From left: (Seated) SACEOS' Aloysius Arlando, and UFI's Kai Hattendorf. From left: (Standing) Singapore Tourism Board's Melissa Ow, and SACEOS' Janet Tan-Collis
SACEOS and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), where both associations will be collaborating to jointly develop an Asia Pacific Executive Development Programme.
The programme, aimed at training and developing skills relevant for exhibition professionals in the region, will bear an industry-first recognised certification.
From left: (Seated) SACEOS’ Aloysius Arlando, and UFI’s Kai Hattendorf. From left: (Standing) Singapore Tourism Board’s Melissa Ow, and SACEOS’ Janet Tan-Collis
The MoU was signed at the recently-concluded Singapore MICE Forum 2018, and both associations aim to announce the launch at the the upcoming UFI Asia Pacific Congress 2019 in Japan.
Aloysius Arlando, president-elect, SACEOS, said in a statement: “Our collaboration with UFI will allow us to collaborate on education, talent development, and peer to peer exchanges – working on the foundation of professional training in exhibition. This enhanced skills development will help Singapore’s MICE professionals in skills elevation and job opportunities.”
Kai Hattendorf, managing director/CEO, UFI added that the collaboration will allow both associations to connect and serve the exhibition industry by tapping on research, and nurturing more industry professionals in Asia and globally.
Concept
The Garden Pavilion sits serenely in the heart of a sculpted Japanese garden, and is connected via a short walkway from Keyaki restaurant. The rectangular structure is clad in traditional Shoji-inspired screens, and opens up to a beautiful koi pond.
This sequestered spot within the Pan Pacific Singapore hotel building felt like a little slice of Japan.
Garden Pavilion’s exterior in the daytime
Food
On the official opening night I was there, the executive chef and his team whipped up a veritable feast of hot and cold food items. Aside from the staple sashimi and sushi, other cold dishes included soba, chawanmushi, and tofu cubes. In the hot section, chefs deftly pan-fried wagyu beef cubes, palmed-sized scallops, and de-shelled prawns on the sizzling hot teppanyaki. There was also a separate cooking section for vegetable items such as asparagus and mushrooms.
The wagyu beef cubes were well-marbled, which gave every bite an intense and rich flavour, while the fresh scallops were soft and delicate. These were obviously my two favourite dishes of the night, and it was just skimming the surface of what other delicacies Keyaki can put on the table. I was also told that some of the delicacies are air-flown in regularly from Japan.
To round off the meal, there was a section dedicated to desserts, which of course, featured Japanese favourites like green tea cakes and yuzu mochi.
The arrangement is just a glimpse of what Pan Pacific Singapore can offer, as all this or more can be customised to the likes of clients or event planners.
Seating arrangement within the Garden Pavilion
MICE application
The Garden Pavilion itself can seat up to 40 people for a sit-down lunch or dinner. In a standing cocktail-style, the rectangular space would be able to hold around 80 pax. Keyaki itself can seat up to 140 pax, and it has two private dining rooms.
Kaiseki menus for private luncheons or dinners start at S$220 (US$162) per person, while cocktail receptions start at S$80 per person with canapés. Beverage packages are also available. The minimum spend for the use of the pavilion is S$6,000++ for dinner and S$5,000++ for lunch.
Only Japanese fare from Keyaki will be served at events utilising the Garden Pavilion. Menus can be tailored and customised to any event, so guests with allergies or specific requirements will be taken care of.
Service
Staff were polite and helpful, while the restaurant manager ensured he was on top of things, be it a breaking of a wine glass or managing the crowd flow.
The Garden Pavilion would certainly be a perfect place to unwind, partake in a delicious meal, and imbibe a glass of wine, after a long day of negotiations and discussions.
Marriott debuts in Lithuania
Marriott has opened its first property in Lithuania, located in the business area of the country’s capital Vilnius.
The Courtyard Vilnius City Center offers 199 guestrooms, all furnished with the regular mod cons and complimentary Wi-Fi. During their stay, guests can also take advantage of the summer terrace, which offer views of Gediminas’ Castle, the city’s landmark.
Additional features at Courtyard Vilnius City Center include four meeting rooms with a total of 220m2 of versatile space, as well as a fitness centre.
Guayaquil to welcome WTA’s Latin America Ceremony
World Travel Awards (WTA) has revealed that Guayaquil, Ecuador will host its Latin America Ceremony on September 15, 2018, at the historic Palacio de Cristal.
It will be WTA’s first visit to Guayaquil, the gateway to the Galapagos Islands and the commercial heart of Ecuador.
The red-carpet ceremony will form part of the WTA Grand Tour 2018 – a search for the finest travel and tourism organisations in the world. The Grand Tour 2018 also marks WTA’s 25th anniversary of honouring excellence in the international hospitality industry.
