Kobe’s business events industry is expected to experience a boost following the launch of international flights to and from the city.
In mid-April 2025, Kobe Airport opened its international terminal, transitioning from a domestic-only facility. This was made possible by the easing of restrictions related to route-sharing agreements with nearby Kansai International and Itami airports.
Kobe Airport
The new routes connect Kobe with Seoul, Shanghai, Nanjing, Taipei, and Taichung. All of these routes will operate daily, except for Taipei, which will have five round trips per week.
Although the flights are classified as charters, tickets are available through airline websites, making the booking experience similar to that of regular scheduled international flights, which are expected to be launched in the lead up to 2030.
Lance Ferguson, assistant manager of Kobe Convention Bureau, told TTGmice that the launch of international flights at Kobe Airport “significantly improves global accessibility”, and “the enhanced connectivity makes it even more practical for overseas delegates and organisers to consider Kobe as a viable destination for business events”.
The development is the latest in a series by Kobe to increase its appeal among business events players. The city’s waterfront has undergone significant redevelopment, with a focus on revitalising the port area as a vibrant cultural and economic hub. The Kobe Port Tower reopened in 2024 after renovation, while multipurpose space Glion Arena Kobe opened this year.
These developments are “part of a larger urban transformation that includes upgraded public spaces, new hotel developments and improved transport infrastructure, which includes the internationalisation of Kobe Airport,” said Ferguson. He added that they make Kobe “a compelling option for planners looking to blend efficient business facilities with an attractive and vibrant city setting”.
From left: Parkroyal Melbourne Airport’s Victoria Ballroom; and Pan Pacific Perth’s River Grand Ballroom
Recognising the strong growth potential of Australia’s business events industry, Singapore-based Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) has made event venue upgrades a core part of its asset enhancement initiative (AEI) for Down Under.
PPHG’s AEI for Australia has covered three properties so far – Pan Pacific Perth, Parkroyal Melbourne Airport and Parkroyal Parramatta – costing the company almost A$100 million (US$65.2 million).
From left: Parkroyal Melbourne Airport’s Victoria Ballroom; and Pan Pacific Perth’s River Grand Ballroom
The AEI for Australia mirrors PPHG’s global AEI goal, which is to scale up property hardware to match elevated brand standards and meet evolving customers’ expectations.
Pan Pacific Perth’s 2,500m2 convention floor, said to be the largest in the city, has been upgraded with advanced LED screens and cutting-edge audiovisual technology.
According to PPHG CEO Choe Peng Sum, the LED screens stretch from wall to wall, and are mobile, with the ability to move with the walls as the space is being modified for different configurations.
“We have also invested in the best sound system available and engaged Encore (an Australian audiovisual specialist) to leverage its production expertise,” Choe said, adding that the hotel’s launch party in May thoroughly demonstrated the versatility of its event venues and capability of its event technology.
“The Lord Mayor of Perth City Council was impressed with what our venues and event technology could do,” he recalled.
The function rooms at the 276-key Parkroyal Melbourne Airport and the 286-key Parkroyal Parramatta were also upgraded as part of significant hotel-wide renovations.
Choe said both properties enjoy brisk corporate event business due to their location. Parkroyal Melbourne Airport offers convenience to companies that need to convene with national staff close to the airport, while Parkroyal Parramatta, Sydney is accessible to organisations within the city’s second CBD.
Choe noted that Australia’s business events industry is forecasted to grow at a robust 11.5 per cent from 2024 to 2032, reaching US$42.8 billion. Melbourne and Sydney continue to lead as key hubs for business events, presenting a strong opportunity for PPHG as it expands its offerings to meet the demands of both leisure and business travellers.
“In fact, the world’s business events market is growing, which is why we intend to make every ballroom and events space in all our hotels top-of-the-line through the ongoing global AEI,” remarked Choe.
PPHG’s global AEI sparked off in 2021, as the group took advantage of reduced room occupancy during the pandemic to embark on massive renovations of its properties.
Works first started across PPHG’s existing hotels, resorts, and serviced suites in Singapore and Asia, while new openings were modelled according to PPHG’s vision for “brand version two”.
Choe noted that Pan Pacific London, which opened in September 2021, represents the new Pan Pacific brand, while the Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, which opened in December 2021, represents the new Parkroyal Collection brand.
Choe expressed great pride in Pan Pacific London for putting the Pan Pacific brand on the world map and in the minds of luxury travellers.
