Registrations are now open for the 42nd Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Annual Conference, happening from October 30 to November 1, 2018 in Cordis Hotel, Auckland.
CINZ’s chief executive Sue Sullivan said in a statement: “We will be highlighting the growth ahead for the business events sector in New Zealand as new infrastructure and major events come online from 2020. Traditional presentations will be supplemented by panel discussions, case studies, workshops, and TED-style Talks.”
This is the first time the CINZ Annual Conference and AGM is being held in Auckland
“We are at a critical point in our development as a global business events destination and it is timely we have several international guests speak to us on trends, what the future holds for the sector and our talent pipeline.”
Focusing on international trends for the sector, keynote speakers will include Oscar Cerezales, chief operating officer at association and congress management company MCI Asia Pacific and Jan Tonkin, managing director of The Conference Company.
Meanwhile, New Zealand economist and author Shamubeel Eaqub will examine the high value value of the business events sector, and Auckland will showcase its Road to 2021 strategy.
This year CINZ has also introduced an Emerging Talent stream as a separate half-day programme on November 1 with practical skills and inspiration for professional development.
IHG (InterContinental Hotel Group) has enhanced its Meet For Free package, where companies can hold their next event at no cost across participating hotels in Singapore.
The package is inclusive of breakfast; lunch; Wi-Fi; a morning welcome reception; two meeting breaks with three snack items; unlimited coffee and tea for duration of event; the assistance of experienced on-site event planners; and the meeting spaces with whiteboards, flip charts, markers, LCD projectors and audio-visual equipment.
InterContinental Singapore’s Grand Ballroom
In addition, three IHG Business Rewards points will be earned for every US$1 spent.
Participating hotels include InterContinental Singapore, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium and Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre.
Each hotel will also be offering added privileges. For InterContinental Singapore, there will be triple points for IHG Business Rewards members and will be able to choose one of the following: one-hour complimentary cocktails and canapes with a minimum booking of 30 rooms; complimentary two-night stay in one of the suites with a minimum booking of 100 room nights; or incremental discount of up to 15 per cent off the total accommodation bill when more than one booking is made during the promotional period.
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong’s Function Room
Meanwhile, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport will offer one room upgrade for every 10 rooms booked, as well as a complimentary welcome cocktail reception at the hotel with a minimum booking of 30 rooms.
Next, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium will offer one room upgrade for every 10 rooms booked, as well as 5,000 bonus IHG Business Rewards points. Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre will also offer one room upgrade for every 10 rooms booked, and a complimentary welcome cocktail reception in hotel with a minimum of 25 rooms booked.
Lastly, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong offers five per cent off master bill when bill is charged back to company.
The Meet For Free package is valid with a minimum booking of 10 guestrooms per night for new bookings by October 31, 2018, and event materialisation by December 31, 2018.
Terms and conditions apply.
Second occupancy rates with or without meeting package inclusions are available.
Grand Mercure has opened its first-ever hotel in Myanmar overlooking the famed Shwedagon Pagoda.
The Grand Mercure Yangon Golden Empire boasts 175 guestrooms and suites designed by local artist Pyar Dade, all of which featuring detailed hand-painted ceilings. Room sizes start from the 30m2 superior rooms up to the 340m2 two-bedroom suites.
The decor of the rooms differ, where some have blue and green colour schemes
Amenities on-site include a restaurant, deli, pool bar, two state-of-the-art ballrooms that can host up to 400 guests with a large pre-event function area, and seven meeting rooms.
Meanwhile, the wellness area comprises an outdoor swimming pool, children’s pool, and a fitness centre. There is also a spa complete with open-air Jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath, while a nearby golf course completes the suite of leisure facilities.
The illuminated Rashtrapati Bhavan, The official home of the president, in Delhi, India
Business events held in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) has recorded an eight to 10 per cent year-on-year growth, and its positive performance has been attributed to infrastructure development, as well as the country’s growing appeal as a source market for businesses.
Mahesh Iyer, executive director & chief executive officer, Thomas Cook (India), told TTGmice that “a lot of global companies are now looking to have their board meeting in the (Delhi NCR)”, drawn to India’s many business opportunities.
The illuminated Rashtrapati Bhavan, The official home of the president, in Delhi, India
Raj Rana, chief executive officer, South Asia, CEO (South Asia), Radisson Hotel Group, has also reported a growing demand for corporate meetings and international congress events in the region.
