Integrated resort Thanyapura Phuket is training its sights on corporate groups looking for motivating off-site retreats, as more want vacations with a purpose, whether it is losing weight, getting fit, reconnecting with oneself or communing with nature.
“Many people are talking about mindfulness today, and more companies are seeking balance for (their) high performers to relieve stress,” said Philipp Graf von Hardenberg, president and CEO of Thanyapura Phuket.
Thanyapura Phuket boasts its own team of leading coaches, sports scientists and therapists offering cutting-edge programmes from triathlon and weight loss to education and preventive medicine.
Renowned experts at the resort include four-time triathlon world champion and Thanyapura’s executive chairman Chris McCormack, and Alan Wallace, an ordained monk and former translator to the Dalai Lama who now heads mind-training programmes for corporates.
Said von Hardenberg: “You don’t come to us if you want a vacation by the beach; you come to us if you really want to do something for yourself, whether it’s to lose weight, de-stress, increase your sports performance or seek mind training.”
Corporates still comprise a small component of Thanyapura’s current business, however.
The 23ha destination comprises four centres: Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club, Thanyapura Mind Centre, Thanyapura Integrative Health Centre and Phuket International Academy Day School, in addition to the 77-room Thanyapura Sports Hotel and the 38-room Thanyapura Retreat Hotel. Separately, the resort will debut new track and field programmes this year and plans to partner professionals to develop indoor golf clinics. – Xinyi Liang-Pholsena
Singapore celebrates its 50th year of nation-building and hotels are starting to roll out deals to leverage the milestone.
At Orchard Hotel Singapore, book 50 tables for your dinner event and get an exclusive S$50 (US$38) off per table from the package price, representing a discount of S$2,500. The hotel’s pillarless Orchard Grand Ballroom has been refurbished. Experienced event specialists will be by your side to ensure a spectacular event, the hotel said.
Orchard Hotel Singapore also has a multi-purpose Conference Centre with 13 versatile function spaces well equipped for any meeting or seminar regardless of size and scale. As part of 50SG, a MICE event for 50 persons enjoys 50 per cent off the hotel’s AV rental list.
Email: catering.ohs@millenniumhotels.com
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC)’s latest dining option offers delegates a tailormade menu of appetisers and desserts, followed by a main course of hot sharing platter. Thus, diners can choose whatever they wish to eat and do not have to follow the tradition of having starters first, followed by main course and dessert. Food sharing is a Malaysian heritage, besides.
Executive chef Richmond Lim said the idea is to provide choice without the hassle of queueing at the buffet station; to enable guests enjoy a selection of small bites but not in the stand-up cocktail fashion; to recognise the Malaysian heritage of sharing food but in a way that is elegant; and to transform banqueting at the centre into a culinary art.
Deputy general manager, Simon Lomas, said: “With our 10th anniversary (this year) and in line with continuous efforts to enhance the guest’s experience and further differentiate ourselves from the competition, the innovative culinary team felt an unconventional food and beverage service experience was the way to go.”
Selected media and bloggers were recently invited to sample the new dining experience and also given a tour of the centre’s state-of-the-art kitchens. Guests donned aprons and toques and participated in interactive experiences, creating house-smoked salmon and a variety of vol-au-vents.
At 3,157m2, KLCC boasts the largest fully fledged kitchen in Malaysia. Furnished with the most advanced equipment and a designated area for food preparation behind every large function room, the facility can comfortably handle up to 6,000 meals a day.
It is called, simply, the Private Dining Room. You wouldn’t think twice about it as a result, but don’t let its nondescript name fool you.
One look at this 72m2 venue at Point Yamu by Como, Phuket, gives you visions of a party in a dreamy place. An imposing, visually attractive burnt-orange door, whose handle is an oversized bronze Buddha hand, hints of the beauty one can expect inside. It does not disappoint.
Inside, a long white marble table is positioned underneath three white glass chandeliers. The polished marble floor and handcut mosaic wall tiles reflect the shimmering glow of candles during evening events. Created by Italian designer Paola Navone, it’s a hidden secret in Phuket on where to hold an exclusive event for 20 pax. Pair it with healthy Como Shambala Cuisine – always a choice at all Como hotels – and you are on your way to having an event as pure as the whiteness of the room.
On a recent visit, we can vouch that the health cuisine here is actually delicious. The resort’s chefs can also work with event organisers on bespoke menus for each occasion.
Point Yamu has three other meeting rooms which combined can accommodate 80 pax for a banquet, and a courtyard for 150 pax with unbelievable views of Phang Nga Bay. For a larger group, its Italian restaurant La Sirena, which overlooks a 100m pool and from where the bay never looks more beautiful, is a stellar choice. It seats 120 pax.
The ultimate option is to book the entire resort, which has 79 rooms and suites and 27 private villas, all with sea views.
The resort can also arrange group activities, teambuilding programmes, island cruises and corporate golfing.
Unveiling six new models in China Rouge, southern China’s most luxurious and prestigious nightspot, took a bit of magic, writes Prudence Lui
The plush China Rouge private club proved to be the perfect setting to show off the six new models to the 600 VIP guests who were settled in sumptuous and comfortable surroundings.