“When we took Pan Pacific London to the city in 2021, we were considered late to the game because every five-star hotel brand was already there. Yet, within five months of opening, the team scored a Forbes Five-Star 2022 award,” he said.
At present, PPHG has renovated and opened 14 Pan Pacific hotels, 10 Parkroyal hotels, and three Parkroyal Collection hotels in accordance to brand version two. The company owns and manages more than 50 properties across Asia-Pacific, North America, Africa and Europe.
Galaxy Macau and FIA establish a three-year strategic partnership
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Galaxy Macau have announced a three-year strategic partnership, following the successful conclusion of the 2025 FIA Conference and Extraordinary General Assemblies meeting on June 12.
Hosted by the Automobile General Association Macao-China (AAMC) and supported by Galaxy Macau, the event at the state-of-the-art Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) marked a significant milestone for the city.
Galaxy Macau and FIA establish a three-year strategic partnership
Under the new agreement, Galaxy Macau will serve as an official global partner of the FIA, and will host the FIA Conference in both 2026 and 2027. This expanded alliance builds on the strong debut of the FIA Conference in Macau, which saw 446 delegates from 198 member organisations across 139 countries gather to discuss the future of global motor sport and mobility.
The partnership aligns with the Macao SAR Government’s vision to position Macau as a “City of Sports” and reflects Galaxy Macau’s commitment to enhancing the city’s international sports profile. As a leading integrated resort operator, Galaxy Macau continues to support the SAR government’s “Tourism + MICE” and “Tourism + Sports” strategies by attracting major international events, reinforcing Macau’s status as a global destination.
The recent three-day conference featured discussions on critical industry topics, including safety and sustainability in motor sport and mobility, regional perspectives versus global ambition, and the role of AI and data analytics in the future of mobility. Delegates also had the opportunity to explore Macau’s rich motor sport heritage and immerse themselves in the local culture, gastronomy, and performances, offering a unique blend of tradition and modern innovation.
From left: JETRO’s Katsunori Nakazawa and Junji Kurokawa; SECB’s Poh Chi Chuan; and Embassy of Singapore (Tokyo)'s Liew Li Lin at the signing ceremony
The Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) and Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Singapore have signed a three-year Memorandum of Cooperation to catalyse business events growth and create new gateways for economic collaboration between Singapore and Japan.
From left: JETRO’s Katsunori Nakazawa and Junji Kurokawa; SECB’s Poh Chi Chuan; and Embassy of Singapore (Tokyo)’s Liew Li Lin at the signing ceremony
Globally, the business events industry is projected to continue growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2 per cent from 2024 to 2032. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) business events sector is expected to lead this expansion, driven by robust regional economies, rising business travel, and improved infrastructure.
Capitalising on this trend, Singapore continues to build a strong pipeline of business events across advanced manufacturing, financial services, green economy, life sciences and technology. Singapore’s key attributes of innovation, trust and safety, combined with JETRO’s deep connections to Japanese industry leaders, creates powerful synergies and unlocks new opportunities for business growth across the APAC region.
Emirates and Uber have entered a strategic partnership to explore ways to enhance on-ground mobility experience for Emirates customers, while offering Skywards members loyalty benefits when using the Uber platform across select markets within the Emirates network.
Through this partnership, the two companies will work towards introducing several initiatives, including an integrated booking experience that combines Uber Rides Vouchers with flight bookings for easier airport transfers or in-city rides. Additionally, Emirates and Uber will explore offering Uber rides to and from the airport for select Emirates customers, supporting a complete door-to-destination experience.
Uber’s Anabel Diaz Calderon (left) and Emirates’ Adnan Kazim ink an MoU to signal the start of a new partnership
The partnership will explore strategic opportunities to closely collaborate on offering Skywards members in the UAE the opportunity to earn on rides or redeem their miles for Uber app credits or vouchers. Emirates Skywards will also explore ways for members in the UAE to benefit from earning Miles on Uber rides across select markets in the Emirates network.
To maximise awareness around the rollout of initiatives under the partnership, Emirates and Uber will explore leveraging cross promotional marketing campaigns across the airline’s network.
Melbourne is cementing its place as a sustainability trailblazer in business events, with a deliberate focus on environmental and social leadership shaping its forward-looking strategy.
That focus is translating into results. The city’s calendar is filled with high-profile events that prioritise sustainability and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Melbourne skyline at twilight
Among them are the Wind Energy Summit in July, the World Sustainable Built Environment Conference, and the Women Deliver Conference, both scheduled for 2026.
“Our mission extends beyond economic impacts. We are keen to relay the profound social and community benefits that accompany these events,” said Julia Swanson, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB).
