Free with HRM Issue 12.11
Destination guide for
Employee rewards Featuring: Incentivising employees Corporate retreats in Hokkaido
ExpEriEncE
p h u k E t at i t s b E s t
Phuket’s Most Exciting and Stylish Contemporary Resort –
dens – Staff that continues to be the epitome of kindness and
A culmination of a passion aimed to highlight the joy of life – De-
thoughtful unpretentious service that is so unique to Twinpalms
liciously comfortable it features sleek yet sensual minimalist in-
Phuket Resort – 100% pure and natural products – A world
teriors – Exquisite food orchestrated by talented, creative chefs
class spa – Original art collections – A well equipped library...
and presented in vibrant restaurants – A fashionable beach
and these are just some of the reasons to stay at the privately
club, the ultimate in intimate seaside sophistication – Enor-
owned, passionately run Twinpalms Phuket Resort in Thailand.
mous swimming pools – Lushly landscaped tropical water gar-
www.twinpalms-phuket.com
Twinpalms Phuket Phuket’s Most Exciting & Stylish Contemporary Resort 106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Cherng Talay, Phuket 83110, Thailand t +66 (0) 76 316500, f +66 (0) 76 316599 e b o o k@ t w i n p a l m s - phuket.com w twinpalm s- phuket.com
NEWS
Employee rewards INDIA
US
50,000 hotel rooms in the next five years The top six cities of India are expected to see a total of 50,000 new hotel rooms across categories in the next five to six years. According to a report by the Confederation of Indian Industries and real estate consultancy Cushman & Wakefield, titled “Indian Hospitality Story 2012 & Beyond”, some 14,800 new hotel rooms are expected to become available in 2012 alone. Out of the total expected supply for 2012, 2000 new hotel rooms have already entered the market. Akshay Kulkarni, Regional Director – Hospitality, South and Southeast Asia, Cushman & Wakefield, said: “India’s hospitality sector has been witnessing interest from a variety of segments ranging from – MICE, Wellness Tourism, Spiritual and Pilgrimage Tourism, as well as the traditional business and leisure travel.” The National Capital Region of India, comprising Delhi and adjoining urban areas, with a total room supply of 17,500 rooms, is expected to see the highest fresh hotel room supply in the next five years. Mumbai (10,200) and Bangalore (9,400) will also see significant additions to their existing inventories. The addition of new inventory will be concentrated in the potential growth areas – especially around airports, commercial growth corridors, industrial corridors and special economic zones. These micro-markets emerged as a result of business centres that were created due to growth in information technology, trade and commerce. The top six cites witnessed an average hotel occupancy of 58% with an average room rate of INR 5,400 (USD$102) in the first half of 2012. The current averages record a marginal decline of 4% in average occupancy rate and 5% in the average room rate against the 2011 (full year) performance. Chennai recorded the highest average occupancy rates of 64% for the first half of 2012, followed by Mumbai (61%) and Kolkata (60%).
Lost baggage is top stressor for business travel
Business travel spend will grow 4.9%, reaching
$270 billion in 2013
Source: Global Business Travel Association
Only around
3%
of passengers travel on business class fares domestically in Australia Source: Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics
MICE bookings to Egypt have dropped by
50%
since the political turmoil Source: Ministry of Tourism of Egypt
61%
of Malaysian business travellers visited Singapore over the first half of 2012
Lost luggage and non-existent internet connections present the greatest areas of stress for business travellers. According to a survey by Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), business travellers were most stressed by losing time during their journey, with the highest triggers of stress being lost or delayed luggage, poor internet connections, flight delays, and flying economy-class on long-haul journeys. The study also highlighted how different segments of business travellers perceive travel stress: • Travel stress increases with age and travel frequency.
• Women report higher stress levels than men. • When faced with a language they do not know, business travellers from North America indicate greater stress levels than travellers from other regions. • Senior executives report higher stress levels than travellers at other levels of an organisation. “Adaptive policies that reflect travel frequency or traveller demographics could improve traveller well-being, as well as provide benefits to an organisation,” commented Vincent Lebunetel, head of CWT Solutions Group for Europe, Middle East and Africa.
HONG KONG
HK is Asia’s top CBD Hong Kong is Asia’s top Central Business District (CBD), at least according to research by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). It says the city is ahead of Singapore and Shanghai as Asia’s best centre for business. “The survey result highlighted Hong Kong’s multiple strengths, its excellent geographical location, ease of doing business, and strong institutional structure,” Edward Leung, HKTDC Director of Research said, adding that “to survive in tough times, Hong Kong has to make the best of its competitive edge.”
More than half the respondents placed Hong Kong ahead of both Singapore and Shanghai as Asia’s top CBD (52% selected it as the top choice, while another 25% chose it as the second-best CBD). Some 56% of respondents ranked Hong Kong as the top marketing and sourcing platform; 59% ranked it the top gateway to the Asian market; and 60% considered Hong Kong as the top financial and fund-raising centre. “Respondents were optimistic over the sustained lead of Hong Kong as Asia’s CBD over other regional counterparts in the next five years,” said Leung.
