MICE activities must go on: Thai industry

October 18, 2016

THE Thai minister of tourism and sports, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, is urging business events in Thailand to proceed as planned as the country mourns the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej last Thursday.

“(The King’s passing) will not have any impact on tourism. Thailand (itself) will proceed with its promotion activities for the sustainable development of the tourism industry according to King Bhumibol’s wish,” Kobkarn said.

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) will maintain its participation in IMEX America this week, but will drop performances from its programme at the show.

While business events, such as roadshows, seminars and meetings, can take place as planned, Kobkarn said some events, especially those involving outdoor entertainment, should be suspended for the next 30 days.

Bangkok’s 18^th International Festival Dance & Music, for instance, has been postponed, “as everyone was not in a celebratory mood”, shared TCEB vice president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya.

PK Exhibition Management, organiser of the massive domestic tourism fair Thai Tiew Thai, will proceed with the event on November 3-6, but will call off performances.

Krit Pattarapan, managing director of PK Exhibition Management, told TTGmice e-Weekly that Thai Tiew Thai will also adopt a different theme – Sufficiency Economy, a philosophy conceived and developed by King Bhumibol.

Sumate Sudasna, president of Thailand Incentive & Convention Association, said the Thai government has sought the cooperation of the private sector to abide by the mourning period do’s and don’ts, particularly the suspension of entertainment activities for 30 days.

However, Sumate believes that this will not negatively impact Thailand’s MICE business, as the people’s unity in demonstrating love and respect for King Bhumibol reflects the country’s culture and character, which will “benefit Thai tourism”.

JTB invests in Indonesia, aims for 150% growth in sales

By Karen Yue

October 17, 2016

HAVING identified Indonesia as its second most important source market in Asia, JTB Global DMC Network is stepping up its in-market promotions to raise brand awareness of the company and to showcase its network of DMC partners across the world.

It will host its second roadshow in Jakarta today, fielding representatives from its global network of DMC partners, specifically TPI America (representing North America and Hawaii), Tumlare Destination Management (representing Europe), JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc. (representing Japan), Lotte JTB (representing South Korea) and JTB CSO (representing Asia-Pacific).

The partners will showcase new and current programmes, and spotlight relatively fresh destinations to the Asian market. For instance, Tumlare Destination Management will highlight Scandinavia and Russia; JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc. will promote Muslim-friendly programmes; JTB CSO will push multi-destination itineraries in the region.

The event is expected to see a stronger attendance than the first edition in 2015, when it welcomed 100 buyers from more than 50 local travel agents.

Speaking to TTGmice e-Weekly in an interview, Toshihide Ozaki, senior manager, global inbound business at JTB, said: “We consider Indonesian as one of the fastest growing and most dynamic in the (Asia) region. We are also aware of the fact that after China, Indonesia is the biggest source market for us in South Asia. Taking this into view, we want to tap the potential and create a market share for ourselves in 2017.”

Ozaki shared that JTB Global DMC Network aims to achieve 870 million yen (US$8.3 million) in sales from Indonesia by end of 2018, up 150 per cent from 2016’s forecast.

While he said business from Indonesia “was not as promising as the last”, he is confident that 2017 will be a good year for the company when the market “bounces back”.

The Jakarta roadshow follows similar showcases earlier this year in Wuhan and Nanjing, China and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. JTB Global DMC Network started its roadshow blitz in 2015 when it kicked off a massive growth plan to expand its global footprint. Key to this plan is the company’s establishment of local sales offices and branches worldwide, as well as acquiring established DMC specialists in key regions.

Mercure opens in Singapore’s cultural enclave

By TTGmice

October 16, 2016

AccorHotels has opened the new-build Mercure Singapore Bugis in the city state’s cultural district, offering 395 heritage inspired rooms, lofts and suites.

Built for both leisure and business travellers, facilities include the rooftop bar Sky Deck, western-local fusion restaurant Sauces, a lobby lounge, an infinity lap pool, as well as three function rooms and an outdoor terrace for events. The largest venue is the Marshall Junction at 75m². It can accommodate a 50-pax banquet or 40 delegates a in theatre setting.

Guests will appreciate the hotel’s close proximity to Bugis MRT station, which allows them to get around Singapore easily.

ibtm world attendees to rendezvous with new event partners MPI, NBTC

By TTG Asia

October 12, 2016

IBTM world has partnered with the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Foundation and NBTC Holland Marketing to launch Rendezvous – the foundation’s signature networking and fundraising event – at the show this year.

Rendezvous, to take place on November 30 at the Opium Barcelona nightclub, will be an exclusive ticketed event for ibtm world attendees and local MPI members. Proceeds from the event will be invested into the MPI Foundation, which funds scholarships, grants and pan-industry research. Meanwhile, NBTC Holland Marketing is onboard as the exclusive destination supporter and partner for this 2016 event.

