December 2013/January 2014 PPS 1140/09/2012(022844) WINNER OF PATA GOLD AWARD 2013, 2011 & 2009

Asia-Pacific’s leading meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions resource

COVER STORY COVER STORY

ChambersChamb Westgarth, Brisbane, Australia At IT&CMA this year, what caught my eye A great wish... Their best bet wwas TCEB Connect. It had an incentive All the best intentions connectedc with its promotion. It gave delegates a chance to win luggage, cos- Abhimanya Chettri Be it an investment in SOCIAL MEDIA by increasing staff strength from two to Manager, Robert Bosch Engineering “Since last year, we’ve become more ac- six people as Borneo is growing for the metic bags and an iPAD. Its booth was It’s never too late to have also also bright and eye-catching. and Business Solutions, India social media, new hires, tive on social media networks. Potential European inbound market for leisure and a new resolution as the “I SHALL in 2014 move heaven and clients always look online for informa- MICE, partly due to its nature, culture and The visa application process is always a nignight-ht- earth to bring the SITE International market diversification or tion, plus we can upload photos of our heritage. Sabah and Sarawak also have Mandar Gokhale mare for Indians especially because a lotot of time new year dawns upon activities and portfolio on these sites. good five star properties to attract meeting is spent on waiting. For corporate MICEE groups, Conference 2015 to India. Get a new office expansion, Asian Group manager - Corprate Travel, In fact, an Australian company recently and incentive delegates.” – Fabio Delisi, we travel in huge numbers and if one oorr two us. Here’s a peek into the office near my home, so I can get Mumbai, India inbound MICE players contacted us via LinkedIn to organise an group CEO, Synergy Tours Malaysia do not get their visa in time it means thehe wwholehole to the office before lunch, and save event for a MICE group, even though we group has to change their destination. I wishwish minds of mice leaders in Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel sticks out favourably. I was have not kept still. They have not met before. Our revenue grew 60 ASEAN MARKET there can be a special process created foror us myself the trauma of sitting in traffic impressed with the representative. She did her homework by the region on what they per cent from last year. We are surprised “We’ve been focusing on the European – perhaps a corporate visa programme so for three hours every day. studying our company background before our meeting. She was “I SHALL focus on tell TTGmice where they at the good performance (through this market, which is stable, but have started we do not have to apply for each indi- ‘shall’ and ‘shall not’ do aware of what I was seeking; she explained the property in great “I SHALL not in 2014, unlike Uncle niches hitherto un- put their biggest dollars strategy).” – Bobby Kim, chief marketing to grow MICE business from the ASEAN vidual. This should speed things up. officer, Jane Tour & DMC, South Korea market. We are getting more enquiries detail. When we bring future business to Kuala Lumpur, I will in 2014 Sam, allow the SITE India Chapter to tapped in the incen- definitely work with her. and whether it’s paid off from Indonesia, and from Asian MICE fall off the fiscal cliff.” tive segment.” RIGHT HIRE groups interested in half-day tours after “MICE2CHINA was a set up in early 2012 their conferences in South Korea. Previ- – Anup Nair, president, SITE India Chapter – Vipula Wanigasekera, as a new division of Century Holiday ously we were looking at only the Austral- and managing director, Incentive Destinations, General Manager, Sri International Travel Service. We started ian market.” – Mi Nong Lee, operation Delhi NCR (pic attached) Lanka Conventions Bureau hiring regional talent to cultivate a global director, Holiday Planners, South Korea image for the company and show that China is not just a producer of cheap CHASING MICE goods but a great MICE destination. We “We expanded our Guangzhou office this “I SHALL NOT stop serving The best fam trip Clockwise from top left: The visual landscape of The Penang Waterfront Convention Centre project; TCEB Connect booth; Mataking Island Sabah; Organic Farm Tour, have been successful with India, Singa- year, which was previously just a call Sampran Riverside elephant welcome the society even after my pore and Malaysia. We will soon broaden centre. Having launched in March 2012 a term ends in February 2014. our marketing efforts to Australia and new corporate travel department, we also How to do a fam trip that Ayodele Oluwole Eva Klejmova Eastern Europe, especially Poland.” – Burt started the FIT and MICE departments in Oyeneyin Director, J&T Concierge, I SHALL strive to make the January 2013. We are expecting a good has buyers swooning and CEO and MD of Trade Prague, Czech Republic 61st Les Clefs D’or UICH Sim, sales director, MICE2CHINA, China “I SHALL endeavour to outlook for MICE business to China in the Global Marketing Tours, International Congress to coming year.” – Lisa Chau, assistant gen- featuring the product the Pretoria, South Africa The best fam trip I had promote tourism without MORE SYNERGY Hey, that’s interesting be held in Kuala Lumpur in “We strengthened our office in Kota eral manager, tour department, Guang- next day? International this year was to Thailand, endangering the environ- zhou Anlu Travel Service (a subsidiary It was to Laos early this year where I ex- Laos and Cambodia. I organised it myself January 2014 a memorable Kinabalu, known as Synergy Borneo, ment.” of Lotus Tours Hong Kong) buyers spill the beans on perienced first-hand the destination which in early 2013 and got the hotels to host my Corporates tell TTGmice Arpita Bhose ganic farming to local farmers. It caught event which will be the talk is so rich in culture and heritage. The stay. This was the first time I went to these Account manager, Kenes Asia, Singapore my eye as we have a group of students – Rumy Jauffer, managing direc- DIVERSIFICATION which fam trip wowed weather and terrain is so different from destinations and my intention was to see what product or service going to Thailand for two weeks next tor, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion of all delegates.” “We diversified our focus from Japanese them this year South Africa. the products first-hand so I could tailor caught their eye this year I currently have my eye on the Penang year and we might be able to work out a Authority – Ragu Kumarasamy, President, travellers to include the global market As a result of the fam trip, I was able to luxury tours for clients and design incen- Waterfront Convention Centre, which programme for the students where they Society of the Golden Keys Malay- now. Therefore this year we partici- promote Laos to travellers from my coun- tive programmes in these destinations. It and why is going to open in 2017. We often rotate can volunteer their time and get involved sia “I SHALL ensure we make pated in more MICE tradeshows, such try and the first group departure to Laos was a successful trip as I made many new our annual congresses around Asia and try with the local community. as IT&CM China and IT&CMA, to build was in November 2013. contacts and can now tell my clients of my to keep up with the different convention full use of more web-based Barry Muk Bobby Kim Burt Sim Fabio Delisi up our branding. This year’s IT&CMA own experience in these destinations. This centres so we can give everyone a new tools, like our new website and also marked the first time JTB (Macau) will make it easier to sell these destina- experience. If we look at Malaysia, it is Jane Tan Karen Leemon (left); “I SHALL NOT be judgmental of anyone who cannot book social media, to create greater Travel took a separate booth from the JTB Lisa Chau tions. Jane Tan usually Kuala Lumpur, so now it is good Director, Enterprise Promotion Centres, brand.” – Barry Muk, manager-purchas- Assistant general manager that we can look at another city. This new Singapore (Use a nice pic of Sabah, you events. awareness and reach more ing & hotel reservations, JTB (Macau) - tour department, Guang- centre looks grand and promising and we have?) “I SHALL not lie about my age when asked. clients. Travel zhou Anlu Travel Service, Gerrit Chng- are really excited about it. a subsidiary of Lotus Tours Luechau I was surprised to find out how interest- “I SHALL optimise my client contacts and make my work “I SHALL not let Taiwan lose STAYING RESILIENT Hong Kong Director of sales, Orange ing Sabah is as an incentive destination work for the nation. out to other countries in Asia James Reed João Santos Cary Chiu Marisa Nallana “2013 has certainly been a challenging Three, Singapore Karen Leemon at IT&CMA this year. Besides being near because we are one of the most year. Visitor numbers to Hong Kong are I went to Spain and participated in the Campus Administration Officer, School of Singapore, it offers plenty of natural “I SHALL strive to inject more fun in events we plan, organ- hospitable cities that can do well up, but not from our markets. More tomato festival. We painted the town red It was to Phuket to visit Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, attractions and post-trip options, plus ise and host. emphasis needs to be placed on attracting because everyone was throwing tomatoes The Surin after its renovations were com- Deakin University Australia many golf resorts that could be ideal ven- well in hosting any traveller in visitors from anywhere other than main- at each other as part of the celebration. pleted. The fam trip was well-planned ues for business travellers to do their dis- “I SHALL share my visions and tricks of the trade with my the world.” land China. Anyone listening? This something not possible in any other and executed. We were shown not just The Sampran Riverside in Thailand cussions. With a stronger understanding fellow organisers.” caught my eye. At IT&CMA this year, it of what Sabah has to offer, I’ll definitely – Lily Su, manager, Taiwan External Adding to the problem is the greed of country in the world. Asians will definitely a the rooms but also activities that could be ia si

ys y – Chicoy Enerio, COO, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippines Trade Development Council aysia ay a made its booth look authentically Thai. consider it as an incentive destination in landlords here. Ours put the rent up 100 like it as it is so fun, so I will consider done there such as cooking classes and laysia la alaysia alay al a

Megumi Minabe Mi Nong Lee Michael L P Lee Susilowani Daud per cent, which means a move in April to Laos (above Tat Luang) made an impression bringing groups there next year. off-site dining venues nearby. Phuket as M Malaysia Malays Ma The property is involved in promoting or- future.” m Ma Malaysia M sm s M December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 19 12 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 16 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 Malaysia Tourism December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 15

COVER STORY The best bets of 2013 Fam trips by the opening of the fair. The ibility for those who did not minister did not come, there want it. was no press conference and Reporters’ notebook the opening ceremony did not Greg Lowe start until 10.30. Such a waste correspondent-Thailand of time. BEST I loved chatting with TTGmice Raini Hamdi a popular South-east Asian Centre with a haunting accom- Phoenix Voyages’ Jean Michel Senior editor MICE destination) even teased paniment to John Farnham’s Romon about his calamitous journalists share BEST My best MICE interview a new initiative in the invite You’re The Voice, I knew right S. Puvaneswary experiences as the official that produce results The ‘it’ this year was with Pansy Ho, but there must have been away that this experience Editor-Malaysia ground agent for the World their best and managing director, Shun Tak some miscommunication as, would make it to my Best ex- BEST Economic Forum in Naypyi- worst MICE event, Holdings, a company which when I asked about it, the CVB perience in this year-end issue. TTGmice, October issue, on taw, Myanmar. has stakes in all corners in representative who was giving And yes, I am more convinced Women Deliver 2013: I loved It was the first major event encounter or Macau – TurboJet, Macau the briefing looked puzzled. than ever that Melbourne is the speed at which Kuala to be hosted in the country, International Airport, Air No wonder most of the time, one hot, exciting destination. If Lumpur Convention Centre which has scant infrastruc- interview this year Macau, Macau Tower, OneCen- the attendance at these media you want to know, the stellar (KLCC) had accommodated ture for such events. For tral (mixed-used residential, briefings was poor. entertainment was produced my request for an interview some 2,500-plus delegates, serviced apartments and the Briefings for buyers are al- by Australian company, Peter Top, Xinyi Liang-Polsena From top: S. Puvaneswary, Marianne with KLCC deputy general the 220-strong team arranged Mandarin Oriental Macau), the ready being held at the stands Jones Special Events. Below, Lee Pei Qi Carandang, Feizal Samath and Mimi manager, Alan Pryor, and ex- 5,000 roomnights across 22 to update them on the destina- WORST I attended a trade- Hudoyo ecutive chef, Richard Lim. hotels, more than 800 transfers products of the year Our reporters’ Cotai Strip, to name some. I love it that she was powerful tion, product, etc. Why not show and post-show fam for They are both busy people, so and 14 charter flights. To en- yet accessible. Delegates were invite media members to join business event buyers in a always a winner. via Copenhagen instead. I am grateful they had time to sure attendees could get from swimming to exchange cards in these briefings if they are North Asian country, but host- WORST During a media/trade However, a technical glitch spare for this interview. I also A to B in the city, 146 cars and with her after her panel during keen to learn more? Save the ed journalists were given less preview of an attraction in in my connecting Bangkok- have to thank the PR team at buses had to be transported From left, press conference/media brief- than three hours for interviews the centre for preparing notes Raini Hamdi, the PATA Annual Summit in Singapore, the experience was bound flight forced me to from Yangon and Mandalay as Gracia Chiang Bangkok and she patiently ing for when you really have and research at the tradeshow interrupted midway by a tech- make a last-minute layover in in advance as this helped me Naypyitaw has a mere 11 pri- and Karen Yue talked to each of them. When something to announce and I before being whisked off on nical glitch. It was a good 10- the Danish capital. Interest- write the case study. vate taxis. Talk about herding my turn came, I asked if I promise you’ll have a roomful a city tour. Fam tours are fun 15 minutes of us buckled up in ingly, six other travel industry WORST An interview with cats. But as Romon said: “It could interview her in private of journalists. but not as essential as hitting our seats and listening to safety members on their way home a five-star international hotel was hard but worth it. Every- at the Centara lounge;g she said the show floor to talk to trade announcements ad nauseam post-ITB were also stranded, so brand to write about its recent one was proud to play a part, dream and nightmare encounters in okay but she had onlyonl half an Karen Yue buyers and sellers for news before anyone came to offer an we exchanged namecards and refurbishments and MICE busi- especially the Burmese.” hourhour as she’s flyingfly back Group editor and market trends, and I hope explanation. Thankfully, we commiserated over our pre- ness. I was taken on a hotel WORST Conversations, net- toto Hong Kong.Kong I made BEST Event planners should CVBs will bear this in mind managed to return to the faulty dicament, and the bad feelings inspection by the hotel GM working and meeting sources herher ppromiseromise tto be know that the choice of event when planning programmes ride much later, although part quickly turned into a sense of and PR manager. Suddenly, the are the lifeblood of journalism. there – she wasw there entertainment could make or for trade media. of it was cordoned off. I felt solidarity among us. PR manager informed the GM They are especially impor- fivefive minutesminutes before break the whole experience embarrassed for the organisers. that the media representative tant when reporting on trade me, and she gave a and influence guests’ impres- Gracia Chiang Plus, the last I heard the ride Mimi Hudoyo for his next appointment had events, where I previously frankfrank interviewinterv that sion of the organiser, yet I’ve Deputy group editor might be pulled in less than Senior editor-Indonesia arrived, and ended the current assumed organisers deploy a reflectedreflected her pas- been made to sit through some BEST I thought this year’s two months. BEST The most interesting session so he could proceed simple formula for generating sionsion forfo building very bland ones. Fortunately, TravelRave Leaders Gala was a MICE event I went to this year with the next interview. as much coverage as possible: 2013 2014 resolutions of MICE Macau up as I have only great things to well-executed effort by the Sin- Xinyi Liang-Polsena was MG Holiday’s mega table I thought it was a rather A (delegates) + B (media) = an attractiveat say about the welcome lunch gapore Tourism Board (STB). Assistant editor top. The Indonesian major abrupt and rude ending. C (coverage). destinationdesti in for delegates at AIME 2013. Held at Gardens by the Bay, BEST I attended ITB Berlin hotel wholesaler organised Clearly this hotel needed to Some other logic was its owno right The main act that came it not only offered a platform for the first time this year, its table top event outdoors at improve on its soft skills. clearly in play during Sep- and gateway on mid-way through lunch to mingle with the region’s and I was quite amazed to Jakarta’s famous theme park, tember’s Global Tourism toto greatergr rocked almost everyone like who’s who, but showcased see the world’s travel industry Ancol Dreamland. Sellers, Lee Pei Qi Economy Forum in Macau China.Chin a hurricane. A quartet of two the country’s event capabili- converge at a single albeit comprising hotels from all over Assistant editor-Singapore where organisers went out of WORSTWO ladies and two men, dressed ties amid a verdant setting. I sprawling venue. The show Indonesia, were scattered at BEST The impressive hospital- their way to separate journal- MediaMed brief- most formally, emerged with liked that the night’s F&B was floor was buzzing, the weather different locations in the theme ity from the Taiwanese during ists from delegates, save for ingsings at IMEX. a stunning performance of the orchestrated by pop-up restau- was pretty good (well, that park – under a tree, near a a familiarisation trip there. And pre-arranged interviews in the famous aria, Nessun Dorma. rant Gastrogig, which rounded was before the snowstorm hit pool, on a rock formation with I am not just talking about the chiefs I stillsti don’t media centre. We were ac- understandund Suddenly, the elegant act gave up an unconventional culinary a few days later in March) and the roller-coaster in the back- locals in the hosted facilities, commodated separately, dined whywhy some way to a medley of rock hits collective, from a gourmet food working with my colleagues ground – so travel consultants but basically every one there separately, corralled to and CVBsCVB or MICE such as Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet truck-cum-social enterprise to with a glass of wine (this being must walk or even cycle to from the taxi driver to the guy from meals and events by the companiescomp child of mine and Queen’s We edible gardens. This wasn’t all. Europe, anyway) kept my spir- meet them. I thought this was selling street snacks. They liter- PR team (who were actually (you(you know will rock you and Bohemian On the way out, I met a help- its up throughout the three-day unique and fun. ally welcomed me with open very nice people) and only who you are) Rhapsody, which the quartet ful STB representative at the event. WORST When I was invited to arms, making me feel right at had an hour-long after-event bookbook a media performed with equal flair. taxi stand, who told me she WORST The said snowstorm attend the opening of a travel home. gathering to rub shoulders briefing room if When the City of Melbourne was in charge of booking cabs wrecked havoc on my return fair. The invitation was for a WORST A hotel dinner func- with the travel trade’s great theythey havehave noth- Highland Pipe band marched for delegates as transport out flight to Bangkok, as my con- press conference by the Min- tion which pre-determined and good, by which time ing new tot brief. into the ballroom at Melbourne of the park was anticipated to necting flight to Frankfurt was ister of Tourism and Creative beef for the delegates – and most people seemed more OneOne (let’s(let’s just say Convention and Exhibition be a problem. Good service is cancelled and I was rerouted Economy at 09.00, followed there was little room for flex- concerned with hooking up

222 TTGGmice December 2013/January 2014 December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 23 2013

To our readers

Money well spent

ach year at this time of to what the younger generation is the year we all ask the trying to say. They may have dif- Esame question: Where on ferent opinions which I can learn earth did our year go? to accept.” One ‘like’ from me for Then, the dreaded question: Indra Sukirno, executive director, Did we spend it wisely? Jakarta Convention & Exhibition One of our sections in this Bureau, who said that. It made year-end issue looks at how me smile. inbound MICE players spent the Yet another big area where year, specifically, what they did dollars were spent was cultivat- for business this year that they ing new markets and business considered their best investment. segments. Their response was uplifting. These kinds of investments Many DMCs throughout Asia are needed, especially when have used the year wisely, various reports are already ploughing back profit into the showing that the outlook for field in a bid to yield greener meetings and events next year is shoots. basically flat. American Express It is especially heartening Meetings & Events even expects to see that the biggest area of Asia-Pacific to record the largest investment evidently is technol- decline (-3.6 percent) among ogy, be it harnessing social media all regions in overall meet- networks as a means to net new ings spend per organisation as clients, or installing a new book- companies in the region shift ing engine, a new administra- towards having greater spend Raini Hamdi tion system or a new software, control, stricter guidelines for Senior editor all with one intention – making meetings and demanding more transactions seamless for clients, ROI and accountability from transparent for partners and rais- meetings and events. “Many DMCs throughout ing company productivity and Well, that’s another story – Asia have used the year efficiency. do look out for the full Outlook wisely, ploughing back profit Another key area of invest- 2014 in the next issue. I cannot ment appears to be – big hur- believe we are already talking into the field in a bid to yield rah – staff. Finally! The need to about the first issue of 2014 and, greener shoots.” attract and retain talent for the before we know it, 2014 too will MICE industry is being felt as whizz by. So make sure you DMCs start to show willingness think of how to spend it wisely to invest in the right hires and before it’s over again. bring in new blood, who they can From all of us at TTGmice, not just train, but learn from. It here’s wishing you some good is telling that, in another section downtime this year-end in which where MICE chiefs were asked to to reflect – and a good uptick share their 2014 resolutions, one in business and pleasure in the of them said: “I shall try to listen year ahead.