Source: Accor Asia-Pacific Business Traveller Research
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PROFILE INTERNATIONAL HR
Resorts World™ Sentosa Singapore
Can’t wait to be inspired and
take inspiration to the next level Resorts World Sentosa Singapore – A Million Moments. One World – offers an all-in-one experience for meeting and incentive groups. With our gamut of attractions, hotels, entertainment and performances – all housed under a single destination – Resorts World Sentosa Singapore offers a one-stop M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) destination which meets the growing demands of large-scale conventions and incentive groups. In addition, the resort has gained recognition by clinching the Best Resort Award at the TTG Travel Awards 2011 & 2012, Best Unique Venues for Events 2011 at the China Travel & Meetings Industry Awards (MICE), as well as emerging first in the Gourmet Team Challenge of the recent Food & Hotel Asia 2012.
Meeting facilities
Resorts World Sentosa Singapore Tel: +65 6577 9977 Fax: +65 6577 7770 Email: mice@rwsentosa.com Web: www.rwsentosa.com
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With its unique event spaces, infinite entertainment and leisure options, coupled with expert advice from our event services professionals, Resorts World Sentosa Singapore is set to be Asia’s premier MICE destination. The resort can host over 36,000 delegates at any one time within its diversity of event spaces, from one of the region’s largest column-free ballrooms to its 37 function rooms and over 20 unique event venues. At Equarius Hotel™, guests can enjoy the vastness of the sprawling resort while getting up close and personal with nature. Balconies extend outside
Resorts World Convention Centre™, Compass Ballroom™
the banquet rooms, allowing guests a panoramic view of the lush tropical forest the hotel is sited next to.
A myriad of unique event venues Go beyond the screen and jump into the action of your favourite films and TV shows at Universal Studios Singapore™. Customise any event with an amazing array of rides, shows, movie sets, and attractions like TRANSFORMERS The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle, Shrek 4-D Adventure, Revenge of the Mummy™, or Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure™. Each event can be tailored to meet your needs, including unique menus, live entertainment, and all-night excitement. Buy out a themed restaurant or zone, or even the entire park for a massive party! Any event held at Universal Studios Singapore immediately transcends the ordinary and becomes an unforgettable night of movie-themed excitement. Embark on an interactive voyage along the Maritime Silk Route, discover precious maritime artefacts
New York Street at Universal Studios Singapore
and experience a shipwreck in the world’s first multi-sensory Typhoon Theatre – all at The Maritime Experiential Museum™. With a breathtaking view facing the harbour, the waterfront viewing deck is ideal for mid- to large-sized functions, allowing guests to enjoy the sea breeze while sipping their wine. Soon, the resort will also complete the world’s largest oceanarium – the Marine Life Park™ – comprising Asia’s most exciting new waterpark and the world’s most spectacular aquarium. This will provide even more unique event spaces, allowing us to stage even more business events coupled with customised fun and exciting experiences.
TRANSFORMERS and its logo and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2012 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. © 2012 DreamWorks L.L.C. and Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Shrek 4-D Adventure © 2012 DreamWorks Animation Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure™ & © Universal Studios/Amblin Entertainment. All rights reserved. L.L.C. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE, Universal Globe logo, and all Universal elements and related indicia™ & © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. The Maritime Experiential Museum, Resorts World, the Resorts World logo and all Resorts World elements and related indicia ™ & © Genting International Management Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure速
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Far East Hospitality
Blending home grown values into
world class hospitality With the largest hospitality portfolio in Singapore comprising eight hotels and nine serviced residences, as well as the Sri Tiara Residences in Kuala Lumpur, Far East Hospitality offers accommodation options to suit today’s travellers’ needs. Its hotels and serviced residences include the award-winning The Quincy Hotel, as well as Oasia Hotel Singapore, Changi Village Hotel, Orchard Scotts Residences and Orchard Parksuites. For reservations, more information and great deals, please visit www.stayfareast.com
Take your pick at Singapore’s largest emporium of options The trendy Quincy Hotel provides style, comfort, and bragging rights for travellers who enjoy utmost privacy and exclusivity. Singapore’s first non-smoking all-inclusive
Oasia Hotel Singapore Club Suite
The Quincy Hotel Studio Room 4
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boutique hotel lets you enjoy meals, a private limousine transfer, luxurious room amenities and more as part of your stay. For some shopping and entertainment, the famous Orchard Road shopping belt is right at its doorstep. Rest assured with Oasia. The city’s best kept secret and latest gem is tucked at the fringe of the city centre, yet remains within easy reach to the shopping and business areas in Singapore. Oasia Hotel Singapore provides the best of many worlds, with its uncanny attention to detail and intuitive ability to anticipate what business and leisure travellers want. Cutting edge technology infused with refined contemporary design and bespoke touches at every corner keeps modern travellers coming back for more. For those who want to connect with Singapore locales and have a more in-depth stay experience, Village hotels and serviced residences offer intimate opportunities to interact with and explore the interesting enclaves surrounding the properties. From museums to local delicacies and cultural communities, Village is the perfect base to jump-start a truly Singaporean adventure. Born and bred city dwellers and travellers who want to stay at the heart of the city will find Far East Collection’s offerings ideal for short to long term accommodation options. Distinct design styles, from the traditional English charm of the Elizabeth Hotel to the grandeur of Orchard Scotts Residences, and impeccable service provide unparalleled convenience, privacy and comfort. With an extensive network of properties island-wide, Far East Hospitality is one of the top accommodation choices for business travellers. Its popular bookers’ loyalty programme rewards companies who host their guests and staff in the Group’s hotels and serviced residences. Enrollment is free, and an email away at fareastrewards@fareast.com.sg. At the heart of these hotels and serviced residences is a unique and effective service culture. The home grown world-class Singapore hospitality proposition takes a pragmatic approach, in its relentless pursuit to deliver quality and relevance to customers. The result: a stay that represents a premium mix of modern day comforts with Singapore-inspired hospitality. For the widest variety of options and a stay that is simply the best of what Singapore offers, Far East Hospitality has it all.