“Meeting professionals from around the globe attend ibtm world, which is great exposure for the foundation and its effort to fund education and pan-industry research,” said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI.

NBTC Holland Marketing’s director for meetings & events, Eric Bakermans, added: “It perfectly fits our goals to create awareness for Holland as a business event destination and it will be virtually impossible to miss out on this night full of fun and dancing.”

Starwood Preferred Guest doubles rewards for catered events

By TTG Asia

October 12, 2016

the-westin-singapore-bay-view-king
The Bay View King guestroom at The Westin Singapore

TEN hotel brands under Marriott International are offering event planners double Starpoints in the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) and SPG Pro loyalty programmes when they book a eligible catered event between today and February 28 next year.

The new Toast Twice promotion draws participation from over 1,300 hotels and resorts around the world, spanning the brands of St Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Le Meridien, Westin, Sheraton, Tribute Portfolio, Aloft, Element and Four Points. In Asia-Pacific, the Toast Twice promotion is available in more than 300 participating properties in over 20 destinations.

Two Starpoints will be given for every US$3 of eligible revenue spent on catered events, including those hosted in the hotel’s dining outlets and offsite catered events.

For instance, an SPG or SPG Pro member who spends US$18,000 for guestrooms, event space and catered F&B will earn 6,000 base Starpoints and 6,000 Toast Twice Starpoints as a Preferred member; 6,000 standard Starpoints, 3,000 Elite Bonus points and 6,000 Toast Twice Starpoints as a Gold or Platinum member; or 6,000 standard Starpoints, 3,000 Elite Bonus points, 3,000 Elite Bonus points for having SPG 75 Nights Benefits, and 6,000 Toast Twice Starpoints as a Platinum member with SPG 75 Nights Benefits of higher.

To qualify for the double rewards, events must be booked through the sales office, consist of either a dining or catering component only or be combined with a booking of nine guestrooms or less.

To qualify for the Toast Twice promotion, SPG and SPG Pro members should register at spg.com/toasttwice by February 28, 2017. Email mice@starwoodhotels.com for more information.

Meanwhile, Marriott International is looking at creating a broader MICE rewards programme that will span all brands under both Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide following the completion of the mega merger on September 23, according to Mei Xueying, Starwood’s Asia-Pacific manager, customer loyalty and communications.

Refreshed grand ballroom greets all at Swissôtel Nankai Osaka

By TTG Asia

October 11, 2016

SWISSOTEL Nankai Osaka in Japan has relaunched its brand new 1,120m² Grand Ballroom Naniwa, said to be the largest ballroom in southern Osaka, capable of hosting up to 1,400 guests in theatre-style.

The US$1.5 million makeover gave the venue new wall coverings, an elegant wall-to-wall carpet inspired by Swissôtel’s iconic Swiss Circles silhouettes, and ceiling paint. A rich colour palette of purple, blue and grey is applied to create an opulent ambience.

The expansive foyer space now features eclectic wall art incorporating natural and unique circular designs.

The renovation of Grand Ballroom Naniwa follows the recent refurbishment of the hotel’s Swiss Executive Club floors, which saw double rooms being converted to twin and triple rooms to cater to the growing number of MICE travellers.

In a media statement, general manager of Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, Christian Schaufelbühl, said: “We are already receiving a number of positive feedback from our guests. With our prime location in Osaka’s most established business and entertainment district, guests can enjoy a leisurely getaway, taking retreat from their busy schedule.

“With our unparallelled location, state-of-the-art meeting/event facilities, completed with a variety of casual and fine dining outlets and sophisticated fitness and spa offerings, Swissôtel Nankai Osaka demonstrates its commitment in providing high standards that has made the hotel a premier venue for any MICE and leisure travellers.”

Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur keeps things fresh for business travellers

By S Puvaneswary

October 11, 2016

IN ORDER to effectively compete with newer properties in Kuala Lumpur for business and MICE travellers, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur has invested RM100 million (US$24.2 million) on major refurbishments over a four-year period.

Among the new features at the hotel is the lobby area which has been redesigned as a multi-use space for casual and formal talks, and where guests can work at tables with in-built power sockets.

Hotel manager, Fauzy Wahab, said: “Our meeting spaces are lifestyle-inspired to offer delegates a stress-free ambience.”

Also new are shower rooms in the club lounge, built for hotel guests who arrive before check-in time or have a late flight to catch after checking out. More power points have also been outfitted in the 420 guestrooms for the convenience of business travellers who require to work on multiple devices. Broadband speed throughout the facility has been upgraded to 8mbps.

Fauzy explained that understanding the requirements of corporate and MICE travellers was paramount to ensuring the hotel continues to grow its marketshare well into 2017.

He said: “Most corporate events are held in the city on weekdays, but we are also strategically targeting niche segments that hold weekend events such as those for medical professionals.”