According to ICCA’s 2017 ranking of meetings cities, New Delhi took 41st position globally with 59 meetings. ICCA also placed India at 24th spot, up from 31st, in the worldwide country rankings and fifth spot, up from seventh, on the Asia-Pacific charts.
“India Convention and Promotion Bureau (ICPB) is working towards making India one of the top ten convention destinations globally. Delhi NCR, with its MICE venues like Pragati Maidan and hospitality districts like Delhi Aerocity, will play an important role in achieving this goal,” remarked Chander Mansharamani, managing director of Alpcord Network Travel & Conferences; who is also vice chairman of ICPB.
Delhi NCR’s capability as a business events destination will gain a boost with a planned renovation of Pragati Maidan to turn it into a world-class, state-of-the-art integrated convention and exhibition centre. The refreshed Pragati Maidan is slated for completion in June 2019, and will offer 30 meeting rooms of various sizes as well, an exhibition wing with seven modern exhibition halls, pre-function areas, and an integrated F&B facility in every hall.
As well, the Indian Union Cabinet has recently approved a proposal to lease out 1.5 hectares of land at Pragati Maidan to a private player for the construction of a hotel.
This venue may finally put to rest Indian business events stakeholders’ complaints of the lack of a venue in Delhi NCR that can host mega conventions.
Anitha Niranjan, managing director, CIM Global, said her company had previously lost bids for international conferences because of the limited venues in the destination, adding that Delhi NCR is in need of an international standard convention centre that comes with a world-class hotel.
“(The improved) Pragati Maidan will help to better position Delhi NCR as a destination for international business events,” she added.
For now, Delhi NCR is keeping busy with a number of international trade events. Recent events held in the region include the International Pharma and Healthcare Exhibition 2018, Taiwan Expo 2018 and Asia Rubber Expo.
The Indian government is also throwing its support behind the positioning of Delhi NCR as the hub for business events, by organising many international tradeshows, such as the 11th India Digital Summit, that are aligned with its initiatives like Digital India, Start Up India and Skill India.
“Segments like medicine, information technology, defence and science are bringing conferences and exhibitions to Delhi NCR,” noted Mansharamani.
Going forward, the Indian tourism ministry is contemplating ways to incentivise event organisers that choose to take their events to India, such as by offering to host gala dinners.
However, Mansharamani said Delhi NCR needs to do more to “grow the incentive business”, and his views are echoed by some of his peers.
“Delhi NCR boasts many good hotels, rich heritage and culture. Unfortunately, Delhi is often used as a stopover by incentive groups that move on to nearby destinations like Jaipur and Agra. A focused destination marketing campaign showcasing what Delhi has to offer to incentive groups is needed to grow this business segment,” urged Arun Anand, managing director, Midtown Travel.
Delhi NCR’s popularity among clients is also affected by international coverage on the region’s rising pollution levels, according to a representative of a Delhi NCR-headquartered PCO who has requested anonymity.
“We have received many enquiries from our clients who wanted to know how bad the air quality is in the national capital. One of them eventually shifted his event to a nearby destination,” said the representative.
This article was first published on TTGmice August 2018
Ayana Hotels has appointed Thomas Demesmaker and Ricardo Ferreira as cruise director and operational manager respectively at the 205-room Ayana Komodo Resort, opening on Waecicu Beach in Flores island come September.
Demesmake, who has more than 13 years of experience in the Maldives in operational and cruise director roles for liveaboard vessels, will be at the helm of Ayana Lako di’a, the resort’s 54m-long phinisi boat with nine bedrooms.
From left: Thomas Demesmaker and Ricardo Ferreira
Meanwhile, Ferreira will head the operations of all daily excursions and water activities including kayaking, SUP, fishing, diving and snorkelling, and the additional leisure boats for the Lako di’a fleet at AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach.
The Portuguese has vast operational experiences from St Maarten to Mozambique, where he has led a dive center, marine biology centre, numerous boats, and extensive water activities on a private island in the Maldives.
Start in Mexico city and fly over the Aztec ruins of Teotihucan in a hot air balloon in the morning, before paying a visit to the wineries in the afternoon, or learn about Mexican cuisine during a culinary tour. Then the group moves to Cancun, where colonial city tours, or tours to cenotes – sink holes and underground river systems – are organised, before stopping for lunch just next to the Mayan ruin known as Chichén Itzá. From May to September, speed boats can also be rented to take the group swimming next to whale sharks, and snorkelling at the second largest reef in the world.
