Jan - Feb 2021

Jan - Feb 2021 Vol 1 Issue 07

“The 2021 Budget is empowering people for greater economic freedom, sound infrastructure, metro, railways, airports, and highways. However, we are very disappointed that travel and tourism has not got anything specically, despite being a strong GDP contributor, and having a huge value chain.”

Jyoti Mayal President - Travel Agents Association of India

PERKS for Event Planners

BENEFITS

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Business Events in Singapore (BEiS)

FUNDING SUPPORT

MARKETING SUPPORT

FOR LARGE GROUP

for third-party costs such as professional services, networking events, content development, marketing activities, venue rental and meeting packages.

including logo and event listings on VisitSingapore. com/MICE, facilitation to secure venues and hosting of site visits.

will be considered based on: • Content / Brand • Attendee profile • Number of foreign delegates expected • Duration

OR In Singapore

CHOOSE FROM

Incentives &

>60

Rewards (INSPIRE)

FOR SMALL GROUP

COMPLIMENTARY EXPERIENCES from dining and networking events, to thematic tours and team-building activities.

FOREIGN DELEGATES

≥ 3 Days stay in Singapore

ADDITIONAL PERKS for MICE Delegates

Singapore MICE Advantage Programme (SMAP)

BENEFITS

EXCLUSIVE PERKS • Shopping vouchers at Changi Airport or Jewel Changi Airport worth up to S$20 per delegate.

• Discounted fares to Singapore on Singapore Airlines and Silk Air. • Complimentary Sentosa Fun Pass tokens worth S$10 to S$20 per delegate.

• Other benefits from JetQuay, StarHub, Grab and NETS.

REWARDS for MICE Agents

BENEFITS

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA CORPORATE MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL

≥ 50

foreign delegates except for Changi Airport Group which requires ≥100 foreign delegates

WORLD CONGRESS & ASSOCIATIONBASED CONVENTIONS

≥ 700

foreign delegates

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Special Travel Agent Rewards Singapore(STARS)

• A programme to reward MICE agents for promoting Singapore as a destination for MICE travel.

• For every 100pax group brought to Singapore, monetary incentive will be given to the agent.

Contact for queries and application Danzel_Walter@stb.gov.sg, + 91 11 45810088, Maishaa_Mukadam@stb.gov.sg , +91 22 6608 3217, Salini_Priya@stb.gov.sg Any support offered by SECB and STB is subject to the assessment of the scope and merit of each project, upon the submission of a formal application.

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≥ 3 Days stay in Singapore For fly-cruise groups, must have at least 1 night stayover in Singapore

To receive updates on Destination Singapore please subscribe to our WhatsApp channel by scanning the QR code Publish date: Sep 2020

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AITH, the federation of all the national associations representing the tourism, travel and hospitality industry of India (ADTOI, ATOAI, FHRAI, HAI, IATO, ICPB, IHHA, ITTA, TAAI, TAFI) was looking forward to the Union budget FY 21-22 with great expectations. However, the budget did not show any signs of relief for the sector. Expressing his disappointment, Nakul Anand, Chairman, FAITH stated, “Lack of immediate direct support in budget has disappointed the Indian travel and tourism industry.”

With no or little support, our sector is struggling to survive. However, it is imperative that we stay positive in these troubled times and keep battling our way forward. While the COVID-19 pandemic has nearly shattered the hospitality industry across the world, the Industry in India, primarily due to its inherent dominance of domestic tourism in the ratio of 8:1 and the strengths of our economy will not only emerge stronger from the COVID-19 crisis but become the benchmark for economies around the world. Let me elaborate on the reasons for having an opinion like that. India is a subcontinent, its demography with vast diversity, it has the captive purchasing power equal to the entire population of the USA, the richest country in the world. India’s tourism will not only survive but thrive in the days to come. While India in the best years has only accounted for about one percent of the global tourism arrivals, it has been generating more than double that gure as a tourism source market. The purchasing power of Indian tourists makes them amongst the highest spender nationality wise in many of the tourism hot spots like Singapore, Dubai, Thailand etc. The demand of such markets has been lying pent up for nearly a year. With the international travel remaining rather restricted in the near future, the domestic destinations have to fulll this demand. This is a great opportunity for the industry to create a viable alternative to popular tourism destinations patronised by Indian tourists.

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Over 100 million global Travel & Tourism jobs could be recovered in 2021

FAITH concludes India tourism mart successfully

MICE Showcase Talks To Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI

38-39

Temasek’s SingEx Holdings and SPH’s Sphere Exhibits to merge Bi-Monthly

Thailand says it nears a COVID-19 vaccine passport, hopes to welcome tourists in Q3

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Dubai’s tourism to grow with major events lined up for 2021

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Maldives Records 14% Increase In Arrivals In Jan 2021

NBAA, EBAA Cancel EBACE2021, Plan For New, Virtual Programming During EBACE Week

GBTA Launches New Global Committee Focusing On Diversity, Equality And Inclusion

Due to the global COVID-19 crisis, the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced the cancellation of the 2021 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2021), while making plans for new, virtual EBACE programming from May 18-20, the previously planned dates for EBACE2021. The two associations added that they will seek other opportunities to jointly promote business aviation excellence throughout the coming year. “This continues to be a very challenging situation, and the health and well-being of our attendees and exhibitors remains our highest priority,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Although vaccination programs are ramping up, we are still in unchartered waters,” said EBAA Secretary-General Athar Husain Khan. “We felt that, in May 2021, the safety of our exhibitors and attendees could not be guaranteed in the traditional EBACE format.” The associations will provide details regarding the new EBACE programming that will gather the industry around compelling speakers and valuable content. Exhibitors already signed up for participation in EBACE2021 will hear shortly from the EBACE exhibits team.