The car launch, which was followed by the car show and car display at East Square, Diamond Lobby and Crystal Lobby, stretched over three months, drawing more admiring visitors and is the longest-running event Galaxy Macau has hosted to-date.
It was the largest event for Mercedes-Benz in Macau, attracting high visitor numbers from China and Asia, one of the brand’s most vital markets in the region.
The launch event was the most challenging, according Galaxy Entertainment Group’s chief marketing officer, Kevin Clayton. “Given the nature of the launch where the combined value of the cars was over HK$10 million (US$1.29 million), and given the exclusive guestlist, extra security and special attention were required.
“Apart from local and expatriate VIPs, there were also 120 guests from Hong Kong, so securing 500-plus roomnights, transportation and car parking spaces were paramount. Additionally, 12 security staff were deployed to ensure the safety of the vehicles,” he said.
The fact that the cars could not be accommodated inside China Rouge for the unveiling was excitingly overcome by inviting Hong Kong-based celebrity magician Louis Yan to “work his magic” outside China Rouge with a live feed to the big screen inside.
Clayton recalled: “The biggest challenge was the technical aspect and the co-ordination needed to have the magician disappear from the stage before the eyes of the guests, only to instantly reappear on the LED screen wall, sitting inside the new C-Class parked outside the club.
“Deservedly it brought the house down,” Clayton said.
China Rouge was chosen because it is southern China’s most luxurious and prestigious nightspot, perfectly matching the brand and its new offerings, he said. “The VIPs were greatly impressed by the contemporary Chinese art and design, distinguishing it as a suitably prestigious venue that evokes today’s new, confident and successful Asia,” said Clayton.
To create a memorable experience, the MICE team at Galaxy Macau added special flair by arranging a dance presentation portraying the evolution of the first Mercedes-Benz automobile to the new C-Class range.
What set this luxury launch apart was how it was smoothly integrated for the first time with China Rouge’s exceptional stage shows, complementing the total luxury experience, Clayton explained.
There was non-stop entertainment throughout the event, on and off stage, thanks to an entertainment team of over 80 people including performers, crew and technical support.
Then came another absolutely over-the-top experience – the first in Macau lucky draw for 28 new Mercedes-Benz cars which took the level of excitement to a new high.
Apart from Galaxy Macau’s 14-strong events team, 12 of the organising team’s core members came from its different business units including its Advertising & Promotions, China Rouge, Entertainment and Catering teams. During the planning process they were in constant contact with the Mercedes-Benz head office in Germany.
Event Mercedes-Benz New C-ClassOrganiser Mercedes-Benz
Venue Galaxy Macau
Dates & No. of participants
Car launch
June 6, 2014, 600 VIP guests
Car show
July 12-13 2014, 3,500 visitors
Car display
July 19 July-October 24, 2014, 3.5 million visitors
Objectives To present Mercedes-Benz as the world’s leading automotive brand and to unveil its new C-Class cars in an impactful way to VIP audiences
Challenges Holding the car launch event inside the China Rouge private club, which could not accommodate the cars, thus employing a bit of magic
Results A spectacular car launch event was pulled off in front of 600 VIP guests, and an additional 3.5 million visitors came along to view the car show and display held at Galaxy Macau’s East Square, Diamond Lobby and Crystal Lobby
A restored heritage building always charms as a MICE venue, as proven by Shangri-La Hotel Singapore’s new event space, The Pavilion. Paige Lee Pei Qi reports
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore and TTG Asia Media joined hands last year to welcome corporate and MICE planners ‘back to school’ at The Pavilion, a former Dutch school in the 1920s, Singapore’s Hollandse School, which has been converted into a charming colonial-style venue that can hold up to 120 guests for meetings and events.
With nearly every guest gracing the venue for the first time, the pressure was on for Shangri-La Hotel Singapore to make an impression.
The unique aspect of the venue is the pavilion’s courtyard, where a purpose-built outdoor kitchen clearly differentiates an evening dining experience from other MICE venues in Singapore.
To tie in with the Back to School theme and transport guests back to their nostalgic school days, the service staff donned the attire of scouts, guides and other uniform groups, serving up milkshakes and bento boxes of finger foods indoors.
Then, the event rolled off to a memorable start with ‘recess time’ and the familiar sounding of the school bell, putting a momentous stop to the guests’ chattering. After that, the doors swung open to reveal the majestic courtyard where freshly grilled gourmet items awaited.
Guests were treated to a feast, with delectable menu items such as galician-style grilled octopus, pork jowl brochette, omelette with porcini mushroom, grilled scallop with mentaiko sauce and beef short ribs with chocolate mole glaze and chilli.
Reto K Klauser, vice president and general manager of the hotel, said: “The experience took gourmet meals to a different dimension.
“The grilled food items are also not available at any other Shangri-La restaurant.”
While the gloomy dark sky threatened to disrupt the outdoor experience with an imminent thunderstorm, the hotel’s events team had planned for contingencies and were prepared to switch to indoor dining.