Capacity 20 to 30 pax Email sprenzel@epic.com.mx Website www.epic.com.mx
The Fujino site opened in April, making it the newest and one of the most luxurious glamping venues in Japan. A 90-minute drive from central Tokyo, the 16,500m2 property affords breathtaking views of the iconic Mount Fuji. With space for up to 100 guests, and available for buy-out, the site also has a children’s play area and event space. Cabins range from 54m2 to 153m2 in size, and can accommodate up to six people. It is air-conditioned and boasts an outdoor jet bath, fireplace and a deck with grill.
Old-world Michelin excellence meets contemporary local culture in this experience at Regent Taipei. In this fusion gourmet adventure, tea replaces wine as the complement for each luxurious dish.
The menu comprises Michelin-star-chef-inspired recipes, while a Regent sommelier selects the tea pairings as a more innovative option to the traditional wine pairings. Premier Taiwan tea choices may include the refreshing sparkling bi-luo-chun, elegant cold-brewed osmanthus, full-bodied jinxuan oolong, and sweet oriental beauty.
Capacity Up to 100 pax Email customerservice@regenthotelsgroup.com / concierge@regenthotelsgroup.com Website www.regenthotels.com/regent-taipei/overview/regent-academy
Charter a luxury yacht or catamaran and sail from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, to the remote offshore island Isla Saona. Anchor will be dropped, and activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, or stand-up paddling can be done. A barbecue lunch will be prepared on the beach, while a bar will be opened to allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the Caribbean vibe.
Capacity 10 to 400 pax Email mjordan@amstardmc.com Website www.amstargroups.com
The group will depart Panama City in the morning on a bus that heads northwards. The ride will take guests through a rainforest and continue its journey alongside the Panama Canal. There will be a break for lunch on the Caribbean side and a visit to the Panama Canal visitor centre, before it’s time to head back to the city by train. In each train car, chocolate, rum, beer or mojito tasting – all ingredients produced in the country – can be arranged.
Capacity 100 minimum, 250 maximum Emaillherrera@panamazingdmc.com Website www.panamazing.com
The white summer nights are perhaps Finland’s most iconic natural phenomena. When nights are almost as bright as day, planners can pack in many more fun activities daily for top achievers.
Start with a dinner at the 18th-century sea fortress island Suomenlinna, followed by a midnight cruise in an old sailing ship, which is a wonderful experience from May to September.
Capacity Up to 120 pax Email info@travel-experience.net Websitewww.travel-experience.net/bestincentiveexperience.htm
Kotagede is a historic district in Yogyakarta, Indonesia with remains that date back to the first capital of the Mataram Kingdom in the 16th century. The four-hour tour takes winners on a jaunt through the narrow lanes among the Kalang Houses – an eclectic blend of Javanese traditional wooden joglo houses and Dutch architectural design. While learning about the history of the place, members can also visit the local silver smith in his workshop, make jewellery Kotagede is famous for, and participate in a traditional dance workshop.
The tour includes a pit-stop where local drinks and cookies unique to Kotagede can be enjoyed. Then, settle down for lunch specially prepared by the locals at Lawang Pethuk.
Capacity Up to 30 pax Email info@werkudaratravel.com Website www.werkudaratravel.com
Photo by Soo Wen Yi
The Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Malaysia, provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers as it offers a glimpse of Borneo’s unique flora and fauna. This area is one of two known places on Earth where 10 primate species can be found in the wild such as the Bornean orangutan, proboscis monkey, macaques, maroon langur and Bornean gibbon.
Take a guided river cruise to view the impressive range of biodiversity up close, and allow delegates to spot proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, crocodiles, hornbills, wild elephants and many more wildlife animals in their natural habitat. Then enjoy a meal in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by nature. After dark, a nightwalk to spot nocturnal wildlife animals is also possible.
Capacity Up to 30 pax Emailmalaysia@lotusasiatours.com Website www.lotusasiatours.com
Travel back in time to the Renaissance era and live like royalty in the Chateau d’Amboise where King Francis I once hosted Leonardo Da Vinci. This UNESCO-listed site in France’s Loire Valley Region offers exceptional surroundings for private receptions. Be it in the Royal Court, the Council Room, the Cup Bearer’s room or in the Royal Garden, spaces are available for say, a gala dinner, all year round. Add a twist to your event by putting on traditional costumes while local artists bring in the entertainment.