December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 1 DEC 2013/JAN 2014 COVER STORY www.ttgmice.com

EDITORIAL GROUP EDITOR Karen Yue (email: [email protected]) DEPUTY GROUP EDITOR Gracia Chiang (email: [email protected]) ASSISTANT EDITOR, TTG ASIA ONLINE Hannah Koh (email: [email protected]) ASSISTANT EDITOR, SINGAPORE Lee Pei Qi (email: [email protected]) ASSISTANT EDITOR, THAILAND Xinyi Liang-Pholsena (email: [email protected]) 2013 COPY EDITOR Kathy Neo (email: ([email protected]) EDITOR, MALAYSIA/BRUNEI S Puvaneswary (email: [email protected]) EDITOR, INDONESIA Mimi Hudoyo (email: [email protected])

CORRESPONDENTS Greg Lowe (Thailand, email: [email protected]); Prudence Lui (Hong Kong/Greater China, email: [email protected]); round-up Shekhar Niyogi, Rohit Kaul (India, email: [email protected], [email protected]); Feizal Samath (Sri Lanka, email: [email protected]); From the best business Marianne Carandang, Rosa Ocampo (The Philippines, email: [email protected], [email protected])

investment made by MICE CREATIVE DESIGNERS Redmond Sia, Goh Meng Yong trade players this year to EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Lina Tan TTGmice reporters’ most SALES & MARKETING GROUP PUBLISHER Michael Chow (email: [email protected]) 10 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Stephanie Lim (email: [email protected]) notable on-the-job encounters, we round up SENIOR BUSINESS MANAGER Marisa Chen (Hong Kong, email: [email protected]) 2013 with a compilation of memories and BUSINESS MANAGER Jonathan Yap (email: [email protected]) CORPORATE MARKETING MANAGER Cheryl Tan (email: [email protected]) MARKETING EXECUTIVE Stephanie Toh (email: [email protected]) thoughts for the year ahead ASST MANAGER ADMINISTRATION & MARKETING Carol Cheng (Hong Kong, email: [email protected]) ADVERTISEMENT ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Cheryl Lim (email: [email protected]) COUNTRY REPORTS PUBLISHING SERVICES DIVISION MANAGER Tony Yeo DESKTOP PUBLISHING EXECUTIVE Nancy Lee 25 Asian markets roar ahead SENIOR CIRCULATION EXECUTIVE Carol Wong (email: [email protected]) Despite recent event bid losses, Thailand’s MICE sector OFFICES SINGAPORE soars on rising regional arrivals. By Greg Lowe TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd, 1 Science Park Road, #04-07 The Capricorn, Singapore Science Park II, Singapore 117528 Tel: +65 6395 7575, fax: +65 6536 0896, email: [email protected] 31 HONG KONG In nature’s embrace TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd, Unit 2011, 20/F, Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong More business event planners are clamouring for Tel: +852 2237 7888, fax: +852 2237 7227 Taiwan’s scenic leisure farms, but housing large TTG ASIA MEDIA PTE LTD overnight groups is a challenge, writes Lee Pei Qi MANAGING DIRECTOR Darren Ng SENIOR EDITOR Raini Hamdi (email: [email protected]) 36 A strong proposition ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES AUSTRALIA Zorka Sipkova, Publisher’s Internationalè (tel: +61 2 8298 9318, fax: +61 2 A flurry of MICE incentives and initiatives have given 9252 2022, email: [email protected]); GERMANY Wolfgang Jaeger, IMV Internationale Medien Vermarktung GmbH (tel: +49 8151 550 8959, fax: +49 8151 550 Malaysia a slew of business events in 2013, and it is doing 9180, email: [email protected]); INDIA Meena Chand/Mohit Chand, Adcom International (tel: +91 11 2576 7014, fax: +91 11 2574 2433, email: [email protected]); even more in the new year, writes S Puvaneswary INDONESIA Sarah G Hutabarat, Media Mandiri (tel: +62 21 835 5510, fax: +62 21 829 3563, email: [email protected]); ITALY Federica Boni, TTG Italia S.p.A. (tel: +39 02 8068 9204, fax: +39 02 8068 9250, email: [email protected]); JAPAN Mayumi Kai/ Michiko Kawano, Pacific Business Inc. (tel:+81 3 3661 6138, fax: +81 3 3661 6139, email: 42 Sichuan in fiery pursuit [email protected]/[email protected]); MALAYSIA Gerald Saw, Raffles International Media Sdn Bhd (tel: +60 19 2296 484, fax: +60 3 7886 2372, email: geraldsaw_raffles@ Multiple challenges have only fuelled the Chinese yahoo.com); SOUTH KOREA Young J Baek, Young Media Inc. (tel: + 82 2 2273 4818/4819, fax: +82 2 2273 4866, email: [email protected]); SPAIN, MADRID Luis Andrade, Luis province’s determination to advance its tourism Andrade International Media (tel: +34 91 441 6266, fax: +34 91 441 6549, email: landrade@ luisandrade.com); SRI LANKA Vijitha Yapa/Albadur Cader, Vijitha Yapa Associates (tel: business, discovers Prudence Lui +94 11 255 6600, fax: +94 11 259 4717, email: [email protected]/[email protected]); TAIWAN Virginia Lee/Shirley Shen/Kitty Luh, Spacemark Media Services (tel: +886 2 2522 2282, fax: +886 2 2522 2281, email: [email protected]); THAILAND Chower Narula/Anchana Nararidh, World Media Co. Ltd (tel: +66 2 641 2693-6, fax: +66 2 641 2697, email: [email protected]/[email protected]); THE PHILIPPINES Eduardo S. Bassig, ESB Marketing Services (tel: +63 2 448 5848, email: DEPARTMENTS [email protected]/[email protected]); UK & EUROPE Sheryl Makin, TTG Media (tel: +44 20 7921 8023, fax: +44 20 7921 8034, email: [email protected]); USA, Debbie Joseph Anderson, Destination Marketing Hawaii (tel: +1 808 739 2200, fax: 1 To our readers +1 808 739 2201, email: [email protected]) TTGmice, endorsed by the Asian Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, is published by TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd, and is mailed free-of-charge on written 7 Talk of the trade request to readers Asia-wide who meet a set of predetermined terms and conditions. Annual airmail subscription charges are US$70 (Asia) and US$90 (elsewhere). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in 45 Appointments whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. MCI (P) 165/08/2013, KDN PPS1140/09/2012(022844), ISSN 0218-849X 46 Hotel updates Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd, 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968. 47 Case study TTG Travel Trade Publishing is a business group 48 Packages of TTG Asia Media We can make GREEN MICE SONGDO, INCHEON

energy

Sustainable MICE Songdo, Incheon The Worldwide Green MICE Destination

he sustainable green MICE city, Songdo has eco- friendly international workplaces, with green spaces Toccupying 40% of the entire site. The city is highly accessible, with a subway and buses from Incheon International Airport. And like every eco-friendly city, it has worked toward minimum carbon emissions by building bike lanes within the city and electric vehicle charging stations. Additionally, the city operates as a true green city by controlling carbon dioxide emissions at the city’s central waste collection system and by preventing pollution at the cogeneration plant using natural gas. Songdo is a “green place” with recycling resources such as rainwater utilization, 75% recycling of construction supplies, and eco-friendly construction materials, all contributing to building an eco-friendly city. As MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition) has soared to become one of the world’s major industries driving new growth, MICE business events have been held throughout the world. However, after these exhibitions, fairs, and international meetings, waste and disposable exhibits are left behind, going against the very purpose of creating new added value.

www.incheoncvb.co.kr Incheon Convention Visitors' Bureau has instituted eco-friendly agendas, including carbon emission reduction through minimized travel, a waste conservation system, recycling, and the donation of leftovers. Songdo ConvensiA Let MICE be SUSTAINABLE in Songdo, Incheon

20 minutes from Incheon International Airport, a distance that minimizes carbon emissions. The distance between Incheon International Airport and Songdo ConvensiA is 29.27㎞ (18 miles). A MICE participant WUDYHOLQJEDFNDQGIRUWKIURPWKHDLUSRUWWRWKHFHQWHU¿YHWLPHVGLVFKDUJHVRQO\㎏ of carbon, as little as 1/90th of the carbon produced traveling to other convention centers in Korea.

6RQJGR&RQYHQVL$$VLD V¿UVW/(('&HUWL¿HGFRQYHQWLRQFHQWHU 6RQJGR&RQYHQVLDKDVEHHQFHUWL¿HGLQ/HDGHUVKLSLQ(QHUJ\DQG(QYLURQPHQWDO'HVLJQ /((' WKH¿UVWFRQYHQWLRQFHQWHULQ$VLDWRGRVREXLOGLQJVLQ6RQJGR,QWHUQDWLRQDOFLW\ will be developed in line with LEED requirements, equivalent to over 80% of the whole area.

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Since the green agreement ceremony of Incheon MICE Alliance (2012.12.21), Incheon Metropolitan city has made a number of efforts to build an eco-friendly MICE city.

Convention Center PCOs - Separate collection and - Replace posters and guide Want to learn more? recycling of materials signs with LCD monitors - Use LED lamps - Recycle name tags and Download our free - Electric vehicles charging banners Meeting Planners' Guide from station - Make brocures with recycled www.incheoncvb.co.kr paper and soybin oil ink Contact us Hotels Foods&Beverage Incheon Convention Visitors’ Bureau - No blanket and towel - Use local food and fair trade +82-32-210-1053 washing system suggestions agriculture products www.incheoncvb.co.kr for stays longer than 2days - Donate leftovers to local www.facebook.com/incheoncvb - Rate discounts for food banks [email protected] environment related - Reduce using disposable conventions packages of the Trade

TalkTHAILAND Bangkok takes a hit By TTGmice reporters

Many Asian MICE groups due to have already pre-booked meeting travel to Bangkok during this sea- and accommodation venues in large son have stuck to their bookings, quantities.” The agency currently has although demand for next year is three corporate groups in Bangkok. proving to be weak. There has also been little impact Malaysia-based Rakyat Travel’s on Indonesian outbound. Panorama general manager, Adam Kamal, said Tours Indonesia managing director, Marina Chinanurakchart, director of he is handling four incentive groups corporate incentive management, Meeting and Convention Planner Thai- to Bangkok this month and at press Vidya Hermanto, said: “I had a group land, said the agency had received time, there are no cancellations. in December that actually wanted to one cancellation, adding that the “The protests are away from tour- move to another destination, but if biggest impact would be on newcom- ist areas, it has not affected flights it did, the hotels in Bangkok would ers to Thailand and groups still in the and the Thai government has taken a charge cancellation fee.” bidding process. softer approach this time, so incen- Meanwhile, Thai operators are She said: “It’s not looking promis- tive groups are not worried,” he concerned about forward bookings. ing...we’re working on a number of explained. However, his company has Michael Lynden-Bell, general groups now and we’re not sure that not received any new bookings to manager Thailand at Exotissimo they will still consider Thailand. Bangkok for next year. Travel, said: “Our MICE performance “If everything ends (in early Decem- Over in Singapore, Alicia Seah, for January and February is looking a ber) then we’re looking at some im- marketing communications director, bit iffy...We’ve just had a cancellation pact for the next three months. If the Dynasty Travel, said: “It is logisti- for 150 pax from France and we’re demonstrations continue, it could be cally more challenging for groups to waiting to hear if they’re willing to six months or more.” – Greg Lowe, Lee cancel their plans there because they relocate.” Pei Qi, Mimi Hudoyo and S Puvaneswary

SINGAPORE TALKING NUMBERS Suntec Singapore bags 88 events

Projected percentage Five months after emerging dustries, including first timers of our Centre for our collective 4decline in Asia-Pa- from a major renovation this such as Blueprint 2014, Asia’s success.” cific planners’ meetings year, Suntec Singapore Con- Fashion Gateway, Prudential In the five months since spend for 2014, accord- vention Exhibition Centre has Eye Awards, Singapore Art re-opening in June 2013, the ing to the latest Ameri- released a sterling line-up of Fair, AAMA-TEX, UROFAIR and centre ran 196 events with a can Express Meetings key events for 2014. Trans Asia 2014. total of 780,000 visitors. This & Events 2014 Global The company has an- CEO Arun Madhok said: “I included 56 exhibitions and Meetings Forecast. nounced 88 key events, includ- fully expect 2014 to be a very 124 conferences and meetings, ing 16 major medical events, successful and busy year. Hav- including first-time events to 16 tradeshows, 19 consumer ing said that, we are not just Singapore such as the Inter- The predicted per- events and 37 international looking to fill the Centre for national Federation of Library centage drop in the 2 conferences and special events. the sake of it. We are looking Associations and Institutions, number of attendees per The events range widely to foster long-term collabora- which brought in 3,890 inter- meeting for next year. from medical and technology tion with events and clients national and local delegates to lifestyle and financial in- who can use the full potential from 122 countries.

December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 7 of TalktheTrade

JAPAN Japan pushes industrial heavyweights By Hannah Koh

Japan is banking on its world-class Kobe where automobile enthusiasts manufacturing and agricultural sec- can get up close to Kawasaki vehi- tors to draw more tourists under a cles or Noritake Gardens in Nagoya new industrial tourism programme. which allows visitors to paint on their Backed by the Japan External Trade own china. Organization (JETRO), it will target In an interview with TTGmice, travel agencies and foreign com- Osamu Hisaki, creative industries panies interested in how Japanese planning division, creative industries Pay a visit to Kirin Beer Park Chitose businesses work. promotion department of JETRO, Under the Industrial Tourism: said it is the first time JETRO is ven- promote its newly launched offer- Come See What Makes Japan Tick turing into tourism. ings, Hisaki said: “With JNTO, we are programme launched alongside its “(In June), tourism was designated considering participating in travel website (www.jetro.go.jp/en/ind_tour- as a major field to work on for the fairs abroad. In the meantime, we are ism) on November 20, a range of in- Japanese economy. Based on this working to increase the number of dustrial tourism options are available trend, JETRO prepared an action partner companies we have.” across 24 destinations in Japan. plan together with the Ministry of Acknowledging that China, South This includes trips to factories of Economy, Trade and Industry; Minis- Korea and Taiwan are “important household names such as Asahi and try of Land, Infrastructure, Transport; customers” and major sources of Kirin Beer in Hokkaido, Kikkoman and Tourism and Japan National visitors for Japan, he said that apart Corporation in Chiba and Nissan Mo- Tourism Organization (JNTO),” he from those markets, JETRO is trying tor in Yokohama as well as museums explained. to reach countries with more than like Kawasaki Good Times World in Asked how JETRO intends to 10,000 arrivals a year.