Fortunately, the sky soon cleared up, much to the relief of both guests and organisers.
The venue hosted 90 guests in total that evening, the setting enabling them to mingle and network freely.
Event and corporate planners were also taken on a personal tour of the venue’s meeting facilities by the Shangri-La events team.
One of the main draws of The Pavilion is its historical value.
As the building exudes a strong atmosphere of culture and heritage and has been well conserved, it made an impression on all guests.
TTG Asia Media’s group publisher, Michael Chow, said: “Our company is extremely delighted to partner with Shangri-La Hotel Singapore to showcase this unique new venue to our MICE and corporate planner guests.
“Back to School at The Pavilion is aligned with TTG Asia Media’s mission of continuously striving to feature special and new venues to our readers, who constantly seek fresh and exciting experiences for their meetings, incentive programmes and other events.”
Event Back to School at The Pavilion
Organisers Shangri-La Hotel Singapore and TTG Asia Media
Venue The Pavilion at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
Date November 26, 2014
No of participants 90
Objective To introduce Shangri-La’s newly added and renovated heritage site The Pavilion, as well as commemorate TTG Asia Media’s 40th anniversary with industry leaders
Key attractions like Victoria Harbour continued to draw visitors during Occupy Central
Most in the trade have reported little impact from last year’s Occupy Central protests, citing few or no cancellations from clients. By Prudence Lui
Hong Kong’s MICE players are pleasantly surprised at how little the industry has been affected by the Occupy Central (OC) campaign, which ended with the police’s clearing of the final protest site in Causeway Bay on December 15.
Looking back on the 79 days of disruption brought about by OC, industry players in general have observed minimal impact to corporate meetings and incentives, especially given that the affected period in 4Q14 was the usual low season.
PC Tours and Travel general manager, Cary Chiu, shared that a client’s initial cancellation of a site inspection was nevertheless carried out later.
He said:“I didn’t see any major negative impact on our business as the protests were peaceful. Though it has been predicted that this year is not going to be promising for MICE, it is not related to OC.”
Meetings specialist MV Destination’s general manager, Clemson Lo, said: “For our meetings segment, there was little impact and we had no cancellations.
“Events had taken place as scheduled and groups arrived as scheduled.”
Similarly, Grand Hyatt Hong
Kong observed little impact on its business. Between last October and early December, the hotel had cancellation from only one group and postponement from just one other to 2015.
Its director of sales and marketing, Cecilia Lo, said: “All other bookings were actualised. Similar to past years, we also continued to receive MICE leads for 4Q14 during the OC weeks, as the business community did not see major disruptions other than traffic congestion, which was managed by better planning.
“As Q4 is a key business-closing period, we did not see a conclusive drop in any particular segment, and this is the same for MICE bookings in 2015.
“Many of our events are repeat business and we have been signing up new groups not only for 2015 but for 2016 as well.
“The city is sophisticated, hence many multinational companies still believe Hong Kong is the most suitable destination for their events, due to convenience from friendly visa procedures and excellent flight connectivity.”
While professional conference organiser International Conference Consultants shared the same observation of little impact, its director Katerina Tam said some meetings with government officials were delayed, presumably because of OC.
She said:“Local meetings organisers were more cautious about the likely impact of OC than their international counterparts. Although, business is expected to be quiet this year, we’ve already clinched some big events for 2016, which will be a better year.”
Team Building Asia, however, had a number of group bookings cancelled during the OC period, Its co-founder and director, Stuart Harris, said: “We had three or four groups which selected other locations but the percentage of cancellations was low.
“A couple of clients even changed their programmes to in-house activities.”
For Swire Travel, there were requests for postponement of site inspections from some overseas organisers. Its general manager of business development, Edmund Tsang, is not upbeat.
“They (the overseas organisers) may not return and we’re going to lose the business to aggressive competition from neighbouring countries,” he said.
“It’s still hard to tell how 2015 will fare but now that the demonstrations have ended, the Hong Kong Tourism Board needs to shoulder the immediate responsibility of channelling more resources to regain the trust of MICE planners and draw more events to the city.
“The government should also allocate more funds to the board so it can cast a wider net and secure more international conferences for the city.”
Need to Know
Observations from the waterfront wheel
The long-awaited 60m Observation Wheel on the Central Waterfront was launched in December 2014 featuring 42 luxury gondolas (including one special VIP gondola) each of which gives its eight passengers a jaw-dropping 15 to 20-minute view of the harbour and of Kowloon, plus iconic landmarks such as the Star Ferry. Each gondola is equipped with a high-speed HKT Wi-Fi communication system. The giant ferris wheel swings into action between 11.00 and 23.00 throughout the year and is priced at HK$100 (US$13) per adult. There is also a convenient taxi and private car drop-off zone for visitors. According to operator Swiss AEX, 90 per cent of the wheel’s site is accessible to the public.
Hotel stays that help make the air cleaner
More hotels are committed to environment-friendly technologies and emission-free mobility towards a greener Hong Kong.