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s largest business travel association, announces the launch of a new global committee. The Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Committee, comprised of global members, will strive to bring to light many of the issues facing travelers and coworkers in the workplace, whilst traveling or attending meetings, or handling travel needs.

Committee Chair J. Grant Caplan, U.S. and Vice Chair Carol Fergus, U.K, along with Vice Chairs from Canada and Latin America (to be named) will lead the rst-of-its-kind globally formed GBTA Committee. The committee will provide the resources, education and support to enable the travel industry to embrace and drive diversity, equality and inclusion within organizations. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations on six continents. GBTA’s 9,000-plus members manage more than $345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA delivers world-class education, events, research, advocacy and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts.

The World Economic Forum Special Annual Meeting In Singapore Rescheduled To August

18 Tourism Projects Launched In Kerala

The Wor ld Economic For um Special Annual Meeting 2021 in Singapore will convene on 17-20 August. The meeting follows the success of the Forum’s virtual Davos Agenda in January, which brought together world leaders from government, business and society. The Special Annual Meeting 2021 was scheduled for 2528 May. Although the World Economic Forum and Government of Singapore remain condent of the measures in place to ensure a safe and effective meeting, and local transmission of COVID-19 in Singapore remains at negligible levels, the change to the meeting’s timing reects the international challenges in containing the pandemic. Current global travel restrictions have made planning difcult for an in-person meeting in the rst half of the year.

Furthermore, differing quarantine and air transport regulations have increased the lead time necessary to ensure that participants globally can make arrangements to join. The Special Annual Meeting 2021 in Singapore in August will be the rst global leadership summit to address the challenges of recovering from the pandemic and laying the basis for a more inclusive and sustainable world. It will bring leaders face-to-face to focus on shaping solutions to the most pressing challenges of our times.

Ramping up tourism facilities state-wide with an aim at boosting the sector, hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kerala government on February 14, launched 18 projects, completed at a cost of Rs 40.46 crore. The projects inaugurated by Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran through videoconferencing, include destination development of Kovalam Phase 1 -- Samudra Beach park area and Grove Beach area, Kovalam-- at a cost of Rs 9.9 crore and beautication and interlocking of Mulavilakam Footpath at Kovalam at a cost of Rs 52 lakh. In his address, the Minister said the domino effect of COVID-19 was reected in the tourism sector and was expected to continue for some more time.

But the government did not allow the pandemic to hamper the implementation of the tourism sector projects. 'The state government has initiated a lot of special projects for revival of the sector, where around 15 lakh people are employed directly and indirectly. Rani George, Principal Secretary, Tourism, said that in the face of the most adverse circumstances, the tourism sector has shown the potential to overcome them all. 'We have set an example for other states through our aggressive and multipronged strategy to defy all odds.

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OVER 100 MiLLiON GLOBAL TRAVEL & TOURiSM JOBS COULD BE RECOVERED iN 2021

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ore than 100 million jobs could return to the global Travel & Tourism sector during 2021, as the world recovers from the crippling COVID-19 pandemic, says the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). A strong summer of travel is expected as the sector begins its road to recovery from late March onwards, with many major travel companies reporting a signicant rise in forward bookings.

The sector’s revival is backed by WTTC’s latest economic forecast, which gives further hope for the year ahead to businesses and millions of people employed in the sector worldwide. Last year, during the height of the pandemic, WTTC warned 174 million global Travel & Tourism jobs were at risk. However, in its latest analysis, WTTC’s most optimistic scenario predicts as many as 111 million jobs could be revived – but this would still be 17% below 2019 gures, accounting for 54 million fewer jobs.

This best-case scenario, with travel recovery starting from late March, factors in widespread vaccination programmes and a swift adoption of comprehensive test-and-trace regimes, together with continual, strong international coordination from the private and public sectors. However, the forecast’s more conservative outcome would still see a return of 84 million jobs, but this would be 25% below 2019

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levels, with 82 million fewer jobs recovered.

Under this scenario, the recovery of international travel is pushed to the second half of 2021. Vaccines would be rolled out more gradually, slowing down the removal of worldwide travel barriers and restrictions currently in place, while depressing demand to travel and reducing consumer condence. Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are looking forward to a strong summer of travel, thanks to a combination of mask wearing, the global vaccination rollout and testing on departure unlocking the door to international travel once more.

“Our latest research supports this and shows there is denitely hope on the horizon for the global Travel & Tourism sector in the year ahead, with the possible recovery of up to 111 million jobs. “This projected outcome will come as huge relief and be welcomed as the beginning of the long-awaited recovery, for a sector which has for so long suffered the brunt of hugely damaging travel restrictions.

“WTTC rst predicted the return of the sector through its 100 Million Jobs Recovery Plan, presented at last October’s historic G20 Tourism Ministers meeting, which was attended, for the rst time, by 45 WTTC Member CEOs.

“Now we believe the sector’s return will become a reality, thanks in part to WTTC’s commitment and determination to save and support the sector, through some of the darkest days of pandemic.

“But we must guard against complacency as the recovery is not a forgone conclusion. There is still a long way to go and we will encounter many more bumps in the road ahead. Vaccinations in major source markets, such as the UK and the U.S., will help us navigate our way out of the pandemic into a world where travel can once again thrive.

