Skyscanner has appointed Bryan Batista as CEO, effective June 1, 2025. He succeeds John Mangelaars, who is stepping down after four and a half years in the role.
Batista, currently chief operating officer, joined Skyscanner in January 2024 following senior roles at Tesla and Booking.com, where he served as CEO of Rentalcars.com and senior vice president of the Trips business unit. Since then, he has overseen the company’s long-term strategy and operations.
In his new role, he will lead Skyscanner through its next stage of development, focusing on product expansion and market growth.
The report sheds light on current trends and considerations shaping international associations, and the destinations that serve them
BestCities Global Alliance has partnered with Strategic Membership Solutions to launch a new report offering a global view of the opportunities and pressures facing associations navigating a world in flux.
Titled Purpose Under Pressure: Global Association Trends in 2025, the report captures data from 586 respondents across 30 countries. It was authored by Belinda Moore of Strategic Membership Solutions, and supported by BestCities Global Alliance and other international partners.
The report sheds light on current trends and considerations shaping international associations, and the destinations that serve them
“This isn’t just a sector scan – it’s a strategic briefing for anyone working with associations,” said Moore. “We’re seeing profound shifts in what associations value, how they engage, and where they gather. For destinations, this creates both a challenge and a massive opportunity to evolve alongside them.”
The research reveals that while events remain a cornerstone of association life, the way they are designed and delivered is changing rapidly. Rising costs, sponsor fatigue, and digital expectations are forcing associations to rethink event formats, legacy goals, and destination partnerships.
“Associations still want to meet face-to-face, but they want more than venues,” Moore explained. “They’re looking for partners who understand their purpose, can deliver legacy impact, and are willing to co-create long-term value.”
For destinations, the report offers four key takeaways:
Legacy is a strategic expectation. Seventy per cent of association leaders say creating long-term impact through their events – such as sector development, sustainability, or policy influence – is “extremely important”. Destinations that support these goals are far more likely to win and retain business.
Experiences trump infrastructure. Associations increasingly prioritise curated experiences, immersive local engagement, and strategic alignment with their mission. They want more than logistics and venues – they want meaning.
Sponsorship and delegate models are shifting. Sponsors are asking harder questions, and delegate numbers are harder to predict. This is prompting associations to seek more agile, partnership-based approaches that destinations can help lead.
Events are no longer one-offs. Many associations are moving from annual flagship events to year-round engagement ecosystems, such as regional meetups, online labs, and sequenced learning. Destinations that can support multi-touch engagement will gain a competitive edge.
Loren Christie, managing director of BestCities Global Alliance, said the report reinforces what BestCities’ destination partners are seeing on the ground.
“The global meetings landscape is evolving rapidly. What this report makes clear is that purpose-driven partnerships are no longer optional – they’re essential,” said Christie. “Destinations that align with an association’s values and strategic goals will stand out. At BestCities, we’re proud to support this research and the conversations it sparks.”
The report also explores the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), pressures on association revenue models, and the urgent need for greater operational resilience – a trifecta that is accelerating strategic decision-making across the sector.
Moore and Christie will present findings from Purpose Under Pressure at IMEX Frankfurt during a session on May 21. Attendees will also get a behind-the-scenes look at Scout, the AI research partner that helped crunch the data.
Recognising Singapore’s strength as a business events hub, FCM Travel India decided to launch its India Council in Singapore, at Flight Centre Travel Group’s Asia headquarters.
Held at both the headquarters and offsite on May 24-25, the FCM India Council meeting brought together several corporate travel and meetings and events clients for discussions on the evolving travel industry landscape.
FCM India Council in Singapore
“More than just boardroom deliberations, the event featured unique experiential activities designed to showcase FCM Meetings & Events Asia’s capabilities,” said Manpreet Bindra, FCM Meetings & Events leader for Asia. “This provided attendees with an immersive understanding of the exceptional service offerings.”
Discussion topics included travel policy enhancement, business traveller experiences, technology integration, personalisation, and optimisation of air and hotel programmes.
