Hanoi-headquartered Asia DMC has launched a business events division to handle corporate events and incentives in Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.
The division will be led by Subhash Chandar, in the position of business development manager – MICE. He will report to Asia DMC’s group managing director Linh Le.
Chandar: market shift to more creative and smaller events
The division was created following demand from the booming economies in China and India, where companies are looking for highly personalised events for senior executives and top achievers.
“MICE is not new to us,” said Chandar. “We can handle large and medium sized events – but we are also seeing a market shift as demand increases too for more personalised, creative events that are smaller in scale.”
The company will leverage on its expertise and long-term supplier relationships to deliver events managed by on-the-ground teams focusing on destinations like Angkor Wat, Bagan and Halong Bay. Unique venues include Terrace of the Elephants in Angkor Thom in Angkor Wat, which can hold up to 400 delegates; island dining on Ban Chan Beach in Halong Bay for up to 100 delegates; and dining at Ho Chi Minh City’s Reunification Palace for up to 500 delegates.
In the past year, Asia DMC has handled numerous large groups, such as a 350-pax group from Volvo Eicher which headed to Siem Reap for Eicher Go Pro, and a 200-delegate incentive for Godrej India to Ho Chi Minh City.
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has inked a management contract with Phu Quoc Tourist Investment & Development JS Company to develop the Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc.
The signing marks the second resort in Vietnam for the group, following Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh Bay, slated to open in 2018.
Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc’s lobby
Scheduled to open in 4Q2017, Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc will have 522 rooms and suites, as well as a casino – the first in Vietnam to permit domestic entry. Facilities include an all-day dining and bar option that will serve international cuisine, fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, spa and VIP lounge.
Located a 27km drive away from Phu Quoc International Airport, the new-build hotel is also part of an integrated resort that includes a convention centre, safari park, theatre, water park, retail stores, multiple restaurants and a 27-hole golf course.
ITB Asia 2017 has sold out ahead of its 10th anniversary show this October, which organisers attribute to a surge in booth bookings from the global market.
The growth in exhibitor numbers is led by BRICS economies, among which South Africa (+200 per cent), Russia (+183 per cent) and Brazil (+100 per cent) pave the trend, while China also expanded its presence at ITB Asia by 31 per cent this year.
The Finland booth at last year’s ITB Asia 2016
In particular, a 25 per cent increase is seen from Africa, with Tunisia and Rwanda set to make their debut at the show this year, joining Kenya Tourism Board and other African exhibitors from Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Sudan.
European exhibitors grew 23 per cent, led by the Greek National Tourism Organisation and Spain Tourism Board, while exhibitors from the Balkan Peninsula are also increasing in numbers.
In addition, Scandinavian markets have marked a 21 per cent growth as leading markets such as Finland and Norway show stronger exhibitor demand.
Promote Iceland will make its ITB Asia debut this year, in addition to other first-time exhibitors such as Brazil’s Rio Convention and Visitor Bureau, the Moscow City Government and an African Pavilion.
Meanwhile, Asian participation remains strong, contributing to 60 per cent of exhibiting companies, with strong showing seen from South Korea (+112 per cent) and Japan (+89 per cent).
Organised by Messe Berlin and supported by the Singapore Exhibition & Exhibition Bureau, ITB Asia 2017 will take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands from October 25-27.
The benefits of collaboration in every industry are well-known, though the extent and success of doing so depends on multiple practical and political realities.
In the business events world, national (such as SACEOS), regional (such as AFECA) and global (such as the PCMA) associations exist, each courting their own set of members. All of them aim to develop the industry by possessing a stronger collective voice.
Effective collaborations will have associations working closely to address common challenges
However, in a business landscape where increased competition leads to firms being less picky about the type of events managed, it makes less sense for businesses or individuals to be part of several associations – each representing a specialised aspect of the business events industry, which in its essence is “aggregator” industry.