Dubai wins hosting rights for World Congress of Gastroenterology 2021
Dubai has emerged as host city for the World Congress of Gastroenterology, set to take place from December 12-15, 2021, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The biennial congress will see participation of over 6,000 delegates from around the world, all gathered to share knowledge and best practice that will aid advancement of the health science of gastroenterology.
TFE Hotels has opened the doors to its latest property, the 10-storey Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane.
The 220-key hotel is housed in a restored heritage-listed building that was completed in 1922 to accommodate the Queensland Government Savings Bank.
Within the apartment
Each apartment boasts TFE Hotels’ new signature Dreamcatcher bed, and combines its own kitchen, laundry and living room with the ease of full hotel services including 24-hour reception, room service, and meeting facilities.
Meanwhile, the banking hall has been transformed to accommodate a new hotel lobby and restaurant, with a bar below. The lobby celebrates the building’s 1920s origins, with double-height original timber-panelled walls and ornate ceiling roses.
The lobby
The ground floor Sichuan-Cantonese restaurant, Donna Chang, will open soon. Below the restaurant, a 250-seat bar called Boom Boom Room will fuse avant-garde design with an inspired cocktail list to form an opulent basement-level lounge. The bar will be housed in the space where the bank’s vaults once were.
Standing on the corner of George and Elizabeth streets in the city centre, the hotel is located close to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Southbank, ideal for event and delegate stays.
Wharf Hotels has appointed Bernard Teo as general manager of Marco Polo Changzhou, located in China’s southern Jiangsu province.
In his new role, Teo will build upon the strong corporate and MICE business for Marco Polo Changzhou while steering the hotel to drive a higher return on performance.
Prior to his appointment, he was head of asset management at Ascendas Hospitality Australia Funds Management based in Sydney, Australia.
Teo has over 25 years of hospitality experience under his belt, and has held senior positions with international luxury hotel groups. In January 2012, Teo was transferred to his hometown of Perth, to open Fraser Suites Perth. Prior to 2008, he also successfully opened Fraser Hospitality’s first flagship luxury serviced apartment in Beijing in time for the Olympics.
The newest hotel to emerge on the rocky coastline of Gijang, Busan in South Korea is a luxury property that welcomes guests through a visually stunning ‘cave’ with wavy, symmetrical structures for its walls and ceiling that is almost devoid of furniture. Guests ascend 10 floors to the main lobby, a cavernous space that appears one with the ocean in front.
Hilton Busan exterior poolside
Hilton Busan’s interior continues to impress at the McQueen’s Bar and private terrace, Eternal Journey library, guestrooms as well as function rooms. Its grand ballroom, rightly named Cruise Grand Ballroom, evokes the vibe of a cruise ship with floor-to-ceiling windows all around, bringing ocean views right in.
This achingly chic and Instagrammable hotel is Hilton Busan, which breaks the mould that casts the usual serious and ‘businessy’ Hilton hotels we have all come to know of.
It is of little surprise that the beautiful hotel has become the darling of luxury brand events, having hosted exclusive parties thrown by BMW, Jaguar, Dior, and Hermes since its opening in July 2017.
Perfect as a one-stop business and pleasure destination for meeting and incentive groups, the property boasts Destination Dining capabilities for up to 500 guests, a 6,112m2 hot spring spa facility named Water House. The property also adjoins Ananti Cove, an upscale neighbourhood that brings together restaurants, cafes and designer shops that cannot be found elsewhere in the country.
PUTRAJAYA – With a stunning view of the Putrajaya Lake, an astounding infinity Shimmer Pool with 3 additional swimming pools, the picturesque Clock Tower courtyard, 2 restaurants and 3 bars Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside comes alive during all festive seasons!
Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside – an upscale five star hotel in the heart of Putrajaya has 23 flexible meeting spaces and unique spaces to cater for your next event for up to 5000 guests, a variety of open air and indoor function rooms with a team of dedicated events specialists await our guest.
The 5-star Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside offers a collection of 282 well-appointed guestrooms, apartments and suites. All guestrooms are equipped with conveniences for the modern business and leisure travelers.
For your dining pleasure, enjoy our chef’s culinary creations at B’s restaurant, which will tantalize your taste buds with delectable dishes of international and local cuisine and be sure to save room for Italian Gelato and a magnificent array of desserts and sweets.
Need to get away and relax? This urban resort’s Fit & Spa offers the perfect solution to escape the everyday and relieve stress with some quality relaxing SPA time.
