Seven InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) properties in Singapore and Batam are now offering the Meet For Free package.
The participating hotels are InterContinental Singapore, InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, and Holiday Inn Resort Batam.
A function room in Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
Altogether, the properties offer a total of 55 meeting rooms and over 2,400 guestrooms.
The Meet For Free package is inclusive of breakfast, lunch, Wi-Fi, a morning welcome reception, two meeting breaks with three snack items, and unlimited coffee and tea for event duration. Meeting spaces will provide all necessary items such as whiteboards, flipcharts, LCD projectors and audiovisual equipment. Three IHG Rewards Club points will also be earned for every USD$1 spent.
The package is valid with a minimum booking of 10 guestrooms per night for new bookings by June 30, 2018, and event materialisation by September 30, 2018.
It is subject to availability of rooms and meeting space, and not valid in conjunction with other negotiated rates, offers, discounts or promotions. Second occupancy rates with or without meeting package inclusions are available.
Dubai Business Events has identified Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia as new source markets and has intensified efforts to attract more business events from these countries. Dubai also intends to establish itself as a premier business events destination in the eyes of planners based there.
In mid-2017, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) opened new offices in the three markets in its bid to further grow the incentive segment.
These offices provide destination marketing support to the travel trade and media.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
Also for the first time, Dubai Business Events organised a Discover Dubai Study Mission for events specialists and the media from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The four-day/three-night event in November 2017 highlighted key attractions and accommodation suitable for business events, and provided opportunities for South-east Asian events specialists to network with local suppliers.
Explaining Dubai Business Events’ latest choice of target markets, director Steen Jakobsen, told TTGmice that “these markets have direct air access to Dubai as well as a growing middle-class segment”.
However, Jakobsen revealed that Dubai Business Events is also keeping a keen eye on Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
“We have not entered the market yet. We will do research to see the potential of the market and whether we should establish a presence with people on the ground,” he added.
Dubai and Phnom Penh has been connected with a direct service operated by Emirates airlines since July 2017.
Indonesia and Malaysia events specialists who attended November’s Discover Dubai Study Mission, observed that Dubai tended to draw the interest of well-travelled clients who have already toured Europe and were looking for new options.
Beny, operation manager at Panorama JTB in Jakarta, said Dubai’s high price point places the destination in second place, after Europe.
“Our biggest challenge (in selling Dubai) is the package price. It comes close to European destinations like Brussels, Paris and Amsterdam. If you add another US$300, you can get a European destination for five days/four nights, full board. Entrance fee to parks and attractions in Dubai is also expensive.”
Adam Kamal, manager at Aidil Travel & Tours in Kuala Lumpur, agrees, adding that “a lack of awareness about Dubai in the Malaysian market” raises the challenge.
Pascal Dupuis, general manager of the five-star Address Boulevard, echoed Kamal’s observation.
He, too, sees the lack of awareness about Dubai’s products and services as the destination’s biggest challenge, especially with new markets.
Dupuis said: “Dubai is a dynamic city which has seen a meteoric rise and has emerged as a huge commercial hub. There is something new opening almost every month, be it new attractions, shopping outlets, restaurants and golf courses.
“(Events specialists) need to be constantly updated about these products and to see it for themselves for a first-hand experience.”
Jakobsen acknowledged that Dubai was always seen as being second to Europe as a business events destination, and that changing the perception would take time.
He remarked: “We need to send the message out that Dubai is an affordable destination. Over the last few years we saw a stronger presence of three- and four-star hotels. The theme park entrance tickets are also at a reasonably-priced level.”
As of November 2017, Dubai’s room inventory consisted of 35,702 rooms in the five-star category, 25,119 rooms in the four-star category, and 21,501 rooms in the one- to three-star category. There are also 131 hotel apartments of standard category, providing a total of 14,927 keys, as well as 64 hotel apartments of deluxe/superior category, providing a total of 9,588 keys.
To make Dubai even more attractive and value for money, Dubai Business Events provides marketing funding to organisers when more than one country is bidding for a particular event.
Jakobsen said: ”The subvention programme will depend on the size of the group, number of room nights generated, time of the year and whether it is aligned with the key industry sectors that Dubai wants to attract.”
These key industry sectors include healthcare, education, energy, transport, technology, water, space, robotics and aviation. They have been identified as part of UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda which sets the key themes for the socio-economic development of the emirates.
This story was first published in TTGmice April 2018 issue, as part of a Dubai destination feature. Access TTGmice electronic magazines by clicking here.