The new Smart Fortwo electric car deployed for Kowloon Shangri-La’s free shuttle service
For instance, Mira Hong Kong has added to its limousine fleet the Tesla Model S that enables emission-free arrivals to and departures from the hotel. Wi-Fi connectivity is available on board.
Meanwhile, Kowloon Shangri-La has unveiled its complimentary shuttle service using Smart Fortwo electric cars. Guests can book the cars with the Concierge for rides around Tsimshatsui and Tsimshatsui East.
Take your event to greater heights
The sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck is wooing event planners with a new sub-brand called sky100 Events.
Perched on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Center in West Kowloon and proclaimed the highest event venue in town, this landmark eyrie offers unobstructed 360-degree views of the city. It is also a highly flexible venue that can host a range of functions from wedding banquets to corporate events.
The venue’s abundant space also allows multiple zoning for a wide range of catering options and simultaneous activities. Add to that a dedicated events management team.
Cosmopolitan becomes Dorsett
Grand Deluxe room
The 454-room Cosmopolitan Hotel in Wan Chai will be rebranded as a Dorsett property later this year, and is now undergoing major refurbishment in phases, expected to complete in Q3/Q4. All 11 room categories will don a new look e.g. mix of classical-oriental and western styles for the Grand Deluxe rooms, and contemporary style for Superior. The thematic Executive Suite concept will continue, while the Sony’s 4K Experience Suite was launched last November, making the hotel first in town offering the revolutionary 4K visual sensation with a surround sound system.
Feel green and eat better
The 300-seat Congress Plus at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre welcomes delegates with new contemporary cityscape decor utilising green materials such as bamboo flooring and partitions made with recycled wine bottles. A gallery at the entrance showcases art made by disabled artists. There are also new healthy lunch options from an array of a-la-carte choices, as well as the Salad and Noodle Bar. The new lunch menu offers an international spread comprising Chinese, Western, Japanese, Thai and Indian cuisines.
Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa’s Atmosphere by the Sea, opened last year to meet higher MICE demand
The offshore island is shedding its leisure-only image, drawing MICE events with new products as well as rejuvenated ones, reports Paige Lee Pei Qi
Sentosa, long known among families and leisure travellers for its sun, sand and sea, has in recent years evolved to become a one-stop MICE destination. Today, the rejuvenated island is home to 14 hotels, over 30 attractions and more than 100 F&B and retail outlets.
Latest hotel additions include W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, along with improvements made to existing meeting facilities in hotels like Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa and The Singapore Resort & Spa Sentosa. New attractions include a new multimedia night show Wings of Time and Singapore’s own Madame Tussauds.
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) alone houses six hotels, convention and meeting spaces, the Universal Studios Singapore theme park and a range of quality F&B, entertainment and retail outlets.
Tan Bee Ling, vice president, resorts sales, RWS, said: “Increasingly business travellers want to accomplish more than just work during their participation in MICE events. There is a strong demand for a variety of activities, and organisers are looking for a one-stop destination catering to business in the day and leisure activities in the evening.”
The 49ha property can hold 35,000 pax at any one time. Its event spaces include Resorts World Convention Centre, with 26 function rooms, and a column-free ballroom for 7,300 pax.
In 2013, RWS hosted more than 9,500 events, welcoming over two million MICE visitors, Tan shared.
Meanwhile, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa last year opened a standalone seafront event centre, Atmosphere by the Sea, measuring 322m2 indoors and comes with a 120m2 covered terrace and an adjoining 120m2 timber deck. These spaces can seat 150 pax, while the lush, sprawling lawn can hold another 100 pax for a standing cocktail reception.
The property’s director of sales and marketing, Jennifer Yong, said: “To capture rising demand from meetings organisers seeking out-of-the-box MICE venues, we are able to transform typical boardroom meetings into fun, creative and memorable events.”
Geraldine Wong, director of sales, Mövenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa, said: “Sentosa is a major attraction with many teambuilding activities available, creating a well-rounded experience for business and leisure.”
She said the hotel has experienced 15 per cent year-on-year growth for MICE since its opening in 2012.
Sentosa Leisure Management international and corporate sales senior assistant director, Steven Chung, said: “Sentosa has ramped up efforts over the past few years, bringing in more participative and skills-based activities on our beaches… customised teambuilding experiences are constantly refreshed.”
While Sentosa offers adrenaline-rushing activities like iFly Singapore, an indoor skydiving experience, and high rope course trails at MegaZip Adventure Park, Chung said there is more to come, including a bungy jump experience at AJ Hackett Sentosa.
He said the island’s teambuilding programmes – Imbiah Challenge and Beach Challenge – are popular with the Chinese and Indian groups, and there is a rise in MICE traffic from Australia. Over 8,000 people have participated in them since 2008.
Unlike leisure travellers who have the luxury of more time, business travellers always seek to maximise limited time in a destination. RWS’ Tan said: “Containing all events within the island will definitely provide convenience for delegates and event organisers, with more being accomplished within a limited period of time.
“Marketing the precinct as a whole will not only strengthen the business preposition, but also multiply the impact in terms of awareness and benefits for stakeholders and guests.”