Our 24 hours well-equipped gym will satisfy your fitness and beauty requirements, Fit & SPA is located at Level 2 , Lotus wing
Cool down in our Shimmer infinity pools directly on Putrajaya Lakeside or enjoy the tranquil rooftop oasis of Bar on 3rd pools with panoramic views of Putrajaya
Our reservation team is waiting for you! Make your stay even special. Call us at 03-8890 0000 and experience an astonishing five star treatment form our team…
The capital city has a successful track record in attracting and hosting large-scale congresses
PCO Anderes Fourdy has been appointed by the Malaysian Society of Gastroenterology & Hepatology (MSGH) for the upcoming Asian Pacific Digestive Week 2020, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur in September 2020.
Fu Kei Cheong, co-founder, Anderes Fourdy, said: “Our immediate task is to chart the direction to achieve the objectives of the MSGH Local Organising Committee. This includes providing strategic financial goals and studying the many venue options in Kuala Lumpur to provide the best return on investment for MSGH.”
The congress has returned to the Malaysian capital after a decade
Cheong said Kuala Lumpur had been chosen for the event as it had good air connectivity within the Asia-Pacific region, in addition to the appeal of a big metropolis. Close to 3,000 delegates are expected to attend the event.
Established three years ago, Anderes Fourdy has also been involved in other major international congresses on the abdomen medical sciences held in Malaysia such as the 14th Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia Congress 2018 and the 17th Congress of Asia Pacific Federation of Coloproctology 2019.
It has also played a prominent role of working with medical sciences non-governmental organisations in delivering quality congresses in Malaysia such as the International Forum on Disability Management 2016, 11th International Symposium on Paediatric Pain 2017 and 22nd World Congress of Enterostomal Therapists Biennial Congress 2018.
The Asian Pacific Digestive Week was last held in Kuala Lumpur in 2010.
Thai Airways and Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding last Friday, making CWT the first travel agent to enter into a partnership with Thailand’s national carrier.
Under this agreement, CWT will sell the airline as a preferred choice and promote the airlines’ products in its corporate travel network. In turn, Thai Airways is hoping to pull in more business travellers. Thai Airways will also be aligning its sales activities with CWT with the partnership.
Officials at the signing
“Our clients look to us to provide a healthy range of options for business travel as they try to get the most out of their travel budgets,” said Wai Mun Wong, vice president, global supplier management, Asia Pacific, CWT.
She explained: “We want to give them the widest choice of business-relevant travel options, and partnering with Thai Airways makes a great addition to our offer in Thailand and the Asia Pacific region.”
Wiwat Piyawiroj, executive vice president commercial, Thai Airways, shared that the airline has been enhancing its inflight services to cater to the corporate travel market. This includes the introduction of a new service which is Live TV On Board.
“We can see that the sports segment and live news have become very popular. We have equipped 20 aircraft with Live TV On Board, which at the moment has four channels: BBC, CNN, NHK and Sport24,” elaborated Wiwat.
Thai Airways has consistently seen high demand from corporate travellers, but is aiming to increase its global reach and attract larger volumes of sales through the meetings, conference and exhibition segments.
Travel buyers can expect rising travel prices, more technology-driven personalisation and the continued ascent of ride hailing apps going into 2019, according to the fifth annual Global Travel Forecast recently released by GBTA and CWT with the support of the Carlson Family Foundation.
The report projects prices of hotels to increase 3.7%, and flights 2.6%, driven by a growing global economy and rising oil prices.
Global airfares and hotel rates are forecasted to rise in 2019
“Prices are expected to spike in many global markets even as inflation remains subdued,” said Kurt Ekert, president and CEO, Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
“The future of corporate travel can be summed up as accelerated personalisation – with mobile technology, AI, machine learning and predictive analytics all playing their part,” added Ekert. “Success is tied to technology, with sophisticated data-crunching at the very heart of it.”
The report forecasts that the aviation sector will be shaped by the introduction of ultra-longhaul flights and an increasing competition from LCCs, which are not only multiplying but also fighting for longhaul routes – and by the airlines’ push towards NDC.
Airfares are also expected to become more expensive due to rising in oil prices, the competitive pressure from the shortage of pilots, potential trade wars, and increasing fare segmentation to improve yield.
In Asia-Pacific, price of air travel is projected to increase by 3.2% in 2019 pricing. Chinese demand remains high and by 2020 the country is expected to become the world’s biggest air travel market.
In 2019, China’s flights are seen going up 3.9%, but the country will not be alone, the study shows. The vast majority of countries in the region are expected to see price rises, especially in markets like New Zealand (7.5%) and India (7.3%). The latter is expected to be the world’s largest aviation market by 2025, with airports operating beyond capacity.
