ICC Sydney makes it easier for delegates to fly off after an event

December 5, 2017

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) has become the first venue of its kind in Australia to pilot a mobile airline check-in and baggage drop service, in partnership with Off Airport Check In Solutions (OACIS).

The trial took place at the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) conference, which had nearly 2,000 delegates in attendance last week.

This new service allows delegates to travel to the airport luggage-free

The service enabled international and interstate visitors to check-in and drop off their luggage at an OACIS counter within ICC Sydney on the final day of the conference, travelling to Sydney Airport luggage-free, and conveniently collecting it at their final destination.

Geoff Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney, said the successful pilot marked another moment of innovation for the venue as it continues to deliver a world class experience for business travellers.

“Since opening in December 2016, ICC Sydney has already received numerous accolades for its unique offering, and we are excited to be leading the charge here in terms of optimising the visitor experience.

“Our pilot with OACIS was a success on all fronts and with more than 1,000 events secured until 2026, it could be a game changer for our clients, delegates and visitors,” he said.

Another benefit of the off-site check-in, noted Donaghy, is that its gives event delegates “more time to enjoy our beautiful city, including its restaurants, shops and other city attractions”.

The OACIS system uses cloud-based technology to remotely integrate with airline check-in systems. Luggage is then securely transported to the airport and placed in the baggage system for security screening.

“Our market research has revealed business travellers are keen to embrace off-airport check-in services using their personal technology,” said Matt Lee, CEO of OACIS, adding that OACIS can grant event delegates “more flexibility and time, avoiding queues and congestion at the airport”.

“The setup is also simple and no permanent facilities are required, allowing us to be very agile and support clients as and when they need it,” said Lee.

Blacklane goes green

By TTGmice

December 5, 2017

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All Blacklane rides are now green, with the company committed to offsetting the carbon footprint of all rides across the 250 cities and 50 countries it operates in.

This is believed to be the first time a ride service is launching a global carbon-neutral programme. Blacklane offsets carbon emissions by funding a wind farm near Pune, India, where 40 wind turbine generators produce electricity with no fossil fuel consumption.

Corporates can help to reduce their carbon footprint with Blacklane

Jens Wohltorf, CEO and co-founder of Blacklane, said: “Quality rides (that do not) compromise the environment benefit travellers, drivers and the world. They also align companies’ business travel needs with their sustainability goals.”

To deliver its promise, Blacklane is partnering Carbon Footprint, the UK government’s provider, to offset ministerial travel carbon dioxide emissions. The company calculates Blacklane’s carbon emissions based on ride distances and vehicles in the fleet.

Business events steer course for cruises

By Pamela Chow

December 5, 2017

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How much has cruising risen in popularity with corporate crowds, and what has spurred this?

Each year, Royal Caribbean sees a growth of about 20 per cent for MICE bookings across South-east Asia.

In the last 10 years since we started operating cruises in Asia, we have been experiencing growth in the FIT sector and in turn, the MICE sector. Very often, FIT guests who have enjoyed the experience so much recommend this to their work organisations for company trips.

We believe that this growth is merely the start. With factors such as increased globalisation and more businesses moving their headquarters to Asia-Pacific, as well as the growing affluence of people in the region, we foresee strong potential for MICE cruises in the region.

How has Royal Caribbean reacted in response to this growth?

Our mega ships such as Mariner of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas (now) come with more and bigger onboard MICE and entertainment facilities, such as a three-tier main dining room, 800-seater ice skating rink, 1,300-seater theatre, and an indoor or outdoor sports court.

We are always striving to grow our MICE business in the region. Our most outstanding (market examples) are Indonesia and India, where the MICE business has overtaken the FIT segment in terms of volume. Incentive travel is popular (among) companies in these markets (as a) reward for their staff. (Furthermore) cruising is a relatively novel travel option for them, hence the growing attraction.

What is being done to capitalise on these markets?

Royal Caribbean will continue to focus on delivering the best MICE service and experience for the region, by constantly innovating our amenities and facilities.

We are also operating increasingly longer seasons in Singapore to better cater to more MICE customers from different countries during their peak holiday seasons. Our 2016/17 season offered 64 sailings over nine months, whereas our 2017/18 season will be featuring 76 sailings over more or less the same period.

To boost our MICE business, we have also created a new business development manager position in our office this year, dedicated to developing the MICE business of our travel agents in Singapore.

What factors might be limiting faster growth?

Although mindsets are also slowly changing on the cruise industry, most people still do not know what cruise travel can offer. A survey conducted in 2016 by Royal Caribbean revealed that 86 per cent of Singaporeans are not aware of the activities and innovations that are readily available on board.