SINGAPORE IN BRIEF

STB spells out green meeting guidelines Gyeongnam sharpens MICE claws The MICE bureau of Gyeongnam, Singapore Tourism Board marketing, Judy Lum, added: South Korea, will debut a new cam- paign, Discover the Undiscovered, (STB) has launched a set of “Many just talk about sustain- in 2014 to showcase the province’s guidelines to encourage local ability but they do not practise coastal attractions and heritage players to meet global sustain- it because they are not sure sites through fam trips and trade- ability requirements. 7 where to start. Now they do show participation. This comes STB executive director for Business event categories not have an excuse.” on top of the slew of new venues business tourism development, Asian Detours deputy direc- that have opened in Gyeongnam covered under the guidelines recently, such the 136m Changwon Chew Tiong Heng, said: “With tor for marketing, Florence Solar Tower which features a 300- corporate clients and delegates Cheong, pointed out that pax conference room. According to becoming increasingly con- visual set-up. This includes corporates’ understanding of Kim Daehwan, marketing director cerned about the environment, advice on waste management green practices is very basic, of Gyeongnam Convention & Visi- business event organisers and and the efficient use of water such as saving paper and tors Bureau, efforts will be focused meeting planners are turning and energy. reusing materials, hence this on South-east Asian markets. East West Planners chief to destinations and venues official reference guide will be UFI gets new chief with strong sustainability poli- executive and SACEOS presi- a useful tool. UFI has appointed Renaud cies in place. dent, Janet Tan-Collis, said According to STB, the Hamaide, CEO of Comexposium The guidelines cover seven CSR programmes are becom- guidelines are referenced from in Paris, France, as president for industry categories from across ing “ever more important as international standards such the 2013/2014 season. Hamaide the business events ecosystem, a competitive factor for the as ISO 20121 and APEX/ASTM succeeds Chen Xianjin, chairman Singapore MICE industry”. of the Organising Committee of namely hotels, venues, event Environmentally Sustainable China Association for Exhibition organisers, meeting planners, Tour East Group senior Meeting Standards. Adoption is Centers. Chen is now immediate transportation, F&B and audio- vice president for sales and voluntary. – Lee Pei Qi past-president.

8 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014

of TalktheTrade

TAIWAN 2013 Calendar

TAITRA zooms in on January 16-23 ATF congresses, incentives Sarawak, Malaysia By Karen Yue February 18-19 AIME Taiwan External Trade Development Meet Taiwan will continue to provide Melbourne, Australia Council’s (TAITRA) Meet Taiwan project support such as the provision of official will continue to invest in marketing com- invites to facilitate travel visa approvals and munications with industry players to grow destination marketing assistance to local GLOBAL the destination’s MICE business in the city governments. new year, with international association “Although China is today a big market Kuoni partners congresses and corporate incentives be- for Taiwan’s incentive segment, contribut- ing the key segments of focus. ing 90 per cent of the 100 incentive groups Crescentrating Speaking to TTGmice in an interview, we welcomed this year, we will continue to to woo Muslim Walter Yeh, TAITRA executive vice presi- court South-east Asian and other North dent, said Meet Taiwan’s efforts will centre Asian markets such as Malaysia and Ja- MICE groups on building an extensive database of rotat- pan. We will conduct several familiarisation Kuoni Group Travel Experts ing congresses for industry players and trips for event houses and end-user clients and Crescentrating, which pro- providing assistance to incentive buyers. in these markets,” he added. motes Muslim travel through “Data on rotating congresses is crucial According to Yeh, the 100 incentive its rating system, have an- nounced a global partnership for bidding success and we have been groups to Taiwan involved almost 40,000 in which the former will mar- analysing ICCA’s database for market intel- delegates. He aims to attract 150 incentive ket halal-friendly group travel ligence. These information will be shared groups in 2014. arrangements and packages for with PCOs to help them identify events “Taiwan can offer plenty of creative Muslim families, leisure and they can bid for and boost their bidding activities and ideas for corporate events, MICE groups. success rate,” said Yeh. such as surfing and mountain climbing to Kuoni and Crescentrating To grow Taiwan’s incentive business, bond teams,” he said. will launch their first bro- chure in Asia next month, and will co-develop new group travel products and enhanced THAILAND travel booking and manage- ment services for the market. Royal Wing Pattaya refreshes luxury suites Indonesia, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh have the largest Muslim populations, according to the Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project. Reto Kaufmann, Kuoni Group Travel Experts head of MICE sales Asia, said: “Last year, we saw room nights booked by group travellers from these four countries rise, particularly Indonesia and India which enjoyed double- The Royal Wing Suites and Spa in Pattaya officially reopened late November. As part of a digit increases, while Bangla- massive makeover that saw the hotel transform its entrance, lobby, pool and suites as well as desh quadrupled. install high-tech touches throughout the property, the Presidential Platinum Suite (above) now “More and more of Asia’s features two bedrooms, generous living spaces, a new Jacuzzi in the main bathroom, a bar in businesses…have large the living room and a home office space. Both this and the three-bedroom Presidential Herit- numbers of Muslim delegates age Suite come with their own Thai-style Presidential Salas, which boast brand-new Jacuzzis. with specific halal or religious requirements.”

10 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 COVER STORY

2013By Raini Hamdi, Xinyi Liang-Polsena, Lee Pei Qi, Their best bet Mimi Hudoyo, S. Puvaneswary, Prudence Lui, Rosa Ocampo, Where MICE players put their biggest Marianne Carandang, Shekhar Niyogi, Rohit Kaul, Feizal dollars in 2013 and did it pay off Samath, David Andrews and Greg Lowe page12

COVER STORY COVER STORY

ChambersChamb Westgarth, Brisbane, Australia At IT&CMA this year, what caught my eye A great wish... Their best bet wwas TCEB Connect. It had an incentive cconnected with its promotion. It gave Just the product we Abhimanya Chettri Be it an investment in SOCIAL MEDIA by increasing staff strength from two to delegates a chance to win luggage, cos- “Since last year, we’ve become more ac- six people as Borneo is growing for the metic bags and an iPAD. Its booth was Manager, Robert Bosch Engineering social media, new hires, tive on social media networks. Potential European inbound market for leisure and also also bright and eye-catching. and Business Solutions, India clients always look online for informa- MICE, partly due to its nature, culture and market diversification or tion, plus we can upload photos of our heritage. Sabah and Sarawak also have The visa application process is always a nnight-ight- activities and portfolio on these sites. good five star properties to attract meeting Mandar Gokhale mare for Indians especially because a lotot of time office expansion, Asian is spent on waiting. For corporate MICEE ggroups,roups, In fact, an Australian company recently and incentive delegates.” – Fabio Delisi, Group manager - Corprate Travel, we travel in huge numbers and if one oorr two inbound MICE players contacted us via LinkedIn to organise an group CEO, Synergy Tours Malaysia Mumbai, India need event for a MICE group, even though we do not get their visa in time it means thehe whole group has to change their destination. I wiswishh have not kept still. They have not met before. Our revenue grew 60 ASEAN MARKET Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel sticks out favourably. I was there can be a special process created foror us per cent from last year. We are surprised “We’ve been focusing on the European impressed with the representative. She did her homework by tell TTGmice where they – perhaps a corporate visa programme so at the good performance (through this market, which is stable, but have started studying our company background before our meeting. She was we do not have to apply for each indi- strategy).” – Bobby Kim, chief marketing to grow MICE business from the ASEAN aware of what I was seeking; she explained the property in great put their biggest dollars market. We are getting more enquiries vidual. This should speed things up. officer, Jane Tour & DMC, South Korea detail. When we bring future business to Kuala Lumpur, I will from Indonesia, and from Asian MICE and whether it’s paid off definitely work with her. RIGHT HIRE groups interested in half-day tours after “MICE2CHINA was a set up in early 2012 their conferences in South Korea. Previ- The product that caught the eye of as a new division of Century Holiday ously we were looking at only the Austral- International Travel Service. We started ian market.” – Mi Nong Lee, operation hiring regional talent to cultivate a global director, Holiday Planners, South Korea image for the company and show that China is not just a producer of cheap CHASING MICE goods but a great MICE destination. We “We expanded our Guangzhou office this Clockwise from top left: The visual landscape of The Penang Waterfront Convention Centre project; TCEB Connect booth; Mataking Island Sabah; Organic Farm Tour, corporates in 2013 have been successful with India, Singa- year, which was previously just a call The best fam trip Sampran Riverside elephant welcome pore and Malaysia. We will soon broaden centre. Having launched in March 2012 a our marketing efforts to Australia and new corporate travel department, we also Eastern Europe, especially Poland.” – Burt started the FIT and MICE departments in How to do a fam trip that Ayodele Oluwole Eva Klejmova Sim, sales director, MICE2CHINA, China January 2013. We are expecting a good Oyeneyin Director, J&T Concierge, outlook for MICE business to China in the has buyers swooning and CEO and MD of Trade Prague, Czech Republic MORE SYNERGY coming year.” – Lisa Chau, assistant gen- Global Marketing Tours, Hey, that’s interesting “We strengthened our office in Kota eral manager, tour department, Guang- featuring the product the Pretoria, South Africa The best fam trip I had Kinabalu, known as Synergy Borneo, zhou Anlu Travel Service (a subsidiary this year was to Thailand, next day? International ganic farming to local farmers. It caught page15 of Lotus Tours Hong Kong) It was to Laos early this year where I ex- Laos and Cambodia. I organised it myself Corporates tell TTGmice Arpita Bhose my eye as we have a group of students perienced first-hand the destination which in early 2013 and got the hotels to host my Account manager, Kenes Asia, Singapore buyers spill the beans on going to Thailand for two weeks next DIVERSIFICATION is so rich in culture and heritage. The stay. This was the first time I went to these what product or service year and we might be able to work out a “We diversified our focus from Japanese which fam trip wowed weather and terrain is so different from destinations and my intention was to see I currently have my eye on the Penang caught their eye this year programme for the students where they travellers to include the global market South Africa. the products first-hand so I could tailor Waterfront Convention Centre, which can volunteer their time and get involved now. Therefore this year we partici- them this year luxury tours for clients and design incen- and why is going to open in 2017. We often rotate As a result of the fam trip, I was able to with the local community. pated in more MICE tradeshows, such promote Laos to travellers from my coun- tive programmes in these destinations. It our annual congresses around Asia and try as IT&CM China and IT&CMA, to build try and the first group departure to Laos was a successful trip as I made many new to keep up with the different convention Barry Muk Bobby Kim Burt Sim Fabio Delisi up our branding. This year’s IT&CMA was in November 2013. contacts and can now tell my clients of my centres so we can give everyone a new experience. If we look at Malaysia, it is Jane Tan also marked the first time JTB (Macau) own experience in these destinations. This Karen Leemon (left); Director, Enterprise Promotion Centres, Travel took a separate booth from the JTB will make it easier to sell these destina- Jane Tan usually Kuala Lumpur, so now it is good that we can look at another city. This new Singapore (Use a nice pic of Sabah, you brand.” – Barry Muk, manager-purchas- Lisa Chau tions. ing & hotel reservations, JTB (Macau) centre looks grand and promising and we have?) Assistant general manager Travel are really excited about it. - tour department, Guang- I was surprised to find out how interest- zhou Anlu Travel Service, Gerrit Chng- STAYING RESILIENT ing Sabah is as an incentive destination a subsidiary of Lotus Tours Luechau at IT&CMA this year. Besides being near James Reed João Santos Cary Chiu Marisa Nallana “2013 has certainly been a challenging Karen Leemon year. Visitor numbers to Hong Kong are Hong Kong Director of sales, Orange Campus Administration Officer, School of Singapore, it offers plenty of natural well up, but not from our markets. More Three, Singapore Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, attractions and post-trip options, plus emphasis needs to be placed on attracting I went to Spain and participated in the Deakin University Australia many golf resorts that could be ideal ven- visitors from anywhere other than main- tomato festival. We painted the town red It was to Phuket to visit ues for business travellers to do their dis- because everyone was throwing tomatoes The Surin after its renovations were com- The Sampran Riverside in Thailand cussions. With a stronger understanding The best fam trip land China. Anyone listening? at each other as part of the celebration. caught my eye. At IT&CMA this year, it of what Sabah has to offer, I’ll definitely pleted. The fam trip was well-planned a Adding to the problem is the greed of i s ys y

This something not possible in any other ay a made its booth look authentically Thai. consider it as an incentive destination in landlords here. Ours put the rent up 100 and executed. We were shown not just laysia lay la l alaysia alay al a

country in the world. Asians will definitely Malaysia Malaysi Ma M The property is involved in promoting or- future.” Megumi Minabe Mi Nong Lee Michael L P Lee Susilowani Daud per cent, which means a move in April to the rooms but also activities that could be m Malaysia Malaysi Malays M like it as it is so fun, so I will consider done there such as cooking classes and sm M s M

bringing groups there next year. Malaysia Tourism TTGmice 12 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 Laos (above Tat Luang) made an impression off-site dining venues nearby. Phuket as December 2013/January 2014 15 16 International buyers spill the beans on which fam trip wowed them this year COVER STORY page16 Reporters’ notebook All the best intentions

TTGmice Raini Hamdi a popular South-east Asian Centre with a haunting accom- It’s never too late to have Senior editor MICE destination) even teased paniment to John Farnham’s “I SHALL in 2014 move heaven and journalists share BEST My best MICE interview a new initiative in the invite You’re The Voice, I knew right a new resolution as the this year was with Pansy Ho, but there must have been away that this experience earth to bring the SITE International their best and managing director, Shun Tak some miscommunication as, would make it to my Best ex- new year dawns upon Conference 2015 to India. Get a new worst MICE event, Holdings, a company which when I asked about it, the CVB perience in this year-end issue. us. Here’s a peek into the office near my home, so I can get has stakes in all corners in representative who was giving And yes, I am more convinced encounter or Macau – TurboJet, Macau the briefing looked puzzled. than ever that Melbourne is minds of mice leaders in to the office before lunch, and save International Airport, Air No wonder most of the time, one hot, exciting destination. If myself the trauma of sitting in traffic interview this year the attendance at these media you want to know, the stellar the region on what they Macau, Macau Tower, OneCen- for three hours every day. “I SHALL focus on tral (mixed-used residential, briefings was poor. entertainment was produced ‘shall’ and ‘shall not’ do serviced apartments and the Briefings for buyers are al- by Australian company, Peter “I SHALL not in 2014, unlike Uncle niches hitherto un- Mandarin Oriental Macau), the ready being held at the stands Jones Special Events. in 2014 Sam, allow the SITE India Chapter to tapped in the incen- Cotai Strip, to name some. I to update them on the destina- WORST I attended a trade- love it that she was powerful tion, product, etc. Why not show and post-show fam for fall off the fiscal cliff.” tive segment.” yet accessible. Delegates were invite media members to join business event buyers in a – Anup Nair, president, SITE India Chapter – Vipula Wanigasekera, in these briefings if they are North Asian country, but host- All the best intentions swimming to exchange cards and managing director, Incentive Destinations, General Manager, Sri with her after her panel during keen to learn more? Save the ed journalists were given less Delhi NCR (pic attached) Lanka Conventions Bureau From left, press conference/media brief- than three hours for interviews Raini Hamdi, the PATA Annual Summit in Gracia Chiang Bangkok and she patiently ing for when you really have and research at the tradeshow and Karen Yue talked to each of them. When something to announce and I before being whisked off on my turn came, I asked if I promise you’ll have a roomful a city tour. Fam tours are fun “I SHALL NOT stop serving could interview her in private of journalists. but not as essential as hitting the society even after my the show floor to talk to trade at the Centara lounge;g she said term ends in February 2014. ookaykay but she had ononlyl half an Karen Yue buyers and sellers for news A peek into the minds of TTGmice hour as she’s flyingfly back Group editor and market trends, and I hope I SHALL strive to make the ttoo HonHongg Kong.Kong I made BEST Event planners should CVBs will bear this in mind 61st Les Clefs D’or UICH know that the choice of event when planning programmes “I SHALL endeavour to hherer promise tto be International Congress to there – she wasw there entertainment could make or for trade media. promote tourism without break the whole experience be held in Kuala Lumpur in fivefive minutesminutes before endangering the environ- mme,e, and shshee gave a and influence guests’ impres- Gracia Chiang January 2014 a memorable sion of the organiser, yet I’ve Deputy group editor ment.” leaders in the region on what they frank intervinterview that event which will be the talk reflected her pas- been made to sit through some BEST I thought this year’s – Rumy Jauffer, managing direc- sion fforo building very bland ones. Fortunately, TravelRave Leaders Gala was a tor, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion of all delegates.” MMacauacau up as I have only great things to well-executed effort by the Sin- Authority – Ragu Kumarasamy, President, anan attractiveat say about the welcome lunch gapore Tourism Board (STB). Society of the Golden Keys Malay- for delegates at AIME 2013. Held at Gardens by the Bay, destinationdesti in sia “I SHALL ensure we make its oown right The main act that came it not only offered a platform ‘shall’ and ‘shall not’ do in 2014 andand gateway on mid-way through lunch to mingle with the region’s full use of more web-based toto greatergr rocked almost everyone like who’s who, but showcased tools, like our new website and China.Chin a hurricane. A quartet of two the country’s event capabili- “I SHALL NOT be judgmental of anyone who cannot book WORSTWO ladies and two men, dressed ties amid a verdant setting. I social media, to create greater MediaMed brief- most formally, emerged with liked that the night’s F&B was events. awareness and reach more ings at IMEX. a stunning performance of the orchestrated by pop-up restau- clients. I stillsti don’t famous aria, Nessun Dorma. rant Gastrogig, which rounded “I SHALL not lie about my age when asked. uunderstandnd Suddenly, the elegant act gave up an unconventional culinary “I SHALL optimise my client contacts and make my work “I SHALL not let Taiwan lose wwhyhy some way to a medley of rock hits collective, from a gourmet food page19 out to other countries in Asia such as Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet truck-cum-social enterprise to work for the nation. CCVBsVB or MICE because we are one of the most ccompaniesomp child of mine and Queen’s We edible gardens. This wasn’t all. “I SHALL strive to inject more fun in events we plan, organ- (you know will rock you and Bohemian On the way out, I met a help- hospitable cities that can do ise and host. wwhoho you are) Rhapsody, which the quartet ful STB representative at the well in hosting any traveller in book a media performed with equal flair. taxi stand, who told me she “I SHALL share my visions and tricks of the trade with my briefing room if When the City of Melbourne was in charge of booking cabs the world.” ththeyey hhaveave noth- Highland Pipe band marched for delegates as transport out fellow organisers.” – Lily Su, manager, Taiwan External iningg new tot brief. into the ballroom at Melbourne of the park was anticipated to – Chicoy Enerio, COO, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippines Trade Development Council One (let’s just say Convention and Exhibition be a problem. Good service is 222 TTGTT mice December 2013/January 2014 December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 19 Reporters’ notebook Our best and worst MICE editorial encounter of the year page22