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Hilton Niseko Village
A relaxed and sophisticated oasis Located in Japan’s premier outdoor resort, famed for its powder snow, designer golf courses and outdoor activities, the Hilton Niseko Village is a treat to the senses Celebrate in style at the Hilton Niseko Village that accommodates seven event venues. Hold a grand event or conference in this spacious, flexible conference room which can hold up to 800 guests and benefits from wireless internet access. Hold a professional meeting or conference in its modern, flexible function room, which can hold up to 280 guests and benefits from wireless internet access and spectacular mountain views through a large window. The Hilton Niseko Village is an excellent ski-in, ski-out venue in winter and also offers great activities in summer. It is suitable for team building, product launches and incentive trips. A flexible event space, fully-equipped venues and a host of group activities make the Hilton Niseko Village the ideal choice for memorable business events and special celebrations. Banqueting and conference rooms celebrate their spectacular location with panoramic mountain views, making the Hilton Niseko Village a truly unforgettable location for special occasions and events.
Hilton Niseko Village Lobby
Sports: Winter A cumulative average snowfall of 15 metres every winter is the basis of Niseko Village’s renowned powder – it just keeps on falling. The resort offers ski-in, ski-out access to the slopes, and is just steps away from the Niseko Gondola, which takes you to the top of Mt. An’nupuri. It also offers easy access to three other ski resorts in the Niseko area. Niseko Village offers private, group and children’s lessons from bilingual instructors, and all equipment hire. An array of winter snow activities includes ‘first tracks cat skiing’, snowmobile adventures, snowshoe tours, horseback riding, snow rafting, and reindeer sleigh rides.
Sports: Summer Summer invites visitors into the great outdoors, with two 18-hole golf courses, the Niseko Village Golf Course in the village, and the challenging Arnold Palmer-designed Niseko Golf Course just a short drive away. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, canoeing and rafting and other activities in the two national parks surrounding Niseko Village. In the village itself is PURE, an outdoor activities centre catering for adults and children alike with inspired Hokkaido’s longest zip-line, tree trekking courses, tree climbing, mountain biking and various activities.
Hilton Niseko Village ballroom 6
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Tel: +81 136 44 1111 Email: Sales.Niseko@hilton.com
FEATURE
Hokkaido:
Nature at its finest 10
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Japan destination guide There is more to Hokkaido than snow and skiing. Companies that choose to hold their MICE events there are spoilt for choice in this lesser-known area of Japan that is just waiting to be discovered. HRM explore this hidden gem Vivien Shiao Shufen
Mention Hokkaido, and most will picture a winter wonderland complete with the requisite Japanese hot springs, also known as onsens. While its ski resorts and powder-soft snow are its main drawcard, there are many other aspects to Hokkaido that few are privy to. Considered the last frontier of Japan, Hokkaido is the second largest, northern-most and least developed of Japan’s main islands. With endless acres of mountains, lakes and fields of flowers, Hokkaido’s pristine scenery is a stunning contrast to cosmopolitan cities like Tokyo and Osaka. While Hokkaido may not be as high up the tourist radar, it is by no means inferior to its more popular Japanese counterparts. The charm of Hokkaido is the ability to get away from the madding crowds, and to soak in the finest things that nature has to offer. As there really is no wrong time to visit this stunning island, companies that choose to hold their MICE activities in Hokkaido will not be disappointed with its vast array of unique attractions that are guaranteed to delight even the most jaded travelers. It might be wise to do it quick before word gets out about this relatively low-profile gem.
Snow, glorious, snow Let’s start with what Hokkaido is known for – its world-class ski resorts. Known for having tons of light powder snow and awesome backcountry trails, Niseko is arguably the most famous ski resort area in Japan. Most easily accessed from Hokkaido’s capital city, Sapporo, Niseko’s resorts are the biggest draw during the ski season of November to May. One resort that companies can consider is the Hilton Niseko Village Hotel. Set at the foot of Niseko Annupuri Mountain, the resort boasts mountain views in each of its 560 guest rooms and suites. There is also a gondola adjacent to the hotel, bringing guests to the top of the mountain in seven minutes. Hilton Niseko Village Hotel is ideal for companies to hold their meetings or functions as it offers the latest technology including high-speed internet access and a fully equipped business centre. In addition, it has a range of flexible meeting rooms and a stylish ballroom that can accommodate up to 900 guests. Hilton also boasts the largest conference room in the region where 700 people can be catered for, reception style.
