RNI No.:DELENG/2010/34144 ` 20 the OUTBOUND business magazine A DDP Publication
Volume XI Issue 1 January-March 2020 24 pages contents Winter 2020
8
NTO M!CE fun in the Philippines
10 12
INTERVIEW DESTINATION Why visit Japan for M!CE Turkey: M!CE for every size
COUNSELLOR 21 Shivani Misri Sadhoo shares tips on decorum for 14 16 coworking spaces BUSINESS EVENTS CONVENTION Exploring Qatar’s M!CE Sri Lanka means business
M CEtalk January-March 2020 3 international news
Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center opens NEWS with 600 well-appointed guestrooms and 16 suites, each guestroom features stunning views.
Oman Air extended its code share with Gulf Air to include Tbilisi, Baku, Gassim, Beirut, Salalah, Khasab The best cities in the world to work and Nairobi and live abroad in 2020 Shahzad Naqvi e Expat City Ranking 2019 by InterNations, the Country Manager for UAE, Oman Air world’s largest expat community with more than 3.5 mn members, reveals how expats rate life in 82 cities around the world. e annual ranking names Taipei (1st), Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Montréal, Lisbon, Barcelona, Zug, e Hague, and Basel (10th) as the best cities to move to in 2020.
More than 27,000 business appointments made at ITB Asia 2019 TCEB unveils 2020 strategy Over 13,000 participants from 132 countries attended the record-breaking show. In its twelfth year running, Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President, TCEB, the conference programme brought together thought disclosed that the “Exhibition Redefi ned; 3600 Exhibition th leaders from across the M!CE, Leisure, Corporate, and Success”, & hosting of e 86 UFI Global Congress Travel Tech sectors to explore how businesses can turn in Bangkok contribute to growth." TCEB believes creative ideas into bold, yet practical, initiatives. the revenue target will be directly achieved through exhibitions, which will worth 21 billion baht in 2020.
Dubai Exhibition Centre will host a number of events organised by Informa during Expo 2020, including the 20th Expo 2020 Cityscape Global (November 10-12, teams up 2020), Middle East Film and Comic Con (March 4-6, 2021), and the inaugural with Informa Games Con (March 4-6, 2021), dedicated to the growing online gaming community in the region.
4 M CEtalk January-March 2020
international news The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have begun to collaborate on a series of initiatives NEWS named Masterclasses on the Meetings Industry for tourism stakeholders in Marriot International UNWTO member states debuts JW Marriot Maldives Resort Holiday Inn Resort & Spa Phuket announces JW Marriott, part of Marriott re-opening after International, announced the opening of JW Marriott makeover Maldives Resort & Spa on As part of its re-launch, the hotel features a total of Vagaru island, Shaviyani atoll 104 studio rooms, including 17 new poolside rooms. in the Maldives. e opening e new refurbishments also off er an adult-only marks the debut of Marriott villa area with pool access and poolview rooms, new International’s iconic JW facilities and exclusive indulgence packages. "We are Marriott brand in this island thrilled to unveil the newly renovated Busakorn Wing destination. e resort features where tropical sophistication meets traditional ai 60 spacious villas and is 55 luxury. e Studio Rooms and Villas meld heritage- minutes via seaplane from Male. inspired décor but with Modern ai elegance,” said Bart Callens, General Manager of the resort.
Pullman Huizhou Kaisa debuts at the east coast of the Greater Bay Area Pullman, Accor’s upbeat and contemporary premium brand, announced the opening of Pullman Huizhou Kaisa. e hotel off ers 307 well-appointed guestrooms, including 13 suites and 14 family rooms. “I anticipate promising business prospects from the leisure, corporate and M!CE business markets, as they experience fi rsthand the latest breathtaking landmark in the strategic location of Huizhou,” said Geoff rey Huang, General Manager of Pullman Huizhou Kaisa.
New ‘Flugzug’ rail service between Lugano and Zurich Airport
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) now off er ‘Team Spirit’ in Seoul customers a Seoul’s team building programmes with a leap ‘Flugzug’ rail aided by Korean culture is bringing more people service between into the city. With the richness in contents and Lugano Station ability to satisfy diversifi ed preference, team and Zurich building programmes are becoming a must-have for Airport. Selected SBB rail connections between Lugano and Zurich incentive groups coming to Seoul. In Seoul, team Airport will be issued with a SWISS fl ight number, and the cost of building is ‘seollem’-meaning gentle excitement. the rail journey is included in the SWISS fl ight ticket price.
6 M CEtalk January-March 2020 report Quality management This study by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives in collaboration with BCD Travel talks about metrics positioned to evaluate the success of a holistic travel experience
ravel buyers suggest that lack of reliable data is a key data can be fragmented (29%) and unreliable (21%). As a result, obstacle to better quality measurement in business buyers are left having to draw conclusions from incomplete travel. Almost 62% of the respondents find that many data sets, creating a greater margin of error when making importantT metrics are difficult to measure accurately: available changes to the travel programme.
HOW ARE TRAVEL MANAGERS CURRENTLY TRACKING PROGRAMME QUALITY? We asked travel managers what they would ideally want to measure and compared it to what they are currently measuring. We found that metrics such as trip success, traveller engagement, and traveller friction are crucially underutilised. For example, while nearly two-thirds of those surveyed would ideally be measuring trip success rate, only 6% of travel managers are currently measuring it. This is a clear indication that despite recognising their importance, there are specific barriers that might be preventing travel managers from evaluating these metrics.
THE CONSISTENTLY OVERLOOKED METRICS 62% 63% 60% Want to Measure
Measuring Now
29% 20% 13% 6% 6%
Trip Success Rate Traveller Friction Traveller Engagement HR Information
MOVING TOWARDS COMPREHENSIVE QUALITY Travel managers highlighted the various benefits of using metrics such as trip success, travel friction, and traveller engagement in order to gain a more complete picture of programme quality. For example, 52% said that using metrics such as trip success and traveller friction can help the organisation understand traveller needs better.
BENEFITS OF MEASURING OVERALL PROGRAMME QUALITY
Understand Traveller Needs 52%
Gain New Insight on Programme 51%
Improve 47% Services
Improve Policy 37% Compliance
Source: ACTE & BCD Travel
M CEtalk January-March 2020 7 NTO M!CE fun in Philippines At the recently-conducted session in Delhi, Philippines Tourism Marketing Office, India, kept participants engaged with special focus on Manila and Cebu islands
Kanchan Nath
hilippines Tourism them make interesting by the time they walk Marketing Office, itineraries. Such destination out of these trainings,” she India, recently knowledge will equip the added. Outbound tourism conductedP a series of trade to revert to all queries from India to the Philippines trainings for destination their clients may have. has seen constant rise and managers in the trade, Having begun in Delhi, has been growing at the rate educating them on the the trainings will move of 20 per cent a year, which unique offerings of the on to Mumbai, Chennai, is quite a large number, archipelago for all types Ahmedabad, and Kolkata.” Datt shared. of travellers, while also elucidating on visa policies Soft adventures in the Seema Datt WHAT THE TRADE SAYS for Indian passport Philippines have become For Rajeev Sabharwal, holders and encouraging very popular with Chief Executive Officer, experiential travellers who millennials. Datt said Gaurav Travels, the already have an AJACSSUK that so far, she has seen destination attracts a lot of visa. The first among these that the trade is very happy The trainings tourists primarily because trainings was hosted at with this new format of will move on of its pristine beaches. The Park, New Delhi; a in-depth information about to Mumbai, “There is Bohol, Cebu, total of 123 agents marked the destination. “Since the Boracay, and even Palawan their presence at the event. generic view has been going Chennai, which has an excellent Sharing some details, around in the market for Ahmedabad, beach resort,” he shared. Seema Datt, Account quite some time, everyone and Kolkata Director, Philippines knows the Philippines. Rajiv Narula, Founder, Tourism Marketing Office, Managing Director & India, said, “This is a series Such trainings help them Chief Operating Officer of destination trainings in build exclusive itineraries at The Comforts, said, five different cities, to give and even minute details “There has been a definite an in-depth knowledge to about the destination change in the mindset the trade. For instance, if a are on their fingertips of the traveller and in the client were to visit Manila, perception of hospitality we would provide the agent as a profession, details on the attractions TREND emphasising on the there, activities their client Soft adventures in the need to stay updated can participate in, getting Philippines have become very with the nuances of a there, etc., thereby helping popular with millennials destination. This is another reason for us to come and be part of such training programmes.”
Saurabh Tuteja, Joint Secretary — North India Chapter, Enterprising Travel Agent’s Association (ETAA), spoke of the destination as a must-visit for M!CE tourism. “M!CE needs a destination that is completely flexible and also offers nature and nightlife, both fun and ideal places for meetings. In my opinion, the Philippines has everything to offer for M!CE guests,” he said.