December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 11 COVER STORY Their best bet Be it an investment in SOCIAL MEDIA by increasing staff strength from two to “Since last year, we’ve become more ac- six people as Borneo is growing for the social media, new hires, tive on social media networks. Potential European inbound market for leisure and clients always look online for informa- MICE, partly due to its nature, culture and market diversification or tion, plus we can upload photos of our heritage. Sabah and Sarawak also have activities and portfolio on these sites. good five star properties to attract meeting office expansion, Asian In fact, an Australian company recently and incentive delegates.” – Fabio Delisi, inbound MICE players contacted us via LinkedIn to organise an group CEO, Synergy Tours Malaysia event for a MICE group, even though we have not kept still. They have not met before. Our revenue grew 60 ASEAN MARKET per cent from last year. We are surprised “We’ve been focusing on the European tell TTGmice where they at the good performance (through this market, which is stable, but have started put their biggest dollars strategy).” – Bobby Kim, chief marketing to grow MICE business from the ASEAN officer, Jane Tour & DMC, South Korea market. We are getting more enquiries and whether it’s paid off from Indonesia, and from Asian MICE RIGHT HIRE groups interested in half-day tours after “MICE2CHINA was a set up in early 2012 their conferences in South Korea. Previ- as a new division of Century Holiday ously we were looking at only the Austral- International Travel Service. We started ian market.” – Mi Nong Lee, operation hiring regional talent to cultivate a global director, Holiday Planners, South Korea image for the company and show that China is not just a producer of cheap CHASING MICE goods but a great MICE destination. We “We expanded our Guangzhou office this have been successful with India, Singa- year, which was previously just a call pore and Malaysia. We will soon broaden centre. Having launched in March 2012 a our marketing efforts to Australia and new corporate travel department, we also Eastern Europe, especially Poland.” – Burt started the FIT and MICE departments in Sim, sales director, MICE2CHINA, China January 2013. We are expecting a good outlook for MICE business to China in the MORE SYNERGY coming year.” – Lisa Chau, assistant gen- “We strengthened our office in Kota eral manager, tour department, Guang- Kinabalu, known as Synergy Borneo, zhou Anlu Travel Service (a subsidiary of Lotus Tours Hong Kong)

DIVERSIFICATION “We diversified our focus from Japanese travellers to include the global market now. Therefore this year we partici- pated in more MICE tradeshows, such as IT&CM China and IT&CMA, to build Barry Muk Bobby Kim Burt Sim Fabio Delisi up our branding. This year’s IT&CMA also marked the first time JTB (Macau) Travel took a separate booth from the JTB brand.” – Barry Muk, manager-purchas- ing & hotel reservations, JTB (Macau) Travel

STAYING RESILIENT James Reed João Santos Cary Chiu Marisa Nallana “2013 has certainly been a challenging year. Visitor numbers to Hong Kong are well up, but not from our markets. More emphasis needs to be placed on attracting visitors from anywhere other than main- land China. Anyone listening? Adding to the problem is the greed of landlords here. Ours put the rent up 100 Megumi Minabe Mi Nong Lee Michael L P Lee Susilowani Daud per cent, which means a move in April to

12 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014

COVER STORY

smaller and far less expensive premises. rates on the database quickly, paving for festival marketing. Philippine Exhibit and We cut back on tradeshows but at- easier communication and rate negotiation Themeparks Corp is the only company tended the new Meetings Show in London with the hotels. Previously, we used to that supports and promotes our local in July, which produced excellent results. do it manually via an Excel file, but now governments in the national marketing of We also spent the quieter time sourcing we just need to log on to the website. The their festivals. Through this effort, local and developing new local tours which simplified process has helped us to save governments become known, their culture have proven popular with our clients. time and improve efficiency.” – Mervyn appreciated, while national advertisers Things seem to be on the up and up Tan, assistant manager - purchasing, recognise that festival marketing is major though, with quite a few new enquir- Robert Bosch (Malaysia) tool for brand campaigns.” – Marisa Nal- ies coming in for next year. So roll on lana, president, Philippine Exhibit and 2014!” – Jenny May, managing director, BOOKING ENGINE Themeparks Corp The Destination Management Company “We invested in a B2B and B2C Internet Hong Kong booking engine which we launched in eDA October 2013. Through this system, the “A key investment for Destination Asia in NEW PARTNER general public and our partners can buy 2013 was eDA, an online booking engine. “Since representing and partnering Pacific inbound tours to Brunei and hotel rooms A single PNR enables the user to input a World in South Korea from November in Brunei and other destinations. The login code and gain access to all of Desti- 2012, we’ve seen a 15 per cent increase in booking engine has made operations more nation Asia’s products and services across MICE business to-date (October), most of efficient as it operates 24/7, and allows the countries we operate in. The system it being incentives from pharmaceutical instant confirmation of bookings upon submits one currency for all booked des- and IT companies from Europe and South successful online transactions. We hope tinations with the transaction processed America. In 2014 and 2015, we’re expect- this system will attract more business and through one bank account.” – James ing even better results.” – Mina Oh, depu- leisure travellers from Australia and Lon- Reed, CEO/group managing director, ty general manager, Europe & American don who already have a culture of book- Destination Asia, Thailand team, Kim’s Travel, South Korea ing online.” – Michael L P Lee, managing director, Freme Travel Services, Brunei TECHNOLOGY SNOW INCENTIVES “The most significant investment we made “We started new snow-shovelling activities IMEX AMERICAS, BUT… this year was technology. We installed a as part of our corporate social responsibil- “We exhibited in IMEX Americas in Las new MICE administration system, which ity efforts, which are popular with cor- Vegas in October. It’s our first time as we streamlines areas such as registration and porates. This is a happy activity because would like to test the water since the US payment, making them more transparent delegates get the chance to mingle closely market, especially incentives, has been and accountable. with the local residents in the neighbour- so quiet. I also leveraged on this trip by Apart from the government events, we hood as they help to shovel the snow in joining a Hong Kong-based hotel chain handle many association meetings and their driveways. Not only do they get a to explore more business opportunities. I conferences. We usually share profits with chance to do something for the commu- ended up spending three weeks in the US. the associations. This new system will al- nity, they also have fun at the same time.” But we won’t spend more on this low both Pacto Convex internally and our – Megumi Minabe, meeting planner, market given its sluggishness. Overall, association clients to access the process DMC Sapporo, Japan the MICE market has been very quiet in and see, for example, the amount of the Hong Kong and overseas this year.” – Cary total profit. NEW TEAMBUILDING OFFER Chiu, general manager, PC Tours and The system is on trial now and we “SmallWORLD Experience, our sister Travel, Hong Kong expect to officially launch it in early 2014.” company, launched a new teambuild- – Susilowani Daud, president director, ing programme, Wine Making Academy, NEW DESTINATION Pacto Convex, Indonesia which was developed with a wine partner The biggest investment Global Conference in Spain but adapted for Macau. This Management Group made this year was PEOPLE activity requires small groups to work marketing a new destination, Hong Kong, “Our major investment this year has been together to blend a new wine from five to corporates in Chennai, using an innova- in staff. There is a constant need for fresh mono grapes, create a label and develop tive tourism quiz based on a new wine. blood to keep new ideas flowing and we a presentation, followed by blind tasting We tied up with Meetings & Exhibitions can always learn a lot from the younger and scoring by judges. Since launching Hong Kong and Air India. Some 120 teams generation. We find the best people, train this programme in May 2013, it has been – the who’s who of corporates in Chen- them and learn from them. steadily gaining popularity among clients nai – participated in the quiz. We hope to As a business we also need to become and we have seen more requests over the build the event up as a pan-India event more connected and ensure we have a last two months.” – João Santos, events from next year. The event evoked interest strategy for using new communication assistant, DOC DMC Macau in Hong Kong as a new destination among tools and media. Bringing in new, highly corporates.”– M. K. Ajit Kumar, president engaged staff who are willing to learn RATE FINDER and CEO, Global Conference Manage- but can also share their knowledge and “We introduced a new third-party software ment Group, Chennai, India skills for these newer technologies is key tool, RateFinding.com, in all our Asia-Pa- to this.” – Chariya Sudasna, director cific offices. This hotel procurement portal FESTIVAL MARKETING of Creative Destination Management has enabled us to access and check room “An area we significantly invested in was Thailand

14 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 João Santos João Santos Clockwise from top left: Key stakeholders admire the visual landscape of The Penang Waterfront Convention Centre project; TCEB Connect booth at this year’s IT&CMA; Mataking Island Sabah; a trumpeting welcome at Sampran Riverside Bangkok Just the product we need Corporates tell TTGmice Arpita Bhose my eye as we have a group of students Account manager, Kenes Asia, Singapore going to Thailand for two weeks next what product or service year and we might be able to work out a I currently have my eye on the Penang programme for the students where they caught their eye this year Waterfront Convention Centre, which can volunteer their time and get involved and why is going to open in 2017. We often rotate with the local community. our annual congresses around Asia and try to keep up with the different convention centres so we can give everyone a new Jane Tan Leemon (left) is keen experience. When we look at Malaysia, Director, Enterprise Promotion Centres, on Sampran Riverside Singapore while Sabah does it it’s usually just Kuala Lumpur. This new for Tan centre looks grand and promising and we are really excited about it. I was surprised to find out how interest- ing Sabah is as an incentive destination. Besides being close to Singapore, it offers Karen Leemon plenty of natural attractions and post-trip Campus administration officer, School of options, plus many golf resorts that could Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, be ideal venues for business travellers. Deakin University Australia With a stronger understanding of what Sabah has to offer, I’ll definitely consider The Sampran Riverside in Thailand it as an incentive destination in future. caught my eye. At IT&CMA this year, it made its booth look authentically Thai. a i sia si s ysia ysiy ys a The property is involved in promoting Stephani McKay la l ala al a

Mala Mal Ma M organic farming to local farmers. It caught Travel team leader administration, Corrs m sm s

Tourism Malaysia Tourism December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 15 COVER STORY

ChambersChamb Westgarth, Brisbane, Australia AAtt IT&CMA this year, what caught my eye A great wish... wasw TCEB Connect. It had an incentive connectedc with its promotion. It gave delegates a chance to win luggage, cos- Abhimanya Chettri metic bags and an iPAD. Its booth was Manager, Robert Bosch Engineering also also bright and eye-catching. and Business Solutions, India The visa application process is always a night-night- Mandar Gokhale mare for Indians especially because a lotot of time is spent on waiting. For corporate MICEE groups, Group manager - Corprate Travel, we travel in huge numbers and if one oror two Mumbai, India do not get their visa in time it means thehe whole group has to change their destination. I wish Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel sticks out favourably. I was there can be a special process created foror us impressed with the representative. She did her homework by – perhaps a corporate visa programme so studying our company background before our meeting. She was we do not have to apply for each indi- aware of what I was seeking; she explained the property in great vidual. This should speed things up. detail. When we bring future business to Kuala Lumpur, I will definitely work with her.

The best fam trip How to do a fam trip that Ayodele Oluwole Eva Klejmova Oyeneyin Director, J&T Concierge, has buyers swooning and CEO and MD of Trade Prague, Czech Republic Global Marketing Tours, featuring the product the Pretoria, South Africa The best fam trip I had next day? International this year was to Thailand, It was to Laos early this year where I ex- Laos and Cambodia. I organised it myself buyers spill the beans on perienced first-hand the destination which in early 2013 and got the hotels to host my is so rich in culture and heritage. The stay. This was the first time I went to these which fam trip wowed weather and terrain is so different from destinations and my intention was to see South Africa. the products first-hand so I could tailor them this year As a result of the fam trip, I was able to luxury tours for clients and design incen- promote Laos to travellers from my coun- tive programmes in these destinations. It try and the first group departure to Laos was a successful trip as I made many new was in November 2013. contacts and can now tell my clients of my own experience in these destinations. This will make it easier to sell these destina- Lisa Chau tions. Assistant general manager - tour department, Guang- zhou Anlu Travel Service, Gerrit Chng- a subsidiary of Lotus Tours Luechau Hong Kong Director of sales, Orange Three, Singapore I went to Spain and participated in the tomato festival. We painted the town red It was to Phuket to visit because everyone was throwing tomatoes The Surin after its renovations were com- at each other as part of the celebration. pleted. The fam trip was well-planned This something not possible in any other and executed. We were shown not just country in the world. Asians will definitely the rooms but also activities that could be like it as it is so fun, so I will consider done there such as cooking classes and Laos (above Tat Luang) made an impression bringing groups there next year. off-site dining venues nearby. Phuket as

16 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 Connections are everything

Qatar, February 16-19, 2014 By invitation only www.meltshow.com Essentially Desirable Desirably Essential

Organised by SerenEMC, part of CADS P&E Supporting Media Partner COVER STORY

a destination always sells. Recently we have had a number of enquiries from corporate clients to do incentives and confer- ences in Phuket.

Ravi Luthra Director, Landmark Tours & Travels (India)

I was brought to the Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani province in Thailand. It transported me to Mother Nature. We stayed in treehouses and were surrounded by wildlife. This will make a peaceful new location to host my clients.

Mauro Lazzari Business development manager, HTMS Interna- tional (Czech Republic)

I explored India’s Golden Triangle route re- cently and I especially like Jaipur the pink city. India is going to be my new destination for MICE. It is getting too normal to always visit Europe. The contrasting cultural experiences between Czech Republicans and Indians are going to be exciting. The famous Jaigarh fort in Jaipur and the surrounding vista

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18 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 All the best intentions

It’s never too late to have a new resolution as the “I SHALL in 2014 move heaven and earth to bring the SITE International new year dawns upon Conference 2015 to India. Get a new us. Here’s a peek into the office near my home, so I can get minds of MICE leaders in to the office before lunch, and save the region on what they myself the trauma of sitting in traffic for three hours every day. ‘shall’ and ‘shall not’ do “I SHALL focus on “I SHALL not in 2014, unlike Uncle niches hitherto un- in 2014 Sam, allow the SITE India Chapter to tapped in the incen- fall off the fiscal cliff.” tive segment.” – Anup Nair, president, SITE India Chapter – Vipula Wanigasekera, and managing director, Incentive Destinations, General manager, Sri Delhi NCR Lanka Conventions Bureau

“I SHALL NOT stop serving the society even after my term ends in February 2014. I SHALL strive to make the 61st Les Clefs D’or UICH “I SHALL endeavour to International Congress, to promote tourism without be held in Kuala Lumpur in endangering the environ- January 2014, a memorable ment.” event which will be the talk – Rumy Jauffer, managing direc- tor, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion of all delegates.” Authority – Ragu Kumarasamy, president, Society of the Golden Keys Malay- sia “I SHALL ensure we make full use of more web-based tools, like our new website and “I SHALL NOT be judgmental of anyone who cannot book social media, to create greater events. awareness and reach more “I SHALL not lie about my age when asked. clients. “I SHALL optimise my client contacts and make my work “I SHALL not let Taiwan lose work for the nation. out to other countries in Asia because we are one of the most “I SHALL strive to inject more fun in events we plan, organ- hospitable cities that can do ise and host. well in hosting any traveller in “I SHALL share my visions and tricks of the trade with my the world.” fellow organisers.” – Lily Su, manager, Taiwan External – Chicoy Enerio, COO, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippines Trade Development Council

December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 19 COVER STORY

“In 2014 I SHALL not spread “I SHALL choose the “In 2014, I SHALL work smartly myself thin. road less travelled and and closely with MICE stakehold- “I SHALL try to listen to what make a difference. ers to strengthen Indonesia’s posi- the younger generation is “I SHALL NOT live tion as a MICE destination. trying to say. They may have without passion – “I SHALL NOT surrender to chal- different opinions which I can life’s too short.” lenges and obstacles in every step learn to accept. – Arun Madhok, CEO, Sun- I make to reach my goals.” tec Singapore International – Indra Sukirno, executive director, Ja- Convention & Exhibition – Rizki Handayani, director of MICE and karta Convention & Exhibition Bureau Centre Special Interest Tourism Marketing, Min- istry of Tourism and Creative Economy , Indonesia “WE SHALL continue to collaborate closely with our “I SHALL bring in more industry partners and stake- business opportunities from holders to offer unique and quality buyers by making value-added experiences that our presence seen and heard cater well to the evolving better in tradeshows. needs of event organisers and “I SHALL NOT put too delegates. much hope on the China “WE SHALL NOT be com- market because right now placent with our achieve- the political situation is still ments. Instead, we will move quite unstable. But I will towards quality tourism by continue to attract them and understanding consumer improve our relationships needs better and strengthen- with all countries.” ing industry capabilities.” – Ryoji Maeshima, senior deputy – Neeta Lachmandas, assistant director, Fukuoka Convention & chief executive, Singapore Tourism Visitors Bureau Board

“I SHALL work closely “I SHALL NOT be complacent with what we have achieved and with all meeting planners address only what is obvious. and event organisers to “I SHALL not stop learning new skills or being genuinely interested bring in MICE events by in other people and what goes around me. ensuring their delegates “I SHALL not be afraid to ask the hard questions or make the have a highly memorable changes necessary to help my company and the Philippine MICE experience of Hong Kong. industry become more competitive. “I SHALL NOT forget “I SHALL create a better customer experience by listening to the how lucky I am to have client and walking in his shoes. the opportunity to pro- “I SHALL execute events with excellence and consistently strive for mote one of the greatest higher levels of productivity without sacrificing quality or content. MICE destinations in the “I SHALL foster and reward innovative thinking, and be socially world!” responsible.” – Kenneth Wong, general manager-MICE and Cruise, Hong – Maria Montserrat Iturralde Hamlin, president, Teamasia, and president, Philippine Kong Tourism Board Association of Convention/Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers

20 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014

COVER STORY Reporters’ notebook

TTGmice Raini Hamdi a popular South-east Asian Centre with a haunting accom- Senior editor MICE destination) even teased paniment to John Farnham’s journalists share BEST My best MICE interview a new initiative in the invite You’re The Voice, I knew right this year was with Pansy Ho, but there must have been away that this experience their best and managing director, Shun Tak some miscommunication as, would make it to my Best ex- worst MICE event, Holdings, a company which when I asked about it, the CVB perience in this year-end issue. has stakes in all corners in representative who was giving And yes, I am more convinced encounter or Macau – TurboJet, Macau the briefing looked puzzled. than ever that Melbourne is International Airport, Air No wonder most of the time, one hot, exciting destination. If interview this year Macau, Macau Tower, OneCen- the attendance at these media you want to know, the stellar tral (mixed-used residential, briefings was poor. entertainment was produced serviced apartments and the Briefings for buyers are al- by Australian company, Peter Mandarin Oriental Macau), the ready being held at the stands Jones Special Events. Cotai Strip, to name some. I to update them on the destina- WORST I attended a trade- love it that she was powerful tion, product, etc. Why not show and post-show fam for yet accessible. Delegates were invite media members to join business event buyers in a swimming to exchange cards in these briefings if they are North Asian country, but host- with her after her panel during keen to learn more? Save the ed journalists were given less From left, press conference/media brief- than three hours for interviews Raini Hamdi, the PATA Annual Summit in Gracia Chiang Bangkok and she patiently ing for when you really have and research at the tradeshow and Karen Yue talked to each of them. When something to announce and I before being whisked off on my turn came, I asked if I promise you’ll have a roomful a city tour. Fam tours are fun could interview her in private of journalists. but not as essential as hitting at the Centara lounge;g she said the show floor to talk to trade okayokay but she had oonlynl half an Karen Yue buyers and sellers for news hourhour as she’s flyflying back Group editor and market trends, and I hope to HongHong KoKong.ng I made BEST Event planners should CVBs will bear this in mind herher ppromiseromise tto be know that the choice of event when planning programmes therethere – sshehe wwas there entertainment could make or for trade media. fivefive minminutesutes before break the whole experience me, and sheshe gave a and influence guests’ impres- Gracia Chiang frankfrank ininterviewterv that sion of the organiser, yet I’ve Deputy group editor reflected her pas- been made to sit through some BEST I thought this year’s sion forfo building very bland ones. Fortunately, TravelRave Leaders Gala was a MacauMacau up as I have only great things to well-executed effort by the Sin- anan aattractivet say about the welcome lunch gapore Tourism Board (STB). destinationdesti in for delegates at AIME 2013. Held at Gardens by the Bay, its oown right The main act that came it not only offered a platform andand gateway on mid-way through lunch to mingle with the region’s toto ggreaterr rocked almost everyone like who’s who, but showcased China.Chin a hurricane. A quartet of two the country’s event capabili- WORSTWO ladies and two men, dressed ties amid a verdant setting. I MediaMed brief- most formally, emerged with liked that the night’s F&B was ingsings at IMEX. a stunning performance of the orchestrated by pop-up restau- I ststilli don’t famous aria, Nessun Dorma. rant Gastrogig, which rounded understandund Suddenly, the elegant act gave up an unconventional culinary whywhy some way to a medley of rock hits collective, from a gourmet food CVBsCVB or MICE such as Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet truck-cum-social enterprise to companiescomp child of mine and Queen’s We edible gardens. This wasn’t all. (you(you know will rock you and Bohemian On the way out, I met a help- wwhoho you are) Rhapsody, which the quartet ful STB representative at the book a media performed with equal flair. taxi stand, who told me she bbriefingriefing room if When the City of Melbourne was in charge of booking cabs ththeyey havhavee noth- Highland Pipe band marched for delegates as transport out iingng new tto brief. into the ballroom at Melbourne of the park was anticipated to One (l(let’set’s just say Convention and Exhibition be a problem. Good service is

222 TTGT mice December 2013/January 2014 by the opening of the fair. The ibility for those who did not minister did not come, there want it. was no press conference and the opening ceremony did not Greg Lowe start until 10.30. Such a waste correspondent-Thailand of time. BEST I loved chatting with Phoenix Voyages’ Jean Michel Romon about his calamitous S. Puvaneswary experiences as the official Editor-Malaysia ground agent for the World BEST Economic Forum in Naypyi- TTGmice, October issue, on taw, Myanmar. Women Deliver 2013: I loved It was the first major event the speed at which Kuala to be hosted in the country, Lumpur Convention Centre which has scant infrastruc- (KLCC) had accommodated ture for such events. For my request for an interview some 2,500-plus delegates, Top, Xinyi Liang-Polsena From top: S. Puvaneswary, Marianne with KLCC deputy general the 220-strong team arranged Below, Lee Pei Qi Carandang, Feizal Samath and Mimi manager, Alan Pryor, and ex- 5,000 roomnights across 22 Hudoyo ecutive chef, Richard Lim. hotels, more than 800 transfers They are both busy people, so and 14 charter flights. To en- always a winner. via Copenhagen instead. I am grateful they had time to sure attendees could get from WORST During a media/trade However, a technical glitch spare for this interview. I also A to B in the city, 146 cars and preview of an attraction in in my connecting Bangkok- have to thank the PR team at buses had to be transported Singapore, the experience was bound flight forced me to the centre for preparing notes from Yangon and Mandalay as interrupted midway by a tech- make a last-minute layover in in advance as this helped me Naypyitaw has a mere 11 pri- nical glitch. It was a good 10- the Danish capital. Interest- write the case study. vate taxis. Talk about herding 15 minutes of us buckled up in ingly, six other travel industry WORST An interview with cats. But as Romon said: “It our seats and listening to safety members on their way home a five-star international hotel was hard but worth it. Every- announcements ad nauseam post-ITB were also stranded, so brand to write about its recent one was proud to play a part, before anyone came to offer an we exchanged namecards and refurbishments and MICE busi- especially the Burmese.” explanation. Thankfully, we commiserated over our pre- ness. I was taken on a hotel WORST Conversations, net- managed to return to the faulty dicament, and the bad feelings inspection by the hotel GM working and meeting sources ride much later, although part quickly turned into a sense of and PR manager. Suddenly, the are the lifeblood of journalism. of it was cordoned off. I felt solidarity among us. PR manager informed the GM They are especially impor- embarrassed for the organisers. that the media representative tant when reporting on trade Plus, the last I heard the ride Mimi Hudoyo for his next appointment had events, where I previously might be pulled in less than Senior editor-Indonesia arrived, and ended the current assumed organisers deploy a two months. BEST The most interesting session so he could proceed simple formula for generating MICE event I went to this year with the next interview. as much coverage as possible: Xinyi Liang-Polsena was MG Holiday’s mega table I thought it was a rather A (delegates) + B (media) = Assistant editor top. The Indonesian major abrupt and rude ending. C (coverage). BEST I attended ITB Berlin hotel wholesaler organised Clearly this hotel needed to Some other logic was for the first time this year, its table top event outdoors at improve on its soft skills. clearly in play during Sep- and I was quite amazed to Jakarta’s famous theme park, tember’s Global Tourism see the world’s travel industry Ancol Dreamland. Sellers, Lee Pei Qi Economy Forum in Macau converge at a single albeit comprising hotels from all over Assistant editor-Singapore where organisers went out of sprawling venue. The show Indonesia, were scattered at BEST The impressive hospital- their way to separate journal- floor was buzzing, the weather different locations in the theme ity from the Taiwanese during ists from delegates, save for was pretty good (well, that park – under a tree, near a a familiarisation trip there. And pre-arranged interviews in the was before the snowstorm hit pool, on a rock formation with I am not just talking about the media centre. We were ac- a few days later in March) and the roller-coaster in the back- locals in the hosted facilities, commodated separately, dined working with my colleagues ground – so travel consultants but basically every one there separately, corralled to and with a glass of wine (this being must walk or even cycle to from the taxi driver to the guy from meals and events by the Europe, anyway) kept my spir- meet them. I thought this was selling street snacks. They liter- PR team (who were actually its up throughout the three-day unique and fun. ally welcomed me with open very nice people) and only event. WORST When I was invited to arms, making me feel right at had an hour-long after-event WORST The said snowstorm attend the opening of a travel home. gathering to rub shoulders wrecked havoc on my return fair. The invitation was for a WORST A hotel dinner func- with the travel trade’s great flight to Bangkok, as my con- press conference by the Min- tion which pre-determined and good, by which time necting flight to Frankfurt was ister of Tourism and Creative beef for the delegates – and most people seemed more cancelled and I was rerouted Economy at 09.00, followed there was little room for flex- concerned with hooking up

December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 23 COVER STORY

an intravenous supply of wine was no room to complain about work through the entire IBTM International Airport and Clark than being interviewed. And sparse seating in the media India event as it was buzzing! International Airport, with who could blame them? centre as there was no time to the discussions attempting to sit! My interview with the CEO Rohit Kaul visualise and quantify the ben- David Andrews of Qatar Airways was arranged Correspondent-India efits of this vision. I see this Correspondent-Indochina efficiently. The exhibitor booths BEST The best conference as a major step in addressing WORST For me Laos is a were buzzing with activity and I attended this year was the connectivity to Manila and the place I always feel relaxed in were well manned so one got Global Spa & Wellness Summit rest of the country. I hope it is and at peace, that was until I the opportunity to speak to at in Gurgaon from October 5-7. It finally decided and the money embarked on a two-day fam least one person during any un- was well-organised with 30-plus committed for a real airport cruise along the Mekong a few scheduled visit. The Dubai and high-profile keynote addresses. solution. months ago. Setting off from The speakers ranged from dip- WORST I don’t have any real Huay Xai we cruised upriver to lomats to medical professionals, negative experiences to report Pakbeng, staying in a tradi- each presenting a different view this year, but I’d like to put tional wooden lodge. I know on wellness. However, the best forth a wish. The Philippines observing the wildlife is part of talk was by spiritual leader and is gaining traction as a genuine the experience, but when the Nobel Prize winner, the Dalai MICE option within South-east wildlife is staying in your room Lama, who spoke extensively Asia with the quick rise of new at night, I get a little edgy. on how inner peace can lead to hotels and convention centres. To me it sounded like a bat true well being. I wish our MICE venues roosting on top of our cabin, I wish I had got some news and organisers would share and for some reason I was leads too, which unfortunately more stories highlighting the convinced it was going to try I didn’t. creativity and expertise of our and land on me. It didn’t help WORST My worst interview event planners in transform- that previous guests told of a this year was with the Joint ing existing MICE venues and story of a snake. As I lay there, Secretary of Tourism, Anand destinations into memorable sheet pulled up under my chin, Kumar. The exclusive interview experiences. I began to nod off. With a yelp in the beginning of the year I bolted upright with what turned out to be a damp squib. Feizal Samath felt like a claw attached to my Even though I waited for three Correspondent-Sri Lanka face. A giant locust about four hours at the ministry’s office for BEST A medical congress with inches long had landed directly the interview, the senior diplo- doctors from Asia, including on my face. mat was not keen to answer my Sri Lanka, Australia and New questions, only divulging infor- Zealand. Initial speeches being Prudence Lui mation which I already had. over, it was time to present Correspondent-Hong Kong honorary fellowships – the BEST The first MICE cruise Rosa Ocampo names being announced, the seminar in town hosted by Correspondent-Philippines citations read by a colleague Lotus Tours on Marina of the From top left, Greg Lowe, Rosa BEST and the ‘potential’ Fellow pre- Seas opened up a new perspec- Ocampo, David Andrews, Prudence Lui, Last October when we wanted sent before the eminent gather- Rohit Kaul and Shekhar Niyogi tive on what corporate/event to find out the impact of the ing. The fourth name was read planners can do at sea. 7.2-magnitude earthquake on out, the recipient stood up, WORST Abu Dhabi NTOs were helpful MICE in Cebu and Bohol, tour- and there followed an awk- The first media visit to Kai Tak in disseminating detailed in- ism secretary Ramon Jimenez, ward silence. The doctor who Cruise Terminal, as it was not formation for my Middle East Jr. replied fast and quick to all was supposed to present his fully completed with water destination reports. our SMS. colleague was absent. leakage problems due to a WORST The maiden venture WORST We have the email Five minutes passed,then strong typhoon. of IBTM India was a success addresses and mobile phone the head of the Sri Lanka Col- with its one-on-one meeting number of the Department of lege of Surgeons, without miss- Shekhar Niyogi format. As Hosted Media I was Tourism office in Cebu. But un- ing a beat, stepped down from Senior correspondent-India offered two nights’ accom- like the tourism secretary, the stage, whispered a few BEST The Arabian Travel modation for a three-day event the Cebu office never replied words to an eminent colleague Market in Dubai, which I was and no airport-hotel transfers. to our emails, SMS and phone and went back to his seat on covering for both TTGmice On the final day, one had to calls before and after the earth- the stage. A few moments, the and TTG Asia. The media check out in the middle of quake. eminent surgeon presented conferences and briefings were the day’s proceedings and his colleague, with no paper spaced well with plenty of leave before all the sessions Marianne Carandang or speech in hand, totally im- prior information handed out were over to catch my flight. Correspondent-Philippines promptu, and the ceremonial at the media centre that was One expects an international BEST Attending the Clark Avia- inauguration of the conference located in the hub of activity event to make it convenient tion Conference in February. continued. It was a lesson in – not tucked away in a corner for hosted delegates. I hope it The focus was on the twin air- how not to get flustered when as in many other events. There will next year. I would want to port concept for Ninoy Aquino faced with a minor ‘crisis’.

24 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 THAILAND

baht in revenue. Europe sent 83,772 Bangna Convention Centre in Bangkok offers the pillarless Ratchaphruek delegates to Thailand during the first-half Ballroom and one of the largest banquet kitchens in Thailand to generate 7.2 billion baht, followed by the US with 43,165 MICE travellers to post a revenue of 3.7 billion baht. While the Thai MICE industry per- formed well in 2013, it suffered a blow in June when the Paris-based Bureau of International Expositions rejected the kingdom’s bid to hold the 2020 World Expo in Ayutthaya citing a lack of govern- ment support for the project. Senior industry figures blamed political wrangling for the failure – the process was initiated under the previous Demo- crat-led government but received luke- warm reception under the current Pheu Thai administration – which tarnished the country’s image as a major interna- tional event destination, although the industry was unlikely to suffer financially from losing the bid. Thailand met another setback the same month when local protests scup- pered plans to host the F1 night race in Bangkok’s historic centre from 2014. On the upside, there were a number of infrastructure developments across the country. The long-awaited Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibi- tion Centre held its inaugural event in May 2013 with the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit. The venue is currently host- ing smaller events and seminars butAustralia it will likely take some more months until the ICT systems and additional facilities needed for large-scale conventions and Asian markets exhibitions to come online. Following a 40 million baht renova- tion, Bangna Convention Centre reopened in Bangkok in July under Oakwood’s roar ahead management, featuring the 1,000-pax pillarless Ratchaphruek Ballroom as its Despite recent event bid losses, Thailand’s MICE main event venue. August saw IMPACT Exhibition sector soars on rising regional arrivals. By Greg Lowe Management’s launch of the 80-year-old Grand Postal Building in the heart of the capital to offer a historic venue with hailand’s MICE industry posted enue of 88 billion baht this financial year. 3,000m2 of event space with a capacity of solid growth in the first three International conventions were the key close to 600 pax. quarters of the financial year, contributor during the period, accounting Having seen an upswing in quot- rising 12 per cent on the back for 223,463 delegates, or 29.9 per cent of ing acitivities from clients, local MICE of strong Asian arrivals and a all MICE travellers, and a revenue of 22.1 specialists have predicted a strong close Trecovery in Europe and the US, based on billion baht. Incentives drew 196,088 trav- to business for 2013, but a consistent figures from Thailand Conventions and ellers (26.3 per cent), generating 12.5 bil- downward pressure on costs continues to Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). lion baht, followed by meetings (174,701 pose challenges to the industry. Having attracted 747,072 foreign MICE delegates, 18.2 billion baht) and interna- Furthermore, one commonly reported visitors to Thailand from October 2012 to tional exhibitions (152,820 delegates, 11.5 downside of growing business from Asia June 2013 to generate a revenue of 64.3 billion baht). is regional clients’ penchant for increas- billion baht (US$2 billion), this positive Asia was the key feeder market, ac- ingly short lead times for event and performance left TCEB confident of reach- counting for 72.7 per cent of MICE travel- incentive bookings – typically as short as ing its target of 940,000 delegates and rev- lers (543,016 delegates) and 46.8 billion anything from two to six weeks.