“We cannot rely solely upon one solution and the rollout of vaccines to restart international travel; testing on departure will still be critical to restore travel while respecting the safe protocols and recovering as many jobs as possible across Travel & Tourism, and throughout the wider economy.” The new research revealed that in the best-case scenario, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to global GDP will fall 17% compared to 2019 gures, to US$7.4 trillion. WTTC believes this is achievable with testing on departure, mandatory mask wearing and the worldwide implementation of vaccination programmes. And in the more conservative outcome, with a slower recovery, the sector’s contribution will drop by more than one quarter (27%), to US$ 6.5 trillion.

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MiNiSTRY OF TOURiSM ORGANiSES WEBiNAR TiTLED “ASTRO-TOURiSM: THE NEXT FRONTiER OF NATURE BASED TOURiSM” UNDER DEKHO APNA DESH CAMPAiGN Tourism) at the South African Astronomical Observatory, and facilitator for the establishment of the African Astronomical Society, Joint recipient of the Edinburgh Medal, together with the International Astronomical Union.

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he Ministry of Tourism’s Dekho Apna Desh Webinar series titled “Astro- Tourism: The Next Frontier of Nature-based Tourism” held on 06th February, 2021 focused on promoting nature-based tourism which is emerging strongly in a post – COVID world, the major thrust of the webinar was sustainable and responsible travel. The webinar focused on exploring the evolution of Astro-tourism as one of the most authentic and environment-friendly ways of travelling along with its immense potential to bring positive social, economic and conservation benets to remote communities.

The webinar began with the opening remarks by Smt. Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India. Smt. Rupinder Brar stated that Astro-tourism is a new phenomenon that is taking hold across the world. Capturing people’s inherent interest in the mysterious provides the drive for tourism through the ages. She informed that India has immense potential with regard to nature based tourism having all physical geographical features of the world. She further promoted the idea of enhancing domestic travel “Dekho Apna Desh” by visiting lesser known & nature surrounded destinations. She also appealed to consider all precautionary safety measures while travelling. The

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Webinar was presented by Shri Jaideep Bansal, Chief Operating Ofcer, Global Himalayan Expedition, which is a social enterprise that conducts Impact Expeditions to bring Solar Energy to remote Himalayan Villages.

GHE has electried 140 villages and lit up the lives of more than 60,000 people through an innovative concept of Impact Tourism. GHE’s work of remote rural electrication has been documented by National Geographic, BBC and NDTV to reach out to a worldwide audience and has been internationally recognized and awarded by the WTTC and the World Tourism Awards. The United Nations has recognized GHE as one of the successful case studies in sustainable tourism impacting SDG Goal No 7.

The other presenters were Smt. Sonal Asgotraa, Project Lead of GHE’s Astronomy for Livelihood Initiative called Astrostays (www.astrostays.com) and Shri Kevin Govender – Founding and current director of Ofce of Astronomy for Development (OAD). Smt. Sonal was a team member of the 2013 International Antarctic Expedition led by Polar Explorer, Sir Robert Swan, OBE while Shri. Kevin Govender was previously Manager of the Southern African Large Telescope’s Collateral Benets Programme (including Astro-

The Presenters began by providing information on Astro-tourism and its potential to drive sustainable & responsible tourism. They briefed about Astrostays which is a community-driven astrotourism model that puts communities at the heart and center of the tourism model. The program is aimed at empowering and strengthening communities by diversifying economic bases and creating new opportunities for livelihood creation using astrotourism as a key development intervention. This model is also an innovative form of experiential and sustainable tourism that generates economic benets for remote and rural regions of the world that have access to clear night skies while creating unique life-changing experiences for travellers.

Trained on basics of astronomy and know-how of operating telescopes, the local homestay owners (mostly women) conduct night sky gazing sessions for the incoming tourists, creating a new channel of revenue generation for the communities, that has eventually led to increase in stimulus to local economy, reducing local youth migration and preservation of age-old cultural Himalayan heritage. They informed that till date, 35 local women have been trained across 5 Astro-stays in the highaltitude Himalayan desert of Ladakh, generating a strong annual income for the local communities.

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THE FiRST LiVE MICE iNDUSTRY EVENT OF THE YEAR iN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

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021 is the year of the comeback, the year of the return to business and the time everyone has been looking forward towards. After a year of challenges, patience, resilience, Europe Congress is looking forward to offering the MICE industry its rst live event in Budapest, Hungary from 30th of May till the 1st of June.

After having celebrated the 10th annual edition of MCE Central & Eastern Europe in Vienna in 2020, Europe Congress is all set to come back to host a forum in Budapest, the city where it last hosted an event in 2013. The setting up of a new Convention Bureau in Budapest is a unique opportunity to re-connect the various MICE providers from Central & Eastern Europe with event buyers keen on nding out why Central & Eastern Europe and Budapest specically should be on each event planners short list to place an event at. "We are greatly honoured to host again one of the most

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signicant forums with an outstanding business value in the meetings industry, the MCE Central & Eastern Europe.

This event will play an important role in restarting our industry, providing a place for the joint thinking and successful negotiations between the excellent suppliers and buyers looking for new solutions. After a year full of challenges and restrictions, it will denitely be a special pleasure to participate in a live event, to meet in person, to experience real encounters after a long period of online discussions and virtual events. For this we provide a great destination and wonderful experiences through the venues in Budapest, and the additional FAM trips" Anna Beke, Managing Director of the Budapest Convention Bureau mentioned."

The renovated Radisson Blue Beke will host the event and various dinner venues will further impress all participants.