8 M CEtalk January-March 2020
interview Why visit Japan for M!CE Etsuko Kawasaki, Director, Japan National Tourism Organisation shares insights on what makes Japan an attractive M!CE destination in Asia Pacific
Yogita Bhurani from Japan
How do you see Japan as a M!CE destination? We have a lot of research institutes and academic associations which help international organisations to hold conferences and meetings in Japan. Also, it’s a safe country with hospitable people who like to accommodate visitors from overseas, making it an attractive destination for the M!CE industry.
How has the year been for M!CE business? In a couple of years, we have increased the number of
summer, colours in autumn, and snowboarding & ski in winter. These seasons provide a good opportunity to lure corporate clients. Our unique cultural assets – pre-sanctuaries, buildings, Japanese gardens – offer much by way of additional value to visitors coming to the Etsuko Kawasaki country on business trips.
How do you think of Japan international conventions as only in Tokyo but Kyoto EVENTS as a destination for Indian well as corporate meetings as well. Sapporo, which • Olympic Games travellers? from overseas. In 2019, is in Northern Japan, is - July 24 - Aug 9, We know that Indians are global tours increased by very popular. We also 2020,Tokyo keen on doing destination 20 per cent as compared have Kyushu, the third- weddings in different places. to the year 2018. With 492 largest island out of • Paralympic Games I believe we need to focus international conferences in Japan's five islands, and - Aug 25 - Sep 6, on the M!CE market in 2018, we were ranked first in Okinawa, which is the 2020,Tokyo addition to leisure travellers Asia Pacific. southernmost prefecture of from India. Japan. All these places will • Kansai World Master What are your accommodate visitors from Games, May 15-30, Is there anything else that expectations from the next all over the world. 2021, Kansai region you’d like to add? financial year? Probably many people • World Expo 2025 in In 2020, we will be hosting What makes you different know about the major Osaka, Kansai the Olympics in Tokyo, from other countries in destinations like Tokyo, which will enable us terms of M!CE? Kyoto and Osaka. However, • Asian Games 2026 increase awareness of In Japan, each season offers Japan offers a lot of other in Nagoya, Aichi Japan as a global M!CE different attractions, for attractive cities like Shikoku, destination. We can expect example, cherry blossom Mountain Fuji, and Kyushu, more business events not in spring, marine desert in to name a few.
10 M CEtalk January-March 2020
destination Turkey: M!CE for every size Istanbul and Antalya, the former especially so, are considered as ideal destinations for M!CE groups looking to have excellent events and plenty to do Tripti Mehta from Turkey
teeped in history, Turkey is not just the perfect manmade wonders, as well as shopping districts and abundant amalgamation of European and Asian cultures, but also nightlife make Turkey’s two prominent cities – Istanbul and Sa country where the old meets the new. Natural and Antalya – perfect M!CE destinations. Properties in Antalya for M!CE Rixos Premium Belek Rixos Premium Belek's bed capacity is 1,700 in 700 rooms. With seven halls and a spacious foyer area, Rixos Premium Belek provides opportunities for events and organisations such as business meetings, conferences, seminars,
and workshops. With conference halls and Ashish Gupta the convention centre on 2,300 sqm as well as Manager Finance magnificent halls of up to six metres in height, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance it hosts perfect organisations. Covering an area of 1,500 sqm with a capacity for 1,400 people in theatre order, Diamond Hall is the largest hall at Rixos Premium Belek. Istanbul is the perfect destination with one foot in the East and the other in the West. The Land of Legends Currently, direct flights to Istanbul are operating Kingdom Hotel from Delhi and Mumbai, The Land of Legends is a theme park in but not for Antalya. A Belek that serves within the body of World group size of 150 Pax Parks & Entertainment. The Land of will be ideal for a single Legends rooms and suites are punctuated movement to Turkey, by whimsical touches of fantasy as well as for top management modern conveniences like PlayStations and as an incentive trip of dual-screen LED TVs. Room types include intermediaries with Deluxe, Deluxe connected, as well as Junior their family, or for and Family suites, and guests staying at Rixos employee meetings Rixos Sungate Hotel Premium Belek can enjoy free admission to the theme park. Set in a 250,000 sqm resort with a one- kilometre-long private beach, an extensive spa centre and an outdoor pool with an aqua park, ADVANTAGES Rixos Sungate Resort is in the Gulf of Antalya • A nature lover’s coast. The extensive leisure facilities at the paradise Rixos Sungate include a gym, tennis courts, • Some of the and a four-lane bowling alley. It offers rooms, best all-inclusive suites, and villas to cater to every type of M!CE resorts traveller. The property offers 20 meeting rooms • Historical and with a maximum size of 1,724 sqm and can heritage sites accommodate a maximum of 2,800 people.
12 M CEtalk January-March 2020 destination
Properties in Istanbul for M!CE
Fairmont Quasar Istanbul The property offers 209 guest rooms, including 25 suites and 40 Fairmont Gold Rooms, with additional 64 Fairmont Residences. Offering over 2,000 sqm (21,520 sqft) of meeting and event space backed by a team of experienced meetings professionals and an extensive Capt Sudeep Ghoshal technical staff, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul has Head – Administration & Infrastructure the space, resources and experience to organise Reliance Capital major events successfully, whether that’s a conference, an industry event, a product launch, or a major salesforce incentive. Turkey has gained quite a bit of popularity among tourists and as a Swissôtel The M!CE destination for groups from India. Bosphorus, Istanbul Therefore, it can be The property offers 566 guest rooms and considered for both suites across five categories of rooms. These top management include Swiss Advantage Garden View room, meets and incentive Swiss Advantage Bosphorus View room, trips. A group size of Corner Room Bosphorus, Corner Room 100-200 Pax should Garden King, and Pool Room. Swissôtel be good as it would The Bosphorus, Istanbul also provides enable us to provide a total of 5,900 sqm of meeting space more personalised and 29 function rooms, including three experience to guests. ballrooms. Professional planners assist with Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center If it is a management arrangements for meetings/ social functions. The hotel offers rooms, suites, and residences group, then the size divided across 17 categories. With spaces would be approx. large enough for a car launch, yet small 30-40 Pax enough for the most intimate social gathering, Raffles Istanbul is ideal for any kind of event. With dedicated meeting planners, a Meeting Concierge, and a specialist AV team, guests have everything they need to make the event ADVANTAGES run perfectly. It offers seven meeting rooms • Direct that range in size from 33 to 328 sqm and can connectivity accommodate up to a maximum of 200 people. from India (Delhi & Mumbai) • Availability Pullman Istanbul Hotel of Indian/Jain and Convention Center food is not a challenge With its 403 rooms, Pullman Istanbul offers its • Ample venues guests the luxury they deserve. The property for any kind offers 51 meeting rooms with a maximum of event size of 7,500 sqm and can accommodate up to • Great 1,750 people. In banquet style, the property can sightseeing accommodate up to 1,300 people. destinations, good nightlife, varied shopping Sofitel Istanbul Taksim districts The newly-opened Sofitel Istanbul Taksim, in • Events can be the heart of the city at Taksim Square, offers planned on- six meeting rooms with a maximum area size board ships on of 533 sqm. It can accommodate a maximum Bosphorus river of 370 people in banquet-style.
M CEtalk January-March 2020 13 business events Exploring Qatar’s M!CE business Ahmed Al Obaidli, Director of Business Events, Qatar National Tourism Council, talks about the prime convention facilities and how state-of-the-art technology is making a difference to M!CE Anupriya Bishnoi from Qatar
Could you tell us about Qatar's main M!CE- convention centres? Qatar’s main conference and exhibition venues offer PCOs and event organisers state-of-the-art facilities and great flexibility to modify the venue to meet their needs and save on set-up costs. Our two main convention centres are Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) and Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).
QNCC is one of the 29,000 square meters a wide range of offerings world’s most sophisticated including five vast, pillar- to suit all budgets. Qatar’s convention and exhibition free halls, capable of seating hospitality sector is ranked centres, with a multi- over 34,000 visitors at one first in the Middle East, purpose 4,000-seat time. Its facilities include according to the Guest conference hall, 2,300-seat a mobile modular wall Experience in the Middle theatre, and 3 auditoria system, high-tech meeting East Report, released by along with a number of and conference rooms, a hospitality and travel data meeting spaces. It offers VIP hosting suite and vast providers Olery. 40,000 m2 of column-free underground parking. exhibition space including Ahmed Al Obaidli With more properties 9 halls, which are adaptable DECC boasts an 18-meter coming into the market, to provide seating for 10,000 high ceiling supported by room supply continues to delegates for a conference a revolutionary cantilever increase, across Qatar’s or banquet. roof, making it more accommodation market, versatile than standard growing by 4% in the first In the heart of Doha’s exhibition halls. In terms of three quarters of 2019. commercial district, DECC accommodation, Qatar has is a few minutes away The total accommodation from both the Corniche offering currently stands at waterfront and many of 26,778 rooms across 128 Qatar’s five-star hotels EVENT SPACES properties. With everything and only 20 minutes away An exhibition area from 4 and 5-star hotels to from the airport by car. covering 29,000 sq m is capable of budget accommodation, The exhibition area covers seating over 34,000 visitors we have a wide range of
14 M CEtalk January-March 2020 business events
that end, we opened a CONNECTIVITY dedicated tourism office in Qatar Airways has Mumbai, which is now a 102 direct flights year old. Its primary role connecting 13 major is to educate Indian M!CE cities in India to players (corporates and tour Doha to every week, operators) with a focus on making it easier to building strong relationships travel between the with corporates. two countries. An additional 100 flights As a large market which per week connect continues to grow, India Qatar and India via the holds great potential as Indian carriers Indigo a source for business and Air India. This events. Its education accessibility, coupled and bio-medical research with visa-free access to institutions are well Indian nationals, makes known, aligning with it easier than ever for some of Qatar’s own Indians to visit Qatar. priority sectors.