December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 25 THAILAND Pattaya catches MICE wave By Greg Lowe

MICE business is on the rise in Pattaya has been good, not only from overseas. “MICE business fuelled by domestic and international The local conference market has devel- demand, however, the lack of large-scale oped especially well. The city has big for Pattaya has venues is limiting the city’s competitive- potential due to its proximity to Bangkok been good...The ness in the face of growing competition and the Eastern Seaboard’s industrial within the country, according to industry parks,” he said. local confer- experts. “New opportunities are coming from ence market Pattaya is currently Thailand’s second markets like Russia, which is normally has developed top MICE city, according to Thailand just holidaymakers, plus China, which Convention and Exhibition Bureau is developing its own (outbound) MICE especially well. The city has big (TCEB). Recent growth in the local industry with Pattaya as one of the potential due to its proximity to sector has come from within Thailand, favourite destinations.” Bangkok and the Eastern Sea- while maturing leisure source markets New hotels are constantly rolling are creating new opportunities for the out in Pattaya, which has up to 70,000 board’s industrial parks.” city’s meetings industry, shared Holger rooms available during peak season Groninger, general manager of Wave although only 12 per cent are in licensed Holger Groninger Hotel and The Bayview. properties, according to Thai Hotels As- General manager “MICE business for Pattaya in general sociation. Wave Hotel and The Bayview

26 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 Meanwhile, demand and supply for upscale properties in Pattaya are also increasing. Wave, the 21-room boutique property that opened earlier this year, is proving popular with corporate groups for themed dinners or as an executive wing for larger groups using event facilities at hotel’s sister property, The Bayview. More recently, the 165-room Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya and the 231- room Centara Grand Modus Resort Pat- taya were launched in the last quarter of An aerial view of Pattaya’s developed coastline 2013, adding 101m2 and 236m2 of function space respectively to the city’s existing Hotels. ern National Sports Training Center and inventory. “MICE is still a niche market in Pat- Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall However, this growth is being con- taya, even if it has grown to 20 per cent (PEACH) – offering a combined total strained by a glut of new hotels in the of the local market from 10 per cent five space of 13,212m2, according to TCEB. city, all of which are competing for a years ago,” he said. “The main problem From January to August 2013, Pattaya piece of the market, as well as new direct is (the shortage of) MICE facilities, espe- held 54 events which drew 23,494 at- flights to popular Thai destinations such cially convention centres...and there is tendees, with the most notable including as Phuket, Groninger pointed out. nothing (large-scale) in the pipeline.” Metlife Korea, Infinitus 2013 Group Chi- Furthermore, the MICE industry’s Pattaya currently has 102 meetings na, Abbott National Conference Group growth continues to be crimped by the rooms across its hotels, as well as three and Merck Chemical Division. However, lack of venues, said Andrew Langdon, se- large convention and exhibition centres TCEB was unable to provide growth nior vice president of Jones Lang LaSalle – Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel, East- figures for the city’s performance.

Cycle through a lush river island Progressive It may come as a surprise that Bangkok has its Indian cuisine Helmed by the El own green lungs just a short journey from the Bulli-trained chef Gaggan hustle and bustle of Sukhumvit Road, but Bang Anand, Gaggan features Kra Jao is a veritable jungle located on the western an unorthodox approach to Indian cooking. Sous- banks of the Chao Phraya River. Accessible via a vide, gelification and short boat ride, one of the best ways to explore plenty of liquid nitrogen are deployed to add a new dimension to traditional curries. the lush area is on two wheels. Nestled on Bangkok’s Langsuan Road, the restuarant’s 24-pax SpiceRoads runs a half-day tour which covers private dining room is ideal for bigger groups or corporate dining 25km across the island at a gentle pace. Contact events. Sampling the tasting menu at the 10-pax Chef’s Table is highly recommended. (66-2) 381-7490 or visit www.spiceroads.com for Visit www.eatatgaggan.com for more information. tour information and bookings. A slice of Rome in Bangkok Appia on Sukhumvit 31 is regarded as one of Bangkok’s most popu- lar new restaurants due to its successful marriage of Thai-style eat- ing – sharing lots of smaller dishes with friends – with rustic Roman recipes. From hand-cut pasta to slow-roast meats, Appia excels at presenting a traditional Italian experience in a contemporary setting. The interior of the 65-seater restaurant is just as charming, with raw, concrete floors and warm-coloured woods. Reservations are essential. Call (66-2) 261-2056.

Teambuilding fun through mystery solving Set in the Interchange 21 Building in Bangkok’s Asok district, the Es- cape Hunt Experience is a murder mystery adventure that transports groups of two to five people back into the past to play detective and solve a heinous crime within 60 minutes. While there are strong teambuilding elements to the game, the key focus is fun. Visit www.escapehunt.com for more information.

December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 27 orea is one of the most spirited and colorful countries in the world. In the last few decades of rapidK economic development, it has managed to embrace all the conveniences and technology of the modern world while 3/AG/113AA still maintaining its rich Korea is easily accessible from most major cultural heritage that cities in the world, providing convenience and a strategic advantage to MICE plan- visitors find so fascinating. ners. More than 70 international airlines fly to Korea from over 170 cities, of which 35 are Host of the 1988 within two hours’ flight. Its international airports are supported by Summer Olympics, 2002 World Cup a well-developed network of express and intercity buses, metro buses and subways that makes domestic travel a breeze. Korea’s and 2005 APEC Summit, Korea efficient and inexpensive public transportation system is frequent, offers a world of choices for business safe, and conveniently linked to major convention venues. meetings. Be impressed by the beauty of the country and its exceptional =CBAB/<27<5 service standards in MICE. From initial 7<4@/AB@C1BC@3 Whether planning for a meeting of 10 or 10,000 people, you will be planning through to final delivery, able to find a suitable venue in Korea. Your options range from tradi- tional Korean houses rich with heritage details to modern, purpose- MICE planners can take advantage built, state-of-the-art centers. All convention venues are equipped to of the strategic expertise and broad provide outstanding services through their excellent infrastructure and facilities. Korea presently offers nine convention centers: Seoul COEX, networks of the Busan BEXCO, Gyeonggi-do KINTEX, Incheon Songdo Convensia, MICE Bureau at Daegu EXCO, Daejeon DCC, Gwangju Kim Dae Jung Convention Center, Changwon CECO, and Jeju Island ICC Jeju. Korea Tourism Three new projects will soon add to Korea’s world-class Organization and MICE infrastructure: The Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Exhibi- tion Center will be ready by 2013, Gyeongju Convention Center discover the very best of Korea. TTGmice Advertorial

Modern-day Korea is a by 2014, and the multifaceted destination Korail Convention for sightseeing, shopping Center by 2015. With more than 620 and entertainment. hotels and 67,000 rooms, MICE plan- ners can choose from well-managed budget inns to deluxe hotels by international chains, many conveniently located within walk- ing distance to convention centers. 23:756B4C: A6=>>7<5 Korea’s diversity of shopping destinations is an exciting mix of old and new. International visitors will be delighted by the country’s glit- tering department stores and shopping malls as much as its charm- ing traditional markets. Whether you are looking for luxury brands, local crafts, the latest fashion, cosmetics, souvenirs or lifestyle products, Korea is a shopper’s paradise. Check out Korea’s major department stores—Lotte, Hyundai and Shinsegae—as well as local markets where locals go for quality products at lower prices. It’s this perfect mix that makes Korea the excellent getaway for shopping, sightseeing and entertainment.

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B=C@7A; Korea MICE Bureau, working With a history dating back some 5,000 with other regional MICE years, Korea is a modern nation with a Bureaus, DMC/PCOs and other large number of cultural sites of interest to MICE-related businesses, play a core role in bringing international visitors. In 2012, 11.1 million foreign tourists events to Korea. Its support visited Korea, making it the 20th most vis- services are available right ited country in the world. This is a rise from from the initial planning stages through to the final phases of an 8.5 million in 2010. event, with the goal of ensuring The worldwide popularity of K-pop has success for all stakeholders. certainly played a part in recent years too. Among its services: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Myeongdong, u Comprehensive information N Seoul Tower, Dongdaemun, Cheong Wa on MICE facilities and industry Dae (Blue house), Bukchon Hanok Village, partners Changdeokgung, Insadong, Hongdae, u Introduction to relevant government bodies and third Itaewon, Namiseom Island (location for the party event organizers blockbuster Korean TV drama series Winter u Coordination with local 6756B316 Sonata) continue to be some of the most suppliers Home to global electronics giants Sam- popular tourist attractions. u Assistance with coordination sung and LG and known to be an early Today, Korea is a multifaceted of special events, pre- and post-tours, spouse tours, etc. adopter of leading technologies, Korea destination for sightseeing, shopping and entertainment. Its rich history continues u Coordination and organization enjoys one of the world’s highest average of site inspection tours and Internet connection bandwidth. High-tech to be recognized and is best represented orientation trips by its eight UNESCO World Heritage conveniences abound and IT services at u Production of promotional convention centers are no exception. The Sites, which include Seokguram Grotto, brochures, videos, photos, advanced infrastructure include sophisticat- Bulguksa Temple and Haeinsa. etc. u ed videoconferencing systems, simultane- Assistance with bidding, attendance-building and ous interpretation as well as public address hosting and video surveillance systems. TTGmice Advertorial

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Miaoli’s Hualu Flower Leisure Farm is popular for one-day meetings Lee Pei Qi Pei Lee In nature’s embrace More business event planners are clamouring for Taiwan’s scenic leisure farms, but housing large overnight groups is a challenge, writes Lee Pei Qi

lanners of small-sized meetings visited the leisure farms in 2012, up from Lake Leisure Farm in Tainan, which sits and incentives are increas- an approximate 160,000 in 2011. on a hill 277m above ground, sixth- ingly discovering treasures in There are about 300 leisure farms in generation manager Ding Jing Chun said Taiwan’s lush city outskirts. The Taiwan today, and visitors come mainly the farm has been hosting an “increasing country’s array of leisure farms, from Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, handful” of meeting and incentive groups whPich offer an integrated recreational trying their hands at activities such as from Singapore and Malaysia in the past concept combining accommodation and sheep shearing, fruit picking and glutinous two years. meeting facilities and authentic farming rice ball making. Ding said: “It is not often that people experience in scenic locations, are enticing While leisure farms are predominantly can be exposed to the roots of agriculture, a rising number of business event groups patronised by leisure travellers, Chiu said so we offer them an authentic farming that want to combine the great outdoors more companies are realising they can experience that is not possible in the big with meetings. marry meetings with incentives at these cities they live in today.” According to Shinny Chiu, chief opera- attractions. She does not have the figures Fairy Lake Leisure Farm, which grows tion officer of international marketing at for MICE visitors, but said the number has longan, Arabica coffee and oranges, the Taiwan Leisure Farming Development “definitely gone up”. offers hands-on activities for groups. Association, more than 200,000 foreigners For instance, at the 52-hectare Fairy Participants can learn about growing cof-

December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 31 TAIWAN

“Meetings held at the leisure commodation capacity. Most farms do not help them to de-stress.” have more than 50 guestrooms each. Although San-Fu Leisure Farm’s confer- farms take people out of the Rollin Farm in Taichung, which sits ence room can seat 100 people, Hsu noted traditional air-conditioned amid tranquil and picturesque hills and that its inventory of only 19 guestrooms hotel, which is less interest- promises a “heavenly” experience with deters large overnight groups from book- close proximity to the clouds, is in the ing. Hence, she suggests for such groups ing. Many are now looking for same predicament. The farm offers only to utilise the farm in the day, and then places that can take them away 12 guestrooms. head back to the city for the night. from the busy city.” Chiu said: “It is a win-lose situation The same constraint plagues Hualu because these farms are situated in natural Flower Leisure Farm in Miaoli. Although Shinny Chiu surroundings, and you do not want to the farm offers a well-equipped conference COO, international marketing, sacrifice the environment by building hall that can seat 200 people, it only has Taiwan Leisure Farming Development more rooms.” 18 guestrooms. Association Another farm, the 14-hectare San-Fu Neverthless, farm representative Amy Leisure Farm in Yilan, is surrounded by Chang said the farm will join forces with natural forests of the National Botanic others that are located within walking fee plants in between longan trees, making Garden and offers only 19 double-bed distance to accommodate large corporate dried longan the traditional way, roasting guestrooms for overnight guests. groups together. coffee beans and preparing traditional rice The farm’s business manager, Lu- Chang added that her farm is largely cakes from scratch. sia Hsu, said the farm is more popular popular for day meetings and instead of Ding added that the farm’s expansive with local incentives, hosting at least utilising the conference hall, most groups meeting room, which is well-equipped five groups of 40 to 80 delegates each prefer to wander into the meadows for an with a projector and audio equipment, is month. Despite capacity limitations, Hsu outdoor gathering. also widely utilised. This space can ac- is looking to court corporate traffic from Chiu concluded: “Meetings held at commodate 200 pax classroom-style. Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong where the leisure farms take people out of the However, Fairy Lake Leisure Farm has growing demand is expected. traditional air-conditioned hotel, which is only 42 double-bed guestrooms, which She added: “We see more planners less interesting. Many are now looking for makes it unsuitable for hosting overnight today requesting for retreats in (natural places that can take them away from the groups with over 100 delegates. surroundings) because (the environment) busy city, which makes leisure farms the Chiu noted that Fairy Lake Leisure Farm calms their mind and body. Meetings can perfect option for combining work and is not the only leisure farm that lacks ac- be quite stressful…the natural setting can leisure.” Kaohsiung gets busy with MICE

By Karen Yue and Lee Pei Qi Exhibition Center will feature a wave-like Center has the potential to host marine- design to complement its waterfront loca- related trade events as it is located along a Determined to have a cut of the lucrative tion and offer capacity for 1,500 standard deep, natural harbour and allows boats to MICE business, Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City booths as well as a conference hall for be brought into the exhibition space. Government has in 2013 established the 2,000 people, two conference halls for 800 Amanda Hsu, project manager of Meet- Meeting & Event Promotion Office and people each and 10 conference rooms for ing & Event Promotion Office, is confident entrusted it with destination promotion 20 to 40 people. that the new MICE venue will give busi- and event bidding responsibilities. Alice Chou, Meeting & Event Promotion ness event planners and delegates “a new Vincent Tseng, director-general of Office director, said Kaohsiung Exhibition reason to come to Taiwan and visit a new Kaohsiung City Government, explained: “Kaohsiung has been attracting small meetings for years, but the recent Asia Pacific Cities Summit in September really warmed up the city’s pursuit of large-scale international meetings. “We were also encouraged to establish this office because of the new Kaohsiung Exhibition Center which opens next year. Two major trade events are already con- firmed – the Taiwan International Fastener Show and the Taiwan International Boat Show. The city never had a dedicated con- vention and exhibition centre. This office will help local PCO/PEOs bid for events to fill the new venue.” Slated to open in April 2014, Kaohsiung The new Kaohsiung Exhibition Center gives the city ammunition to court large events

32 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 Taiwan’s MICE Industry Pilot Program Organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), Ministry of Economic Affairs, R.O.C. www.meettaiwan.com TAIWAN

city”. “Located along a deep harbour, Kaoshiung Exhibi- Indeed, Kaohsiung deserves the “new tion Center has the potential to host marine-related city” reference, as Kaohsiung City was merged with Kaohsiung County in 2011 to events, allowing boats into the exhibition space.” form Greater Kaohsiung. Alice Chou Part of the new metropolis is the Asian Meeting & Event Promotion Office director New Bay Area, where the Kaohsiung Kaohsiung Exhibition Center Exhibition Center sits along with several other facilities that will open progressively over the next two years. They include World Trade Centre with its strategic loca- fortable with being in the main city. But it Kaohsiung Maritime Cultural & Popular tion next to Kaohsiung Port, one of the is good to be able to offer a new option.” Music Centre, which will boast an outdoor largest of its kind in the world. Vicky Lin, senior event executive of TW theatre for more than 12,000 pax and nine She said: “It is the only waterfront MICE Event & DMC, agrees that “Taipei is indoor halls; Dadong Culture & Art Center, MICE venue in Taiwan. Some of our the usual go-to place for (business events) which will offer an 800-seat theatre and a conference rooms offer ocean views. Just since there is no lack of hotels and meet- 200-seat music hall; as well as a library, a imagine how refreshing that will be for ing facilities” and said Kaohsiung must cruise terminal and several hotels. event delegates.” develop more supporting infrastructure Tseng said: “Kaohsiung now has a lot While planners are currently more and build greater awareness to succeed in more land to develop new hardware for accustomed to hosting business events in its MICE ambitions. business events. Attractions in the out- Taipei, some of them are looking forward Chou told TTGmice that the new Meet- skirts, now part of the city, will be used in to the additional option in Kaohsiung. ing & Event Promotion Office will get “far enhancing pre- and post-show tours and Senior project executive of Taiwan- more active” in destination promotions incentive experiences.” based APAC MICE, Jin Liao, said: “We and MICE tradeshow participation in Hsu said Kaohsiung Exhibition Center normally prefer to hold our activities in 2014 when it secures new funds from the hopes to distinguish itself from the Taipei Taipei because delegates are more com- government.

Meet in a humble house Map your way My Humble House Group launches Exploring Taipei independently before or after a meeting is its first hotel brand, Humble House much easier now with a new Taipei, this December. tourist attraction map function within the Fun Travel in Taipei The 235-key hotel, designed by mobile app. Hirsch Bedner Associates, features Available for Android contemporary art and design ele- smartphone users, the function allows visitors to find recom- ments and promises “a refreshing mendations for attractions and cosmopolitan experience”. access bus and train schedules, Located in Taipei’s Xinyi financial among other information. district, Humble House Taipei offers event planners a 702m2 ballroom

which can accommodate up to 1,000 AT&T guests, as well as two meeting rooms and a VIP room. Several restaurants are also on offer.