Dynamic Tours DMC is the event partner assuring all ground transportation to perfectly match the event schedule and getting everyone in comfort to the various venues. “In the past when nding venues for clients, and now within my role in Europe Congress, I have always loved to come to Budapest. The city offers so much different culture from various periods within its rich history, and is therefore unique in Europe. The hospitable attitude, great cuisine, warm atmosphere and its wide offer for any type of events make it a destination to always consider.”, Alain Pallas, Managing Director of Europe Congress stated.

The boutique event that will welcome up to 60 destinations and suppliers as well as up to 80 international event planners, will be well able to implement any health and safety regulations valid at that time.

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INDiA’S EXPORTS GROW 6.16 PER CENT, iMPORTS UP 2 PER CENT iN JANUARY India’s exports grew by 6.16 per cent in January to $27.45 billion showing signs of a recovery, with exporters claiming that the worst might be over for Indian trade.

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ndia’s exports grew by 6.16 per cent in January to $27.45 billion showing signs of a recovery, with exporters claiming that the worst might be over for Indian trade. According to data released by the commerce ministry on Monday, imports also grew by 2 per cent to about $42 billion, leaving a trade decit of $14.54 billion during the month.

For the April-January period of this

scal, exports dipped by 13.58 per cent to $228.25 billion, while imports declined by 25.92 per cent to $300.26 billion. In terms of merchandise and services combined, exports in AprilJanuary 2020-21 are estimated at $396.60 billion, contracting by 10.63 per cent over the same period last year.

Meanwhile, overall imports during the period are pegged at $398.47 billion, 22.80 per cent lower.

Almost all major export category products saw growth in January,, barring textiles, leather and gems and Jewellery.

Negative growth, however, continued in the exports of certain major products including petroleum products, leather and leather products, textiles, meat, dairy and poultry products, oil seeds,

marine products, and gems and jewellery.

The larger turnaround is promising, note exporters. “January exports also signals that our traditional and labour-intensive sectors of exports (except apparels, leather, marine products and gems & jewellery) have already passed the most challenging and testing times,” said Sharad Kumar Saraf, president, FIEO. But the industry body also reiterated that the government must address some key issues including the release of the required funds for exporter-friendly schemes, ensuring adequate availability of containers, softening freight charges, resolving risk-related concerns, and the allocation of funds for NIRVIK Scheme.

FAITH CONCLUDES INDiA TOURiSM MART SUCCESSFULLY

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ederation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH), the policy federation of all the national associations representing the complete tourism, travel and hospitality industry of India kick-started its annual India Tourism Mart (ITM) with a physical inauguration on Feb18.

ITM, which is a buyer seller meet took place in a virtual format from Feb 1820. In his inaugural address, Subhash Goyal, chairman – ITM 2021 and honorary secretary, FAITH emphasised how the year gone by was the darkest in the history of mankind and tourism was the worst hit where the travel fraternity was literally left hanging from a thread.

He urged the industry to come together

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and consolidate their efforts for the revival of tourism in India. Dr Harsh Vardhan, union minister for health and family welfare inaugurated the third India Tourism Mart.

He said the government has already started issuing medical visas and is planning to soon restart e-tourist visas and schedule international ights in a phased manner.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Ayog, said that the revival of tourism is integral for India

to regain the GDP growth of 9 to 10% sooner than later. He also reiterated that there remains no doubt regarding the recovery of the tourism sector and he is “condent” it will bounce back.

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THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND TOURiSM – ABU DHABi AND KEY PARTNERS TARGET A 100% GO SAFE - CERTiFiED DESTiNATiON

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he Go Safe Certication Programme, an initiative spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is continuing to be rolled out across the emirate as DCT Abu Dhabi works towards its target of standardising health and safety measures across 100% of all retail, tourism, and commercial establishments in Abu Dhabi.

for the capital to become 100% Go Safe-certied as further establishments, managed by participating partners, become part of the certication’s expanded implementation plan.

Following clear and rigorous guidelines, the partners will now play a key role in ensuring their respective establishments complete all the checkpoints and implement measures required to attain the certicate.

The ambitious and ground-breaking initiative has brought together the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Aldar Properties, Modon Properties (Modon), Yas Theme Parks and attractions, as well as Etihad Airways in a joint partnership created to combat the spread of COVID-19 and keep the local economy moving by reassuring visitors and residents they are safe to visit any establishment because of the stringent safety protocols in place.

Since its launch in June 2020, and in collaboration with key authorities, DCT Abu Dhabi has certied 95% of hotels, as well as Yas Marina Circuit, four theme parks on Yas Island, 33 malls across the capital, and two cinemas, after conducting rigorous on-site inspections.

Building on the campaign’s notable success, the partnership paves the way

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Following stringent guidelines based on recommended practices from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Go Safe ensures a safe environment for both residents and visitors. In addition to inspections, regular COVID-19 testing for staff

across the tourism and retail sector has been made mandatory. The rst step of the programme is guided selfassessments that establishments undergo as per guidelines and checklists provided by DCT Abu Dhabi, followed by thorough site inspections conducted by dedicated teams to ensure compliance to the highest standards of cleanliness. Those who meet the requirements are awarded the Go Safe certicate, which signals to consumers their readiness to receive visitors and maintain hygiene standards. With more establishments currently undergoing the assessment process, DCT Abu Dhabi aims to ensure the entire UAE capital is Go Safe certied.