With such excellent facilities and infrastructure at your fingertips, company retreats just got so much easier to organise. In the winter months, there are a host of exciting activities for your staff to participate in, such as skiing, snowmobile adventures, snowshoe treks, snow rafting and even reindeer sledding. After a hard day at the slopes, employees can relax those aching muscles in Hilton’s onsens. These are naturally heated thermal waters known for being good for health. There are two bathing options, an upper indoor bath looking out on the changing seasons, and a huge outdoor bath. The onsens are free for hotel guests. One day trip that organisers can arrange is to Noboribetsu Onsens, Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring area. A large amount of Noboribetsu’s many types of hot spring water surfaces in the amazing Jigokudani, or “Hell Valley”. There is a huge variety of baths to suit everyone, making this a great day out for staff to rejuvenate.
Nature’s bounty The natural hot springs in Hokkaido are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what nature has to offer. The region is home to countless national parks that have been kept pristine. Daisetsuzan is Hokkaido’s largest national park. It is a densely forested, mountainous area of virtually unspoilt wilderness, and a paradise for hikers and outdoor lovers, as well as deer and brown bears. Its name means ‘Great Snowy Mountains’, which is a fitting description of its peaks – 15 of them over 2000m. The Ainu name for Daisetsuzan is Kamui-mintara, meaning ‘playground of the gods’.
About Hokkaido Hokkaido is Japan’s second largest island at 32,221.60 square miles. It is also the largest and northernmost of Japan’s 47 prefectures. The largest city on Hokkaido is its capital Sapporo. Getting to Hokkaido Currently, there are no direct flights from Singapore to Sapporo. Most visitors to Hokkaido transit through Tokyo as the Tokyo-Sapporo route is one of the world’s busiest. Countless flights operate flights between these two regions, including JAL, ANA, Air Do, Skymark, Jetstar Japan and Air Asia Japan. The flight duration is about 90 minutes
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Japan destination guide Asahi-dake, the tallest mountain in Hokkaido (2,290m), is one of the park’s star attractions. The best way to get there is through the Asahi-dake Ropeway which provides a stunning aerial view of the area. From there, it is a two hour hike to Mount Asahi-dake’s summit. The park is one of the best places in Japan to view the autumn colours, with vivid hues of yellows, reds and oranges making it an unforgettable sight for every visitor. Companies can organise a hiking trip into the national park to take in the amazing views, as well as give their employees a good workout. The raw beauty of Daisetsuzan is certain to leave an indelible mark on their memories. For companies which choose to visit Hokkaido in the summer time, an unmissable sight is the Furano flower fields. Furano is most famous for its lavender, which attracts large numbers of visitors to the region every summer from late June to early August when the plants are in full bloom. Aside from lavender, there are many other flowers which make Furano an attractive destination. These include rape blossoms, poppies, lilies and sunflowers. As many flower fields are spread across Furano, it may be a good idea for companies to hire a bus to bring staff around to see them all. Flowers are not just for the ladies, as the heady aroma and brilliant swathes of colour are likely to make your male employees excited as well.
Eating in paradise As you can see, we have saved the best for last. The food in Hokkaido is one of its greatest attractions, with its famous ramen, fresh seafood and dairy products. In fact, many visitors arrive from the Japanese mainland to sample the dishes that are incomparable to the country’s other regions. First and foremost, Hokkaido is renowned for the high quality and freshness of its seafood as the cold waters surrounding the region are ideal for fish to thrive. Some of its most famous sea products include uni (sea urchin), kani (crab), ika (squid), ikura (salmon roe), and hotate (scallops). Aside from traditional sit-down dinners where staff are served a range of dishes, it may be an excellent idea for companies to charter a bus down to a local fish market to sample the prefecture’s seafood for breakfast. Be
Winter wonderland Looking to escape the sweltering Singapore heat? During the months of November to March, Hokkaido transforms into a winter wonderland and offers a host of unique activities that are sure to enthrall your employees. The Akan International Crane Centre is one of the top places to go during the winter months as hundreds of magnificent red crowned cranes gather there during their seasonal migration. Another highlight is the Drift Ice Museum where employees can view real pieces of drift ice displayed in a room that is cooled to -18 degrees Celsius. For employees who want to experience some peace and tranquility, explore Lake Tofusu which means “the lake where the birds are always there” in the Ainu language. With over 2,000 swans migrating yearly from Siberia to spend their winters there, it is not hard to imagine why. Follow Me Japan, an affiliate of Prime Travel & Tour, offers corporate travel packages to these locations that include stopovers at hot springs, seafood markets and outlet shopping malls.