Qatar’s ability to host hospitality offerings to suit • Establishing connections cultural authenticity meets large-scale events, in sports, all needs. with Qatar Financial modernity. Visitors can business and entertainment, Centre to allow experience unique offerings and its ease of access And the current Incentive international associations in business, sports, culture from major Indian cities, Programs and Support and businesses to and family entertainment, including visa-free entry Factors available in establish local chapters rooted in authenticity. for Indian citizens, makes India Market? or businesses it a natural fit for hosting QNTC is keen to ensure • Financial & in-kind In addition to its authentic business events for the international event support; assessed and tourism experiences, Indian market. organisers, businesses and given based on case needs Qatar benefits from a high associations feel at home and requirements safety record, easy access, Could you please share when doing business in growing event management insights about M!CE Qatar. Our services include: How important Qatar is in services, exhibition capacity movements from India M!CE offerings? of 98,000 square metres (Biggest and largest pax • Providing guidance and As a rising destination, and an expanded transport last year) support to help PCOs and Qatar is gaining traction for network. As we have just recently event organisers deliver its authentic yet modern started working with the their events in Qatar at offerings across hospitality, What about M!CE Indian M!CE industry, the highest standards tourism and business. business potential from we continue to educate • Connecting event the Indian market? stakeholders about our organisers with Qatar is the most open We are committed to range of offerings. We government and country in our region, facilitating access to and remain in discussion private entities that can and we welcome the spreading awareness about with stakeholders, and contribute to the success world to experience a Qatar’s M!CE offering are slated to host events of the event unique destination where in the Indian market. To in 2020.
M CEtalk January-March 2020 15 convention
Sri Lanka is showcasing a variety of M!CE and events spaces for the Indian market and is keen on tapping the same, reveals Kumar De Silva, Chairman, SLCB Nisha Verma from Sri Lanka Sri Lanka means business
umar De Silva, potential. Recently we had Hence, there is a minimum Chairman, Sri Lanka roadshows in Chennai and three-night stay requirement Convention Bureau Bengaluru. We are also going in Sri Lanka. Also, they (SLCB),K shares that after the to Kolkata & East India, need to operate through April 21 attacks in Colombo, because we believe that there registered agents in Sri they want to showcase that is a lot of traction we can Lanka and stay at registered the island is ready to receive gain from these events,” said hotels. After that we will tourists and there is no issue De Silva. look at a reimbursement of safety and security in the of the event, which will be island nation. “India is our Insisting that the primary around 8-10 per cent of the largest source market for role of the SLCB is to Kumar De Silva accommodation cost, based M!CE, both for us and from facilitate and support events, on the criteria that the event the Indian tourist point of he said, “We primarily offer is directly related to M!CE.” view. We have a lot more to incentives which we believe offer and it is a good time to could support the events, QUICK FACTS Another highlight is show the agents the potential like a city tour or a dance weddings, for which India and diversity.” troupe. But, recently we have • India is the is a huge market, and De introduced a proportional largest source Silva claims that Sri Lanka He stressed that they see a assistant scheme. However, market for M!CE does become a venue for lot of untapped potential that comes into effect • Roadshows were many of them. “The wedding in the Indian market. “It’s only after the conference held in Chennai industry is primarily being not just Mumbai or North is confirmed in Sri Lanka. and Bengaluru in handled by the Sri Lanka India, but we are focusing Otherwise, it becomes a 2019. Roadshows Tourism Promotion Bureau a lot on Southern India as part of the negotiating tool are planned in (SLTPB), but we are one well, which has got great and then it gets diluted. Kolkata & East product. When we have the India opportunity of bringing in • Another highlight people to do M!CE as well is weddings, for as weddings, we want to POTENTIAL MARKETS which India is a showcase the combination of Besides huge market what they are also marketing, Mumbai & North India, we are which could work for focusing on Southern India as well building the business for us.”
16 M CEtalk January-March 2020 convention The event biz in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka possesses a host of state-of-the-art meeting and convention facilities across the island, right from Colombo to leisure destinations like Negombo, Kandy & Bentota BMICH International Convention & Exhibition Centre Situated in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) International Convention & Exhibition Centre is one of the most prestigious M!CE facility in Sri Lanka and has a variety of venues to offer for business events. The highlight is the main conference & concert hall, which is meant for international level events with the capacity to seat 1,600 people. It is used for conferences, conventions, convocations, award ceremonies, drama, ballet, and concerts.
Heritance Negombo Located only 20 minutes from the Bandaranaike International Airport and 40 minutes from the capital of Colombo, Heritance Negombo Sri Lanka, has a total of 139 rooms. Apart from its vicinity to the airport, it stands apart because it offers the ambience of a beach resort, making it the perfect venue to host any kind of corporate, business, social and private events. Offering a professional team to manage the event, world-class technology, dedicated service and tasteful designs, the meeting and convention facilities at the property take the experience of an event a notch higher.
Jetwing Hotels, Negombo Offering an amalgamation of corporate and leisure facilities for guests to experience sun, sand and discuss effective business strategies, Jetwing Hotels has five propertiaes in Negombo, Sri Lanka, out of which four can be used as business-cum-leisure properties, while one is an Ayurveda hotel. Jetwing Beach, Jetwing Blue, Jetwing Lagoon and Jetwing Sea, are situated not too far from each other, but offer state-of-the-art conference facilities for India corporates. In fact, they are idyllic for Indian weddings as they present the best background and stay options for the guests, with all venues close to each other.
Taj Samudra, Colombo The iconic Taj Samudra overlooks Sri Lanka’s historic Galle Face Green, and offers enchanting views of the mesmerising Indian Ocean, and the vibrant city of Colombo. With 300 rooms, it is the ideal choice for any corporate or even private event. The property offers multiple private halls and spacious boardrooms, ideal for annual meetings or training programmes, which can then be converted into a sit-down dinner. The Samudra Ballroom can be used for a wedding or corporate event, allowing guests to enjoy a mesmerising view of the ocean. Other venues on offer include, Regency Room, On Golden Pond, Longdon Room, Gregory Room and The Grand Marquee. Many of these venues are housed in the dedicated heritage wing of the hotel.
M CEtalk January-March 2020 17 interview
Weddings take centrestage in Turkey Inventum Global, Turkey’s largest M!CE & wedding inbound B2B service provider, held roadshows in Delhi & Mumbai. Necip Fuat Ersoy, Managing Partner, IMWF shares more Kanchan Nath
ince the company is the technical details, plus ratio of 60 per cent expecting a higher the all-inclusive seasons every year. We want to demand from India to rates along with the flight improve that further. We TurkeyS in 2020, they have and transfer etc. So, it’s a have 85 per cent of the invested in technology. one-stop-shop and it has market share from India to Elaborating further, Necip never been given to the Turkey for weddings and Fuat Ersoy, Managing industry for any destination corporate events.” Partner, International or product.” M!CE and Wedding Forum On the popularity of Antalya (IMWF), said, “We have On their growth he added, as a wedding destination, he invested big on technology in “We have an average growth Necip Fuat Ersoy said, “Antalya is getting more the last couple of years. We weddings, because of an all- are here to share our plans inclusive concept. The hotels for the future and also to give are new, big and the service our partners the opportunity standards are high. We have to understand how to use Indian chefs exclusively the new technology. It’s the working for us.” most convenient way to book either a wedding or a Elaborating on the trends corporate event. We have for destination weddings, already packaged certain he said, “Now brides and items like accommodation, grooms are asking for things flight, transfer, catering, as per their taste. The next excursions, and are listing gen loves Turkey because more than 100 properties it’s colourful and exciting. all around Turkey. Istanbul, NEWS FLASH Even as parents pay up Bodrum, Antalya and We have 85% of the for a destination wedding Cappadocia have the ability market share from India to Turkey elsewhere, the youngsters to list every property with for weddings and corporate events insist on coming to Turkey.”
