our operations and customer experience,” stated Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels and Resorts. “The recognition from the EIC and the Green Globe team, combined with our guests’ positive feedback, serves as a powerful motivator for us to continue our sustainability development agenda into the future, along with providing our guests with top-quality hospitality services.”
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.
Reporting directly to Dida’s CMO, Gareth Matthews, Blois will work to develop and execute personalised marketing and sales strategies that further elevate Dida’s partners across its global platforms and distribution channels.
Prior to joining Millennium Hotels and Resorts, she was head of distribution at Fidelity Life Assurance Company.
With expertise in rooms and revenue management, his career spans over three decades of operational expertise, with notable leadership roles including most recent appointments at Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Spa & Golf Resort, Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, Melati Beach Resort & Spa in Samui, and Mövenpick Karon Beach, Phuket.