Did you know? Hokkaido is closer to Russia than any other country. Russian ships bring marine products to Japan, including a large type of crab that is a local favourite on Hokkaido
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prepared to be amazed at the variety of seafood available as you walk along the endless market aisles. Popular markets include Sapporo’s Nijo Market, Hakodate’s Morning Market and Kushiro’s Washo Market. The next famous Hokkaido dish is its ramen, a well-known specialty of the region. The soup base, noodles and toppings used for ramen vary across Japan, and even within Hokkaido there are differences between the regions. While Sapporo is known for its miso-based broths, salt-based broths are more common in Hakodate, and soya sauce-based ones in Asahikawa. Ramen shops can be found everywhere in Hokkaido, and the fare is likely to be excellent wherever you go. Dairy products are another specialty in the region, with the ice cream in this region being especially creamy and rich. Those on a diet may just lose their resolve as the delectable desserts here are out of this world. In addition to its excellent food and desserts, one last product that Hokkaido is famous for is its beer. You may have heard of Sapporo Beer, one of the first and most popular beer brands in Japan. That brewery was founded in Hokkaido around 1876. Companies can plan a trip to learn about the history of beer in Hokkaido at the Sapporo Beer Museum, and enjoy a beer tasting afterwards. With such exceptional quality and variety, the food in Hokkaido will not be easily forgotten by those who have savoured it.
PROFILE
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean Cruises...
A new way to mix business with pleasure!
Multiple Destinations, Hassle-Free Journey
Gift Vouchers Give the gift of cruising to loved ones, employees or business partners and let them enjoy an unforgettable holiday on one of our 22 innovative ships worldwide! Vouchers are available in S$100 denominations. Terms & conditions apply.
Take your business out to sea with Royal Caribbean which offers cruises to multiple destinations spread across over 70 countries in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Alaska and the Caribbean. Sail in comfort and style around Southeast Asia with Legend of the Seas, a ship with a warm and intimate ambience where one can find an ocean of entertainment and relaxation options! Escape to tropical destinations such as Malaysia and Thailand for a short jaunt with our cruises starting from two nights. Our 2 to 3-night cruises to Malacca and Penang are mostly over the weekends, making them convenient getaways. Or try our longer options such as the new 7-Night Borneo & Palawan Cruise that lets you explore exotic Kota Kinabalu and Brunei.
Multiple Entertainment Options at One Venue This 2,074-guest Vision Class cruise ship is the ideal MICE destination with top-notch facilities and mouthwatering cuisine onboard.
Indulge in a world-class gastronomic experience, from fine-dining in the two-tier glass-walled Romeo and Juliet Dining Room to tantalising buffets in our casual Windjammer Café. Why not bond with your teammates over a game of mini golf or cheer them on as they scale the 9-metre rock-climbing wall? One can also enjoy the wide variety of entertainment and activities onboard such as captivating theatre shows every night, duty-free boutiques for shopping, ShipShape Spa & Fitness Centre, the beautiful Solarium indoor pool and disco nights in the Viking Crown Lounge with 360-degree panoramic views.
Customised Package of Fun and Business Legend of the Seas’ all-inclusive cruise package offers comprehensive conference facilities, luxurious accommodation and non-stop entertainment that will suit any group size and occasion. The ship also has a group of dedicated onboard convention services coordinators who are trained to provide round-the-clock personal assistance, ensuring your
corporate events run smoothly. What’s more, you can even tailor your meeting package to suit your groups’ needs! With its unique mix of business and pleasure, great value and hassle-free planning, why not make Royal Caribbean your ultimate conference and incentive destination?
For more information and reservations, please visit www.royalcaribbean.com or contact us via Tel: +65 6305 0003 / 6305 0011 or Email: ELee@rcclapac.com / MFoo@rcclapac.com.
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FEATURE
!
Perk up
Looking to motivate and engage your staff? HRM discovers the wide possibilities available when it comes to incentive travel By Priya de Langen
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Employee Incentives Keeping employees motivated is never an easy task. Organisations have a range of options but most argue that the “carrot” tends to be a more effective instrument than the “stick”. Incentives such as holidays and team-building programmes are some of the most common strategies for maintaining employee motivation. The 2012 Canadian Incentive Trends Survey, revealed that a majority of businesses in Canada use incentive programmes – two-thirds (66%) of respondents confirmed they had used incentives, and over three-quarters (86%) indicated the number of programmes they were implementing had increased or stayed the same over the past three years. Moreover, the majority (59%) of respondents believe they gained a competitive edge over their competition as a result of these programmes. “Motivating employees is essential for organisations as it forms the foundation for happy employees and a productive workforce,” says Paul Stocker, Vice President of National MICE and Group Sales, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). “Also, by motivating employees, organisations actually pay attention to the needs of employees and recognise their effort at work, which brings about job satisfaction.”