Awareness among planners is also an issue. A 2014 study by Cruise Lines International Association found that 32 per cent of planners were unaware of meetings spaces on ships, and 28 per cent were unaware of ship capabilities.

It is therefore important for cruise companies to continuously raise awareness of the value of cruising, and set themselves apart in terms of the products and facilities offered in order to drive MICE spending.

Lastly, securing sufficient air seats for several hundred to a few thousand MICE guests at one go from overseas to Singapore for a cruise is also a constant challenge for us, especially during the peak holiday periods. We hope that this situation will improve with the opening of the new Terminal 4 of Changi Airport.

A familiar face helms Thai tourism but Kobkarn will be missed

By Raini Hamdi

November 30, 2017

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Thailand’s Cabinet reshuffle on November 24 sees the return of former minister of tourism and sports, Weerasak Kowsurat, to the role, replacing Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul who held the post for three years.

Weerasak was also chairman of the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

In general his appointment received positive nods from economic analysts who referred to his experience with the tourism and MICE industries as a big plus. However, sentiments showed that Kobkarn would be sorely missed.

“Great pity. She stood head and shoulders above most ministers of tourism in the region. She had a passion and knowledge of her subject that really set her apart. Plus she was so easy to engage , happy to take on board criticism as well as platitudes, and gave the impression she listened,” said David Kevan, a director at Chic Locations based in London.

Kobkarn’s last public trade appearance was at the World Travel Market, her fourth, during which she recapped a few of the key achievements of Thai tourism industry this year. This included the successful hosting of WTTC in April, and the recognition that sustainable tourism development was needed for the country.

“The good news is that the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand rose nearly nine per cent to 32.6 million in 2016, bringing in 1.64 trillion baht worth of business, up nearly 13 per cent from 2015. Those are undoubtedly impressive figures and ones that give me, as minister for tourism and sports, enormous satisfaction because it reflects consumer confidence in our products, services and most important, our people.

“On the other hand, we have to accept that this growth is putting enormous pressure on our infrastructure and our environment. This is what will be at the forefront of our tourism development agenda in future,” she said.

Thailand 4.0 national development strategy would focus on health and wellness, food and agriculture, smart devices and robotics, digital technology and the Internet of Things, and creative, culture and high-value services.

“To complement the government’s vision of Thailand 4.0, we need to strike a balance on three fronts. Of course, we aim to maintain the growth in tourist numbers and revenue. At the same time, we need to ensure that our product remains worth buying across all fronts. This means preserving our heritage, ensuring safety and security, protecting the environment and much more. Visitors do not want to come to Thailand to experience rubbish-strewn beaches and burned-out forests that have been harvested by villagers who have not benefited from the tourism windfall,” she had said.

Danang’s new Ariyana Convention Centre to get more accommodation support

By Karen Yue

November 30, 2017

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Vietnamese company Sovico Holdings is transforming the landscape of Danang’s beachfront with the expansion Ariyana Tourism Complex, which will in two years’ time welcome a 1,400-key luxury resort to support its new Ariyana Convention Centre, where a week-long series of APEC meetings and related events was held earlier this month.

Ariyana Tourism Complex also comprises the luxury Furama Resort Danang, Furama Villas Danang and the International Convention Palace – all products of Sovico Holdings which altogether elevate Danang’s status as a serious contender for international business events, opined Nguyen Duc Quynh, deputy general director, Furama Resort Danang.

The new Ariyana Convention Centre is being marketed as a standalone venue

The three-storey beachfront Ariyana Convention Centre, opened in mid-October, takes in 12 multifunctional rooms, three of which can be split into multiple spaces. The largest facility is the Ariyana Grand Ballroom, a massive 2,079m² pillarless hall with a nine-metre-high ceiling that can seat 2,500 people in a theatre setting, and be divided into four smaller spaces.

Although the Ariyana Convention Centre is part of a bigger complex with hotel accommodation, Nguyen said it – as well as the “warmer, boutique-style venue” International Convention Palace – is marketed as a “standalone venue to be used by any event coming to Danang with attendees staying anywhere in the destination”.

However, there is no doubt that the 1,400-room Ariyana Beach Resort and Suite Danang, opening in two years’ time, will be a more convenient accommodation option for delegates attending events at Ariyana Convention Centre. Guests will enjoy complimentary tram and shuttle bus rides between the hotel and convention centre, with the journey taking no more than seven minutes.

“Ariyana Beach Resort and Suite Danang will be geared towards business travellers, and is meant to support big events coming to Ariyana,” Nguyen said, adding that next on the plans are upgrading works for Furama Resort Danang.

Meanwhile, efforts to sustain Ariyana Convention Centre’s post-APEC meetings business momentum include participation in selected travel tradeshows such as IT&CMA and AIME, organisation of trade events that bring travel agents and event planners to Danang, and roadshows in key source markets.