“DCT Abu Dhabi’s Go Safe campaign has underpinned Abu Dhabi’s efforts to safely reopen its attractions for domestic and international visitors. As we enter 2021, maintaining these high standards of safety and hygiene remains our top priority for protecting public health while empowering the economic contribution of our partners in the hospitality and entertainment

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News Buzz sectors,” said HE Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi. “With even more partners signed up to this rigorous certication programme, we look forward to implementing Go Safe effectively across the capital, to achieve our goal of a completely Go Safe destination.”The Go Safe certication initiative aligns with ADDED’s efforts to boost economic activities in the emirate despite the spread of COVID-19 by utilising key measures that ensure and raise the level of safety while conducting business and strengthening the condence of customers and visitors in all commercial areas in Abu Dhabi.

“ADDED is committed to continuously work with its partners and other relevant entities to enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as among the safest cities in the world, which will in turn promote the emirate’s competitiveness and attract more investments, business, and tourism footfall. These are essential steps that will enable the emirate to maintain growth trajectory especially in vital sectors,” said Rabih Al Hajeri, Acting Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Business Centre (ADBC) of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).

HE Essa Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Infrastructure and Assets Sector at Abu Dhabi City Municipality, said: “As a key partner of the Go Safe initiative, DMT is actively supporting DCT Abu Dhabi and its holistic approach to revive tourism attractions, and the retail and hospitality sectors across the emirate.

Collectively and condently, this partnership will ensure the safest and most secure environment for all our residents and visitors.

“To support these efforts, DMT is currently piloting the Go Safe Certication Programme at one of Abu Dhabi’s public parks, with plans for a

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phased rollout in all public places. This complements one of DMT’s main priorities, to effectively utilise its capabilities in sterilising public places across the emirate, in accordance with best international practices, while safeguarding and promoting the health, wellbeing and quality of life of every individual. It is important that we uphold these principles and share this responsibility in enabling the public to progressively return to a normal lifestyle.”

Jassem Busaibe, Chief Investment Ofcer of Aldar Properties, said: “Abu Dhabi’s leadership has made signicant strides in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of its residents and visitors during these unprecedented times. A real example of those efforts is from the Go Safe programme, which has provided a useful structure for compliance across many business sectors to promote and ensure public safety. As a responsible business, Aldar is determined to shoulder the responsibility, and to become the rst company in Abu Dhabi to have its entire portfolio of hotels recognised as Go Safe-compliant is a testament to this.

We remain committed to providing the highest standards of health and safety across our portfolio of leisure, retail and property assets, and we look forward to continuing a successful partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.”

Alhasan Kaabous Alzaabi, Vice President of Operations at Yas Island Theme Parks and Attractions, said: “Yas Theme Parks and attractions are some of the UAE’s most popular leisure and entertainment attractions, and as such it was pivotal for us to prioritise achieving the Go Safe certication to give our guests added peace of mind. We are wholeheartedly committed to maintaining the health and safety of our guests during this time, be it through the

strict and comprehensive implementation of precautionary measures within our parks and attractions or our ongoing efforts to engage with guests on how to play their part in staying safe when they visit us.

“We are condent that the comprehensive measures we have taken, which are in line with international best practices and standards, will continue to provide a safe and enjoyable familyfriendly environment for our guests and staff,” he added.

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Ofcer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Thanks to Abu Dhabi’s rigorous testing and safety precautions in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the capital has cemented its position as one of the safest cities for visitors. Etihad Airways has led the aviation sector in its efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus with the introduction of Etihad Wellness, our health and hygiene programme. We sought to restore condence in air travel through this step and provide the highest levels of hygiene and sterilisation throughout the travellers’ journey. Etihad also introduced specially trained Wellness Ambassadors who provide essential health advice and primary care for our guests. In addition, Etihad is the only airline in the world to ensure 100% PCR testing of all guests both before departure and again on arrival in Abu Dhabi, which gives complete peace of mind for everyone on board.

“Etihad has united with entities across Abu Dhabi to provide an unwavering commitment to safety and a unied approach to wellness. With the introduction of the “Go Safe” Certicate initiative by the Department of Culture and Tourism, the programme will enhance visitors’ condence in travel to the emirate during this unprecedented period.”

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Cover Story

MICE SHOWCASE TALKS TO JYOTi MAYAL, PRESIDENT, TRAVEL AGENTS ASSOCiATiON OF INDiA & ViCE CHAiRPERSON, FAITH MS. As you are a veteran in the travel industry please share with us your professional journey and what were the major milestones in your journey? What have been the ups and downs that you have seen in your long career?

Jyoti Mayal. I wish I could consider myself as a veteran. Whenever I step out of home, I feel I am a young woman going to explore that particular day, eagerly looking for new learnings & deliverables.

When I met my husband, Balbir Mayal, I did not even know travel agents existed. He had a successful, established business company New Airways. For me it was a smooth transition as business was booming when I joined him and the company was well acknowledged & at its peak. I was welcomed into the fraternity and did not face any great challenges. I loved going for sales, meeting clients, agents (as we were the largest consolidator) & corporates both new & old, meeting airline people & kept making more & more friends whom I cherish till date. The travel business was considered the most glamorous industry after Bollywood & I basked in the same.

Challenges I didn't face many. My husband & my family have always supported me to work and have never demanded anything unreasonable. This encouraged me to work, how & when I wanted to. At times you have to compromise when it comes to raising children and family chores but I think it all zeroes down to management & quality time with children. As a matter of fact, I think my children grew up to be more condent and independent.

They could handle all situations with ease because as a working woman I always encouraged them to do things and attain perfection. Today I am proud of what they are. Travel & tourism I realised came naturally to me & my dreams were accomplished by supporting a successful business, interacting with wonderful friends & exploring new destinations with a passion.