Ideas
Garden City tour
Morning Start your day taking in the fragrance and sights of the flowers at the awe-inspiring Gardens by the Bay. This 101ha green zone is full of activities for nature lovers. Don’t miss Bay South Garden’s highlights – the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories – which house close to 100,000 plants, and the towering steel Supertrees that stretch up to 50m into the sky.
Afternoon
Drive over to Labrador Nature Reserve after lunch. This is a haven for flora and fauna such as monitor lizards and beautiful fish poison trees. Trekkers can also go on enlightening heritage trails that shed light on Labrador Park’s role in Singapore’s maritime and war history.
Evening Why not head over to Southern Ridges just before winding down? This impressive 10km route links up several iconic green destinations, including HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Mount Faber Park. Just a short walk from the latter is the spectacular Henderson Waves pedestrian bridge, which is particularly beautiful at night when lit up.
Credits: Singapore Tourism Board
Need to Know
Enter the tiger’s den
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the whimsical landscape of Haw Par Villa, also known as the Tiger Balm Garden. Built in 1937, it is the world’s only eclectic Chinese mythological park of its kind.
This new walking tour offered by The Original Singapore Walks will take participants through the villa, helping them make sense of the tapestry of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism seamlessly woven into the poetry of the garden.
Tickets are priced at S$35 (US$26) for adults and S$15 for children.
For details visit http://journeys.com.sg or call (65) 6325-1631.
Anyone can be a pilot
Located at the Singapore Flyer, Flight Experience is a simulator that fully replicates a commercial jet. It offers a fully immersive experience, allowing participants to take to the skies controlling a Boeing 737-800, in a fully enclosed cockpit with full-functioning avionics and photorealistic visuals.
The simulator features a 180-degree wraparound screen which projects stunningly accurate visuals of scenery and terrain. Think flying into Paris in semi-darkness at dusk, or viewing picturesque Rome overhead from the air, among other breathtaking sights.
Check out Flight Experience’s website at http://flightexperience.com.sg for more information, or call (65) 6339-2737.
UK budget hotel debuts in Singapore
Premier Inn, the UK’s largest budget hotel chain with over 670 properties globally, is making its Singapore debut with Premier Inn Singapore Beach Road, expected to open mid-2016.
Located within walking distance to the cultural districts of Haji Lane and Arab Street, as well as the Marina Bay Sands business district, the 300-room Premier Inn Singapore Beach Road will have 300 rooms of an area from 18m2. It will have a swimming pool, gym and meeting facilities.
Erik van Keulen, senior vice president for development, Asia-Pacific, said: “We want our hotels (in South-east Asia) to be looked upon as three-star properties rather than fully budget ones like our UK properties – which mostly have no additional amenities apart from rooms.”
Keulen said Premier Inn is courting “a good mix” of business and leisure travellers, and expects the initial bulk of traffic to come from the UK and the Middle East, markets which are more familiar with the Premier Inn brand.
Clockwise from above: view of Hakodate cityscape, Hokkaido; Tokyo National Museum, the oldest and largest museum in Japan; Nijo Castle in Kyoto
Japan promotes destinations with historic European charm and theme attractions to attract Asian MICE, in particular incentives. By Mimi Hudoyo
Japan is opening up destinations beyond the Golden Route, not only for leisure travel but also for MICE, especially the incentive market.
This strategy is part of the country’s efforts to reach 20 million arrivals by 2020.
Akira Ninagawa, executive director, Japan Convention Bureau (JCB), said: “Apart from academic conferences, our target is to develop incentive tours.”
While the Golden Route of Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto remain the major destinations, Hokkaido, for example, which started to open up in recent years, is gaining popularity as a MICE destination among Asian travellers.
Ninagawa said JCB is identifying unique venues and cultural programmes to attract MICE programmes to the country.
Said Ninagawa: “Places like Tokyo National Museum, Nijo Castle in Kyoto and Atake-maru (Samurai ship cruising aroud Tokyo Bay) are unique venues we would like to introduce to international MICE visitors.”
One of the destinations which is opening up for MICE is Nagasaki Prefecture in North Kyushu.
Takako Sonoda, director, General and Internal Affairs Overseas Department, Promotion Section of Nagasaki Prefecture Convention and Tourism Association, said: “On the meeting and convention side, Sasebo City has a number of convention venues to offer.”
Arkas Sasebo, a multi-purpose centre, for example, can accommodate up to 2,000 people in the main hall plus has several conference and tea rooms.
In addition, Wins Sasebo and Huis Ten Bosch Utrecht Plaza are two convention facilities in the Huis Ten Bosch area.
Wins Sasebo has capacity for up to 1,800 people and a 300-inch giant screen, while Huis Ten Bosch Utrecht Plaza can accommodate up to 1,000 people.
Huis Ten Bosch itself is a picturesque village on the shore of Omura Bay. It was built to mimic a medieval Dutch town with brick houses, canals and flower gardens.
Western influences are found in many places in Nagasaki Prefecture because it was the only place open to visitors from Western Europe during Japan’s national isolation period from 1641 to 1859.