Capacity Up to 550 pax Emailcontact@chateau-amboise.com Websitewww.chateau-amboise.com
Take visiting the world-famous Gardens by the Bay in Singapore to the next level by dining in the crown of the SuperTree Grove. Located at the top of the tallest structure is SuperTree by IndoChine, where guests can enjoy an al fresco rooftop bar, and an air-conditioned lounge with a 360-degree view of the gardens and its surrounds.
IndoChine serves a blend of Indochinese and Western cuisines. Specially available at SuperTree by IndoChine is a nutraceutical menu of dishes with health-giving additives and organic produce from local farms that are free from pesticides and manmade fertilisers.
The Ultimate Travelling Camp offers a offers luxury lodge experience at Jaagir Lodge Dudhwa – a camp nestled in the rainforests of the Terai, Uttar Pradesh, India. The reserve, at the foothills of the Himalayas, is home to critically-endangered species like tigers, the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Ganges river dolphins and fishing cats.
For the ultimate experience, charter an aircraft from Delhi to the Ballia airstrip, 12km away from the lodge. Accompanied by India’s best-trained conservationist and naturalists, incentive groups can learn about the successful campaign of turning Dudhwa into a natural habitat for Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Cycle around sugarcane farms to explore the rich flora and fauna, or take a boat ride to see the gharials hunting in the shallows. Hear stories of survival from the ethnic Tharu tribe who happily coexist with the wild, or simply listen to chirping birds as winners relax in their private veranda.
This steam locomotive is a historic tourist attraction in Sabah, Malaysia, which features five fully refurbished colonial-style passenger train carriages. The ride allows groups a glimpse of the scenic countryside as it passes paddy fields, flowing rivers and quaint villages along the way. Delegates will also get the chance to visit interesting places such as the Tien Shi Temple (known for its fine statues), the local wet market at Papar and the shophouses in Papar town.
Private charters are available for corporate groups. Themed setups at various station stops can be arranged and special food requests can also be made.
Capacity Up to 100 pax Email enquiry@borneotrails.com Website www.borneotrails.com
This Wildlife Alliance-run initiative organises private behind-the-scenes tours of its sprawling site on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre houses a swathe of endangered wildlife rescued from the clutches of poachers and illegal wildlife traffickers.
This experience offers winners the chance to play zookeeper for the day, hand-feed elephants and macaque monkeys, enter the tiger’s den, and get up close with leopards and other creatures that call the centre home for a stint, before being released back in the wild.
A new attraction in the beautiful town of Pont l’Evêque in Normandy recently opened in March this year. Set on the site of France’s oldest and most famous distillery, the Calvados Experience is a world-class attraction that immerses guests in a multisensory journey through the centuries, from the Vikings to the present day.
Here, sample the true Norman apple-based liquor and learn about its production. Discover the wealth of age-old expertise and the work of Calvados makers in three major phases: from apple to cider, from eau-de-vie to calvados, and then the pleasure of tasting.
Capacity Up to 500 pax Email contact@calvados-experience.com Website www.calvados-experience.com
Ride a lap on the Australian Formula One Grand Prix circuit in Melbourne in a course car and get a unique insight into the world of F1.
This includes a walk through the pit lane, a private Q&A with a VIP motorsport personality such as David Coulthard, and a tour around the F1 garage.
To heighten the experience, hop into a helicopter for an aerial tour of Albert Park Grand Prix and Melbourne city. This is an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience over the four-day Australian F1 in March.
Capacity Three for the circuit ride Email corporate@grandprix.com.au Websitegrandprix.com.au
This region of Japan is considered the birthplace of the Shinto religion and is the ancestral home of the imperial family. Guests staying at the Amanemu Resort – comprising 24 suites and three villas – can learn about local food and witness Japanese freedivers, known as ama, who make a living collecting pearls and seafood off the coast. Groups can also hike to the temple at the peak of Mount Asama, luxuriate in an onsen or take part in group wellness activities such as yoga, tai-chi and zazen meditation.
Capacity 64 pax in a venue buy-out Email www.aman.com/contact-us Website www.aman.com/resorts/amanemu
Journey in a 4WD vehicle to an enchanting lodge situated in the midst of a primary jungle in Danum Valley, Sabah. The 4D3N programme would allow your group to watch the sun rise, trek in the wilderness, soak their feet, swim in the natural waterfall pool, and dine under the stars. Be still, and take time to appreciate the green surroundings and nature sounds.