18 M CEtalk January-March 2020 weddings LA big on Indian weddings The first US destination to open an office in India, Los Angeles is keen on tapping the M!CE market, especially the wedding and events segment from India Hazel Jain
rnest Wooden Jr, CEO and President, Los Angeles Tourism, wasE on a flying visit to Mumbai recently to open the tourism board’s India office, making it the first US destination to do so. It is headed by Seema Kadam, Los Angeles Tourism’s first Regional Director for India. Along with her were Doane Liu, Executive Director at City of Los Angeles Department of Convention & Tourism Development, as well as Curren Price, City Council Member, Los Angeles. The delegation’s focus was hugely on M!CE from India, particularly weddings and events.
Wooden Jr said, “We are in Downtown LA which is very excited about M!CE WEDDINGS VENUES just under a million square from India to Los Angeles • World’s most feet when you combine and one component which expensive stadium, the exhibition and meeting is attractive to us is the the SoFi Stadium, rooms. The challenge is huge business of weddings. will be opening by that it was built in the We have a particular October 2020. It 1970s and two major halls interest in the wedding will be an ETFE are not connected. This business from India and roof-covered stadium project to build in between are currently trying to size and entertainment the two buildings will start the market. For now, we complex in Ernest Wooden next summer. We are also are going to spend majority Inglewood and constructing new hotels of our time in our new can be used as a in the area. There are office in a B2B effort to M!CE venue approximately 5,000 rooms educate our travel partners • Paramount Pictures right now and the goal is to in Mumbai and New Delhi Studio grounds reach 8,000 by 2021.” as well as some secondary • Universal Studios cities about LA.” grounds in He assured that Indian food Hollywood in LA is not a problem. Los Angeles has also seen • The Academy While the Los Angeles a lot of interest from the Museum of Motion Department of Convention incentive market, especially Pictures to open & Tourism Development due to the Hollywood angle. in 2020 doesn’t have any incentive Speaking about M!CE scheme in place for M!CE facilities, Liu says, “We have groups, they consider venues that can handle all discounts and special add- group sizes and can offer ons on a case-to-case basis. unique itineraries. We have PLANS We will educate our travel It has a M!CE-specific portal one large convention center for agents and planners called the Los Angeles partners in Mumbai & New Delhi called ‘Meet LA’ that has all Convention Center (LACC) as well as Tier-II cities about LA related information.
M CEtalk January-March 2020 19 India outbound news NEWS
Penang to hold roadshows in India in January OTOAI elects new team; Riaz Munshi is the President Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) will be holding Outbound Tour Operators Association roadshows in India to promote of India, OTOAI, has elected a new Penang as the preferred location team. has been elected as Riaz Munshi for business events activities in the the President; is the VP; Himanshu Patil region. e tentative dates for the is the General Secretary; Shravan Bhalla same are Mumbai, Jan 13, 2020; is the Treasurer and Siddharth Khanna New Delhi, Jan 15, 2020; Chennai, has been elected as the Vineet Gopal Jan 17, 2020 and Kochi, Jan 20, 2020. Joint Secretary. Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is a state bureau established in 2016 to develop the Business Events and Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (M!CE) industry PATA has forecast that India will receive 20 mn in Penang. tourists by 2024. John Koldowski, Special Advisor to CEO, Indians can now apply PATA, said that if the scenario remains the same, it for Polish visa from will reach the 20 mn mark in the next fi ve years. Delhi and Mumbai Indian residents can now apply for a Polish visa through VFS Global Russia to extend eVisa facility to Indians for all its regions with the inauguration of Visa Application Centres in New Delhi Russia is set to off er e-Visa facility to all and Mumbai. VFS Global will regions of the Russian Federation by soon off er Polish visa 2021, after off ering free e-Visa to Indian services in eight other cities — tourists travelling to four regions of the Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Russian Federation — St. Petersburg, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Leningrad, Kaliningrad, and Far East Jaipur, and Kolkata. Customers region. India is placed third in terms of applying for their Polish visa growth in tourist fl ow from the Asian through VFS Global can opt to region, at 47.8 per cent. submit their applications through the Premium Lounge.
SriLankan Airlines has SriLankan commenced a codeshared, non- Airlines stop service between Toronto and Delhi with Air India, providing commences seamless connection to Colombo. flights with e Delhi-Toronto fl ight AI187 will have the UL code UL3640; Air India while the Toronto-Delhi fl ight from Delhi AI188 will have the code UL3641.
20 M CEtalk January-March 2020 counsellor
Counsellor Shivani Misri Decorum for Sadhoo shares tips on behaviour while taking up coworking spaces coworking spaces
ith a boom in start-ups and STICK TO THE ROUTINE OR SCHEDULE independent professionals across By extending your client meeting or taking too various parts of India, coworking much time to wrap up a call, you are probably isW attracting them for various reasons. Shared causing a delay for others as well who need to spaces are way economical compared to the use that rented space. While some hurdles on the traditional offices. Generally, they provide better road are expected, it is never acceptable to delay amenities and give a better opportunity for social a fellow co-worker’s schedule. interaction. When compared to working from home, coworking spaces promote productivity CLEAN UP AFTER USING THE SPACE and let workers connect with each other. It is no Because workers come and go the entire day, surprise that they are taking the working world by you must ensure to keep your workstation clean. storm. As in the case with large organisations, a No one likes handling a mess left behind by a shared workspace depends on a code of conduct, previous occupant of the coworking space, so which can be either understood or clearly laid make sure to put your coffee cups and napkins Shivani Misri Sadhoo out. If you are new to the world of coworking, before leaving, in their designated slots. Founder you need to follow some simple ground rules. Saarthi Counselling USE YOUR COMMON SENSE Services BE RESPECTFUL AND MINDFUL If your coworking office space has a set OF THE BOUNDARIES of guidelines, follow them without any Both in terms of the physical and emotional level, misses. This means eating only in designated one should be mindful of other people’s space. For spots, brushing up on the visitor policy and instance, ensure that you are leaving enough room smoking outside the premises. And, avoid for other people in communal spaces, particularly discriminatory conduct toward your fellow when you have a load of items with you. users, it is their space as well. KEEP YOUR NOISE DOWN If you have to make a phone call, use the designated phone booth, step into the hallway or take a stroll. While in a group or teamwork, GROUND RULE be aware to keep your noise to a respectful level While in a group, keep your because other people are using the same area for noise to a respectful level because other people individual work. are using the same area for individual work
M CEtalk January-March 2020 21 outbound Movements Abroad Adel Al Redha has been appointed Puneet Saxena has been appointed Chief Operating Offi cer at as Vice President, International Emirates. He is responsible Business and Head, Business & for Flight Operations, Service Marketing Globally for inbound and Delivery, Airport Services, Emirates outbound Oman tours at Mountain Engineering, Crew Manpower, Valley Travel & Tourism, one of the Aircraft Procurement and the leading destination management Emirates Flight Training Academy; companies in Oman. He has 20 years as well as Worldwide Network of experience working across diff erent Operations including Crisis segments of travel, including leisure, Response. During his 31-year M!CE, corporate travel and special Adel Al Redha career with Emirates, he has been Puneet Saxena interest tours, with leading offl ine and Chief Operating Offi cer instrumental in implementing VP, Int. Business, Mountain online travel companies in both the Emirates Emirates’ global strategy. Valley Travel & Tourism B2B and B2C segment.
Kerzner International Holdings, Grand Millennium Business Bay the owner of the iconic Atlantis announced the appointment of Resort and Residences, ultra- Mustafa Abu Al Ainen as General luxury One&Only Resorts brand Manager. An Irish-Egyptian national, worldwide and Mazagan Beach Ainen has 25 years of experience in & Golf Resort, announced the hotel management and operations promotion of Massimiliano (Max) in which he has worked for many Zanardi as General Manager, international hotel chains such as Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai. IHG, Hilton and Rotana in the Gulf Focused on guest experience, this region and UK. In his new role, he key role is critical to delivering will be focusing on elevating Grand Massimiliano Zanardi the vision of Kerzner International Mustafa Abu Al Ainen Millennium Business Bay’s reputation General Manager — Amazing Experiences and General Manager as a preferred hotel for both leisure Atlantis, The Palm Everlasting Memories. Grand Millennium Business Bay and business travellers.
Kerzner International Holdings, Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate, the owner of the iconic Atlantis Dubai, has appointed Hazem Aouad as Resort and Residences, ultra- its new Director of Sales and Marketing. luxury One&Only Resorts brand He will be leading the growth of the worldwide and Mazagan Beach 396-key property with a steady focus & Golf Resort, announced the on corporate business, strengthened promotion of Sergio Pereira. leisure partnerships, and a strategic He has been designated as approach on meetings and events. General Manager of Mazagan He has 20 years of experience having Beach & Golf Resort, where worked in fi ve-star luxury resorts & city he will be responsible for the properties across the ME. He holds a Sergio Pereira overall operations and strategic Hazem Aouad bachelor’s degree in Hotel & Tourism General Manager, Mazagan development of the award- Director of Sales and Marketing Management from the Notre Dame Beach & Golf Resort, Morocco winning destination resort. Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate University in Lebanon.