Free Wi-Fi for all Be tickled pink Expanding on the country’s existing free Wi-Fi Event planners with a spouse programme to plan programme for locals, iTaiwan now gives foreign for a female-dominant group can consider the new visitors equal online access. Barbie Café. Since June 2013, visitors can register for an Licensed by Mattel, the US toy manufacturing iTaiwan account at any Taiwan Tourism Bureau giant, the café opened earlier in 2013. counter ot centre at the airport, as well as at train Unsurprisingly, the interior features everything in and mass rapid transit stations. pink, from the sofas to the tables. Even the chirpy Travellers will need to identify themselves with army of waitresses are dressed in pink, complete their passport in order to enjoy this free Internet with tutus and tiaras.

connection. Transportation Department of City Taipei

34 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014

MALAYSIA

KL City view

A strong proposition A flurry of MICE incentives and initiatives have given Malaysia a slew of business events in 2013, and it is doing even more in the new year, writes S Puvaneswary

or the first eight months of 2013, “Both conferences have managed new and emerging associations are not the Malaysia Convention & Exhi- to collectively bring more than 10,000 bid-ready as they may be under-resourced, bition Bureau (MyCEB) secured delegates to the country. WD 2013 cre- volunteer-run and short on time.” 96 international and regional ated an economic impact of more than To encourage local associations to bid conventions and incentives, RM42.6 million while IAS 2013 achieved for and host international conventions in

Lee Pei Qi Pei Lee whFich drew an estimated 50,000 delegates about RM44.6 million,” said MyCEB CEO, Malaysia, MyCEB launched the Associa- from all over the world to the country and Zulkefli Sharif. tion Development Programme (ADP) in generated an estimated RM573 million To further incentivise overseas meeting June, offering local associations a wide (US$181.4 million) in economic impact. planners and their clients to choose Malay- range of strategic initiatives put together Business events made up 5.3 per cent sia as their next MICE destination, MyCEB by the bureau. These include association of Malaysia’s total 25 million arrivals in launched the Malaysia Twin Deal pro- management seminars, conference plan- 2012, and MyCEB wants to grow this share gramme in late July. Aimed at corporate ning seminars, bid support (financial and to eight per cent, or 2.9 million out of the meeting and incentive groups, the scheme non-financial) and international engage- projected 36 million arrivals, in 2020. entitles international groups with at least ments. ADP’s educational sessions provide The MICE bureau has kept up a steady 50 foreign delegates to value-added sup- training for associations, from establishing stream of initiatives to position the country port. Perks are offered to both delegates to managing and bidding for international as a preferred MICE destination, follow- and event planners. conferences. ing the success of its Kesatria 1Malaysia The programme will, however, expire Yap Sook Ling, director of AOS Conven- ambassador programme. on December 31, 2013. tions & Events Malaysia, told TTGmice: Initiated in January 2012, the pro- Meanwhile, Zulkefli recognises that the “ADP is a good initiative as it will help as- gramme resulted in two major conference strength of the local association is key to sociations to better understand the bidding wins in 2013 – Women Deliver 2013 (WD securing international conventions. process, which will in turn make it easier 2013) in May and 7th IAS Conference on He said: “MyCEB is constantly search- for PCOs and DMCs to work with them. It HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Preven- ing for national associations that are will- will also help associations understand that tion (IAS 2013) in June. Both events were ing and able to host international events. there are a lot of opportunities available, among the top three conventions held in Most local associations are run by volun- that they can bid for global and regional 2013 in terms of delegate attendance. teers and are not active globally, while meetings and congresses.

36 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 Twin Deal ++ not to be missed. Book your meetings for 2014 now!

sales MALAYSIA

“Many associations still think that the and attendees, and covered 27 categories expansion of the popular centre. job of DMCs merely involves booking of within the four main components of the Moving forward, the capital city’s hotel (guestrooms) and ballrooms. ADP MICE industry including Best International five-star inventory is expected to increase will dispel that misconception and create Conference, Best Trade Exhibition, Best by 12.2 per cent with an additional better awareness of what is involved in Incentive Programme, Best Event and Best 1,283 rooms through new hotel openings making an international conference suc- Environmental Initiative. between 2014 and 2016. New five-star cessful and the tools that are available, Commenting on the positive influence brands debuting in Kuala Lumpur include such as specialised software for...registra- the rAWr Awards has on the country’s St. Regis Kuala Lumpur with 208 rooms tion, conference session bookings and MICE sector, Kuala Lumpur Convention and 160 residences, scheduled to open in delegate payment.” Centre general manager, Peter Broken- December 2014; Banyan Tree Signatures MyCEB’s efforts to catalyse the growth shire, said: “Given the increasing value of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur with 50 suites, of Malaysia’s MICE industry also included business tourism to the nation’s tourism scheduled for 2015; and W Kuala Lumpur the debut of rAWr (Recognising Award receipts, the importance of a programme with 150 rooms, scheduled for 2016. Winning Results) Awards in September like this cannot be underestimated. Aaron Tai, DMC services director at Re- 2013. Organised by the bureau and the “I am confident it will spur stakeholders liance Conventions & Events, believes that Malaysian Association of Convention to continue upgrading and enhancing the the additional room inventory will aid the and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers quality and delivery of their products and bidding of large congresses and stablise (MACEOS), the awards sought to recog- services, and at the same time raise the room rates in the bustling city centre. nise excellence, leadership, professional level of professionalism so Kuala Lumpur Air connectivity to Kuala Lumpur standards, innovation and best practices and Malaysia remain a destination of is also improving. In 2013 the airport within the business events industry. It choice for the global meetings industry.” welcomed six new airlines including Air was conceived with the intention of MyCEB’s soft initiatives are comple- France and Turkish Airlines. creating benchmarks for business event mented by new tourism hardware such Passenger handling capacity will im- players to consistently provide the best as hotel developments in the vicinity of prove too when the new low-cost terminal services and products to event organisers the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and klia2 opens in May 2014.

38 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 Corporate fun in Ideas Two-day post-meeting nature escape in Pahang Kuantan’s wild Tourism Malaysia By S Puvaneswary

Since it opened in 2009, Bukit Gambang companies like to host their family day and Resort City (BGRC) integrated resort company outing at the resort. in Kuantan has largely appealed to the “We are targeting both local and overseas domestic market, both to the leisure and MICE groups as they are more high-yield business events segments. compared to leisure tourists who are mainly Now armed with new additions such day trippers or tend to stay for a night or as the Safari Park and the Bukit Gambang two. MICE delegates will use our meeting, MICE Centre which houses the largest teambuilding and recreational facilities and pillarless ballroom (with capacity for 3,100 ask for customised dining menus. They also pax in a round table banquet setting) tend to bring their family members along to recorded by the Malaysia Book of Records enjoy our leisure facilities.” and 11 new meeting spaces, BGRC offers According to Tan, BGRC will court event an even stronger proposition for MICE planners who are looking for flexible, buyers. The integrated resort’s manage- unique venues. ment is keen to attract meeting planners “BGRC is sprawled across 727 acres of Day 1 and corporate delegates from Singapore, lush secondary jungle (and) we have 1,866 From Kuala Tembeling Pier in Pahang, India and China – markets that generate guestrooms to (support) our collection of 34 Malaysia, depart for Kuala Tahan by year-round traffic and are among the top venues,” she explained. motorised longboat. Kuala Tahan is 10 tourist arrival sources for Malaysia. At press time in end-November, BGRC is the main entrance to Taman Negara Karen Tan, BGRC spokesperson, said: gearing up to launch a new meeting space National Park. Pass by local villages “With the new attractions in the 138-acre within the Safari Park’s Wild Savannah sec- and lush tropical rainforest en route. (55.8-hectare) Safari Park, coupled with tion, located on a hill overlooking free roam- If you are lucky, you may sight local the 45.8-acre Water Park, there are enough ing wild animals such as tigers, elephants, wildlife. Check-in at Mutiara Taman things to do here to increase delegate stay hippopotamus and giraffes. Negara resort. from one or two nights to three. The park “It is almost like having a meeting in the After dinner, enjoy a slide show on itself has enough attractions to occupy wild, but with modern comforts and meet- Taman Negara National Park, the old- delegates for a whole day.” ing facilities,” she said. est rainforest in the world, and some BGRC works with Tourism Malaysia Event planners are offered a unique din- of the wildlife that inhabit the area. and inbound travel consultants to organise ing option at the Simba Hill Gourmet Hall, A brief orientation of the national familiarisation trips for the MICE and where clear ceiling-to-floor glass walls bring park, led by a guide, and a night walk travel media, meeting planners and cor- the wild outside into the venue. These glass through the 130-million-old rainforest porate companies from Singapore, China walls separate the restaurant from three will follow. and India. In addition, it also has a sales white lions that roam freely within their representative in Singapore. enclosure. Day 2 Tan added: “Overseas promotions Tan said: “The white lions are the main Put on some sturdy walking shoes started early-2013 and results are expected highlight of this restaurant and for delegates, and go on a jungle walk after break- to show in 2014. Currently, the domestic it is an awesome opportunity to dine, watch fast. The accompanying nature guide MICE market makes up about 50 per cent and take photographs of these endangered will introduce the rich flora found of total visitors to the resort, while the species from Africa.” on Teresek Hill. On a clear day, from remaining are leisure tourists. Many local BGRC also boasts its own in-house Teresek Hill, delegates will be able to teambuilding event facilitators to conduct see Mount Tahan, the highest peak in outdoor and indoor activities for up to 500 Peninsular Malaysia. people per session. After lunch, hop on a motorised Tan said: “The temporary closure of Gent- boat to reach the cataracts of Lata ing Outdoor Theme Park at Resorts World Berkoh where there is a crisp pool Genting works to our advantage as we can great for swimming or a relaxing offer companies and meeting planners an al- soak. ternative venue. Here, we want our visitors Return to the resort come evening. to have fun and bond with one another, but at the same time we try to instill a love for Itinerary by Luxury Tours Malaysia Fairy-tale entrance to Bukit Gambang Resort City nature and animal conservation.”

December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 39 MALAYSIA

MyCEB beefs up Delegate Welcome Kit Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has padded up its Delegate Wel- come Kit with two new offerings – the Con- ference Mobile Application and Delegates Privilege Card – for conferences with over 500 international delegates. The Conference Mobile Application provides relevant information such as con- ference schedules, speakers, surveys and announcements while its destination feature lists Kuala Lumpur’s attractions, shopping and dining options. This function will be upgraded later on to include guides to other states around the country. Meanwhile, delegates can redeem spe- cial offers at selected F&B and retail outlets, attractions, and transport services with the Delegates Privilege Card. For more information, email info@myceb. com.my

Genting to open Twentieth Century Fox theme park Resorts World Genting will splash out more New Traders hotel opens in Johor than RM400 million (US$125.9 million) to Traders Hotel, Puteri Harbour, Johor began welcoming guests on build a Twentieth Century Fox theme park, June 1. Located on the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia and a following a licensing partnership signed between the two parties in July 2013. mere 15-minute drive from Singapore, the hotel offers a variety of Scheduled to open in 2016, the new theme meeting spaces. The hotel ballroom, VIP Room and pre-function area park will be built within Resorts World Gen- can collectively accommodate up to 600 guests, while five other ting grounds and feature over 25 rides and attractions based on some of Fox’s most multi-function rooms are suitable for smaller groups ranging from 40 recognisable and powerful film brands, to 280 guests. including Ice Age, Rio, Alien and Night at the Museum. The hotel’s 283 stylish rooms and suites are complemented by free The Genting Outdoor Theme Park has Internet access, a business centre, health club, rooftop infinity pool been closed since September 1, 2013 to and landscaped garden, among other features. facilitate this construction.

Meetings on the Gastronomic haven at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur Desaru Coast One of the newer dining destinations in the Malaysian capital is Desaru Coast, Malaysia’s first Gastro Sentral at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur. Opened in November luxury integrated destination 2012, the handsome restaurant offers a perfect setting for business located on the south-eastern luncheons and features an all-day menu consisting of an array of coast of Peninsular Malaysia, continental, Asian and local delights. It has a show kitchen where the will open in 2015. Visitors will culinary brigade entertains guests with their cooking flair through a find a choice of top-name ho- wide glass panel. Gastro Sentral can comfortably seat 118 people. tels including Sheraton Desaru Email [email protected] for details. Resort, Aman Country Club and Aman Villas, two aquatic theme parks, two champion- ship golf courses, a hospitality school, a waterfront retail vil- lage and a state-of-the-art convention centre. Strategically located at the heart of the Desaru Coast devel- opment, the Desaru Convention Centre offers banqueting and exhibition space for up to 1,000 guests, on top of meeting rooms, pre-function areas and VIP lounges.

40 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014

CHINA

available in provincial capital Chengdu. Sichuan province’s rich heritage and natural scenery will be leveraged to attract both leisure and business event visitors; martial artists strike a pose at a temple on Mount Emei Century City New International Con- vention & Exhibition Center, a massive venue with eight exhibition halls offering 110,000m2 of total gross rentable area, is located within walking distance of Holiday Inn Chengdu Century City West and East Tower and InterContinental Century City Chengdu. The latter hotel is also con- nected by a sheltered walkway to another venue, the Century City International Convention Centre, which offers 24 multi- purpose meeting rooms. Business events hosted in Chengdu can easily include pre- and post-show tours to scenic and historical attractions in the out- skirts, such as Huanglongxi Ancient Town, about an hour’s car ride from the city centre, or in nearby counties and regions. UNESCO World Heritage Site Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area is a mere 40-minute flight from Chengdu, but presents a vividly different environ- ment that captures the unique customs of Tibetan and Qiang tribes. Tourism Administration of Sichuan Province’s deputy director, Wu Mian, said: “We are focusing our activities on 13 key international markets that have direct air access to provincial capital Chengdu.” In 2013, the tourism bureau reached out to buyers in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Sichuan in India, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thai- land and the UK. Wu noted that arrivals from the US, Germany, France and Malaysia had grown in 2013. American arrivals hit 100,000 fiery pursuit while German arrivals leapt 46.4 per cent over the same period in 2012. Multiple challenges have only fuelled the Chinese Meanwhile, Sichuan’s accessibility to global travellers is improving with the province’s determination to advance its tourism addition of new flights through Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. As of business, discovers Prudence Lui June 2013, the airport was connected with 210 locations, 65 of which are outside of China. These routes included new ones t has been an eventful year for health to external factors, specifically such as Sichuan Airlines’ inaugural service China’s Sichuan province. Cases of the economic woes in Europe and the to Melbourne launched on February 28, an H7N9 outbreak in parts of China US, unstable political conditions in some 2013; Qatar Airways’ first Chengdu-Doha earlier this year had worried poten- source markets and the appreciation of the service which commenced in March; and tial travellers, while Mother Nature Renminbi, which had discouraged Chinese Air China direct flights to Frankfurt which hadI unleashed an earthquake in the citizens from travelling. took off on May 19. On September 22, province’s Lushan County on April 20 and However, these challenges have only British Airways kicked off a thrice-weekly heavy rains in July that resulted in raging served to strengthen Sichuan’s resolve to service between Chengdu and London. floods and mudslides. advance its tourism potential and perfor- Come 2014, Chengdu will be further Sichuan’s tourism performance in the mance. The provincial tourism office has connected with San Francisco, Istanbul first half of 2013 bore the scars of these stepped up overseas sales and marketing and Moscow. challenges. Foreign arrivals fell 7.6 per promotions. Besides organising overseas On the hotel front, Chengdu’s high-end cent to 802,600, while tourism receipts sales trips, the office has also invited hotel market will double in size over the dipped 6.2 per cent to US$283 million. travel consultants and the media to “expe- next four years, according to CBRE Re- The Tourism Administration of Sichuan rience the charm of Sichuan”. search. Room supply is expected to exceed Province also attributed the weak tourism Two prime business event venues are 13,000 by 2016.

42 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 Hangzhou flexes its muscles

By S T Leng because it has the fourth highest GDP and help the city bid for international among Chinese capital cities in 2012.” meetings. China’s Hangzhou is taking bold steps Hangzhou’s major incentive groups “We also launched the Meet in Hang- to sharpen its competitiveness and dis- are from Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, zhou - Hangzhou MICE Special Offer tinguish itself from the top two Chinese Taiwan and Hong Kong. Some major Season campaign in October, which MICE cities, Beijing and Shanghai. events held this year were the NuSkin reimburses MICE planners 10 per cent of Wang Xinzhang, deputy director, Hang- (950 pax, March) and Takeda Pharmaceu- their expenses if they spend more than zhou Tourism Commission (HTC), said: tical Company (1,200 pax, April) annual RMB5,000 (US$815) with participating ho- “We have identified 10 industries that will conferences and 9th International Society tels and DMCs. We will run this campaign lead the city’s economic development and for Apheresis (2,000 pax, May). through to February 2014,” shared Wang. guide our choice of international business Wang added: “In early 2014, we will Fam trips remain a priority, he added. events to bring to Hangzhou. launch a handbook highlighting Hang- “We hope to engage more Asian corporate “According to ICCA, we are currently zhou’s traditional Chinese culture, local buyers next year, and strengthen our rela- third in China, behind Beijing and Shang- communities and contemporary lifestyles, tionship with partners such as InterConti- hai, and 34th in Asia-Pacific. Our goal is to teambuilding ideas, unique venues, nental Hotels Group and Marriott to reach be among the top 20 in Asia-Pacific and as well as nightlife and entertainment, out to more buyers.” close our gap with Beijing and Shanghai supplemented by itineraries and case Additionally, Hangzhou participated within five years. studies.” in major tradeshows in 2013, including “This year, we have seen more growth Meanwhile, HTC’s Conference Ambas- AIME, IT&CM China, IMEX and CIBTM. in corporate and association meetings and sador programme, where influential For 2014, it will again be at IMEX and we are targeting five to 10 per cent year- Hangzhou-based industry leaders are ap- IT&CM China, and is considering ITB on-year growth. We foresee Hangzhou will pointed advocates for the city, continues Asia. Road shows are also scheduled for continue to attract international meetings to extend Hangzhou’s reach worldwide Singapore, Belgium and other cities.

Watch an opera Chengdu is the home of Sichuanese opera, which is dis- tinctively different from other forms of Chinese opera. It is more of a play, with plenty of singing, acting and stunts such as face-changing and swordplay. Shufeng Sichuan Opera House on Qintai Traditional Street (No. 23 Chengdu Qintai Road; Tel: (86-28) 8776- 4530) is a good place to catch a performance. Shows start from 20.00 daily, and tickets can be reserved in advance.

Is this up your alley? New heavyweight Made up of three ancient streets, Kuan- Hailed as the world’s largest freestanding zhai Alley in the city centre is packed with building, New Century Global Center is a sight conserved buildings, some of which have to behold. Opened in June, the 1.7-million- been converted into quaint tea houses, square-meter structure houses offices, two restaurants that serve local and interna- hotels with 2,000 keys altogether, a cinema tional cuisine, and shops selling a variety of with multiple theatres, retail outlets and vari- things, from trinkets to art pieces. ous fun attractions.