MS. As a leading woman in the industry, how has been your experience of working in this industry? You have been associated with many associations and it would be enlightening to learn how you rose in ranks and progressed in your career in various facets Jyoti Mayal. Working in this Industry has been a beautiful passage of life. When I felt I had achieved as a business woman, I felt like giving back to the society. I had witnessed my husband delivering to his best, selessly, as President of TAAI & I had my own vision which I wanted to achieve. I thus got involved with TAAI by becoming the Chairperson of the Northern Region & brought many changes. I brought in more education, skilling, networking & various revenue generating opportunities for the members. After successful two terms tenure, there was no looking back. I was elected to be a part of the

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Ms. Jyoti Mayal, President TAAI with Goa Chapter President & ofce bearers & members !

managing committee, then to the Hon. Secretary General & now the President with an overwhelming majority & most importantly the win of the entire team. I never for once doubted my members support & my faith in them was very strong. I have deep respect & strong family sentiments for all my members.

For me they are really an extended family. I am as possessive & passionate about them as my own immediate family.

continue to deliver with humbleness & foresight. I remember reading somewhere – “A strong woman is selfaware. She continually tries to overcome her fears, she knows how to control herself, and she is patient no matter the situation. She isn't afraid to reveal her feelings because we all have them, and she shows hers without caring what other people think.” I would love to live up to this.

Being a woman is more than biology. I enjoy being a woman, and I enjoy being the woman I am becoming. I especially enjoy challenging the notion that I cannot be put in a box. I want to serve my community the best way I can, selessly. I believe in chasing what I believe in. I am condent, yes, but it is paired with humility, faith and passion. I reiterate this very strongly - 2 things I feel very strongly is my passion for travel & tourism & for my members & community.

I would go to any length to give hundred percent to this industry & if any association or organisation feels I can deliver, I would certainly like to give my best & that's how I have come to a situation that I am chairing more than one association; I only pray I will

I would proudly say my life & this Industry has nurtured me & I am proud to be the woman I am today Life in this business has been exciting of course with anxiety at times. These times of anxiety are with any work you do, not as a woman but as a professional.

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MS. Please share with us your role as the President of Travel Agents Association of India. As the President, what subjects are closest to your heart and what is your vision ahead?

Jyoti Mayal. An Association is a platform where likeminded people doing similar business get together to formulate better policies & a healthier environment. An environment as such would create a structure of ease of business & evolve the industry to be revenue generating &

sustainable. A more transparent & focused association. I believe the person heading an association should be aligned with these thoughts.

As the President my vision was to restructure TAAI. TAAI is the oldest nodal body with the largest & effective membership & it somewhere was losing its relevance, connect with many stake holders & partners. We as members were at their mercy and having to accept all their rules & regulations There is no doubt that the rst year of my President as TAAI has been busier than what it would have been in the normal times. It was full of challenges and offered a new learning experience.

On being elected we had a charter which we wanted to move towards & accomplish but the pandemic derailed us from that path & got us to another path of immediate vital issues.

My vision & my thoughts along with the entire team are very high. I sometime wish I had a magic wand to create a robust, effective & sustainable travel & tourism industry. This industry is the highest creator of jobs & build a stronger GDP. It can help build a strong economy & an

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Cover Story continue to push for a travel and tourism task force under our Hon. PM, which is inclusive of all travel tourism and hospitality related ministries – Finance, Shipping, MSME, MoCA, MoT, Niti Aayog, Rural, Railways, Transportation, MSDE & more so that there is better understanding and coordinated approach towards handling the issues related to the tourism sector. Our government connect needs to be US. One of our major concern and top priority at the moment is TCS which we have been taking up on war footing with the Government individually and along with FAITH as well. It is added burden upon the travel agents and we at TAAI are rooting for its complete removal. We have also been working on the reseller model between the airlines & the IATA agents for the purpose of GST credit input.

Girls in Aviation Day with TAAI President Mrs. Jyoti Mayal & Managing Committee Member Mr. Rajan Sehgal

'Atmanirbhar India' & also create the green & blue environment. India is a plethora of culture, heritage, cuisine, beaches, hills, mountains, all weathers & much more, we certainly need to work effectively to encash it. We as an association need to skill & upskill members & employees to become more knowledgeable & sustainable to change & calamities. Technology is a very vital instrument & more specially after this pandemic, we plan to bring an effective system for our members.

Going forward, my aim is to diligently work towards safeguarding the businesses of the travel agents, form ways and means so that there is ease of business, create better and stronger relationship with IATA, DGCA, MoCA, MoT and most important get tourism sector the much deserved and much delayed Industry Status. I would also work towards getting insurance on tickets booked by the travel agents. We will

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One more important aspect of my vision is empowering woman & bringing them more in the front in TAAI. Every member organisation has woman working & also many accredited members but they do not share their strength, knowledge & their talent with the industry. It is an underutilised resource. Woman for sure is a better organizer, better worker and can handle situations more effectively & they should certainly also join the travel industry which in turn would make tourism and our country a safer place. We should encourage more women drivers, guides, police & in other hospitality & travel jobs.

MS. In these times of disruption for the worldwide travel industry, how did TAAI support its members with their challenges and issues?

Jyoti Mayal. As President TAAI, myself & all the ofce bearers national & region, chapters along with the entire managing committee have been in a continuous process of motivating our members &

creating a very strong connect. The virtual platform gave us an opportunity to have many more meetings on a regular basis. We conducted various webinars, organised meetings, updated all on travel & tourism related issues, interacted with stake holders & various educational programs on tourism & statutory compliances were conducted.

We also conducted a motivational webinar with Gurudev Sri Sri. Supporting each other & working transparently was very vital & established.