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi hotel The H Hotel Dubai has appointed and residences Emirates Pearl Sherif El Mansoury as Director of welcomed Rene Mayer as Director Sales. Moving from The H Resort of Sales and Marketing. He has Seychelles to Dubai, El Mansoury been involved in the hotel industry will be responsible for leading the from the age of 17 and has worked hotel’s sales team and will play an with international companies. integral role in the development and After moving to Asia in 2011 as implementation of strategic sales Director of Sales and Marketing plans and initiatives to maximise at Sofi tel Hanoi, he became the all revenue streams. He will identify Director of Global Sales for Regent new business opportunities for The Rene Meyer Hotels & Resorts in Taipei. Mayer Sherif El Mansoury H Hotel Dubai and will represent Director of Sales & Marketing, spent the past fi ve years with Director of Sales the property at conferences and Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Fairmont Hotels in Indonesia. H Hotel Dubai trade shows.
22 M CEtalk January-March 2020 events
CALENDAR Mark your calendar for events to attend!
FITUR 2020 celebrates 40th anniversary Focus on strengthening International FEBRUARY 2020 Guest Programs 2-4 MCE Central & Eastern Europe Vienna, Austria he next edition of FITUR, organised by IFEMA will take place at Feria de Madrid, from January 22-26. The sustainability, 9-11 BIT Milano Milano technologyT and expertise, will remain principal axes of FITUR, 12-13 Convene Vilnius- to which the momentum of the shares will add, targeted to grow Lithuania in professionalism and inter-nationality and thus overcome the results of the last edition, which brought together more than 12-14 PATA Adventure Travel Conference & Mart Sabah, Malaysia 11,000 exhibiting companies from 160 countries, and 253,000 participants. For this, the FITUR organisation has paid special 18-19 Aviation Festival Asia Singapore attention to strengthening its International Guest Programs as well as the agenda of B2B meetings. MARCH 4-8 ITB Berlin, Germany
8-10 Routes Asia Chiang Mai, Thailand
17-19 MITT Moscow, Russia
15-18 OTOAI Convention Turkey
24-25 Rendez-vous en France – Atout France Nates, France 24-26 IT&CM and CTW Shanghai, COTTM, promoting China
25-27 UITT 2020 Kiev, Ukraine outbound tourism
31-April 3 PATA Annual Summit 2020 Ras Al COTTM from April 1-3, 2020 at Beijing Khaimah ntering its 16th year, China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market (COTTM) is regarded as the industry’s most importantE platform and remains the only business to business APRIL event that focuses purely on the burgeoning outbound market. 1-3 COTTM Beijing Recent statistics from China Travel Guide state that by 2022, China outbound trips by Chinese tourists will have reached 178.4 million and the total expenditure to $179 billion. COTTM 6-8 IBTM Asia Pacific Singapore attracts over 4,000 Chinese trade buyers. The 2019 show 16-18 KITF Almaty, witnessed new destinations such as Bhutan, Cuba, Dusseldorf Kazakhstan and Ethiopia and welcomed back the Dominican Republic, Fiji and Montenegro, which demonstrates the truly international 19-22 Arabian Travel Mart (ATM) Dubai, UAE reach of the event with over 450 exhibitors from 70 different 20-22 Digital Travel Summit APAC 2020 Sentosa countries. COTTM’s seminar programme for both visitors and exhibitors, as well as extensive knowledge of operating in the San Juan, 21-23 WTTC Global Summit region, ensures that by being at the show you can improve your Puerto Rico knowledge of Chinese travellers’ preferences and requirements.
M CEtalk January-March 2020 23
RNI No.:DELENG/2010/34144 ` 20 the INBOUND business magazine A DDP Publication
Volume XI Issue 1 January-March 2020 24 pages contents Winter 2020
PUBLISHER & EDITOR SanJeet
MANAGING EDITOR Peden Doma Bhutia
ASSOCIATE EDITOR 8 Kanchan Nath INTERVIEW DESK EDITOR Tourism with M!CE Smita Kulshreshth
DESIGN Raashi Ajmani Girdhar
ADVERTISING Nikhil Jeet Gaganpreet Kaur Meetu Malhotra 10 12 ADVERTISEMENT DESIGNERS EXHIBITION CENTRE VENUE Vikas Mandotia S Mumbai's M!CE hub Weddings on A Dot Nitin Kumar
PRODUCTION MANAGER 14 18 Anil Kharbanda
CIRCULATION MANAGER Ashok Rana
MUMBAI: ADVERTISING Harshal Ashar TECHNOLOGY VENUE Priyanshu Wankhade One fi ne rate for all M!CE planners Paras: ‘Stand’ing tall
DDP Publications Private Limited Tel: +91-22-22070129, 22070130 Similarly, opinions/views expressed by any party in Editorial enquiries and enquiries concerning the reproduction The publisher reserves the rights to refuse, withdraw, amend or Fax: +91-22-22070131 abstract and/or in interviews are not necessarily shared/ of articles should be emailed to [email protected], otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All New Delhi: E-mail: [email protected] do not necessarily re ect any opinion of DDP Publications. advertising and circulation enquiries should be e-mailed to advertisements must comply with the Indian Advertisements Code 72, Todarmal Road, All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction [email protected] as well as the Advertisements Code of South Asia. The publisher will New Delhi 110001, India strictly prohibited. Material appearing in MiCEtalk cannot not be liable for any damage or loss caused by the late publication, Tel: +91 11 23234177, be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written error or failure or advertisement or editorial to appear. E-mail: [email protected] All information in MiCEtalk is derived from sources, which permission. The same rule applies when there is a copyright we consider reliable. Information is passed on to our or the article is taken from another publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for returning MiCEtalk is printed, published, edited and owned by Mumbai: readers without any responsibility on our part. The Publications reproducing material either in part or in whole, unsolicited material nor is he responsible for material lost or SanJeet, printed at Modest Print Pack Pvt. Ltd., C-52, DDA 504 Marine Chambers, 43 New Marine Lines, Mumbai contents of this publication contain views of authors and are without permission would face legal action. damaged in transit. Any material submitted to MiCEtalk Sheds, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase - I, New Delhi - 110020 400 020, India not the views of DDP Publications. will not be returned. and published at 72, Todarmal Road, New Delhi-110001
M CEtalk January-March 2020 3 news
Over the last four years, domestic aviation traffi c has grown at a CAGR NEWS of 18.6 per cent, rising from 89.6 million in FY2015 to 137.6 million passengers in 2019.
Delhi in top 10 of world’s most Our upcoming popular city destinations in 2019 properties for 2020 include Delhi is all set to enter the list of top 10 most popular destinations in the world, according to the launch of a recent report by Euromonitor International. Raffl es Udaipur, Currently, the city ranks at the 11th position in the list of world's top 100 destinations. Novotel Mumbai International Airport and ibis Mumbai LBS Road Jean-Michel Cassé Chief Operating Offi cer –India & South Asia, Accor
25 Indian tour operators attend Incredible India roadshow in Singapore Indian LCCs to grow domestic Th e fi rst of the three-city Incredible India roadshow was held passenger traffic by 25-30% at Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore and witnessed participation from 25 Indian tour operators and DMCs along with in fiscal 2020: CRISIL representations from the state governments of Punjab and Firmer fares and strong passenger-traffi c growth are Madhya Pradesh. India Tourism Offi ce in Singapore said estimated to propel the earnings before interest, tax, that the roadshow provided a platform to the stakeholders depreciation, amortisation and lease rentals (EBITDAR) of India's tourism industry to position India as a preferred margin of India’s low-cost carriers to 24-25 per cent this destination for tourists of Singapore. fi scal, compared with 15-16 per cent in the last.
Th e government has approved transfer of 3.7 acres of land at Pragati Maidan ITDC to develop to ITDC and ITPO on a 99-year lease for `611 crore to set up a fi ve-star hotel. India 5-star hotel Trade Promotion Organisation, which manages Pragati Maidan, will undertake a at Pragati Maidan mega project to redevelop the land into a world-class International Exhibition for ` 611 crore and Convention Centre.