“In terms of key markets, we are keen on Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia,” Nguyen shared.

The team hosted a networking party in Singapore on Tuesday, with selected business event planners on the invite list. Following that, Nguyen has plans to head to Hong Kong, and to conduct a roadshow during AIME in Melbourne next February, and another in Sydney.

Besides high-profile APEC events, Ariyana Convention Centre has secured a tradeshow in March 2018 for an exhibition with 200 booths and conference for 900 people, and two incentives of 2,000 people each in May 2018 – one from the US and the other from Malaysia.

“These events allow us to exceed our (sales targets) for March and May,” remarked Nguyen.

Danang Hotel Association to train low-rated hotels on how to scale up

By Karen Yue

November 30, 2017

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Nguyen-Duc-Quynh_2C-Deputy-general-director_2C-Furama-Resort-Danang — Nguyen: readying smaller hotels for 'quality tourists'

Danang Hotel Association is starting a training and assistance programme in December to guide one- and two-star hotel members on transforming their business to attract a more lucrative clientele, in a bid to ensure Danang maintains her reputation as a quality destination.

In an interview in Singapore, Nguyen Duc Quynh, deputy chairman for the steering committee of the Danang Hotel Association, who is also deputy general director of the luxury Furama Resort Danang, said: “The biggest issue we have in Danang is the large supply of one- and two-star hotels. There are 25,570 hotel rooms in Danang, 40 per cent of which are one- and two-star hotels. These hotels tend to attract lower-end tourists who may bring with them certain social issues that will ultimately influence Danang’s destination reputation. Danang needs to be a destination for quality tourists.”

Nguyen: readying smaller hotels for ‘quality tourists’

As a solution, Nguyen is recommending that the one- and two-star hotels “convert into long-stay properties that are suitable for business travellers and domestic family groups on holidays”.

He explained: “Following the APEC meetings (in Danang from November 4 to 11), trade and foreign investments will pick up in Danang, which will result in more foreigners coming in for business projects. They will need a place to stay, and one- and two-star hotels could provide that by scaling up their facilities and changing their business structure.

“Going after the long-stay market will also help alleviate these hotels’ poor business during the winter low season.”

The association will provide guidance on business transformation and training on critical knowledge such as revenue management.

When asked where the association will get its funding for these activities, Nguyen said: “They will come from membership fees and sponsorship from businesses that have an interest in our members, for example hotel booking technology companies that hope to introduce their solutions to these one- and two-star hotels.”

European cities sweep top 10 positions in GDS-Index

By TTGmice

November 30, 2017

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The Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) has released its second ranking of the world’s most sustainable cities for business events.

The top 10 performers with the highest overall scores were all from Europe, with Gothenburg in Sweden taking the lead with a score of 92 out of a possible 100 points.

The cities with the 10 highest overall scores

The 2017 results were announced at the recent ICCA Congress, with the Overall Leadership Award going to Gothenburg, who also won the Innovation Award for her pioneering app which facilitates greater accessibility for events.

Glasgow was recognised with the Most Improved Award for her sterling achievement in engaging stakeholders through her People Make Glasgow Greener campaign and for driving sustainability performance in the last year.

(From Left) ICCA’s Nina Freysen-Pretorius; Gothenburg Convention Bureau’s Annika Hallman; Glasglow Convention Bureau’s Aileen Crawford; and ICCA’s Martin Sirk

Overall, destinations with a sustainability strategy for the business events sector increased by 25 per cent, average CVB sustainability performance rose by 11 per cent, with destinations such as Oslo (2), Aarhus (21) and Malmö (9) increasing their overall performance by more than 20 per cent.

Meanwhile, five Asia-Pacific cities made the list: Melbourne, Australia (12); Sydney, Australia (15); Sapporo, Japan (18); Kyoto, Japan (19); and Goyang, South Korea (28).

The GDS-Index is a collaborative platform that promotes the sustainable growth of international meeting destinations through knowledge sharing, capacity building, and benchmarking across four key areas: city environmental strategy and infrastructure; city social sustainability performance; industry supplier support (restaurants, hotels and convention centres); and Convention Bureau strategy and initiatives.

New book explores the benefits of conferences

By TTGmice

November 30, 2017

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A new book, The Power of Conferences: stories of serendipity, innovation and driving social change, launched earlier this week, explores the long-term impacts of conferences through the stories of 10 prominent Australians who are synonymous with such breakthroughs.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have joined forces to undertake this groundbreaking research, which demonstrates the vital role that conferences have played in some of the most significant global discoveries of the last 50 years.

