Asia/Singapore Thursday, 23rd April 2026
Page 94

Plaza Premium Group unveils Saudia Airlines lounge at Heathrow

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The Saudia Lounge at London Heathrow is the latest addition to the airline’s growing network of premium lounges

Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has opened a new airline lounge for Saudia Airlines at London Heathrow, Terminal 4, marking the first collaboration between the two companies.

The lounge, which serves First and Business Class passengers, offers a range of amenities, including runway views, a VIP zone, a buffet area, and dedicated workspaces. A new tea bar, in partnership with The London Tea Exchange, offers a selection of curated teas.

The Saudia Lounge at London Heathrow is the latest addition to the airline’s growing network of premium lounges

The Saudia Lounge is Plaza Premium Group’s seventh lounge in London and reflects the company’s expansion and commitment to enhancing passenger services at major airports. The lounge aims to improve the pre-flight experience for Saudia Airlines guests with tailored offerings and luxury service.

Song Hoi See, founder and chief executive, PPG said: “London remains one of the world’s most important aviation hubs, and our continued expansion here underscores our dedication to enhancing the travel experience for every guest. The launch of the Saudia Airlines Lounge allows guests to immerse themselves in the city’s rich heritage and culture through thoughtfully curated in-lounge experiences, further reflecting our commitment to delivering world-class, locally inspired hospitality at every touchpoint.”

Rossen Dimitrov, chief guest experience officer, Saudia added: “The launch of our new lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4 is a testament to Saudia’s dedication to providing an exceptional travel experience that embodies the essence of Saudi hospitality. We are proud to offer our guests a premium space that combines comfort, luxury, and cultural richness, setting a new benchmark for international travel.”

ICCA renews partnership with ASAE

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ICCA’s Senthil Gopinath and ASAE’s Michelle Mason

ICCA and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) have renewed their memorandum of understanding (MoU), reaffirming their commitment to collaborate and strengthen engagement within the international association meetings sector.

The two organisations will collaborate to align on mutual strategic goals, focusing on content, learning experiences, and initiatives that resonate with the global business events community and association members, ultimately working together to expand opportunities, develop impactful educational resources, and foster a supportive global network to address the evolving challenges facing associations today.

ICCA’s Senthil Gopinath and ASAE’s Michelle Mason

Several areas of focus have been outlined, including supporting global associations as they navigate geopolitical situations and dealing with generational shifts and how this affects the workforce in the industry, including pertinent topics like AI, inclusivity, and talent strategies.

The agreement also stipulates that the two organisations will engage in shared content development, exploring possibilities for joint publications, research reports, and educational materials that can be distributed across both organisations’ channels, strengthening resource accessibility for members.

The partnership between ICCA and ASAE also includes membership and event registration exchanges, in an effort to encourage collaboration and connection among the two groups’ membership communities.

ICC Sydney appoints new director of event delivery

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International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, has promoted Marc Singerling to the role of director of event delivery.

Reporting to Lynell Peck, ICC Sydney’s general manager – operations, the new directorship will lead culinary and event services as part of the organisation’s commitment to drive change through innovation.

With three decades in F&B and events management, including nine years at ICC Sydney where he recently served as F&B services manager and led the internal operational management group, Singerling commenced his new role on April 14, 2025.

Singapore’s Tanjong Beach Club reopens for events

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Indoor dining area

Tanjong Beach Club, a Singaporean pioneer of urban beach culture, has returned to Sentosa’s Tanjong Beach as a revitalised and versatile event destination.

Following a four-month revamp, the club now offers enhanced spaces, refined dining, and dynamic programming ideal for corporate gatherings, private celebrations, and stylish events.

Indoor dining area

Designed by Akin Atelier, the club blends heritage with modern aesthetics, creating diverse ambiences across its fluid spaces. Lush landscaping and a unique mural enhance the coastal setting.

The redesigned venue features distinct zones, including a dining room with a wood-fired grill, at main bar, and an expanded VIP lounge with a dance floor, all centred around its iconic infinity pool.

The indoor dining room can accommodate 68 seated guests in its standard layout, or up to 80 guests for a mix of standing and seated arrangements. For an outdoor experience, the terrace provides alfresco seating for 40 guests, expanding to a capacity of 60 for standing events. The main bar, available exclusively for full venue buyouts, comfortably seats 50 guests and can host up to 70 guests in a combined standing and seated format.

Head chef Mong Zhen Yew leads a new culinary direction focused on wood-fired coastal cuisine, offering customisable menus from sophisticated dinners to sharing platters. A refreshed beverage programme highlights champagne and innovative cocktails. Planners should note that different menu selections require a varying minimum and maximum number of guests.