4 M CEtalk January-March 2020
news NEWS
Kerala Travel Mart 2020 from September 23-27 Th e 11th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2020 will be held in Kochi from September 23- 27. Th e venue will be Sagara and nd Samudrika convention centres of International Buddhist Travel Mart & 2 ABTO convention Cochin Port Trust in Willingdon At the inauguration of the International Buddhist Travel Mart and second Island. Announcing the event, ABTO convention in Bodhgaya, Bihar., Vinod Zutshi, Former Secretary, Kadakampally Surendran, Ministry of Tourism, said, "I congratulate ABTO for conducting this event Tourism Minister, Kerala said that and it's great to see participants from 17 international countries. It's great KTM 2020 will aim at exploring new to see private players promoting tourism in such a manner." markets for Champions Boat League (CBL), adventure tourism and M!CE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) along with fi nding excellent global buyers.
interview
Tourism with M!CE Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog, stresses on the importance of M!CE to grow tourism in India. IICC and Pragati Maidan are being developed to drive the M!CE market in the country Nisha Verma
mitabh Kant said an aim to create probably been completely redeveloped that for India the biggest exhibition and again into a global scale to become a $5 convention centre there. It product to drive the M!CE trillionA economy by 2025, will be an iconic exhibition market. We have requested the tourism sector can be and convention centre all other states to take one of the biggest drivers and will be the largest in similar initiatives to develop of India’s growth and jobs. Southeast Asia, at par with M!CE tourism and create "Tourism has immense what exists in Shanghai. It similar kind of global multiplier impact in the should be ready in about a scale infrastructure.” economy but its impact as year’s time as 50 per cent of far as direct and indirect work is already complete. Amitabh Kant He also mentioned that job creation is concerned, is We will also have around there is a huge opportunity truly formidable. Therefore, 14 hotels there. It will have for cruise tourism. “We’ll if there’s one sector which a large-scale shopping and do everything possible to greatly creates jobs, it is the commercial development. I think there is a open it up further. I feel tourism sector and that’s It’s like creating a completely huge possibility that essentially, other than what India needs, growth new city in the heart of Delhi of M!CE tourism Rajasthan, Kerala and MP, with jobs," he stated. in Dwarka. there are very few states in India and the which have realised the He added, “I think there It will also have two metros govt is creating significance and importance is a huge possibility of linked to it, and the roads two global scale of tourism and therefore the M!CE tourism in India and have been widened for the products for private sector needs to work therefore the government same. It will be the biggest with state governments. is creating two global scale M!CE destination in Delhi this sector products for this sector— and the government has If there are 10 state IICC near Dwarka, which taken the initiative of giving champions who drive is about five minutes from this land of around 350 tourism and take it to high the airport, and I have been acres at just `1. In addition levels, then Indian tourism personally involved in it with to this, Pragati Maidan has will automatically grow. Hence, there is a need for state politicians and administrators to realise FACTS that this is the sector that IICC is slated to be the is going to provide key biggest M!CE destination in growth, and in turn jobs Delhi, spread across 350 acres will be created.”
8 M CEtalk January-March 2020
exhibition centre
S Mumbai's M!CE hub In an interview, Rupa Naik, Senior Director, World Trade Center Mumbai, elaborates on the exhibition and event spaces available at WTC Mumbai Kanchan Nath
What facilities are The venues are well globally across 91 countries provided by World Trade packaged with value-added representing over 1 million Center Mumbai? services such as internet businesses across sectors. World Trade Center (WTC) wi-fi service, electrical and The venues are in an ideal Mumbai is strategically engineering support, ample location and are constantly located in the heart of the car parking, air-conditioning, upgraded to meet the financial and commercial 24x7 security arrangements business needs of emerging capital of India, providing with CCTV surveillance, entrepreneurs, overseas an array of state-of-the-art empanelled contractors commercial and trade venues to hold meetings, for stall design and offices. Located in a prime exhibitions and conferences, construction, catering Rupa Naik business surrounding, the catering to all business services, branding spaces venues have easy access requirements. The location within the complex, store to hotels, restaurants and is a two-hour flight distance rooms, telephone facilities, public transport system, from any major city and freight elevators and in- We plan to most importantly the in close proximity to state house audio-visual facilities. use Artificial upcoming metro line three. government offices, major Intelligence and business hubs, hotels, Please tell us something Data Analytics to What differences do you entertainment zones and interesting about the see between the M!CE famous tourist spots. Our inception of your venue as help organisers in sector in India and abroad? USP lies in providing the a M!CE destination optimising In the Indian scenario, ultimate experience in WTC Mumbai venues for M!CE events development of M!CE organising business-to- M!CE were constructed with venues is yet in the nascent business and business-to- a view to draw the crème- stage which is now gaining consumer meetings in South de-la-crème institutions and recognition as an emerging Mumbai. Our facilities offer organisations to organise area. There is an urgent well appointed, centrally international meetings need to scale them up air-conditioned rooms and conferences. Besides, into convention centres. and halls and are available WTC Mumbai is a premier Internationally, convention in various settings, from World Trade Center in India centres are built to house large conference venues of and a member of World huge M!CE venues with 300 persons to small ones Trade Centers Association, all facilities and services of 10 persons as per the New York (WTCA, NY). under one roof. organisation’s specifications. WTCA has an unparalleled The banquet rooms serve as network of 326 World Trade How do you see the Indian an ideal venue for hosting Centers connecting trade M!CE industry? corporate meetings, annual This industry offers general meetings, press tourism services in which conferences, seminars, organisers and suppliers workshops, training EVENTS 100+ exhibitions and over manage and deliver programmes, arbitrations, meetings, conferences, business and educational 600 meetings & conferences are exhibitions, and other related interviews, among others. held at WTC Mumbai in a year events to achieve a range
10 M CEtalk January-March 2020 exhibition centre
Which challenges in the Maharashtra and cities What are your future plans? M!CE sector would you such as Hyderabad. We review and strategise want the government to campaigns for our address urgently? As a venue, how much venues as per industry The government must of your business comes standards. We resort to provide incentives to the through M!CE? digital marketing and M!CE sector as a result WTC Mumbai is primarily social media campaigns to of policy changes such a trade promotion and create business models to as Goods and Services support organisation which achieve greater targets, so Tax (GST). It must relax offers trade infrastructure that there is 100 per cent visa norms through the that includes commercial occupancy. In order to of professional, business, introduction of eVisas spaces for both public and keep up to M!CE industry cultural, or academic for M!CE events and also private sectors to conduct standards, WTC Mumbai objectives. Therefore, there conduct M!CE promotions meetings, conferences upgrades its existing is huge potential to promote through roadshows. Easing and exhibitions, and venues on a periodic the M!CE industry in India. regulations that govern also undertake trade basis. Industry 4.0 offers There is an urgent need M!CE businesses would promotion activities, excellent opportunity to to identify cities that have provide necessary thrust research and education use the content and data the potential to promote to the industry. There is a on international trade. It generated from various M!CE events. need to develop suitable also provides commercial M!CE events. We plan to exhibition spaces and related spaces for M!CE events. use Artificial Intelligence How many M!CE events are infrastructure in areas in Approximately, 20-25 per and Data Analytics organised at WTC ? and around large cities and cent of business comes to help organisers in About 100+ exhibitions areas where exhibitions from M!CE events. optimising the marketing and promotional activities can be held. There is a need This confirms that there and infrastructure cost and over 600 meetings and for convention bureaus is huge potential to to organise M!CE events conferences are held at WTC to register M!CE events enhance revenue and thereby enhance Mumbai throughout the year. as is done in states across under M!CE. competitiveness. venue Weddings on A Dot In an interview Vinod Saini, Director, GNH, shares details of their one-year-old venue A Dot, which has become a hotspot for weddings and corporate events in Delhi-NCR Kanchan Nath
haring how business course, promises a feel of companies like Wizcraft, has been, Saini says, the green landscape which Touchwood Entertainment, “The A Dot venue one is starved for in the Vibgyor, Gravity, locatedS at Ambience city. The venue has already Communique and Expndt, Golf Drive Gurgaon started become very popular with among others have brought operations in January 2019 the automobile sector, we to life many events here. In and over the last year we have had a lot of events terms of upcoming events we have held 60 plus weddings from this segment including have a huge Ophthalmology here and over 25-30 large the launch of KIA motors, conference lined up wherein corporate events, many of BMW, Honda, Maruti, 25, 000 eye specialist doctors which took place across two among others. Vinod Saini will be here for a conference to three days.” On the USP between January 12-17, of A Dot, he adds, “ We are We have also been working 2020.” On the popularity of the only ones to provide with other corporate clients the multipurpose event space such a large pillarless like HMSIL, Gourmet as a wedding destination, venue for conventions/ Show, Make Me Up, British he adds, “For weddings we weddings and events in the Telecom, EEMA, Amdocs are fast developing as the whole of NCR with ample and Entertainment Premier best venue in India. Many parking space. Also, the League.” “Some of the NRIs are looking at our glass wall facing the golf big event management event spaces as the suitable venue for weddings. Recently we held a huge destination USP A Dot FACT FILE wedding here by an NRI We are the only ones to from Singapore. We have • 2,00,000 sq. ft. of provide such a large pillarless banqueting space had other high-profile weddings like Haldiram and • Pillarless Hall of venue for conventions/weddings Bikanerwala. The advantage 60,000 sq ft of having weddings here at • Clear height of 35 ft. A Dot is the flexibility we • Venue can offer to our clients in terms accommodate 400 of décor and opting for their - 12,000 guests in a own caterings. They can hire single gathering whichever lavish specialised • Experience hall, caterings they want, we convention hall and have high walls and strong Club Xs alongside ceilings that can hold up any vast space for major décor that they may be breakaway sessions looking at.” • Parking for up to 1,500-1,800 cars On newer projects that GNH hospitality has in the pipeline, he says, “We have an upcoming project on Sohna road. The event space is coming up in 2.5 acres, it will cater to groups up to 1,000 Pax, corporates as well as the social and weddings segment. Also, we will be aggressively pushing sales to further popularise our multipurpose event space venue, A Dot, for corporate events as well as weddings.”