Engaging activities Mona Foo, Head of Sales, Royal Caribbean Cruises, agrees that employees need to be constantly motivated to feel valued and recognised. She says a vacation can therefore be one of the most memorable forms of reward for employees. A wide range of service providers offer organisations various customised incentive trips, be it for a day or a week, to cater to different preferences, while others offer programmes for organisations keen to keep their staff local. RWS, an integrated resort, has a number of venues that can cater to the different needs of its customers. Stocker says that incentive programmes can take on many forms at RWS, combining accommodation, entertainment, dining and attractions such as the region’s first and only Universal Studios theme park, or the interactive Maritime Experiential Museum. “Organisations can customise their own incentive programmes by combining offerings in the integrated resort. Special incentive trips can also be organised to take advantage of special events such as the Halloween Horror Nights in October every year,” he says. In May, Hermes conducted an incentive trip for its Singapore staff to Universal Studios Singapore. It comprised of a teambuilding segment (a Scavenger
“Motivating employees is essential for organisations as it forms the foundation for happy employees and a productive workforce” – PAUL STOCKER, VICE PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL MICE AND GROUP SALES, RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA (RWS)
Hunt) as well as a recreation segment. The hunt was conducted at the movie theme park and consisted of staff solving clues and exploring the area. The recreation section was also something the employees enjoyed with 22 rides that included the celebrated “Transformers” roller-coaster. But incentive trips do not have to stay on land, and an increasing number of organisations are turning to cruise trips for employee incentives. Royal Caribbean International offers corporate programmes and hosts an average of over 30 incentive and corporate groups for between three and five nights every year. Foo says the organisation can arrange special onboard group programmes, such as team bonding activities and group dinners, as well as facilities for group meetings and conferences. “We can also assist to organise exclusive group shore excursions tailor-made or selected from our shore excursion menu. There is also a dedicated onboard group coordinator who will ensure all group programmes run smoothly,” she says. The cruise ships of Royal Caribbean have a wide variety of entertainment and relaxation options that include the nine metre rock-climbing wall, minigolf course, ice-skating rink, and even a surf simulator. “There is something onboard for everyone in one place, and organisations can enjoy these activities day and night, as groups or individuals, with great f lexibility,” says Foo.
59%
of the 2012 Canadian Incentive Trends Survey respondents believe they edged over their competitors as a result of incentive programmes
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Employee Incentives CASE STUDY:
Fuji Xerox incentivises employees Fuji Xerox Singapore is always keen to motivate and engage its employees. Pauline Chua, General Manager, Human and Organisation Resource and Development, Fuji Xerox Singapore, says that the organisation offers both monetary and nonmonetary rewards. “(These are) provided to our employees in exchange for their efforts, talents and results,” she says. “For our top performers, we have organised annual incentive trips. These range from short trips around the region to more exotic locations in Europe, the US and Japan. This year we brought our top performers to Barcelona for a six-day trip, including their spouses,” she says. The organisation has also conducted interesting incentive trips to exotic locations such as jungle trekking in Nepal, or a cruise trip to Alaska. “In Nepal, our colleagues travelled on three modes of transport before they reached their place of accommodation: they rode on the backs of elephants to cross a river, followed by a canoe when the waters got deeper, and then travelled by jeep once they reached the other side of the river,” she says. Besides incentive travel, each department in the organisation is also encouraged to organise teambuilding activities on a quarterly basis. “Overall, these incentive trips or outings have given much motivation to our employees. They look forward to it and see it as a form of recognition and appreciation for their efforts,” explains Chua.
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work can also be disruptive. As such, service providers also offer shorter outdoor programmes that last for just one day or less. Stocker says that the average length of events that RWS caters for ranges from one to three days, depending on client preferences and activities they want planned. He says that in RWS, the Universal Studios Singapore is a popular choice with its offerings of rides, shows and attractions. “Coming up soon at the integrated resort is the world’s largest oceanarium, which will open before the end of the year. Comprising a waterpark and aquarium, it will have plenty of thrills and spills for organisations seeking new activities for their incentive trips,” he says. There are also other wide-ranging dining and entertainment options available at the resort, which provide opportune networking sessions on the side lines of any trip. These include everything from celebrity-chef restaurants to authentic hawker fares at the Malaysian Food Street as well as shows such as the animatronics spectacle ”Crane Dance” in the evening, adds Stocker. Foo says Royal Caribbean can also offer organisations short trips for their employees. “Our cruises are two nights long at minimum, and available on our ship ‘Legend of the Seas”, from Singapore to Malacca,” she says. “The most popular length of cruise for groups is normally the shorter ones over the weekends lasting between two and three nights, with minimal work disruptions. Some corporate groups have also booked longer cruises with us for off-site and regional meetings.” Besides enjoying the amenities, guests can also get off the ship to tour on their own or follow guided shore excursions at the ports-of-call. Foo adds: “We have seen repeat corporate groups coming back with even larger group sizes as well as many referrals from groups which have cruised with us.”