Capacity Up to 40 pax Emaildoh_mice@discoveryoverland.com Website www.discoveryoverland.com
Pamper your top achievers with a luxurious wellness experience in a lush tropical rainforest setting in Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa in Sarawak, Malaysia. The resort is located near the UNESCO World Heritage site, Mulu National Park.
Rejuvenate the mind, body and soul with indulgent spa treatments while being enveloped by the serene forest, discover alternative lifestyle with a devoted wellness consultant, and savour local delicacies while being serenaded by the soothing sounds of nature.
Be sure to allocate time to check out Mulu National Park’s collection of rare birds, wildlife and exotic plants, and the world-famous Mulu Caves.
Capacity Up to 20 pax Email mhrs.myymu.reservations@marriotthotels.com Website www.mulumarriott.com
Arrive by helicopter or camel to a plated bush tucker dining experience in the illuminated Field of Light at Uluru, in Australia’s stunning Northern Territory. Enjoy canapés and chilled sparkling wine while listening to the live sounds of a didgeridoo, and witness 50,000 glass spheres come to life as the sun sets in the vast outback landscape. This includes a traditional indigenous welcome ceremony by the local Anangu people, a three-course meal and a 45-minute walk through the award-winning Field of Light. Between October 22 and March 24, a premium experience is offered for up to 16 guests combining a gourmet menu – inspired by ancient flavours – with an escorted tour through the Field of Light.
Spend one day resting and exploring Helsinki before flying to Rovaniemi in Lapland. Get to stay in unique accommodation such as a glass igloo, log cabin or even an ice hotel. Interesting and location-specific activities that can be arranged include reindeer safaris, husky dog sledding, snowmobiling, cruising in an ice breaker along the frozen sea, and Arctic swimming. A winter trip is ideal, as it is the best season to catch the Aurora Borealis.
Capacity 10 minimum, 200 maximum Email tarja.aho@travel-experience.net Website www.travel-experience.net
Top earners can escape the city and be whisked off to the tranquil edges of Singapore, where they can enjoy exciting team-bonding activities, indulge in an evening grill and camp under the stars by the sea.
On top of accommodation in cosy tents equipped with either fans or air-conditioning units, Glamping City provides add-on land activities specific for corporate groups. These are held in partnership with Outdoor Adventures, and include laser and archery tag, kayaking or a team challenge race.
Glamping is available on East Coast Park and Sentosa. The latter offers more premium features, such as in-tent air-conditioning, and private toilet and showering facilities.
Capacity Up to 40 pax (maximum for selected land activities) Email booking@glampingcity.com Website www.glampingcity.com
Omah Kecebong Guest House in Yogyakarta, Indonesia offers a village life experience where incentive winners will get to dress in traditional Javanese villager attire, hop onto a gerobak sapi (cow-driven carts) and be taken on a tour that passes rice plantations and farmers ploughing the fields with ox-driven harrows. Learn from the locals about the crops that are grown, and have a go at using traditional tools to plant and harvesting the crop.
Take a well-earned rest after and enjoy the view while partaking in a picnic lunch – prepared by the villagers – which is served on banana-leaf plates.
Capacity Up to 75 pax Email omahkecebong@gmail.com Website omahkecebong.com
Visit local artisans around Kyoto city and watch them as they create a variety of items from tie-dyed materials and Buddhist paraphernalia, to traditional bamboo-and-paper umbrellas and silk brocades. Aside from admiring the Japanese artisans at work, visitors will also be able to have a go at crafting something. Working with local guides from the City of Kyoto Visitors Host, participants can then visit a local temple to see an artisan’s work in context.
Capacity Varies from venue to venue, but usually a minimum of five people and up to 10 Email info@kyotoartisans.jp Website www.kyotoartisans.jp
Clamber into vans and relax as the ride takes guests along meandering narrow streets and hilly patches to see Capaddocia’s marvellous underground cities – carved out of rocks by Christians who were avoiding persecution – up close. After the excursion, taste local cuisine and spend a night in a cave hotel to experience how cave dwellers lived but with modern accoutrements of luxury such as a hammam or Turkish bath.
Capacity Up to 80 pax Email www.gloriousdmc.com/contact-us Website www.gloriousdmc.com
Immerse yourself in the local Hong Kong scene by taking a guided tour of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival. Catch the ceremonial Floating Colours Parade and cheer on the locals during the Bun Scrambling Competition.
Another cultural tour option is visiting the photogenic fishing village of Tai O during the Dragon Boat Festival to witness local fishermen performing The Dragon Boat Water Parade of Tai O, a religious ritual to pacify water ghosts.