In line with JCB’s efforts to identify unique venues, Sonoda said Nagasaki has a number of such places.
Glover Residence in Glover Garden, for example, is Japan’s oldest wooden Western-style residence. It was the former home of Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish merchant who played a role in the modernisation of Japan in shipbuilding, coal mining and other fields.
Sonoda said: “The beautiful garden has statues related to the Madam Butterfly opera, which was set in Nagasaki. It also offers a stunning view of the harbour.”
The garden has been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015. “Incentive groups or corporate companies can organise theme events here,” she noted.
Dejima Museum, located on a fan-shaped artificial island with a 400-year history of Dutch trade, is another unique venue, where meeting planners can organise theme parties related to the period.
Another unique venue is the Unzen Miyazaki Ryokan, an upmarket Japanese ryokan which has been in operation since 1929.
It has 98 rooms with a mix of Japanese traditional and modern Western bedrooms, and meeting rooms which can accommodate up to 300 delegates. Groups have a choice of Japanese tatami seating for group dinners, or Western-style meetings and banquets.
Unzen Miyazaki Ryokan is located near the famous Unzen Hot Spring and Unzen Jigoku Hell, about 90 minutes’ drive away from Nagasaki Airport.
Nagasaki has also attracted movie producers to film in the area, and can be considered for a movie-themed incentive tour.
Sunset in the Kujuku-Shima Islands, Sasebo City, for example, appeared in The Last Samurai (2003). The Wolverine (2013) starts with a scene of the bombing of Nagasaki Harbor during World War II. The actual images of the scene were created by composing real views of Nagasaki Harbor.
Sonoda added: “The Battleship Island of Hashima inspired the James Bond 007 Skyfall (2012) film producers for the lair of the villain (Raoul Silva).
“The island which in silhouette looks like a battleship, was featured as the model of the Dead City in the film, but the filming did not take place there.”
With China and South Korea being the closest destinations from Nagasaki, travellers from both countries contribute the bulk of the traffic for this prefecture.
“However, we are starting to tap the South-east Asian markets such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia,” she commented.
Nagasaki has direct flights from Shanghai and Seoul and is linked to other countries via Tokyo Haneda, Nagoya, Osaka (Itami, Kansai and Kobe Airports) and Okinawa.
Fukuoka is the main airport in North Kyushu with international flights from the Netherlands, Singapore, the Philippines and Hawaii. From Fukuoka, travellers can either transfer by bus or take the JR Train to Nagasaki, about one hour and 50 minutes away.
For those looking for experiential tourism, Ajimu in Oita Prefecture in the north-eastern part of North Kyushu, is a suitable choice. Oita is accessible with domestic flights from Tokyo, Osaka and Haneda. Direct international flights are available from Seoul.
Ajimu is known for its wineries and vineyards, and travellers can visit the wineries to learn about the production process and taste some of the products.
Ajimu is also the birthplace of green tourism in Japan, dating back to 1996. It was wine-grower Seiichi Miyata who had the idea of creating additional income for the farmers in the area through agrotourism or green tourism.
He developed the concept through a self-comparative study with a village near Freiburg in southwest Germany, which is famous for its vineyard retreat since the 1960s.
“In the beginning, it was not easy to convince the people here to go into the business.
“Many houses around Ajimu are a century old or more, inherited from generations past.
“It was not easy to convince the owners to maintain their original structure in the beginning. Only when tourists started to come and appreciate the heritage houses, many start upgrading their houses but retaining the originality,” Sonoda said.
Many houses have introduced air-conditioning and also provide western-style toilets, for example.
“There are 70 houses in Ajimu, which are open for green tourism, with a total capacity of up to 250 people today,” she added.
So far, many of the guests are students on study tours and families, but working with local DMCs, tailormade programmes can be arranged for incentive groups.
Group members can gather at the community hall for briefings and are divided into smaller ones.
The hosts will then meet the groups and take them to their houses to experience their daily activities.
The activities require a lot of interaction with the hosts, who mostly do not speak English.
Therefore, groups will need to have an interpreter if travellers do not speak Japanese.
From left: Kumamoto Castle in Northern Kyushu;
a restored building at Dejima
Ideas
Three-day post-conference tour in North Kyushu
Unzen Gigot
Day 1 Arrive at Nagasaki Airport at about noon and proceed to Chijiwa Kanko Center for lunch, then visit Unzen Jigoku (which means hell), one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts located about 90 minutes away from Nagasaki City.
Drive to Nagasaki City and visit Dejima, an artificial island with a 400-year history of Dutch trade. Built in the shape of a fan with an area of about 13,000m2, it was built during the Edo Period in order to accommodate Portuguese Christian missionaries and prevent the propagation of their religion. It also used to be the residential quarters of the Dutch, the only foreigners allowed to trade in Japan during the Sakoku (Isolation) Period, and a Dutch Trading House operated on the island.
Walk along the island flanked by old buildings – some 10 of them have been restored – and visit the Chief Factor’s Residence, the First Ship’s Captain’s Quarters, which have a mix of Japanese and European interiors, and the former stone warehouse which has now become the Archaeology Center, just to name a few.