Concept
The modern restaurant is dark and chic on the outside, and styled like the home of a moneyed celebrity who entertains often. There are large living rooms with cosy booth seats, nooks for friendly get-togethers, karaoke studios, and themed dining rooms – even one just for Korean barbecues.
As the restaurant is also a popular venue for SM Entertainment artistes, there is a private elevator from the basement carpark to allow VIP guests to escape inquisitive eyes. Planners with VIP corporate guests will appreciate this convenience.
The menu at SMT Seoul features Seoul-style cuisine with Western, Chinese and Japanese influences, and much attention is paid to plating, promising guests a feast for the eyes too.
MICE application
Playground on the lower level is suitable for larger luncheons and dinners, and seats 80 people.
Penthouse on the third and fourth levels feature multiple private dining rooms and semi-private spaces, and can accommodate 50 people seated.
On the fifth, topmost floor is the Rooftop Terrace, an open space that makes a perfect blank canvas for creative events. It takes 100 guests in a standing cocktail setup, including a private room that is good for 13 guests on its own.
For private events, menus can be tailored and a chef’s table can be arranged in one of the themed rooms.
Contact Address: 58, 97-gil, Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Tel: (82-2) 6240-9300
CWT Meetings & Events, Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s meeting & events division, has appointed Sam Lay as senior director for Asia Pacific.
He will report to Cindy Fisher, senior vice president and global head, CWT Meetings & Events.
Sam Lay
Based in Singapore, Lay will lead a team of meetings and events (M&E) specialists across key markets in Asia Pacific. He will be responsible for expanding CWT Meetings & Events’ business in this region by creating engaging and memorable events for clients, while helping them maximise the return on investment on their M&E spend.
Lay brings more than 17 years of experience in the M&E industry, having worked at organisations including the Singapore Tourism Board, and Suntec International. Prior to joining CWT Meetings & Events, Lay was senior director for greater China at BCD Meetings & Events.
Marriott Hotels has opened the Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse in Thailand’s capital city.
Located on Surawong Road, the new-build property comprises of 197 well-appointed guestrooms and 106 deluxe suites across 32 storeys. Facilities on the property include four dining options, the Quan Spa, fitness centre, as well as an outdoor infinity pool.
Deluxe Room
Event planners can make use of the property’s 1,555m2 of versatile event space spread across two ballrooms, nine meeting rooms, a colonial-style courtyard and an outdoor garden. Each venue is equipped with the latest audiovisual technology, and the hotel’s event team will be able to help with any type of function.
After nearly three years of deliberation on a suitable global destination marketing campaign, Sri Lanka will finally roll out the first phase of a multi-year campaign worth US$45 million by end-April.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) managing director, Sutheash Balasubramanian, said the campaign will kick off on CNN’s multiple platforms. Other mass media channels CCTV (China), NDTV (India) and Al-Jazeera (the Middle East) will also to be used.
SLTPB is finally ready to launch a tourism campaign that has been delayed time and again; traditional stilt fishermen at sunset near Galle pictured
This will be followed by a six-month long digital marketing campaign, starting from end-May, targeting China, India, the UK, Germany and France.
Once the digital campaign tapers off, a US$41 million global marketing campaign will take over, under a three-year programme later in 2018.
Destination promotion efforts also include appointing special representatives from key markets to coordinate global promotional activities, and at press time calls for proposals are underway.
Sri Lanka is targeting 2.2 million to 2.3 million arrivals this year, up from 2.1 million in 2017.
The global destination marketing campaign will comprise a MICE angle, according to Achini Dandunnage, senior manager, Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau. Promotion efforts will be aimed at incentive houses and PCOs, while special destination famils will be arranged.
Malaysia is set to host the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress (APAO) 2021 from March 4-7, 2021, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The joint bid was put forth by Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and Malaysian Society of Ophthalmologist (MSO) in Hong Kong on February 11.
Zulkefli: winning the congress allows the country to showcase its credibility as a business events hub and is platform for local experts to gain valuable insights
A total of 4,500 delegates are expected to attend the four-day congress, which will discuss the latest advancements in the field that will greatly benefit the medical sector and the general public.
The annual APAO Congress is the largest and most prestigious Ophthalmology conference in the Asia Pacific region.
“We are thrilled to form a strong partnership with MSO to host this engaging and important congress, convening highly-regarded delegates comprising of ophthalmologists, professors, researchers and healthcare practitioners.
“APAO 2021 is projected to boost Malaysian economy by RM67.9 million (US$17.6 million) in estimated economic impact and maximise Malaysia’s growth potential as a knowledge and creative economy,” Zulkefli Sharif, CEO of MyCEB, said in a statement.