We have been able to help our members in getting refunds from airlines & suppliers. Agents to be able to sell tickets to their customers on 'Vande Bharat” ghts & also airlines to allow agents to book through the GDS. Educating our members, skilling & upskilling & most important our suggestions to the government were shared & adopted on a regular basis.

The government has been considering our various inputs pertaining to preparing policies & implementation.

Our connect & importance with MoCA MoT, Ministry of Finance, Health, Skill & Niti Aayog has been established, We have been able to restore travel by advocating to the government to open businesses, hotels, convention centres even if it is with limited presence. Only if the country opens will the condence & demand be generated. TAAI has consistently persisted & got RTPCR testing implemented & then requesting for cost reduction. We are now working aggressively for free testing at airports & health/medical insurance to be made compulsory by tourism ministry & on air tickets for the protection of the agent & consumer.

We have also advocated for additional ights for more connectivity, ights beyond 'Air Bubbles' which the Honourable Minister has heard us & considering. We also connected with various Embassies and State Tourism

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Ministries to pave a path for a mutually benecial business relationship & advocating for state wise rebates & better protocols & leiaseoning for opening bordersWhile we have achieved success on various fronts, the long ahead to recovery is denitely tough. All businesses – be it big or small have been hugely affected in the pandemic and even after the vaccine will be out, the travel industry will take about two years to reach complete recovery. The fact that we received no moratoriums, reliefs, incentivisation, taxes/TCS, ease of business, no bailout package, has further deteriorated the condition of the travel agents in India.

look forward to ease of doing business to safeguard our investments & our business. Only if we sustain will the Industry sustain. We are continuously involved in giving the right educational skill, upskilling & look after the survival of each & every member especially the small ones so that they are able to survive effectively. Very soon we will also be giving them a very strong technology platform to transact their business. We support their working with IATA, Hotels & help in structuring & negotiating contracts with stake holders & supploers. These could be negotiating with insurance companies, banks, credit card companies & beyond.

I am forever grateful to the support and encouragement of my members, who have stood by me through these tough times. We as a team have left no stone unturned in ghting for their rights and we will continue to do so.

Going forward we will also be empowering woman & help them to skill & become entrepreneurs. Currently we are approximately 3000 members are we are a diverse group covering all aspects of tourism. Our members are into inbound, outbound, domestic, adventure, cruises, MICE, weddings, medical, educational, wellness, religious, transportation & much more. Most importantly into air ticketing, which is the most important aspect of tourism. TAAI is truly an association of Travel & Tourism.

Our tagline –'Deal with someone you can trust' is truly a strong sentiment.

MS. What functions does TAAI perform for its community and what is your member base currently?

Jyoti Mayal. As President TAAI, we look forward to preparing comprehensive tourism recovery plans to rebuild, to encourage innovation and investment, and rethink the tourism sector to support innovation to ensure stronger sustainable long-term economic resilience. We also

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MS. Travel industry is not new to

disruption. Travel agents faced a looming threat with the dot com bubble. How do you see the effect of current pandemic and what learnings it has given?

Jyoti Mayal. Travel Industry over the years has been used to disruption & challenges, could be spread of diseases, wars, unrest, natural calamities & others.

We are aware that travel & tourism is always the rst to be hit & last to revive.

We are a resilient industry & always stand up stronger. Change in working environment has also been a continuous disruption - going away of commissions, change in credit systems with IATA payments & then the technology boom with dot com dominating the travel space. Today I don't think of dot coms as a challenge. Today most of the dotcoms are interacting more & more with B2B business partners. Consumer wants to interact more with a face & needs condence. Once business starts, we are anticipating deals by stakeholders to be spread to all the sellers/travel agents.

Also, today every agent is an On-Line Travel Agent & is working from home by using technology.

Somethings which would have taken long to be adopted the pandemic has fast forwarded the same. I see the pandemic as an opportunity from a crisis, realising the strength of technology & adoption.

Today we are all working from home & believe we would not have survived without it. We also know both aspects are here to stay.

Contact less travel, virtual reality, apps for sanitisation, hygiene, safety, articial intelligence & others are all here to stay & progress. I have always believed that technology is not a threat but an enabler.

We need to certainly adopt it more strongly & relevantly, developing it into our core strength. TAAI is once again trying to harness the aspect & facilitate its members by giving them a technology platform.

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Cover Story We were working on it before the lockdown, the process has got delayed but would be launched very soon.

MS. You have been advocating many measures to the Government for the survival of the industry. Can you highlight the major concerns and if any assurance has been provided by the government so far?

Jyoti Mayal. We have given numerous suggestions to the government from scal to SOP's, to revival of tourism to implement & support this industry to survive & revive. All these were very easy to be implemented. To mention a fewŸ

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ

Enhancement of Working Capital Limits/Over Drafts at interest free rates Support Fund – majority for salaries and establishment costs Waive off PF contributions for Employer & Employee for 12 months Waive off ESI for 12 months Refunds of cancellations & advances of travel agents & tours operators from Airlines/IATA SEIS 10% Deferment of GST Liability for 12 months Complete GST & Income tax holiday for tourism, travel and hospitality industry for period of twelve months Roll back of TCS introduced in 2020 budget 200% weighted exemption for MICE for Indian corporates LTA like tax benet for Indians Support and incentivise members to make promotion of domestic tourism more lucrative.

Protection of the Agents from Airline Defaults and Suspension of services.

Out of the above, only working capital and OD concerns were partly addressed under the MSME scheme of the Govt.

Let us hope our concerns are addressed in the budget 2021 along with bringing Tourism to be included in the concurrent list to get an Industry Status.