The book includes stories from Nobel Laureates Barry Marshall and Brian Schmidt, as well as a host of other Australian luminaries.

For instance, professor Ian Frazer AC talks about the role conferences played in his discovery of the HPV vaccine, which is saving millions of women from HPV-related cancer – and may eradicate it within a generation.

Meanwhile for professor Martin Green, conferences played an integral part in helping him and his team ‘outpace’ NASA and COMSAT in the global race to create a solar cell with 20 per cent efficiency – and more recently go on to achieve an unequalled efficiency level of 40 per cent.

As well, professor Tom Calma and member of parliament Linda Burney describe how conferences have been instrumental in transforming educational opportunities and outcomes for indigenous children and young people in Australia.

Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of BESydney, pointed out the stories demonstrate exactly how important conferences are.

She said: “These stories show why it’s vital to take the long view when thinking about conferences, and the impact they have. All the individuals in this book have helped to change the face of health, science and society, and each one has used conferences in some way to do that.”

The book was authored by international experts in the value of business events, associate professors Deborah Edwards and Carmel Foley, together with writer Cheryl Malone.

The Power of Conferences is available for download from the UTS ePress website here.

Beyond Asia: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Strandzuid, and WindEurope Summit

By TTGmice

November 30, 2017

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Louvre Abu Dhabi throws open its doors
Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has opened in the UAE capital. It is the first museum of its kind in the Arab world: a universal museum that focuses on shared human stories across civilisations and cultures.

On display will be the museum’s important collection of artworks, artefacts and loans from France’s top museums. These span the entirety of human existence: from prehistorical objects to commissioned contemporary artworks, highlighting universal themes and ideas and marking a departure from traditional museography that often separates according to origin. In addition to the galleries, the museum will include exhibitions, a Children’s Museum, a restaurant, a boutique and a café.

The inaugural special exhibition, From One Louvre to Another: opening a museum for everyone, opens on December 21, 2017, and traces the history of Musée du Louvre in Paris.

How about a meeting on a city beach in Amsterdam?
The newly renovated Strandzuid city beach venue, situated between RAI Amsterdam and the Beatrix Park, has re-opened, where the wooden pavilions have been replaced by a new and permanent building.

The new Strandzuid enhances its position as an event location that can be used as a standalone venue or supplement to the RAI Amsterdam’s facilities. The Restaurant has a capacity of 300 seats. Other facilities includes The Boat House, The Beach House, The Jetty Bar, The Beach Bar and Playground.

Copenhagen secures another wind energy congress
Copenhagen will be hosting the inaugural WindEurope Summit for both onshore and offshore wind energy in 2021, a win that comes six months after the city won the bid to host the world’s largest Offshore Wind Energy 2019 conference and exhibition.

To be held at Scandinavia’s largest congress venue, Bella Center Copenhagen, WindEurope Summit is expected to attract around 10,000 delegates from across Europe.

Denmark was the first country to install offshore wind turbines and the country continues to be a driving force in the development of cutting edge wind energy technology. With a wind industry that is globally recognised, the country provides an ideal platform for the global wind industry to come together to discuss and exchange knowledge.

Events Travel Asia journeys further into Asia

By TTGmice

November 28, 2017

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Events Travel Asia has launched Journey To Asia, a boutique experience by Events Travel Asia Group, where the event and incentive agency will manage meeting and incentive bookings under 70 participants travelling to selected Asian destinations.

Journey To Asia is set to welcome its first group of customers for a three-day experience into Thailand come January 2018.

(From left) Max Boontawee Jantasuwan and Jeff Fongmool

The agency is headed by Jeff Fongmool and Max Boontawee Jantasuwan, both of whom have collaborated for more than five years under the Events Travel Asia brand, and is a direct response to current market demand for small-sized, more intimate events.

Max, founding CEO of Events Travel Asia Group, said in a media statement that Journey To Asia will leverage his and Jeff’s experience in managing boutique events.

“Jeff is known for his eye-for-detail and talent in creating memorable moments,” remarked Max.

Aside from Journey To Asia, Events Travel Asia Group comprises meeting and incentive agency Events Travel Asia, E-Transportation Co, and joint-venture Phu Bao Destination and Events. The company has handled over 65,000 participants and visitors since its founding in 2013.

ICC Sydney makes it easier for delegates to fly off after an event

Blacklane goes green

Business events steer course for cruises

A familiar face helms Thai tourism but Kobkarn will be missed

Danang’s new Ariyana Convention Centre to get more accommodation support

Danang Hotel Association to train low-rated hotels on how to scale up

European cities sweep top 10 positions in GDS-Index

New book explores the benefits of conferences

Beyond Asia: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Strandzuid, and WindEurope Summit

Events Travel Asia journeys further into Asia

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