G Hotel Gurney in Penang is reporting a 20 per cent year-to-date increase in the meetings and conference segment this year, thanks to its recent refurbishment and participation in Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s Industry Partner Programme.
During the RM35 million (US$8.9 million) refurbishment which was completed in July 2017, the hotel upgraded its meeting facilities which now sport improved Wi-Fi speed, better sound systems, mood lighting and an LED screen backdrop in the grand ballroom. Aside from the ballroom which can accommodate up to 700 people theatre-style, the hotel also has 10 function rooms fitted with large glass windows that allow in natural daylight.
The hotel offers a total of 12 indoor and outdoor event spaces
Annie Wong, the hotel’s marketing and communications manager, told TTGmice that the 312-key hotel is seeing increased demand for the business events sector from Singapore, Hong Kong, China, India and the UK.
Meanwhile, local demand is driven by companies based in Penang, predominantly from the pharmaceutical, oil and gas, financial institutions and insurance companies.
Wong shared: “Many companies are looking for venues to hold their teambuilding, workshops and product launches. We are a good option because of our location in the heart of the city, and (the hotel is) also within walking distance to Gurney Drive, famed for its large variety of local street food.”
Moving forward, G Hotel Gurney is looking into setting up live action stations during coffee breaks, as well as offering a reward scheme to companies that hold events there.
Wong also believes that the hotel’s good performance is a result of its participation in PCEB’s Industry Partner Programme which allows it to further tap into the events segment.
“The programme provides opportunities for us to attend roadshows organised by PCEB as well as build a stronger network with local and international media organisations,” shared Wong.
Companies that are members of Singapore Airlines (SIA) HighFlyer programme in Singapore and Australia can now earn HighFlyer points when flying on Lufthansa- and SWISS-operated flights ticketed by Singapore Airlines on eligible sectors.
Points will be awarded for tickets issued by SIA or Silkair, for travel between Singapore, Australia, Germany, and Switzerland.
This partnership is part of the joint venture agreement signed by the two airline groups in November 2015, which aims to deepen cooperation in key markets in Europe, South-east Asia and Australia.
The HighFlyer programme was launched on June 2, 2017
Both Lufthansa and SWISS are the first partner airlines to participate in the programme.
“We are constantly looking to reward our corporates when they fly with us, and we will continue to expand our choice of airline rewards for our HighFlyer members,” said Singapore Airlines’ senior vice president sales and marketing, Campbell Wilson, in a statement.
The HighFlyer Programme, designed primarily for small- and medium-sized enterprises, allows companies to earn five HighFlyer points for every S$1 (US$0.76) spent on tickets booked through Singapore Airlines’ corporate booking platform or an appointed travel agent. These points can be used as full payment, or part payment with a cash top-up, for tickets, upgrades and selected ancillaries used by employees of HighFlyer Programme participants.
A Marriott stay fit for a king
Marriott Hotels has made its debut steps from the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, as the company has taken over the management and rebranded Mena House, a historic 130-year-old palace.
Marriott Mena House, Cairo, is set amid 16 hectares of gardens, and offers 331 rooms and suites with views of the Giza Pyramids and its surrounds.
Restaurants on-site include all-day dining venue 139 Pavilion, and Italian restaurant Alfredo, while recreational facilities include an outdoor heated pool, health club, and spa. For events, the hotel also offers 1,400m2 of indoor meeting venues and 8,700m2 of outdoor spaces.
UNICEO to debut congress for event heads
The United Networks of International Corporate Events Organizers (UNICEO) will launch the UNICEO Congress this June in Budapest, Hungary.
The event from June 28-29 will gather 250 UNICEO members and peers handling corporate and association events, and have them discuss and debate four key topics relating to events of the future. The four key topics are Innovation/Technology, Leadership, Engagement, and Measurement/ROI, and each will feature conference sessions and activities.
Prominent keynote speakers include Microsoft’s general manager for global
communications strategy, Bob Bejan; Cisco’s CMO/head of events, Gerd De Bruycker; and Schneider Electric’s vice president experience marketing, Bjorn Wigforss.
Oman visas on arrival go electronic
Effective March 21, 2018, visas on arrival to Oman will only be granted electronically via https://evisa.rop.gov.om, and there will be no more hand-processed visas at the airport.
Last year, Oman relaxed its visa rules to attract more tourists by granting visas on arrival for the citizens of India, China and Russia who reside in or who hold an entry visa to one of these countries – the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Schengen States.
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.