Delegates’ destination experiences included a yacht excursion showcasing the Singapore skyline, Sentosa and Southern Islands, and varied dining spots. They also had time to explore the city-state further or go shopping.
Air India also flew Council members from various parts of India so they could experience the airline’s latest business class offerings.
Sanjay Pai, vice president – facilities, corporate travel, hospitality & director aviation of Larsen & Toubro, called the Council concept “a remarkable initiative and amazing platform for open interaction”.
“It was inspiring to learn more about the company’s efforts and vision, giving us a strong sense of confidence that we are in very safe hands,” he said.
He complimented the hosts’ detailed planning and management, and Air India’s new business class service, pointed out that attendees “could fully focus on the the purpose of the visit and connect meaningfully with corporate counterparts from Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru”.
Bindra added: “The Advisory Group’s insights are instrumental in shaping the future of corporate travel, ensuring smarter and more scalable solutions for businesses globally.”
Velo-City 2027 is set to boost Ehime’s profile as a global cycling destination; photo courtesy of Cycling Shimanami Executive Committee
Shikoku’s Ehime Prefecture has been selected as the host of Velo-City 2027, the annual world cycling summit of the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), becoming the first destination in Japan to welcome the four-day event.
Some 1,000 cycling advocates, policymakers, researchers and industry leaders are expected to attend the summit, scheduled for May 25-28, 2027, in a bid “to shape the future of cycling and sustainable development” through participation in discussions, exhibitions and cycling according to organisers.
Velo-City 2027 is set to boost Ehime’s profile as a global cycling destination; photo courtesy of Cycling Shimanami Executive Committee
ECF CEO Jill Warren described Ehime as “an exceptional example of a region that leverages the many benefits of cycling as an inclusive, resilient and healthy means of transportation”, adding that “Velo-citizens will be very interested in exploring Ehime through participation in the 2027 event”.
Prefectural governor Tokihiro Nakamura, said hosting the event would not only “contribute to improving the cycling environment in Japan” but also “help people learn more about the cycling policies that are being created in Europe”.
Ehime’s win is the culmination of long-term efforts in the prefecture to promote and encourage cycling for local people and visitors alike through policies and infrastructure, including the creation of routes such as the Shimanami Kaido, which runs from Hiroshima to Ehime with scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
A spokesperson of the Ehime International Bicycle Conference Promotion Office said staff will work to “spread the economic benefits of the summit throughout the prefecture” and to build on the recognition of hosting “to attract even more visitors to the area to enjoy cycling”.
MEETINGS returns to Auckland (pictured) after four years
Business events professionals from New Zealand, Australia and key international markets are set to converge on Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland next month to connect with over 200 New Zealand exhibitors at MEETINGS 2025.
The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) event returns to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland after four years. The event includes a two-day exhibition at Auckland Showgrounds on June 11-12, plus an Auckland city experience for hosted buyers on June 10 and two social functions.
MEETINGS returns to Auckland (pictured) after four years
The welcome night will be held at Eden Park on June 10, which will put the stadium’s events prowess on full display, while waterfront venue the Viaduct Events Centre will host the final celebration on June 12, with the official after-party at the Rooftop at QT Auckland.
Ken Pereira, head of Auckland Convention Bureau at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited says the city is undergoing a major revitalisation – from the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), the country’s largest purpose-built convention centre, to an influx of new accommodation investment.
“There are now 18,000 hotel rooms in the region, with new additions in the city centre including the Horizon by SkyCity with direct links to the NZICC, SOHO Hotel Auckland, JW Marriott, Intercontinental, Hotel Indigo, Abstract and Hotel Grand Chancellor properties, plus Auckland Airport’s new Te Arikinui Pullman. Openings this year will include the Radisson RED – the first RED in the Pacific – and TRIBE Auckland,” he elaborated.
“The City Rail Link project, and the new transport hub that is part of Auckland Airport’s expansion, support our vision for a more connected and accessible Auckland while meeting the highest standards of environmental responsibility. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to connect, collaborate and to experience all that Auckland has to offer.”