At Melbourne Airport, sustainability is being integrated into core operations, despite the complexity of balancing ambitious targets with daily operations.
“We are the first capital city airport in Australia to commit to net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025. And I’m proud to say we are on track,” said Gigi Yuen, the airport’s head of sustainability and environment.
The airport’s on-site solar farm – already producing 40 megawatts with an additional seven megawatts due this year –is complemented by wind energy to support its embedded renewable network. Other initiatives include investments in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, ban on single-use plastics introduced ahead of state mandates, and an organic processing unit that converts food waste into fertiliser.
Meanwhile, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) recently released its net zero roadmap, with plans to achieve net zero by 2050. The venue has embraced a triple bottom line approach – balancing social, environmental, and economic outcomes in a way that supports client goals, according to chief strategy and governance officer Rohan Astley.
Across the city, a growing list of pioneering suppliers and partners have made sustainability a core operational tenet. MCB partner Dann Event Hire, for example, offers products designed to be reused, repurposed or donated to minimise waste.
Business events with the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria help preserve natural and cultural legacies, while event management companies like NatureBoss promote a direct relationship between business and the natural environment.
“We know from internal research with our clients that sustainability is a must-have, not a nice-to-have. So we really need to over-index,” Swanson told TTGmice.
Melbourne’s pedestrian-friendly city centre infrastructure and efficient public transport also help reduce event-related carbon emissions. Importantly, sustainability does not necessarily come at a premium. As Swanson noted, many venues already incorporate food recycling and waste minimisation as part of their standard offerings.
“Events in Melbourne are not just about large groups visiting and leaving; they are about creating a powerful force for meaningful impact,” she said.
These values are resonating across the Asia-Pacific market. Melbourne is seeing a “leaps and bounds” resurgence in interest from China, signalling a return of large incentive groups. In April, the city welcomed 16,000 delegates for the Amway China Leadership Seminar – the largest incentive group ever hosted in Australia, surpassing Melbourne’s previous record of 12,000. That single event is expected to generate A$100 million (US$64.2 million) in economic impact.
Interestingly, while total visitation numbers from China were down 23 per cent on pre-pandemic levels, expenditure rose by 65 per cent last year, indicating the return of high-yield leisure travellers and corporate incentive groups.
A laneway in Melbourne’s CBD
Improved connectivity is also fuelling growth. With new direct routes from Hangzhou and Seoul, and a 300 per cent increase in aviation services from India compared to pre-pandemic levels, Melbourne is strengthening its ties with key Asian markets.
“We’re really seeing growth across all of Asia,” said Swanson. “South-east Asia remains a core market with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore always strong performers for us. Some markets, like Vietnam, are also starting to grow. There’s now a new trade investment office in Vietnam and increased flight connections between us, so that is certainly one market to watch.”
Last year was also a significant year for new hotel openings, pushing the number of total rooms to over 26,000 rooms in the city centre, more than any other Australian city.
MCB’s latest update in February 2025 had 114 confirmed events through to 2028, representing A$613 million in projected economic impact and nearly 108,000 delegates.
Cambodia Airways will commence twice weekly direct flights between Phnom Penh and Penang from June 26, becoming the only airline to serve this route. It is expected to boost inbound tourism to Malaysia’s northern region, particularly benefitting Penang and neighbouring states.
Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) president, Mint Leong, welcomes the new service, noting that it will significantly improve connectivity between Malaysia’s northern region and Cambodia, opening up fresh opportunities for two-way leisure and business travel.
New direct flights from Phnom Penh will lift leisure, business and medical tourism business in Penang; Penang’s historic Armenian Street pictured
She said: “Penang hospitals will also benefit as it becomes easier for Cambodian patients to seek specialised medical treatment here. Many of our private healthcare facilities here already have a strong reputation for affordability and high-quality care.”
Leong said MITA is eager to collaborate with outbound agents from Cambodia to further stimulate travel demand and promote Malaysia’s northern region as a multifaceted destination.
She added: “We are willing to host fam trips to give them first hand experience of Penang and the northern region’s tourism offerings, thus making it easier for them to develop compelling travel packages.”
In support of the new service, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s CEO Ashwin Gunasekeran led his team on a courtesy visit to Cambodia Airways headquarters in Phnom Penh on June 17.
Discussions focused on potential marketing collaboration, joint initiatives to raise awareness of the new connection, and opportunities to foster deeper ties between Penang and Cambodia. These efforts are designed to support the long-term viability of the route and encourage stronger two-way engagement.