Visitors can try on the kimono here. It usually takes half an hour to put on a kimono, but in this kimono shop, visitors can dress up in the traditional kimono in just three minutes. This fun and easy kimono-wearing experience starts from 500 yen (US$4.20) for half an hour’s rental. Dressing up in a kimono and taking a picture against a backdrop of Japan-meets-West buildings is becoming a popular activity for many visitors.
Prior to checking in at Crowne Plaza ANA Nagasaki, have a sumptuous set dinner at Hamakatsu with Nagasaki beef on the menu. Nagasaki beef won the 2012 Japanese Beef Olympics.
Day 2 After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, then head on to Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture, two museums that show the history, culture and tradition of Nagasaki.
The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum presents the history of the devastating bombing on August 9, 1945 and the impact on the city, and the reconstruction up to the present day.
The Peace Park shows that despite the projection that no vegetation can grow on the soil for 75 years after the bombing, the park is full of plants and flowers and is covered with green grass.
Drive to Fukuoka, and on the way stop by at Imari Pottery in Arita, an area in Saga Prefecture, famous for its Arita-yaki porcelain pottery. Here, enjoy a fusion set lunch at the restaurant at Imari Pottery before heading to the workshop to see how artists decorate the pots and plates.
With prior bookings, groups can participate in painting pots.
After arriving in Fukuoka in the afternoon and checking in at Royal Park Hotel The Fukuoka, which is a 15-minute drive from the airport and a five-minute walk from Hakata train station, guests have time to visit Canal City Hakata shopping area, which is also a five-minute walk away from the hotel.
Canal City is a large shopping and entertainment complex with an artificial canal running through the middle of the five-storey complex.
End the day’s activities with a hot pot dinner at Hanamidori.
Day 3 In the morning, drive from Fukuoka to Ajimu in Oita Prefecture to visit the green tourism area. Participants are divided into small groups of four or five and each visits a family and participates in their daily activities. The half–day programme includes learning to make soba, harvesting rice in the field, fruit and vegetable-picking and enjoying the home-cooked lunch.
In the afternoon drive to Beppu, about an hour away from Ajimu, and check in at the 287-room Beppuwan Royal Hotel. Soak in the hotel’s onsen before going for dinner. The Japanese restaurant, tatami-style, is recommended. Put on the yukata, or casual kimono, for an immersive Japanese experience.
Itinerary based on a fam trip by Japan National Tourism Organization
Need to Know
Narita and Kansai airports kick off fast lane for business event travellers
In a bid to attract more MICE groups, Japan will introduce fast lanes for VIPs and international travellers attending MICE events this year, starting with Narita International Airport and Kansai International Airport
The country will also allow “trusted” travellers, ie, frequent travellers to Japan who have been identified by the immigration stand control as having “low risk”, to use automated gates at immigration check points.
Akira Ninagawa, executive director, Japan Convention Bureau, said: “MICE is one of the six (grand) initiatives to create Japan as a tourism-oriented country, and facilitating travellers into the country is one of the measures we are going to provide.”
Preparations for the new facilitation are under way at press time.
Kyoto launches website for Muslim travellers
The city of Kyoto and the Kyoto Convention Bureau have launched a website for Muslim travellers at http://kyoto.travel/muslim/ under the supervision of the Kyoto Muslim Association.
The website, with English, Arabic, Turkish and Malay language options, provides information on the Japanese diet, how to find halal food in Kyoto and a guide to Muslim-friendly hotels, as well as finding qibla, the direction of the Kaaba, in Kyoto.
Explore Gion on a cycling tour
Most of Kyoto’s attractions are in a 10km2 area, and one of the best ways to visit these spots is to cycle, where visitors can access narrow alleys and explore local life and culture.
Visit Kyoto Cycling Tour Project’s (KCTP) website www.ktcp.net to arrange private cycling tours, and with the growing demand for cycling tourism among MICE groups, KCTP now has professional cycling tour planners who can arrange MICE group tours on bikes.
One of the popular tours available in the KCTP programme is the 12km Back Street Cycling Tour, which includes places such as Gion and the Imperial Palace, Higashi-Honganji Temple and Heian Shrine. The tour takes three hours.
Osaka Marriott offers rooms with views
Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel in Abeno Harukas, which opened in March last year, occupies 19 floors of Abeno Harukas Tower, the tallest building in Japan.
The hotel is the fourth Marriott property in Japan. Its 360 guestrooms occupy the 38th to 55th floors and, it goes without saying, offer stunning views of Osaka.
The restaurant, located on the 57th floor, houses an extraordinary collection of liquors from all over the world. It features multinational dining menus.
With seven meeting rooms – the biggest capable of accommodating 160 people – Osaka Marriott is going after leisure and business travellers, and MICE groups.
Guests have easy access to Kansai International Airport in 30 minutes by the airport express train called Express Haruka, as well as multiple local train services to major landmarks in Osaka.
Abeno Harukas Tower is a new 984-feet tall skyscraper with 60 floors of dining, shopping, art and business.