PROFILE INTERNATIONAL HR
Bukit Gambang Resort City
The M.I.C.E. destination where business and pleasure meets
For enquiries or a personalised tour, kindly contact Philip Johnson, Singapore Sales at (65) 9088 9086 or email to sales@bgrc.com.my. For further reference, please visit www.bgrc.com.my
Sprawling over 547 acres in a lush secondary jungle just 35km before the beach town of Kuantan, Bukit Gambang Resort City (BGRC) offers over 270,000 square feet of MICE facilities that extend over 40 types of venues. Certified recently by the Malaysia Book of Records, BGRC is the proud host to the largest pillarless ballroom in the country. Located just 35 minutes from Kuantan Airport, accessibility by air is a breeze with daily flights from Singapore Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It is also accessible by road via Yong Peng into Muadzam Shah from Singapore. BGRC is located 218 km from Kuala Lumpur and 339 km from Johor Bahru. The newly completed dedicated Bukit Gambang M.I.C.E. Centre is ready to host conferences of up to 6,400 people or round table banquets for 3,100 people in its Grand Ballroom. The Bukit Gambang Grand Ballroom, apart from being pillarless, is complemented with an intelligent lighting system, projectors, screens and a state-of-the-art audio system fit to host a concert. Teambuilding facilities is also available at its Active Academy Teambuilding and Development Centre, which is manned by an experienced team building crew that is able to meet the needs of corporate companies, schools, institutions and even large groups. It currently offers a maximum teambuilding capacity of 500 people per session. Facilities offered include aerial and ground obstacle courses, recreational paintball, ground and pool
The Bukit Gambang Grand Ballroom 22
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telematches, a Flying Fox, jungle trekking and other activities that can be customised. Accommodation choices at Bukit Gambang Resort City play an important role in the quest to support the large MICE venues and therefore, one can select to stay in any of the two available resorts - Caribbean Bay Resort (578 apartment suites) or Arabian Bay Resort (546 apartment deluxe suites). With a room inventory of 1,866 rooms, each resort is supported by its own club house facilities, entertainment, recreation and fitness facilities as well as food and beverage outlets. Absolute convenience is just the perfect phrase to describe the resort city. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”, so how about a refreshing retreat to Malaysia’s Best Large Water Park? With over 14 water attractions built and integrated into the natural landscape of the secondary jungle, this award-winning water theme park is the perfect way to unwind, stay cool and get wet. The wooden cabanas and Coco Beach is an inviting sight with swaying coconut trees and the Coco Beach Wave Pool welcoming your presence. Although this water theme park is presently the main attraction of the resort city, BGRC will soon be introducing its newest theme park - Bukit Gambang Safari Park. Spread across 88.2 acres, this up close and personal experience in an exciting wild savannah is bound to add inspiring moments to your visit.
Arabian Swimming Pool
PERLIS THAILAND LANGKAWI
Kota Bahru
KEDAH
Butterworth
PULAU PINANG
PERAK
KELANTAN
TERENGGANU
Kuala Terengganu
NEGERI SEMBILAN Segamat
MELAKA
JOHOR Yong Peng
Johor Bahru SINGAPORE
Modern Thai Food
with German Twist We offer top notch Thai cuisine with a mixture of an all time favorite German dishes. With more than 10 years experience in Thai cuisine business, we can gaurantee that every dish is carefully prepared by our all-Thai chefs to bring out the most delicious sensation to our customers.
The Signature Beer At Tawandang
Our beer is made from the high quality ingredients, imported from Germany, and brewed under a close supervision from our professional German Brewmaster, Mr. Jochen Neuhaus. We are proud to guarantee that our beer is original German beer. The three signature beers at Tawandang are Lager, Weizen and Dunkel.
Event Organizing Service Our event team is flexible to accommodate your needs and tailor the event to your satisfaction whether it be a costume party with superhero theme or a formal gathering. We have arranged over a hundred of events and know exactly what you are looking for. On a tight budget? We work hand-in-hand with you to work around your budget. We have total capacity of 290 seats; Indoor 160, Balcony 80 and Smoking area 50 And - A stage with full light and sound system - 250 and 128 inches projector screens - A five-piece house band - An experienced dance crews that can put together cutomized shows for you - Sound man and MC - Theme decorations - Free Parking *Site inspection and food tasting can be arranged at your request.
Live full band with five dancers are here everyday to make sure your parties never go dull all night.
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Star Cruises
Discover the perfect mix of business and pleasure As the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific, Star Cruises not only brings holidaymakers cruising at its finest, but also provides solutions for corporate needs. Break away from standard land-based venues like hotels and resorts, and discover what a dose of sun, sea and fresh air can do for your events. Our world-class fleet offers the perfect mix of business and recreational facilities, along with expert facilitation and trademark Asian hospitality to make your event both successful and enjoyable. Furthermore, our all-inclusive packages – covering deluxe accommodation, inviting facilities, delectable cuisine, and more – give you more value for money and less hassle. Part of the appeal of cruising lies in the allure of exciting destinations across Asia. From the pulsating cities to paradise-like islands, the diverse sights, sounds and flavours of the region await your discovery. Be it for forging team spirit, hosting breakthrough meetings that are free from distractions, or as a reward for top performing staff, a Star Cruises getaway is simply a welcome experience and a getaway to remember. Discover what corporate events at sea with Star Cruises can do for your company today!
Break free with meetings and incentives at sea. For a group proposal (min. 15 cabins), please call Star Cruises Corporate Sales at 6832 9841 (9am – 5.30pm, Mon-Fri), or email corporatesales@ starcruises.com
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10 great reasons to choose Star Cruises
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More inspiring Unlike land-locked venues, the high seas setting is simply inspiring, totally rejuvenating and completely unforgettable.
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Better value Enjoy superb value with our all-inclusive pricing where just about everything’s covered, versus landbased venues where the cost of ‘extras’ mount up.
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Expert guidance Our Star Solution Experts will help you plan and execute your event to perfection, for total peace of mind. Fitting solutions With four customisable packages, there’s something that suits your need – whatever your group size or objectives.