Japan plans to introduce pre-arrival screening for travel to Japan in 2028 as part of wider efforts to boost inbound tourism while enhancing border security and streamlining entry procedures.
The system, which will be named JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), is being modelled on the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Travellers from countries with visa exemptions for short-term stays in Japan may soon get pre-arrival screening done ahead of their trip; Tokyo Tower pictured
“As we roll out the system, we will work to raise awareness among foreign nationals wishing to enter to Japan, using the abbreviation JESTA,” said justice minister Keisuke Suzuki. “With the rising number of visitors to Japan, speeding up immigration procedures is an urgent task.”
Japan welcomed 36.9 million international visitors in 2024, a record high and a 47.1 per cent increase year-on-year. With the government aiming for 60 million inbound tourists by 2030, the Justice Ministry considers JESTA one way to improve visitor convenience and safety by utilising advanced technology. Use of digital technologies and the elimination of in-person procedures is also being considered for more efficient screening.
Under JESTA, travellers from countries with visa exemptions for short-term stays in Japan will be required to provide travel and personal information, such as their names, purposes of stay and locations, at least several days before arrival.
The 71 countries and regions exempt from obtaining visas for short-term stays in Japan include South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, and most of Europe. Their nationals will be required to apply for travel authorisation via JESTA before departing for Japan.
Legends ASM Global’s (APAC & MENA) chairman and CEO Harvey Lister has revealed that Darren Burden will become Suncorp Stadium’s general manager, replacing retiring general manager Alan Graham.
Burden is currently executive director at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park which recently opened in March.
The industry veteran has delivered over 4,000 events during his long career in stadium management including Rugby World Cups, Rugby League World Cups, FIFA U20, International Cricket and the Hong Kong Sevens.
In addition, his venue experience includes driving the development of the 30,000-seat capacity Forsyth Barr Stadium for the Carisbrook Stadium Trust in Dunedin, and Dunedin Venues Management as chief executive. Burden has also led New Zealand’s Vbase (now Venues Otautahi) chief executive.
From left: TCEB's Nitin Sachdeva (moderator); Area Corporate’s John Wee Tom; TCEB’s Pamela Laite; and HCG International Travel Group’s Tony Ong
Unpredictable global dynamics have forced longhaul events planners to prioritise flexibility, strong relationships, and input cost efficiency.
Amid these evolving demands, Thailand consistently proves its enduring appeal, a sentiment strongly shared by panellists during the Making Sense Out of the Era of Geopolitics Uncertainty session at the Thailand Innovative Meetings Exchange 2025.
From left: TCEB’s Nitin Sachdeva (moderator); Area Corporate’s John Wee Tom; TCEB’s Pamela Laite; and HCG International Travel Group’s Tony Ong; photo by TCEB
Pamela Laite, Thailand Conventions and Exhibitions Bureau’s (TCEB) North America representative, highlighted: “Despite the doom and gloom of global news, business to Thailand is strong. The White Lotus effect really put Thailand on the radar for North American planners – finally differentiating it from a monolithic view of South-east Asia.”
Thailand’s value proposition was repeatedly affirmed by other speakers, particularly when compared to soaring rates in the US and Europe.
“Hotel rates in Thailand remain incredibly competitive. And service, something often taken for granted here, is now a serious concern in North America due to the immigration crunch. Many are shocked by how well-staffed Thai hotels are in comparison, Laite noted.
Tony Ong, chief business officer, HCG International Travel Group, underscored that while volume may be lower, the value is higher as Chinese corporates are prioritising authenticity and long-term partnerships.
“We’re seeing signs of recovery, due to the strong diplomatic ties between Thailand and China, marked by the 50th anniversary celebrations this year,” Ong said, adding that recent MoUs suggest more recurring MICE business from Chinese corporates choosing Thailand as a yearly destination.
Laite further emphasised the importance of soft infrastructure, such as VIP arrival services after a longhaul flight. “Those are the touchpoints that matter. And at the end of the day, it’s about relationships,” she elaborated.
She encouraged Thai suppliers to invest in outreach, particularly to first-time North American planners.
First-time visitor John Wee Tom, managing director, Area Corporate, praised Thailand’s cultural depth and perceived safety compared to more politically sensitive destinations. He cautioned, however, that infrastructure and city walkability remain considerations.
On CSR, he observed a fatigue around inauthentic teambuilding: “What clients want now is something real. Luckily, Thailand’s sense of purpose is already woven into its DNA.”
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.