Afterdark entertainment Ritz-Carlton brings touch of glamour to Chengdu Business event delegates looking for a fun night out can head to Lan Towering above Tianfu Square in the city centre, the new Ritz- Kwai Fong Chengdu, an entertainment destination that is home to Carlton, Chengdu offers 353 rooms, 1,700m2 of event space which more than 30 restaurants, bars, dance clubs and retail shops. Party comprises two luxurious ballrooms and seven versatile meeting animals should hit MIU Club, a venue that draws a loyal following rooms, five restaurants and bars, a 10-room spa, a fitness centre, with its dance music and themed parties, while China Groove offers and other facilities. Complimentary wireless Internet access is of- a terrace that makes a great venue for private gatherings. fered throughout the hotel.

December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 43 CHINA

CHECKING IN InterContinental Century City Chengdu Five-star, 555 rooms Tel: (86-28) 853-49999 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Website: www.intercontinental.com

nterContinental Century City Chengdu sits Club room on Century City Boulevard within Tianfu INew Area, a district that is primed to be Chengdu’s newest economic and technologi- cal hub. Tianfu New Area is expected to be completely ready in 2015. The latest infra- structure to open is the New Century Global Center mixed-use complex (see Need to know on previous page). The hotel is about 30 minutes by car from the airport and city attractions such as Kuanzhai Alley, and a 10-minute stroll from Century City New International Convention & Exhibition Center. Hotel lobby

Meeting facilities Largest venue InterContinental Century City Chengdu oper- Crystal Ballroom, which can accommodate ates the Century City International Convention 1,530 guests in a banquet setting or 2,800 Centre, a venue that is conveniently con- in a theatre setting nected to the hotel tower via a walkway on level five. The centre offers 24 multifunction Smallest venue meeting rooms that are fitted with the neces- ShuShui and ShuXiu rooms, which can sary audiovisual equipment. each host 12 delegates in a boardroom The centre’s 2,800m2 Crystal Ballroom is setting said to be the largest pillarless ballroom in western China. It can accommodate up to 2,800 people in a theatre setting or 1,530 dining Café; La Rôtisserie, an elegant French I love the room’s perfect blend of mod- guests in a banquet layout, and is divisible restaurant that comes with a dreamy garden ern creature comforts and elegant Chinese into six smaller spaces. terrace; Ponti’s Ristorante which serves Ital- touches through accessories such as a jade- ian cuisine, and a beautiful Cantonese restau- green teapot and beautifully painted porcelain Other facilities rant that dishes out rather tasty dishes. cups and scent jars. The hotel sure knows how to make a great But my heart was stolen by Café, largely Being on such a high floor meant my room first impression. First, I was blown away by due to its impressive architecture. Its ancient commanded a clear view of the emerging new the design of the lobby – a sprawling indoor Chinese courtyard environment comes com- business district. space filled with reproductions of life-size plete with beautiful, singing birds in delicate ancient two-storey grey brick houses and lush cages. A delicious array of international and Service gardens. One part of this structure functions local dishes is served for breakfast. The noo- My room booking was found swiftly, allow- as the reception area, while the other forms dle soup with meat dumplings is a must-try. ing me to settle quickly into my room and the courtyard-style all-day dining Café. Besides in-house restaurants, the hotel of- retire for the night. Service staff are friendly, Second, the hotel is infused with a refresh- fers a variety of eateries a stone’s throw away. attentive and responsive – even when Café ing scent made by Australian fragrance was packed to the rafters with time-starved specialist, Air Aroma. It made me look forward Rooms business guests during breakfast on week- to returning to the hotel every evening. The hotel offers 555 rooms and suites, days – and most are able to converse in good Facilities in the hotel include a spa, a 24- including a palatial Presidential Mansion. English. hour fitness centre and a business centre. Non-smoking floors and facilities for the It also sits across the street from Century physically challenged are available. City New International Convention & Exhibi- My club room on level 28 is spacious, VERDICT tion Center. effortlessly packing in a large work desk An impressive hotel with easy-to-reach electrical outlets, a cosy F&B nook with a couch and coffee table where I which will please both One could hardly go hungry or be stuck in conducted debriefs with my colleagues, an business travellers and a gastronomic rut at the InterContinental enormous bed on which I slept like a baby residential meeting Century City Chengdu. The hotel offers a for five nights and a bathroom with an over- groups. tantalising option of four restaurants, a deli sized bath that came with complimentary Karen Yue and two bars. The four restaurants are all-day bath salts.

44 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 Appointments

Andrew SjausJenny Ramos Catherine Lee Peter Clarke Lillian Tan

Martin Fluck Trevor McCartney Neo Ping Peng James Ramage Christopher Oakes

AUSTRALIA where she was sales picked Wayne Lunt its Qatar National Conven- & marketing of Grand Andrew Sjaus has manager. new corporate general tion Centre where he Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, joined Gold Coast manager. Lunt will be was director of business Malaysia. Convention and CHINA responsible for the development. Exhibition Centre as Dusit Fudu Hotels and operations, sales and Neo Ping Peng is now F&B manager. Sjaus Resorts has named marketing of Tjendana’s PHILIPPINES director of sales with previously held posi- Catherine Lee vice seven villa resorts in Marco Polo Ortigas Swissôtel Merchant tions such as conference president sales and Bali, Indonesia. Manila has named Court, Singapore. She and events manager marketing. Lee has over its pre-opening team, brings with her more at RACV Royal Pines, 25 years of hospitality Roger Habermacher including general man- than a decade of hospi- banquets operations experience, having held now helms Ayana Re- ager Adriano Vences tality sales experience to manager at Palazzo leadership positions in sort and Spa Bali and and director of sales her new role. Versace and banquets sales and marketing Rimba Jimbaran Bali and marketing Pearl manager at Holiday Inn with major international as general manager. He Peralta-Maclang. THAILAND Surfers Paradise. hotel groups. joins from Park Hyatt Vences was resident Diethelm Travel Beijing in China. manager of Marco Polo Group has appointed Sunshine Coast Des- Peter Clarke is now Hong Kong and Peralta- James Ramage group tination has appointed general manager of JAPAN Maclang, vice president managing director for Laughlin Rigby head of Pudong Shangri-La, Oakwood Worldwide of sales and marketing sales and marketing. marketing. Laughlin has East Shanghai. He was has promoted Martin of Crimson Hotels and Ramage is armed with a strong background in last general manager Fluck to director of op- Resorts’ management three decades of experi- tourism and destination at Kerry Hotel Pudong, erations for Oakwood- arm, Filarchipelago ence in the travel and marketing, most recent- Shanghai. branded serviced apart- Hospitality. hospitality industry, ly with the Irish Tourist ments in North Asia. He having worked with Board, where he played INDONESIA was last both country SINGAPORE Starwood and Marriott a major role in develop- Starwood Bali Resorts manager for Japan Courtenay Dundy is hotels worldwide. ing Ireland’s largest ever Collection has ap- and general manager now director of sales & tourism initiative, The pointed Lillian Tan for Oakwood Premier marketing of The Ritz- Christopher Oakes is Gathering 2013. cluster director of sales Tokyo Midtown. Carlton, Millenia Sin- now general manager and marketing, based in gapore. Dundy joins of luxury resort, Indigo Palazzo Versace in Bali. Tan is armed with MIDDLE EAST the luxury hotel with Pearl, in Phuket. Oakes the Gold Coast has ap- more than 18 years of Trevor McCartney is nine years of experience joins Indigo Pearl pointed Jenny Ramos experience. now the general man- helming sales and mar- with an extensive its director of sales. She ager of Oman Con- keting portfolios in the background in luxury joins from Gold Coast’s Tjendana Resorts vention & Exhibition hospitality industry, and hospitality and resort Jupiters Hotel & Casino Management has Centre. He joins from was last director of sales management.

December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 45 Hotel updates

Village Hotel Katong, Singapore

Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai, China

The Westin Singapore

Fairmont Peace Hotel, Quay Convention Centre. Several ing 143 units overlooking the scenic Village Hotel Katong, dining outlets, an outdoor pool Varthur Lake. Strategically located Shanghai, China with ocean views, a 24-hour in the IT hub of Bangalore and atop Singapore Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai fitness centre and free Wi-Fi Forum Value Mall at Whitefield, The new Peranakan-themed has expanded its collection of event throughout the resort are offered. the property offers guests easy Village Hotel Katong offers 229 spaces. The roof terrace offers two For meetings and events, the access to the International Tech rooms and five meeting rooms new private dining rooms – the resort boasts 1,100m2 of flexible Park Bangalore and a variety of – the largest of which can seat 25m2 Scotland Room and the 35m2 space across two ballrooms and a entertainment, dining and shopping 150 guests in a theatre setting. England Room. Adjacent to the roof pre-function area. options. Choose from studio, one- Other facilities include a swim- terrace is the Nine Heaven Hall, www.starwoodhotels.com and two-bedroom units. Facilities ming pool and gym. Guests can which has been perfectly restored include the all-day dining Oakleaf also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi to its original 1920s splendour Restaurant and Bar, a fitness centre, access and airport shuttle and offers a 270-degree view of Holiday Inn Express an outdoor pool, meeting facilities service. The hotel is conveni- the Huangpu River. Two other new Semarang Simpang and more. ently located 10 minutes from venues are available on the mez- Lima, Indonesia www.oakwoodasia.com/bangalore/ Singapore Expo and 15 minutes zanine level. The 215m2 Chun Shen oakwood-residence-prestige-white- from Singapore Changi Airport Room is good for up to 100 guests The 198-room Holiday Inn field.php by car. in a banquet setting, while the Express Semarang Simpang Lima www.stayfareast.com/en/ luxurious 110m2 Thames Room can is a 15-minute drive from Ahmad hotels/village-hotel-katong.aspx accommodate up to 50 people in a Yani International Airport, in the The Ritz-Carlton, banquet setting. centre of Semarang’s shopping, Bangalore, India The Westin Singapore www.fairmont.com/peace-hotel- dining and entertainment district. nd th shanghai Targeting both leisure and busi- The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Occupying the 32 to 46 ness travellers, it offers free Wi-Fi has launched its first hotel in India floors of the new Asia Square throughout its premises, a Free – the Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore. Tower Two development, the Four Points by Sheraton Express Start Breakfast or a Grab Located in the centre of downtown 305-key Westin Singapore Penang, Malaysia & Go option, a self-service busi- Bengaluru, the hotel offers 277 boasts 10 individual meeting ness centre, and other facilities. rooms, a range of meeting rooms rooms spanning 1,350m2 of Starwood Hotels & Resorts World- www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/ including a 600m2 ballroom, a space, a range of F&B venues, a wide has launched the 220-key Four hotels/gb/en/reservation boardroom and three function spa, fitness studio and outdoor Points by Sheraton Penang after rooms, seven dining venues to be infinity pool on level 35. All extensive renovations and rebrand- run by a Michelin-starred chef, a guestrooms are fitted with ing of the beachfront property. It is Oakwood Residence Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, a spa, floor-to-ceiling windows that located on a secluded beachfront in Prestige Whitefield a salon and an outdoor pool with offer unobstructed views of the Tanjung Bungah, 45 minutes from poolside lounge and bar. The ball- city. A dining venue of note is Bayan Lepas International Airport Bangalore, India room is said to be the city’s largest Seasonal Tastes, which features and 15 minutes from the UNESCO Oakwood Residence Prestige pillarless venue of its kind. five interactive kitchens and World Heritage City of Georgetown Whitefield Bangalore has opened www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/ serves lunch and dinner buffets. and Straits Quay, home to Straits in the Silicon Valley of India, offer- Bangalore www.starwoodhotels.com

46 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014 Case study

Carlson Rezidor Asia Pacific General Managers Conference Staff of Carlson Rezidor properties worldwide are put through a real test of team spirit and crisis readiness when their conference in Cebu is shaken up by an earthquake, writes Rosa Ocampo

hoping that Sam’s husband Christian was looking after her and my grandchildren”. Trained in crisis management, the staff of Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu knew what to do during force majeure. The crisis plan was set in place and activated quickly, and the Emergency Response Team was prepared. Within moments, the PA system an- nounced the evacuation; guests were led to the back garden. Within minutes, guests were offered water, towels, umbrel- las, slippers and buffet snacks. A coffee machine was set up; an American guest was surprised that she was being offered a choice of cappuccino or latte in the midst of a strong earthquake. The hotel team and Carlson Rezidor executives came together to manage Hotel chiefs and senior executives attending the annual Carlson Rezidor Asia Pacific General Managers the crisis. The other general managers Conference 2013 interrupt their meeting to lend a hand at post-quake evacuation and checks helped, including checking each room for damage. “It was a team effort and I’m t is in the middle of October and the pleased that they were here because they 21-storey, 400-room Radisson Blu Hotel Event helped us a lot,” said Lewis. ICebu was running close to full oc- Carlson Rezidor Asia Pacific General Sy also proved to be a trouper, assisting cupancy. It is also hosting the annual Carl- Managers Conference 2013 and speaking to guests and staff. “She’s son Rezidor Asia Pacific General Managers almost part of our team,” said Lewis. No of delegates Within an hour of the quake, SM had Conference 2013 for more than 150 senior Over 150 executives and general managers from the structural engineers flown in from Manila region as well as the US and Europe. Venue on company aircraft to check and assure Also in attendance was Elizabeth Sy, Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, Cebu City the structural safety of the hotel. president of the hotel’s owner, SM Hotels The same afternoon, psychologists and Convention Corp, and the daughter Date specialising in trauma management were October 14-15, 2013 of hotel general manager Lyle Lewis who ushered in for guests; they also ran sev- was visiting with her husband and their Objectives eral sessions for hotel staff. 18-month-old and four-year-old sons. To reach out to the hotels, celebrate A medical service team was quickly The conference programme included their achievements and impart how on hand; a hospitality desk was set up to full-day meetings on October 14 and 15 to make a mark in the hospitality keep guests updated and assist in their and two days of follow-up sessions after- industry travel arrangements. It was quite a feat that no one was wards, but all that changed in the morning Challenges of October 15 at 08:12. Interruption by a magnitude 7.2 harmed or injured. Lewis was on the 20th floor preparing earthquake which scrambled confer- The hotel reviewed how it handled for the second day of the meeting when a ence attendees who jumped in and the earthquake, identifying the areas it 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck. offered assistance to their colleagues did well and areas it needed to focus “The initial shocks were completely and hotel guests and improve on. That review would go frightening. The building was swaying on to help Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group from side to side more than going up and review and update its crisis manuals and down. I tried to walk in it, but I lost my Cebu landmarks. There would be frequent procedures. balance. It lasted for just about a minute, and strong aftershocks for the next several Inevitably, the Asia Pacific General but it was the longest minute,” Lewis weeks. Managers Conference 2013 was cancelled described the earthquake that claimed When the quake stopped Lewis went for a later date. But the attendees’ experi- more than 200 lives in the provinces of down via the fire exit to lead the evacu- ence at Radisson Blu HotelCebu was an Bohol and Cebu, flattening 18 antique ation of guests. He thought of his family impromptu and unforgettable exercise in churches in Bohol and damaging several but “had to push that back in my mind, teambuilding and handling crisis.

December 2013/January 2014 TTGmice 47 Packages

New World Hotel Shanghai Deluxe Room

ASIA

New World Hotels, which has properties mostly in China and one in Manila, has come up with a year-end package for business travellers. The Warm Winter Welcome package offers a 50 per cent discount every night from the third night onwards, as well as daily breakfast and free Wi-Fi to guests who stay two nights at any New World Hotels property. The offer is valid between December 14, 2013 and February 14, 2014.

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CHINA

Andaz Shanghai is offering an annual dinner package for compa- nies looking to usher in 2014 with a bang. Priced from RMB6,800 (US$1,118) net per table of at least 10 guests for a Chinese set menu, the New Year party package is valid until March 31, 2014. It includes free flow of soft drinks, juices, local beers and two bottles of imported red wine per table, use of audiovisual system, special room rate for guests and one complimentary night’s stay for bookings of more than 20 tables, among others. Buffet arrangements are available too, and a minimum booking of 40 pax is required. Other terms apply. All prices include a 15 per cent service charge. CHINA, HONG KONG Contact [email protected]

Regal Hotels International is offering an early bird promotion to corporate event plan- ners, valid from January 1 to March 31, 2014. Aimed at TMCs, DMCs, PCOs and PEOs worldwide, the promotion is available at all properties in China and Hong Kong. It fea- tures a 15 per cent commission on commis- sionable room rates or five per cent commis- AUSTRALIA sion on nett room rates, a theme refreshment The Arts Centre Gold Coast, which offers three function break upgrade, use of one LCD projector, venues of different sizes, has rolled out a Dinner Meeting Package, priced at A$60 (US$56) per person. Internet access in the meeting venue (limited Venue hire, function and events staff, projector and screen, lectern and microphone, Wi-Fi access, a two-course dinner, one beverage on arrival, tea to two devices), and a guaranteed upgrade and coffee, stationery and a registration desk are included in the package. The Arts Centre Gold Coast’s Office Boardroom seats a minimum of 10 for two rooms to the next category for every pax and maximum of 16 pax; the Panorama Suite has a minimum capacity of 25 pax and maximum of 60 pax; and the largest space, the Paradise 20 rooms per booking. Showroom holds a minimum of 60 pax and a maximum 150 pax. The offer is valid until June 30, 2014 for bookings confirmed before Janu- Terms apply. ary 31, 2014.

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Visit www.regalhotel.com Have a red hot deal on hand to offer event planners? Send details to [email protected] and we may just share it on Packages.

48 TTGmice December 2013/January 2014