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Ready facilities At your disposal is a suite of corporate facilities, services and unique venues with seating capacity to accommodate 50 – 788 persons.
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Ideal setting Being a ‘self-contained’ environment, total participation in activities and greater bonding among staff is ensured.
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Superb recreation Unwind to a host of recreational delights, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis, gym and even a 100-metre waterslide.
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Gastronomic treats Pamper your palate with over 16 F&B restaurants and bars onboard – from Asian to Western to Japanese cuisine and many more.
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Exotic discoveries Get the chance to sail to diverse ports-of-call in Asia, ranging from dynamic cities to idyllic paradise islands. Real results Last but not least, as the leading cruise line in Asia-Pacific, we have the experience and expertise to make your event a resounding success!
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Twinpalms Phuket
Greeting from Twinpalms Phuket –
Most Exciting & Stylish Contemporary Resort Twinpalms Phuket offers the comfort of luxury resort, combined with the relaxing tranquility of a secluded beach getaway. There are only 97 luxurious and spacious Residences, Suites and Rooms, each surrounded by palms, with all of the units featuring a private terrace and pool view. The unique design of Twinpalms Phuket was created by Martin Palleros, one of the top landscape architects in the Asia- Pacific region. With a brief to produce a property that has an integrated landscape which works in harmony with nature, the “Contemporary Tropical” design and landscaping incorporates a stunning, world-class water garden. The concern for the aesthetic has resulted in a beautiful and serene setting which has a modern, romantic twist – a Garden of Eden for our times. Twinpalms Phuket is located in a tranquil and exclusive environment, 175 metres from Surin beach, in an area often referred to as “millionaires’row”. It is part of the highly desirable west coast, an area that provides one of the
most beautiful and least crowded stretches of golden tropical sand in Phuket. From the airport, it takes about 25 minutes to reach Twinpalms Phuket. For more information see twinpalmsphuket.com. Oriental Spoon Grill & Bar offers an electric atmosphere with a brilliant buzz; an air-conditioned wine room and a long, open plan martini bar with revitalising cocktails. The modern, innovative and cutting edge restaurant presents a Thai and Oriental/Western fusion menu. Guests of Twinpalms Phuket enjoy a preferred, carefree lifestyle at Catch Beach Club on bustling Surin Beach. The private, stylish beach club offers succulent fresh live seafood, delectable pizza from the wood-fired oven, and sumptuous pasta. Worship the sun in ultra comfy beach loungers or people watch at the cool, oversized terrazzo bar. Take your libation around the beach bonfire in the luxury beach lounge, while the sun kisses the distant, vibrant, multi-hued horizon. For more information see catchbeachclub.com.
M/Y Olympia, Phuket’s most luxurious and sophisticated motor yacht, is perfect for day, or even longer, charter cruises. The unique vessel appeals to those who crave enjoyment and love to share it with others. The 76’ fly-bridge yacht has modern, stylish lines, while the contemporary and fresh interior is tastefully finished with teak, stained walnut and light beige leather. The uninterrupted visual line from the bow to the stern; the spaciousness of the internal layout and the visual relationship between the inside and the outside ooze refined elegance and attention to detail. For more information see andaman-cruises.com. Twinpalms Phuket Resort 106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Cherng Talay, Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 76 316 500 Fax: +66 76 316 599 Email: book@twinpalmsphuket.com Web: www.twinpalmsphuket.com
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FREE
room
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINE REIGNS AGAIN
A N SW E R I T W I T H R OYA L C A R I B B E A N
FOR THE FIFTH TIME!
Set Sail on the Award-Winning Cruise Line: LEGEND OF THE SEAS
2-NIGHT MALACCA CRUISE Sailing period: 2012 Nov 3, 2013 Feb 6, Mar 23 Itinerary highlights : Malacca
3-NIGHT BEST OF MALAYSIA CRUISE Sailing period: 2012 Nov 9, 16, 23, 30, Dec 7, 14, 26, 2013 Feb 22, Mar 1, 8, 29 Itinerary highlights : Malacca/Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Penang
4-NIGHT ISLES OF SOUTHEAST ASIA CRUISE Sailing period: 2012 Nov 5, 19, 26, Dec 3, 10, 17 2013 Jan 3, Feb 8, 25, Mar 4, 25, Apr 1 Itinerary highlights : Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Phuket
5-NIGHT SPICE OF SOUTHEAST ASIA CRUISE Sailing period: 2012 Dec 21, 29, 2013 Feb 12, 17, Mar 11∞ Itinerary highlights : Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Langkawi, Phuket ∞ 5-Night Bangkok and Koh Samui cruise.
An award-winning cruise experience awaits you with more variety of exciting destinations, complete with innovative onboard facilities and thrilling activities! Best Cruise Operator, Asia TTG Travel Awards, 2008 – 2012
Royal Caribbean Cruises (Asia) Pte Ltd
3 Anson Road #13-02 Springleaf Tower Singapore 079909 Tel: (65) 6305 0003 Email: RcclGroupSales@rcclapac.com www.royalcaribbean-asia.com l facebook.com/RoyalCaribbeanAsia