Enjoy Tokyo on a traditional Japanese houseboat cruise
Picture by Yasufumi Nishi/JNTO
One of the ways to enjoy Tokyo by night is to take a unique group dinner cruise on a yakatabune, a traditional Japanese houseboat. MICE groups can charter the boat, whose capacity ranges from 20 pax to 100 pax, or share with other groups.
With Japanese tatami-style seating, travellers enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine such as sashimi-funamori (assorted slices of raw seafood), tempura, chirashi sushi, Japanese noodles and Japanese drinks ranging from beer, shochu sake, to green tea and soft drinks.
The boat cruises on the Sumida River and passengers enjoy views such as the Tokyo Skytree, the Rainbow Bridge and other Tokyo landmarks.
The Yakatabune Tokyo Association has 29 member companies with a total 108 yakatabune cruisers which can accommodate up to 6,000 guests.
Get cash in a flash any time of day
Travellers in need of Japanese yen late at night can turn to the more than 20,000 ATM machines at 7-Eleven stores in Japan.
Operated by Seven Bank, travellers can withdraw cash any time of day, and apart from the stores which are open 24 hours, the ATMs are also available in malls, airports, train stations and other public areas.
The ATM machine has instructions in English, Chinese, Korean and Portuguese. Information on their locations are available at http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/english/personal/atm/app/.
Travellers can download the Japan ATM Navigation mobile application which provides the user with a route from his current location to the closest Seven Bank ATM.
Experience authentic geisha tradition
Kyoto is the home of geisha tradition, and the entertainers are called geiko and maiko.
WaRaiDo Guide Network arranges private and authentic geisha parties with dinner for small incentive groups, including a private geisha party in a tea house not usually open to the public, accompanied by a geisha specialising in a musical instrument.
Tokyo-Kanazawa fast connection
A new Hokuriku Shinkansen line will be launched on March 14 between Tokyo and Kanazawa with 12 cars, including Gran Class, Japan Rail’s first class.
The Kagayaki super-fast train category takes passengers between two destinations in two-and-a-half hours, or more than an hour faster than the existing connection.
Kanazawa is in Ishikawa Prefecture, a destination popular for its hot spring resorts. The new service will give incentive groups easy access to the onsens.
A LINE-UP of large international events is on the calendar for Singapore Expo this year, with the venue expecting 50,000 international visitors.
In March, Singapore Expo will host the new-to-market 1st International Brain Stimulation Conference 2015 for medical practitioners and experts, as well as the Last Mile Fulfilment Asia 2015 for logistics and fulfillment industry professionals.
World Rubber Week 2015 will also run at Singapore Expo in March for more than 6,000 delegates. It is a combination of the World Rubber Summit, Rubber Exchange Forum and Tyrexpo Asia.
In April, Metrology Asia 2015 will happen concurrently with MTA 2015, showcasing measuring and inspection applications for more productivity and accuracy.
The venue is also due to welcome Radiology Asia 2015 in May, where a scientific meeting and an exhibition on medical imaging technology will take place.
Singapore Expo has been chosen as a venue for the 28th SEA Games in June, and will also host the annual incentive Jeunesse Global Expo Unite Annual World Conference in September for over 10,000 delegates.
After which, Singapore International Energy Week in October will see the GASTECH 2015 held at Singapore Expo, taking up 50,000m2 of exhibition space and more than 400 exhibitors.
Aloysius Arlando, CEO of SingEx Venues, which operates Singapore EXPO and MAX Atria, said: “The robust line up of business events represents our ability to reach into the key verticals that are aligned with Singapore’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy, while concurrently generating significant spin-offs for the tourism and MICE industries.
“This year is also more meaningful as the nation celebrates her 50th birthday, and we hope our international guests will enjoy the vibrant and festive atmosphere throughout Singapore during their events.”
Returning events include the annual International Furniture Fair Singapore in March; Internet of Things Asia in April; FPSO World Congress in September; and the 18th Annual Asian Shared Services and Outsourcing Week in November.
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.
The long-awaited 60m Observation Wheel on the Central Waterfront was launched in December 2014 featuring 42 luxury gondolas (including one special VIP gondola) each of which gives its eight passengers a jaw-dropping 15 to 20-minute view of the harbour and of Kowloon, plus iconic landmarks such as the Star Ferry. Each gondola is equipped with a high-speed HKT Wi-Fi communication system. The giant ferris wheel swings into action between 11.00 and 23.00 throughout the year and is priced at HK$100 (US$13) per adult. There is also a convenient taxi and private car drop-off zone for visitors. According to operator Swiss AEX, 90 per cent of the wheel’s site is accessible to the public.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the whimsical landscape of Haw Par Villa, also known as the Tiger Balm Garden. Built in 1937, it is the world’s only eclectic Chinese mythological park of its kind.
Operated by Seven Bank, travellers can withdraw cash any time of day, and apart from the stores which are open 24 hours, the ATMs are also available in malls, airports, train stations and other public areas.
Kyoto is the home of geisha tradition, and the entertainers are called geiko and maiko.