To round off the local experience, an authentic dimsum lunch at three-Michelin-star T’ang Court of The Langham Hong Kong can be arranged.
Capacity 20 to 25 pax Email tlhkg.sales@langhamhotels.com Website anghamhotels.com/hongkong
In Cebu, private sessions can be arranged for winners to learn the Philippine martial art form called arnis or eskrima, where combatants make use of a single stick, double sticks, stick and dagger, or just their bare hands in the act of self defense. Your teacher will be the supreme grandmaster of the oldest Filipino martial art club in the world called Doce Pares (translated to twelve pairs in English).
Capacity Up to 12 pax Email www.bluehorizons.travel Website www.bluehorizons.travel
For merrymakers, this product in the Philippines’ Siargao island includes a lot of drinking before, during and after the native style ride with a carabao (water buffalo). The ride ambles through the countryside, and the drinks continue well into the evening while watching the sun set.
CapacityUp to 50 pax Emailwww.bluehorizons.travel/contact-us Websitewww.bluehorizons.travel
The Nevis Catapult propels thrill seekers 150m out across a ravine before dropping them towards the valley floor (photo credit: @barekiwi)
Behold the Nevis Catapult, a world-first experience for thrillseekers launched by bungy pioneer AJ Hackett Bungy.
The Catapult exposes adrenaline junkies to 3G of force and speeds of almost 100km per hour in 1.5s, propelling them 150m out across a ravine before their sudden drop towards the valley floor, ending with a series of jaw-dropping bounces.
The Nevis Catapult propels thrill seekers 150m out across a ravine before dropping them towards the valley floor (photo credit: @barekiwi)
Housed in a pod and between a series of cables, alongside the Nevis Swing, the Catapult is a combination of height, flight and speed using a high-speed winch system.
The launch brings to fruition “three decades of planning and development” by AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand co-founder Henry van Asch and the New Zealand team.
Van Asch said he first came up with the idea when travelling around France during the 1980s with friend turned Bungy co-founder, AJ Hackett.
He remarked that the new product is an apt celebration of the company’s 30th anniversary. “In 1988 we took Bungy to the world, and put New Zealand on the world adventure tourism map. Thirty years on it’s wonderful to still be pushing the boundaries globally.”
According to a statement, technology for the multi-million-dollar Catapult was developed with the company’s research team before being built in an accredited testing facility in Christchurch and then brought to site for full scale installation, testing and commissioning.
Testing has been conducted out-of-sight over the past nine months – beginning with weighted barrels, before moving on to a test dummy phase and finally human testing.
The Catapult is developed to internationally recognised global safety standards and regulated under New Zealand adventure tourism and amusement device standards, the same statement highlighted.
The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has opened two properties in Vietnam – Citadines Blue Cove Danang and Citadines Regency Saigon.
Citadines Blue Cove Danang
Citadines Blue Cove Danang is Ascott’s first property in Danang and its largest property globally. It is part of an integrated development that is located by the Han River along the Son Tra peninsular.
The property offers a mix of 548 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, most of which overlook Danang Bay. Recreational facilities include a 24k gold-plated infinity pool, Jacuzzi, fitness centre, spa, and children’s playroom. There is also a ballroom and meeting rooms.
Citadines Regency Saigon
Meanwhile, the Citadines Regency Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 3 offers 229 keys from classic rooms to one-bedroom apartments, some of which are connected. Facilities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, children’s wading pool, sauna room, café, restaurant and launderette. The serviced apartment is also within walking distance to tourist attractions such as the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and War Remnants Museum.
Lew Yen Ping, Ascott’s country general manager for Vietnam, shared: “Vietnam is Ascott’s largest market in South-east Asia where demand for serviced residences remain high. We currently have 21 properties offering close to 4,700 units across seven cities in the country.
“Within the next three years, over 2,000 units across nine properties are slated to open in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Danang, Halong City and Binh Duong province. We look forward to providing more accommodation choices in the fast-expanding Vietnam, and are committed to achieve our target of 7,000 units in the country by 2020.”
Ascott’s upcoming properties in Vietnam include Citadines Central Binh Duong in Binh Duong province; Somerset Feliz Ho Chi Minh City, Somerset D1Mension Ho Chi Minh City, and Diamond Island Luxury Serviced Residences in Ho Chi Minh City; Somerset Danang Bay in Danang; Somerset West Central Hanoi in Hanoi; as well as Citadines Marina Halong in Halong City.
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.