12 M CEtalk January-March 2020
technology One fine rate for all M!CE planners Onefinerate.com offers M!CE bookers access to hotels matching their event criteria. Ravish Swarup, Founder CEO of Onefinerate.com, shares insights on the travel portal Kanchan Nath
Kindly share the USP of your company. Onefinerate.com or OFR is one-of-its-kind travel marketplace designed for both B2C and B2B business. At this stage, OFR is being introduced with B2B/M!CE offering only. As a revenue enhancing business model, it allows forging of new Ravish Swarup relationships where none existed before. The hotels sent instantly to the selected can distribute contracted hotels for them, with a rates directly to travel agents prompt, to respond to the that they wish to work with, booker at the earliest. who in turn get rates and inventory to reserve a hotel What do you offer to your room. The transactions take hotel partners? 45 seconds to conclude. By enabling rates and inventory to travel agents TECHNOLOGY ‘Quote Your Rate’ is another across the length and Complex algorithms industry first feature that breadth of the country, identify & match the bookers allows travel agents to Onefinerate.com will requirements with hotel rates submit their preferred rate to introduce points of sales the hotel for consideration. that hotels had never like lead generation, access Notifications of such sales known or worked with QUICK FACTS & faster response times. The enquiries are sent instantly before. Equipped with • OFR is one-of- OFR team has developed to the hotel who either distribution savviness, its-kind travel complex algorithms that accepts, rejects or gives a hotels can engage in marketplace identify & match the bookers counter offer with or without frequent marketing designed for B2C requirements with the inclusions, all in a matter of campaigns of their and B2B business availability & rates offered by a few seconds. The portal electronic brochures, • ‘Quote Your Rate’ hotels. This leads to a shorter provides travel agents / special offers which can be allows travel agents ‘selling cycle’ thereby helping M!CE planners / conference delivered to the mailbox of to submit their both parties to close deals organisers / event & wedding the travel agents instantly. preferred rate to the in a shorter window of time. planners the ability to send Should a hotel decide to hotel Incremental sales & revenue Request for Proposal (RFP) offer override commission • OFR addresses key for hotels with minimal use instantly to shortlisted hotels to a set of agents for the pain points of M!CE of their resources adds to based on their requirements next three hours only and bookers & hotels their bottom line and at the and room budget. then withdraw the offer, the like lead generation, same time gives the bookers access & faster model allows the possibility. an opportunity to secure response times What do you offer to your business faster. travel agent partners? How does the technology Onefinerate.com gives its that you offer help to grow What plans do you have travel agent partners & your clients' bottom line? lined up for 2020? M!CE bookers easy & direct Onefinerate.com addresses 2020 will be all about adding access to hotels that match the key pain points of both hotel partners & M!CE their event criteria. RFP is the M!CE bookers & hotels bookers to the platform.
14 M CEtalk January-March 2020
hotel Innovate to evolve In an interview, Debasish Bhowmik, COO, Clarks Shiraz, Agra, elaborates on M!CE trends and facilities that the hotel offers for events and conferences
What are the latest trends on technology for M!CE across India as well as globally? The latest trends in M!CE are facial recognition, one voice command on all equipment, Google glasses connection to your laptop (augmented reality), planners of social media for Debasish Bhowmik AV kits and can be destination and has the an event (pre and post event modified/installed with best to offer in terms of any marketing), restricted usage VENUES every technological aspect event, whether corporate of drones, and 360 degree • Shehnaz A as per the current trend. or social. The city of Taj is feedback system (immediate Area: 3,400 sq. ft. already much in demand Theatre: 325 pax response, live poll etc). How do you provide for destination weddings • Shehnaz B as it offers unmatchable Area: 1,600 sq. ft. special customisation In the M!CE race, the ones Theatre: 96 pax for specific events? hospitality and curations. leveraging technology to • Shehnaz We have always felt that The government has also innovate and create an Area: 5,000 sq. ft. human connect is still the helped by connecting Agra indispensable experience Theatre: 525 pax best and believe in creating to nearby major cities and stand tall, making the • Shehnaz Lawn memories rather than opening sites suitable for ground much harder to Area: 12,000 sq. ft. considering it as an event. weddings and M!CE. cross for others who are Reception: 1,000 pax For best customisation we stuck with traditional • Akbar believe in empathy and step What infrastructure methods of execution. Area: 2,940 sq. ft. into the shoes of our guest to and venues does UP Theatre: 300 pax know views regarding food offer for M!CE? • Akbar Lawn What is the new kind Area: 8,400 sq. ft. menus or setups including Uttar Pradesh has a lot to of technology that Reception: 700 pax the technical part as well. offer in terms of hosting your venues offer for • Arjumand an event, the state has M!CE events? Area: 780 sq. ft. Kindly elaborate on how better connectivity to NCR The venues are equipped Boardoom: 36 pax Agra is developing as and also has well-known with all modern-day • Maryam a M!CE and wedding historical as well as new technology like Wi-Fi- Area: 2,200 sq. ft. destination. venues to host any occasion Bluetooth-voice command Reception: 100 pax Agra is a popular M!CE or corporate affair.
16 M CEtalk January-March 2020
venue
The Petrotech 2019 event which was curated by Paras Art Studio Paras: ‘Stand’ing tall In an interview, Nimit Soni, Business Head, Paras Art Studio shares insights about his company, trends in technology, soundproof halls, 2020 lineup and more Kanchan Nath
Kindly share the USP of par with any global company of complaints about the your company. at a much lesser cost. hygiene for these kind of We at Paras Art Studio washrooms. This problem specialise in providing What are the trends made way to find a solution. turnkey services for in terms of temporary And hence luxury toilet exhibitions, events and soundproof halls? vans were introduced. But conferences in India and These days a lot of large- these vans had limited abroad. We have been in scale events have the capacity and hence we had this business for more than requirement to build to overcome the problem for 60 years now and have one soundproof halls and capacity. About five years of the largest infrastructure/ Nimit Soni most of the venues in our ago, we were one of the first production based out of country today don’t have companies in India to design New Delhi. We have the many existing built-up and produce makeshift expertise to provide services soundproof hall facilities. washrooms. These for stand construction in That’s where the need washrooms are as good any India and abroad, large arises, building soundproof five-star hotel washrooms scale outdoor construction, halls of different capacities in terms ambience, hygiene events and conferences in one single hall. and functionality. setups across India. Depending on the budget and event requirement we What are the projects What have you done in have in the past built 100 that you have lined up terms of technology? per cent soundproof halls of for 2020? We have started integrated capacities up to 1,000 pax. We are ending 2019 on a technology solutions for good note with large scale our different services. We What are the trends projects like Petrotech 2019, strongly believe in the power in building hygienic AIOC 2019, India Pavilion of technology and the need temporary bathrooms for at EEF2019, to name a few. to upgrade ourselves on a tented events? We are all geared up to daily basis. We are capable A lot of events happen welcome 2020 with projects of providing technology at outdoor in complete lined up for Auto Expo, makeshift infrastructure. Elecrama, and Convergence. Earlier companies used We are the official show INNOVATION to provide chemical contractor for a medical We were one of the washrooms also commonly conference with over 8,000 first companies in India to design called as porta loos. Pax to be held at an outdoor and produce makeshift washrooms There used to be a lot venue in Agra.