Japan is the only country to buck this trend, with the study showing that prices will likely drop 3.9% due to added capacity in preparation for the Olympic Games in 2020.
Turning to EMEA, air travel is anticipated to continue growing in Western Europe, with prices rising 4.8%. The increase will be especially pronounced in Norway (11.5%), followed by Germany (7.3%), France (6.9%) and Spain (6.7%).
Eastern Europe and the Middle East & African countries, on the other hand, are projected to decline by 2.3% and 2% respectively.
Prices across Latin America are expected to drop 2% in 2019. However, México and Colombia will see slight increases –0.1% and 1.2% respectively – while Chile will experience a rise of 7.5%.
North America will see prices rise by a modest 1.8%, according to the analysis. In the US, airlines are recalibrating to reflect better areas of demand, depending on how trade relationships change with key US allies and adversaries, the study surmises.
The US aviation market is also expected to see capacity compression due to expanded fare fragmentation, with premium economy and basic economy reducing available seats, as carriers target margin improvement.
The increased air travel will in turn fuel the demand for hotel rooms
Meanwhile, the hotel outlook for 2019 is driven by the overall increase in air travel, which will fuel demand for rooms.
Technology will also play an important part as hotels introduce new developments to personalise the guest experience. The increase of mobile penetration, on the other hand, is forcing travel managers to offer their travellers apps, which could also serve to accommodate greater in-policy booking autonomy.
The analysis also projects further mergers in the hotels sector. Upscale hotels competing with midscale ones, due in part to a growing appetite for boutique accommodation among younger travellers, will also be on the agenda.
In Asia-Pacific, hotel prices are likely to rise 5.1% – with a large discrepancy as Japanese prices are expected to fall 3.2%, while New Zealand is set to rise a whopping 11.8%.
In Australia, 2019 and 2020 are expected to bring the largest number of new rooms becoming available, with an increase of 3.4% of total supply each year.
In Indonesia, Swiss-Belhotel International is embarking on an expansion of its budget brand, Zest Hotels, with plans to triple its portfolio of properties within three years. Singapore is embracing technology and smart hotels are on the rise. In Thailand, optimism is running especially high after a period of political tumult.
Mirroring air prices, hotel rates across EMEA are expected to rise by 5.6% in Western Europe, while declining 1.9% in Eastern Europe and 1.5% in the Middle East & Africa.
Again Norway will lead with a rise of 11.8%, followed by Spain (8.5%) – expected to replace the US as the world’s second most popular destination – Finland (7.1%) and France and Germany (6.8%).
Within Latin America, hotel prices are expected to fall 1.3%, with declines in Argentina (down 3.5%), Venezuela (down 3.4%), Brazil (down 1.9%) and Colombia (down 0.7%). However, Chile, Peru and Mexico are expected to see 6.4%, 2.1%, and 0.6% increases, respectively.
And for North America, the study projects hotel prices will go up 2.1% – 5% in Canada and 2.7% in the US.
Looking at ground transportation, prices are expected to rise only 0.6% in North America, while prices in the rest of the regions will remain flat. However, by the fourth quarter of 2019, travel buyers can expect to see a concerted effort by rental companies to raise prices, according to the study.
The projections also point towards a growing preference among travellers for ride-hailing apps while interest in high-speed trains is fading, due to high network costs and low-tech distribution systems.
On-demand, shared, electric, and connected cars are all expected to become more popular.
In Asia-Pacific rates will stay flat overall with increases in markets like New Zealand (4%), India (2.7%) and Australia (2.4%). In China, giant Didi Chuxing is making big bets on autonomous driving. This year, Uber has sold its South-east Asian business to Singapore-based Grab. Meanwhile, Indonesian Go-Jek is expanding to Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines and Singapore.
Prices in EMEA are expected to remain flat overall. However, countries like Finland, France, Germany, Italy and Spain are likely to see increases of over 4%, while Denmark and UK rates will grow 3% and 2% respectively. Norway will be in pole position with a 10% increase.
On the other hand, prices are projected to drop dramatically in Sweden (13.9% down) and very slightly in Belgium (0.9% down).
Prices in Latin America will also remain flat overall, according to the report, with strong decreases in Argentina (9.7% down) and Brazil (5.4% down) and a more moderated one in Mexico (0.3%). Chilean prices will be up 3.1%.
In North America, Canada is expected to see a 3.6% increase in 2019, but the overall region will only be up 0.6%. In the US, the Audi-owned, app-based car rental service, Silvercar, continues its aggressive expansion.
“While most major markets appear to be trending in the right direction, downside risks remain for the global economy given the rise of protectionist policies, the risk of stoking trade wars and Brexit uncertainty,” commented Michael W. McCormick, GBTA executive director and COO.
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.