Fauzy is also keen on attracting business travellers who are involved in the numerous construction projects in and around Kuala Lumpur.

KYCC casts its eyes on the European MICE market

By Rachel AJ Lee

October 11, 2016

KHAO Yai Convention Center (KYCC) wants to attract more Europeans to meet in Khao Yai, and is working together with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau to make that a reality by organising fam trips to the region.

Porn-Anun Khakhanmalee, front office manager of the Botanica Khao Yai who also manages KYCC, told TTGmice e-Weekly: “We’re trying to get more European guests, and currently have overseas sales offices in place. Right now, our MICE groups are 90 per cent Asians and 10 per cent Europeans. We’re aiming for a 60/40 split instead.”

Built in 2014, KYCC offers 3,800m² of flexible meeting space spread across two buildings. The largest facility is its Grand Ballroom which can take up to 1,300 people theatre-style, and be further broken down into three separate spaces.

Other meeting areas include the Exhibition Hall which can hold up to 600 people theatre-style, and seven meeting rooms of varying sizes. There is also a 1,900m² outdoor plaza.

Asia will remain an important source market for the venue, and according to Porn-Anun, KYCC’s largest corporate booking to-date was for a 1,500 pax group from China. The most recent Asian corporate booking was by Samsung in Thailand.

“From January until now, there have been about 100 (Asian) groups that have used KYCC and stayed in the hotels here,” he said.

The area that KYCC occupies is also home to two hotels – the 256-room Greenery Resort and 115-key Botanica Khao Yai – as well as a shopping area, an adventure park and a water park.

Olga Kovshanova, director of sales and marketing at Bangkok-based Asia World Enterprise, who was a participant in a post-IT&CMA fam trip to Khao Yai, opined that the destination could “be a very interesting alternative for MICE events in Thailand”.

She explained: “It is a little bit farther than Pattaya (from Bangkok), but it offers something different as many people have been to Pattaya already. Khao Yai offers different activities such as wine tasting and nature-based programmes.”

Pacific World creates seven emotionally-charged incentive themes to drive motivation

By TTG Asia

October 11, 2016

FOLLOWING a detailed research among its clients, Pacific World has developed seven incentive programmes that focus on experiences which are aligned to people’s emotions and motivation.

The series includes: Exclusive high end adventures; Inspirational special events; Authentic local experiences; Innovative technology concepts that challenge creativity; CSR activities that inspire; Holistic retreats that promote well-being and wholeness.

“Clients are increasingly searching for meaningful experiences that move their customers”, said Selina Chavry, global managing director for Pacific World.

“We are listening to our clients’ needs and observing trends which have shown us that experiences and engagement are deeply aligned with emotions and motivation. We then had to find out how emotions dictate programmes that delegates choose or what activities they might prefer. Understanding what drives each client is the key to designing a compelling programme, to help them engage and motivate their attendees.” added Chavry.

In Hong Kong, the new experiences can be had through a programme called “Discover the secrets of Hong Kong Real Estate tycoons”. Participants are taken into the world of the construction industry of Hong Kong through a hard-hat tour conducted by one of the engineers or the architect involved in the Zhu Hai-Macau Bridge project. Participants will get to share views and discuss the real estate and insurance scene in Hong Kong.

In India, the “Breathe” programme takes participants to the 40ha Maharaja’s Palace Estate which overlooks the spiritual Rishikesh and the Ganges river valley. Traditional Yoga and healthy organic cuisine is combined in an overall experience to restore well-being, balance and harmony.

To support these new experiences, Chavry said Pacific World has “strengthened our internal network of consultants to be able to deliver the best approach for our clients”.

Taiwan welcomes ASEAN travellers with open arms

By Paige Lee Pei Qi

October 6, 2016

THE Taiwan government is aiming to boost MICE arrivals from South-east Asia after making it easier for citizens in that region to obtain visas.

Announced in June, this new policy permits selected passport holders from Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos to apply online for a ROC Travel Authorization Certificate, which grants them stays in Taiwan for up to 30 days, and multiple re-entries over a 90-day period.

Meanwhile, citizens of Thailand and Brunei have been granted visa-free access to Taiwan since August 1. This has been in place for countries like Malaysia and Singapore.

The policy also aims to expand a Tourism Bureau programme that simplifies the visa application process for South-east Asian groups, and extend online visa approvals.

Speaking to TTGmice e-Weekly, Paul Wang, secretary general of Taiwan Convention Exhibition Association, said: “This has helped to make it more convenient for business travellers because visa application is one of their major considerations when they (deliberate on) destinations.”

According to Wang, Indonesia and Thailand are key markets the destination intends to court MICE travellers from.

Manager of Meet Taiwan, Kyleen Hsiech, said the bureau would be participating in more MICE-related tradeshows and exhibitions in selected South-east Asian countries to further raise awareness about Taiwan.