18 M CEtalk January-March 2020
association ‘42% of tourism coming to India is M!CE’ In an interview, Amaresh Tiwari, Vice Chairman, India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) tells us about the association’s plans and past year's achievements Kanchan Nath laborating on the associations, corporates, bigger conferences we are plans for ICPB in or their companies, so they building the infrastructure.” 2020, Tiwari said, have a lot of money at their On achievements of ICPB E“We are planning on disposal and hence spend in 2019, he said, “In 2019 we conducting international more. M!CE is the key for successfully concluded the roadshows in 2020 along growth to any country Conventions India Conclave with IMEX Frankfurt to and India being the sixth which we did at the Grand London, Paris, Amsterdam largest economy, as well Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty in and Brussels. We will as a knowledge hub with Kerala. We had about 39 also focus on domestic more than 400 universities, international buyers and seminars, regional technical universities, Amaresh Tiwari nearly 150 domestic buyers. conferences, knowledge hubs and monthly meetings Among the buyers we had for the members. We will a mixed lot of association be starting our research members, medical, non- and development wings medical, corporates. We where we are going to have had around 75 exhibitors the publications as well as that participated there as research studies. We will well. In all we had around also be engaging with the 300 participants and Senthil academy and institutions.” Gopinath, CEO, ICCA came in as a keynote speaker. He added, “My agenda is to make the bureau more We had the domestic buyer effi cient and give more roadshow for Odisha and value proposition to the Goa as well as other parts. members, to market India Along with ICCA we had as a M!CE destination at the also organised project right platform, to engage the management and bidding various stakeholders, create training programme which a positive image about went off really well. We India, and dispel the notion QUICK BYTE also held international that we are not capable of As per ICCA report, roadshows to promote India holding large conferences more than 80 per cent conferences as a M!CE destination.” and events.” are held for less than 500 people “Last year we worked quite On the M!CE market, he hard to get the e-Visa for added, “Th e GST getting large number of doctors, the conferences. Earlier it reduced from 28 per cent to engineers, the future for was only allowed for the 18 per cent has also given a M!CE in the country is government conferences, boost to the M!CE industry. huge. ICPB has a key role now it is also allowed for As per International to play for the same. Th e the private conferences. Congress and Convention way the membership is We have been trying to Association (ICCA) data, coming up, it bodes well get across to the Ministry 42 per cent of tourism for the association. As per to give us more of bidding coming into the country ICCA report, more than support for big inbound is because of M!CE. Th e 80 per cent conferences conferences. Th e Ministry of M!CE travellers spend three are held for less than 500 Tourism also commissioned times more than the other people. For 80 per cent a study on the size of the travellers. Th is is because people in India we already M!CE market. We want to when the M!CE travellers have the infrastructure and work to help it grow further,” come they are hosted by the resources available. For the he concluded.
20 M CEtalk January-March 2020
events
CALENDAR Mark your dates for upcoming M!CE events
Picture Courtesy: Le Meridien Goa, Calangute Goa's performance ranked best in tourism: WTTCII
he World Travel & Tourism Council India Initiative (WTTCII) and Hotelivate has released the sixth edition of theT India State Ranking Survey along with an award ceremony to felicitate the best-performing states. Goa has been awarded the 'Destination Leadership Award 2019 for the overall best FEBRUARY 2020 performance in 2019 where the state has managed to score 121 1 Nepal Sales Mission Kochi points out of 165, followed by Tamil Nadu which scored 111 points and Delhi which managed to fetch 110 points. 3-5 OTM Mumbai , Chairman - WTTCII & CEO, DLF, adds, “We 11 Visit Finland Sales Mission Mumbai Rajeev Talwar are delighted to present to you the sixth edition of WTTCII- 13 Visit Finland Sales Mission Delhi Hotelivate State Ranking Survey 2019. Back in 2009, with the launch of the first State Ranking Survey, the basic premises 14-16 India Travel Mart Goa behind this endeavour was to encourage the state governments 17-18 ONYX Hospitality Sales Mission Delhi to take cognisance of the Tourism industry, which can contribute significantly towards the State’s GDP, employment, 19 ONYX Hospitality Sales Mission Kolkata infrastructure, as well as have tangible social impact. It is 20 ONYX Hospitality Sales Mission Mumbai encouraging to see the progrress made by certain states."
21-23 India International Travel Mart (IITM) Kolkata MARCH 13 International Travel Roadshow Chennai
14 International Travel Roadshow Bengaluru
17 International Travel Roadshow Hyderabad
18 International Travel Roadshow Mumbai
18 Outbound Travel Roadshow Ahmedabad 20 Outbound Travel Roadshow Delhi Four-fold jump in cruise 21 International Travel Roadshow Delhi
20-22 India Travel Mart Chandigarh tourism at Indian ports
20-22 India International ruise is a popular option for M!CE clients. Corporates are Travel Exhibition (IITE) Bhubaneswar often looking for innovative and different experiences.In theC last two years, almost a four-fold jump in cruise callings on Indian ports has been recorded as a result of initiatives APRIL undertaken to bring in synergy in the functionality of various 1-2 HICSA Mumbai stakeholders, revealed Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of state for shipping. The total cruise callings on five ports including 2-3 Medical Health Tourism Mumbai Chennai, Cochin, Mumbai, Mangalore and Mormugao were 138 ships carrying a total of 1.76 lakh passengers in fiscal 2017-18, 8-9 3rd Edition M!CE Conclave Mumbai which increased to 285 callings in FY19 and is projected to rise 15-17 ITB India Mumbai to 593 cruise traffic in the current fiscal. This number increased to 285 callings in FY19 and is projected to rise to 593 cruise 19-21 Great Indian Travel Bazaar Jaipur traffic in the current fiscal, he further said.
22 M CEtalk January-March 2020 inbound Movements in India Vikas Agarwal has been appointed Accor has appointed Kerrie Hannaford as Chief Financial Offi cer at AirAsia as Vice President Commercial for Accor India. A Chartered Accountant, India & South Asia. An industry sales Agarwal has 27 years of experience and marketing veteran, Hannaford has with large businesses in engineering, been part of the Accor family for the FMCG, apparel and retail industry, past 15 years. After holding positions at where he has demonstrated his IHG and Starwood Hotels in Australia, ability to turnaround business, drive she joined Accor in 2005. In her current growth, and improve effi ciency position, Hannaford works as Area and profi tability with adoption of Director of Sales and Marketing at Accor technology and through change New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, Vikas Agarwal management. In his previous role, Kerrie Hannaford leading the sales, marketing and Chief Financial Offi cer Agarwal was Vice President at Titan, VP Commercial, Accor India & distribution direction for all brands and AirAsia India, Bengaluru a TATA group company. South Asia, Gurugram hotels within the region.
A 1990 batch IAS offi cer of Kerala Hilton has announced the cadre, Rao is Additional Secretary, appointment of Rohit Dar as Regional Government of India. His last Director of Operations in India. Dar assignment was as Principal brings with him over 25 years of Secretary, Public Works Department, experience in the hospitality sector Govt. of Kerala. Rao also served as with a strong all-round knowledge of the Secretary of Kerala Tourism in hotel operations, with his most recent the year 2014-15. In a span of close position being as General Manager to three decades, Rao has served of Westin Hyderabad Mindspace. As multiple positions. He brings with Director, Operations for Hilton India, him rich experience, having held key Dar will be based in the India Regional G. Kamala Vardhana Rao posts as MD of SC /ST Corporation Rohit Dar Offi ce (Gurugram) and will report to Chairman & MD, India Tourism in Andhra Pradesh and in the Regional Director - Operations, Navjit Ahluwalia – SVP and Country Development Corporation Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India. India, Hilton, Gurugram Head, Hilton India.
Swissôtel Kolkata has appointed Rakesh Upadhyay has been appointed Jameson Solomon as General as General Manager at Le Méridien Manager. He has more than two Hyderabad. He is a seasoned hospitality decades of experience in hotel professional with over a decade of management, pre-opening, strategic experience in the industry. With a core planning, client relationship, and competency in food and beverage, training & development. Prior to his perspective on strategy, design, joining Swissôtel Kolkata, he was and execution has enabled him gain working with Leela Palaces, Hotels expertise across all verticals of the and Resorts as Head of Operations. sector. Prior to joining Le Méridien He has also worked with Sheraton Hyderabad, he was the GM at Courtyard Jameson Solomon Grand Bangalore Hotel, Grand Hyatt Rakesh Upadhyay by Marriott Bhopal. He has previously General Manager Mumbai, Park Hyatt Dubai and General Manager been associated with The Oberoi Hotels Swissôtel Kolkata Hyatt Regency Dubai. Le Méridien Hyderabad & Resorts, Starwood Hotels, and ITC.
After working his way up from Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has various managerial and senior appointed Barun Gupta as Director of managerial positions, Shahrom Sales & Marketing. Gupta is a hospitality Oshtori is ready to lead a team and M!CE sales professional with over providing personalised service and 13 years’ experience and a proven the most luxurious experience to track record in sales and marketing, the hotel’s high-profi le guests. hotel operations, events and special He began his career in 2004 at projects. He will be spearheading Sales the JW Marriott Mumbai as Food & Marketing operations for IHG’s largest and Beverage Associate. He has Crowne Plaza in South West Asia. With also worked as the Assistant a focus on customer experience, his role Shahrom Oshtori Restaurant Manager and later as Barun Gupta would be to drive commercial excellence General Manager Restaurant Manager at the Grand Director of Sales & Marketing for the property. Gupta holds a graduate The Park Hotels, Mumbai Hyatt Mumbai. Crowne Plaza Greater Noida degree from IHM Bhubaneshwar.
M CEtalk January-March 2020 23