A half-day venue exclusive (four to six hours) starts from S$28,000 (S$21,663) up S$58,000 (six to 10 hours) for a full-day exclusive hire. For semi-exclusive bookings, it ranges from S$150++ to $250++ per person. Event bookings are not permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays unless a full venue exclusive is secured.

Business meets luxury at the Penang Marriott Hotel

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The M Club, only for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador members, provides upscale amenities and an exclusive space to get work done

Brought to you by Penang Marriott Hotel

One of the latest entrants to the Penang coastline, the Penang Marriott Hotel opened last February, offering a luxurious stay in the heart of George Town. 

Strategically located along the island’s iconic Gurney Drive, this 55-storey, 223-room luxury hotel combines modern sophistication with sweeping sea views, creating an inspiring destination for event organisers and business travellers seeking both convenience and sophistication.

Its convenient location also offers guests easy access to major attractions such as Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon Mall, as well as the cultural and nature sites of George Town, enhancing the overall event experience. 

Flexible meeting spaces for every occasion

With its versatile event facilities and spaces, the hotel offers event planners a wealth of options to host all sorts of events from grand weddings to large corporate events. 

A grand, pillarless ballroom spanning 722m² serves as the centrepiece, ideal for large-scale conferences, gala dinners, and corporate functions. Featuring high ceilings and the latest audiovisual systems, the grand ballroom delivers both visual impact and technical performance.

Complementing the ballroom are five well-appointed function rooms across levels one and two, offering adaptable layouts for seminars, workshops, or breakout sessions. Each room is equipped with the latest AV technology and flexible lighting, and can be customised for hybrid events to support seamless in-person and virtual participation.

The M Club, only for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador members, provides upscale amenities and an exclusive space to get work done

Adding to the appeal for high-level business travellers is the M Club, an exclusive lounge offering premium privileges to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador members. With upscale amenities including comfortable spaces to work, complimentary breakfast and drinks, and a refined, quiet atmosphere, the M Club is an ideal setting for VIP guests to connect, work, or unwind between engagements.

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ensuring seamless connectivity for business travelers. 

Culinary delights for every palate

Dining options at the Penang Marriott Hotel are diverse, with venues suitable for networking events, client lunches, or post-conference relaxation. 

The Great Room offers expertly-crafted cocktails in a refined setting, while Kucina serves ocean-inspired Italian cuisine and Sago provides all-day global dining with Penang specialties. For more casual options, the Lava Java, a grab-and-go cafe, offers convenient choices of coffee and freshly baked goods to get before heading into a meeting. 

Private dining rooms and customisable catering concepts are also available to meet specific event requirements. ​

Wellness amenities for mind and body

Recognising the importance of attendee well-being, the hotel offers a 24-hour fitness centre, steam room, infinity outdoor swimming pool, and a seafront sun deck, providing guests with opportunities to relax and recharge. Guests can also visit scenic jogging trails and nearby cultural attractions to experience the best of Penang. 

Whether hosting a large corporate event, an incentive retreat, or a business meeting, Penang Marriott Hotel offers premium facilities with exquisite views in a vibrant heritage city. 

Penang Marriott Hotel

Book your next event now and indulge in a luxurious experience at Penang Marriott Hotel.

Virtuoso strengthens leadership team with two key appointments

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Virtuoso has enhanced its leadership team with the appointment of Cheryl Cheney Bunker as senior vice president of global memberships and Cory Hagopian as senior vice president of global partnerships, continuing its focus on global expansion and luxury travel growth.

Cheryl Cheney Bunker has been appointed senior vice president, global memberships. She has been with Virtuoso since 2007 and most recently served as vice president of global member relations, overseeing more than 1,200 travel agencies and over 20,000 travel advisors in 58 countries. In her new role, she will lead global membership strategy and oversee engagement across all regions.

From left: Cheryl Cheney Bunker and Cory Hagopian

Cory Hagopian has taken on the role of senior vice president, global partnerships. He joined Virtuoso in 2022 and has overseen both member and partner relations. He will now focus on global partner sales and relationships across product areas including accommodation, cruises, tourism boards, transport, and insurance. His role includes expanding partnerships in new markets and managing the organisation’s ultra-high-net-worth segment.

Scenic Hotel Group appoints international sales manager

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Scenic Hotel Group has appointed Bernard Yong as international sales manager, a new role within the group. He will work with Steve Shearer, director of international sales and brand development.

Yong has experience in the hospitality industry, including eight years at Mitchell Corporation, where he was involved in business development and client relations. He has also worked in real estate and duty-free management.