Auckland Convention Bureau will host a city tour for hosted buyers, plus fam activity for international guests. Visitors will get a chance to experience first-hand a range of Auckland’s attractions, including the All Blacks Experience and Wētā Workshop Unleashed, wine tasting on Waiheke Island, and sailing on the Waitematā Harbour.
Day Buyer registrations are still open for MEETINGS 2025.
Wafaifo Resort Hoi An, which opened its doors in December 2024, has opened its meetings and events space designed for focus, flow and the connection of people and ideas, all with a Vietnamese twist.
The 270m2 ballroom can accommodate gatherings of up to 200 guests, as well as features retractable event screens and moveable partitions. Its interiors feature natural wood accents, sky-inspired ceiling decor, and wave-patterned flooring, giving the space a contemporary marine feeling.
Ballroom
The ballroom also offers high-speed Wi-Fi and advanced AV capabilities, a dedicated event concierge, and flexible booking options to meet client needs.
Other meeting facilities include two executive boardrooms, one with a full teleconferencing set up.
For each event, customised event menus created by the in-house F&B team will be thoughtfully designed, creatively matching local ingredients with Vietnamese culinary heritage and international flair.
Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk, vice president – operations (Central & Southern Thailand) and government & business relations, has been appointed president of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) for the 2025–2026 term.
Prachoom takes the helm from Sumate Sudasna Ayutthaya, who served as TICA president for 16 years.
With more than three decades of service to TICA, including her most recent role as vice president, and a distinguished track record in Thailand’s business events sector, Prachoom brings deep industry insight, a firm commitment to sustainability, and a collaborative spirit to the role.
Established in 1984, TICA is a non-profit organisation that promotes Thailand as a preferred destination for business events.
Nicholas Smith has been appointed vice president of operations for Asia at Minor Hotels, where he will oversee the group’s growing portfolio in the region and lead a team of experienced leaders.
He brings over 25 years of hospitality experience, having developed his operational expertise at Shangri-La Group. Joining in 2008 as a F&B manager in Malaysia, he held senior leadership roles across multiple locations, including China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Most recently, he was vice president of food & beverage and operations for MEIA, overseeing 17 properties.
His career also includes roles with Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, and Savoy Group, as well as leading the launch of Sindalah Island, Neom’s first luxury island and yacht club destination in Saudi Arabia.
Virtuoso has named Lori Sheller as vice president, global cruise. She brings extensive experience in sales, marketing, and business development, having held leadership roles at EBG, Swan Hellenic, MSC Cruises USA, and Tourico Holidays/Hotelbeds Group.
In her new role, Sheller will lead Virtuoso’s global cruise strategy, strengthen partnerships with top cruise lines, and drive growth in the global cruise market. She will report to Úna O’Leary, vice president, global partnerships, and be based in Parkland, Florida.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has appointed Emma Darby as global vice president spa & wellness.
In this role, Darby will oversee spa and wellness operations across Fairmont’s global portfolio of 92 properties.
With over 20 years of hospitality experience, she has held senior roles at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Group. Most recently, she served as chief operating officer at Resense Spas, where she managed a global portfolio of luxury spas, leading business expansion and maintaining high wellness standards.
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In his new role, he will lead Skyscanner through its next stage of development, focusing on product expansion and market growth.
His career also includes roles with Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, and Savoy Group, as well as leading the launch of Sindalah Island, Neom’s first luxury island and yacht club destination in Saudi Arabia.
In her new role, Sheller will lead Virtuoso’s global cruise strategy, strengthen partnerships with top cruise lines, and drive growth in the global cruise market. She will report to Úna O’Leary, vice president, global partnerships, and be based in Parkland, Florida.
With over 20 years of hospitality experience, she has held senior roles at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Group. Most recently, she served as chief operating officer at Resense Spas, where she managed a global portfolio of luxury spas, leading business expansion and maintaining high wellness standards.