One thing for sure, getting together will have the usual benefits such as economies of sale and scope, providing members with more benefits at lower costs. The corollary might be the usual politics and pains of collaboration, but the gains far outweigh challenges if these associations truly exist to serve industry and members, instead of narrow interests.
One common issue faced by business events industry associations is the difficult to grow memberships, attract sponsorships, develop and market content profitably, and create meaningful and profitable events, often for a similar set of audiences.
Effective collaborations should see associations working closely together to address these common challenges at a strategic level, beyond the piecemeal support given from event to event.
As a business owner invited to be part of different associations in the industry, a fundamental manifestation of such a collaboration might be in the form of paying for a core membership and a “rider” to enjoy limited or full benefits from partner associations.
This will result in a win-win-win situation.
1. Associations win by gaining members they would not have otherwise, with incremental revenues, and a stronger voice. More benefits may be offered to members at less cost and effort in a virtuous cycle of growth. More members imply more reach and potential revenue sources, while encouraging associations to streamline duplicated efforts and events.
2. Members win by having access to a related but wider range of benefits and networks without having to pay several full memberships, as overlaps do not make sense.
3. Industry wins as this pragmatic approach encourages more strategic collaborations between the various associations that exist. In addition, more industry involvement from the ground up also aids in efforts to set standards and share best practices, especially important for a relatively fragmented industry to have a stronger collective voice to fight common industry ills, and prevent client abuses.
Complex as it might seem, it is hoped that given the benefits, associations will unite to overcome any organisational challenges that exist in the better service of their common stakeholders and industry.
Daniel Chua is the chief executive of Aonia, a client enabler through Events that Engage, Energise and Empower worldwide. Aonia specialises in serving MNCs in the pharmaceutical, finance and technology sectors.
Actively involved in the business events industry since 1999, Chual has a global network of business events partners, and has an extensive knowledge of hotels and venues in major cities that are most suited to client needs.
Carlson Wagonlit Travel has appointed Michael Ryan as managing director for Australia and New Zealand. Based in Sydney, Ryan has more than 20 years of business development and management experience across a range of industries. He joins from American Express’ Merchant Services division.
You move into this new role in Solo from Hokkaido. How are you adjusting?
With the exception of missing snowy winters and the beautiful colours of spring and autumn, I’d say very well! The team at Alila Solo are already well versed in Alila’s renowned hospitality so the transition has been very smooth.
Alasdair-Davidson
You are not unfamiliar with Alila properties, having held senior positions with three Alila hotels in the past. How does it feel to be returning to the Alila family?
It feels wonderful to be back with what I consider to be close family, after almost seven years with Alila. Only when you have an opportunity to look back from outside the company do you gain a real appreciation for the dedication that has gone into making Alila one of the most reputed luxury hotel and resort operators. It’s not easy to recreate the Alila experience as a solo operator.
One of the biggest responsibilities of a leader is motivating staff. How are you doing that?
Through collaborative management. I am relentless when it comes to involving all team members in the vision for the property and company. Being a hands-on manager, I’m always on the ground talking and laughing with the team,as well as discussing and constantly looking for new initiatives to elevate the guest experience.
Harbour Grand Kowloon in Hong Kong as picked Kristofer Bremström as director of food & beverage. He joins from Le Méridien Hotel Abu Dhabi where he held the same role.
One World Hotel Petaling Jaya has appointed Chris Niuh Ban Hock as general manager. Niuh brings with him 20 years of hospitality industry experience. He was last area general manager for Berjaya Langkawi Resort, Langkawi and Georgetown City Hotel, Penang.
Aviary Bintaro, an eco-inspired hotel in Jakarta, has appointed Brafely Sahelangi to the position of general manager. He is a seasoned hotelier with more than 20 years of experience.
Dorsett Hospitality International has appointed Anita Chan, general manager of Dorsett Wanchai, Hong Kong, Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong and Dorsett Mongkok, Hong Kong to the additional role as senior vice president of brand marketing. Chan has been with Dorsett Hospitality International since March 2005.
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.