TTGmice breaks for Labour Day

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TTGmice will be taking a break on Thursday, May 1, as it is Labour Day in Singapore. News will resume on Friday, May 2.

Middle East’s swift business travel recovery sets stage for stable growth in 2025

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Speakers at The State of the Nation: Navigating the Future of Business Travel in the Middle East at ATM 2025; photo by Rohit Kaul

Business travel in the Middle East is soaring, with Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia expected to be the fastest-growing business travel markets in the Middle East this year, as per the 2024 Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Business Travel Index Outlook Report.

The region’s estimated business travel spend was US$18.1 billion in 2024.

Speakers at The State of the Nation: Navigating the Future of Business Travel in the Middle East at ATM 2025; photo by Rohit Kaul

Sharing insights at Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, Catherine Logan, regional senior vice president EMEA and APAC at GBTA, highlighted that the Middle East outperformed all other regions in its post-pandemic recovery.

“Business travel spend in the Middle East has reached 19.4 per cent higher than the pre-Covid level,” Logan said.

Looking ahead to 2025, the region’s growth is expected to slow slightly.

“In 2025, the Middle East’s business travel spend growth of 6.1 per cent is expected to lag global growth of 10.4 per cent. This is because business travel in the Middle East recovered from the pandemic way quicker than the rest of the world. It saw a big surge earlier, so the rest of the markets like APAC which took longer to come out of Covid are now seeing high rates of growth,” Logan told TTGmice.

In 2025, Israel is forecasted to lead the region’s business travel demand with an expected spend of US$4.9 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia at US$3.6 billion and the UAE at US$2.8 billion.

Ciaran Kelly, managing director of Middle East & Africa, FCM Travel, said, “The main markets driving growth for business travel for us include UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Egypt. We are noticing a lot of activities taking place in these markets from inbound, domestic, and outbound business travel perspectives.

“There is a strong demand for regional business travel. For example, it is almost impossible to get a seat on a flight from Dubai to Riyadh these days.”

As per the GBTA report, the Asia-Pacific region, with an estimated business travel spend of US$612.6 billion, led global demand in 2024.

Meet in Danang: This hotel boasts location, facilities and dedicated support

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The hotel's lobby offers a stylish and sophisticated setting to entertain guests

Brought to you by Crowne Plaza Danang City Centre

Crowne Plaza Danang City Centre’s ballroom holds up to 260 in a banquet arrangement

As Danang’s appeal as a meetings and events destination grows, hoteliers are catering to this demand with new launches. 

Opened in the last quarter of 2024, the 283-key Crowne Plaza Danang City Centre is one of the latest properties under IHG’s growing Crown Plaza portfolio in Vietnam. 

Balanced with contemporary style and local charm in the heart of Danang, the hotel invites guests to find inspiration, productivity, connection, and moments of recharge in its thoughtfully designed urban destination hub.

Located in the heart of Hai Chau district, just 15 minutes from Danang International Airport, the 31-storey hotel is surrounded by the city’s government and commercial offices, and within walking distance of iconic attractions like Dragon Bridge and Han Market. Its central location and ease of access make it an efficient base for both domestic and international business travellers. 

Each of the hotel’s spacious rooms and suites offers scenic views of the Han River or city skyline, letting guests experience the charm of Danang in comfort. 

Planners will be pleased to know that the hotel offers more than 500m² of versatile meeting space, including a grand ballroom at 392m². With a tall ceiling height of 4.75m, the ballroom can accommodate up to 260 in banquet style or 324 in theatre style, making it ideal for weddings, dinners, and other grand occasions. There are also two other sizeable meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 40 and 50 persons in theatre style. 

On hand to help with the event organisation is the hotel’s dedicated event planning team that can provide suggestions on customised menus and packages to ensure that all types of events run smoothly. 

For a more exclusive meeting space, the Club Lounge on the 24th floor boasts a business centre, dining lounge, library and private meeting room, offering both privacy and premium service for those seeking a quiet space to work, meet or recharge.

After meetings, guests can unwind at the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy treatments at the spa, which blends Eastern and Western therapies. The hotel’s fitness centre, which is fully equipped with state-of-the-art machines, lets guests maintain their fitness routines during their stay.

For food, Embers & Leaves on the fourth floor is an all-day dining restaurant that offers poolside views and a menu featuring international favourites, Asian cuisine, and classic Vietnamese dishes. For more relaxed meet-ups or breaks between sessions, Vibe, the hotel’s lobby lounge, delivers an Italian-inspired setting ideal for cocktails, afternoon tea, or informal business discussions. 

To plan your next event here, visit Crowne Plaza Danang City Centre now. Don’t forget to vote for us as the Best New Hotel for TTG Travel Awards 2025 too!

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