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MS. TAAI is the supporting association for many travel-based exhibitions and your members also participate individually in many national and international trade shows. What according to you, can be distinct advantages that can be drawn through participation in tradeshows?

Jyoti Mayal. Travel & tourism is all about showcasing services, experiences & product. Exhibitions and tradeshows truly are the best way to showcase tourism & all its products along with the huge value chain which is connected to it.

Exhibiting at a trade show can be a great way to advertise to a target market and create brand awareness.

They are open to a large and sometimes diverse range of audiences including the consumer directly. This provides the exhibitor a platform to promote his product or service to a broader group that may have little or no knowledge of your products and services.

Being involved in a trade show or exhibition can provide you with opportunities to branch out to businessto-business trading and create a customer database from the visitors to your display booth. We at TAAI offer & connect our members to many opportunities & that is why give huge importance to associating with

tradeshows. We also believe in supporting the trade show by introducing them to our members so that better tie ups & business relationships can develop both ways. Sustainable business always needs to be developed & promoted from both sides.

MS. There is a signicant international participation in exhibitions. When do you see international tourism opening up and please elaborate on what can be done specically to promote and revive MICE tourism?

Jyoti Mayal. We surely need international participation & inbound tourism. Both are very important for the growth of tourism. Vaccine has been rolled out, soon we will see herd immunity & this will generate condence & will help in boundaries opening & restarting of international travel. Of course from a total lockdown to restart will be slow but I am condent by the end of the second quarter of 2021, travel will revive.

For the MICE industry as a whole, it is time to innovate, think-out-of-the-box, develop new streams of revenues, reinvent, update the technological side, embrace the shifts, collaborate as much strongly,

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work along with partners, be transparent & be considerate to survive & revive. Since MICE is all about Collaborations, stronger collaborations among partners will be the key driver.

I also believe, the emerging MICE tourism trends include one that promotes sustainability in travel, sustainability in tourism, and sustainability in MICE. Local communities should be engaged & promoted. For incentive travels, CSR and wellness themed itineraries should be the key focuses for India's promotion campaigns Reinvention and differentiation will play a very important part of restructuring MICE & we should learn to adopt the new norms & grasp at the opportunities that come out of the crisis.

We need to relook & reboot keeping in view the new norms of hygiene & looking into aspects of stringent cash ow in the market. The MICE industry entails many aspects of stake holders.

From organisers to hotels to convention centre & down the line. The value chain consists of even the 'ricksha wala' who may be taking the participants to a heritage tour or the tourist guide who has to reiterate the history of a monument. Every stake holder needs to be educated & taught the new rituals.

Seamless ow of interstate GST & Incentivising MICE is very crucial & we certainly need to incentivize corporates

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to hold more conferences in India.

“ Vocal for Local should certainly be our motto. ” MS. Finally, what according to you will be the emerging trends in 2021?

Jyoti Mayal. Domestic travel will continue being the trend globally & will play a very important role in the revival of economy & travel business. Inbound & international will slowly increase as & when condence starts getter stronger.

Consumers will want more information about their end-to-end journey, such as which aircraft, which airport to transit and the hotel's 'COVID' cleanliness processes – as people want to make their careful decisions to minimise their risk and exposures for themselves and their families. Search engines will need to supply more information to enable ltering and selections. When people feel safe, they will travel more – as they now know what it is like to be prevented to go to places, they thought they could go anytime.

We'll start to embrace travel in a more conscious way, seeking out smaller brands, hotels and experiences that reconnect us with nature and minimise our footprint. Short stays and weekend trips will be huge next year. Because international travel will be limited, we will most likely travel locally, more

frequently. More road trips for 2021.

Packing up the car, with a exible itinerary is a great way to explore our amazing country. While it's difcult to predict exactly what tourism will look like in the future, we can expect that travellers will have a greater desire to seek out less crowded attractions and destinations, as well as nature-based experiences.

Fortunately, some of India's key attributes including our wide open spaces, our relative isolation and our reputation for being a safe destination, will be attractive to draw international travellers when they can travel here again. One of the key areas that we are committed to is telling our incredible Indigenous story and celebrating that rich history of the oldest continuous living culture on Earth. Another key focus for us is tapping into an increased desire for, and awareness of, sustainable tourism products and experiences among travellers. The Traveller will look for remote working, bleisure, luxury staycations, sustainable tourism & proper & correct information on health & medical assistance & most importantly an environment of staying connected.

The new norms of working from home, wearing masks, social distancing, safety & hygiene are here to stay for a long time.

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Global News

TEMASEK’S SiNGEX HOLDiNGS AND SPH’S SPHERE EXHiBiTS TO MERGE

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emasek and Singapore Press Holdings Limited (“SPH”) have entered into an agreement to merge their respective meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) subsidiaries, SingEx Holdings Pte. Ltd (“SingEx”) and Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd (“Sphere Exhibits”), to form SingExSphere Holdings Pte Ltd (“SingExSphere”). Temasek will own 60% in SingEx-Sphere, with SPH owning 40%.

SingEx-Sphere aims to be a regional MICE market leader for hybrid events driving best-in-class solutions from a combined portfolio of events management, venue and consultancy businesses.

Notwithstanding the short term challenges posed by COVID-19, the parties see tremendous potential in the MICE space. Singapore, for instance, remains a dynamic business hub with a spanning ecosystem that connects businesses globally. The region was the largest MICE market in 2019. Becoming Asia-Pacic’s MICE industry champion The merger brings together two leading

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MICE players with an ambition to become a MICE industry champion of growth for the Asia-Pacic region. Driven by an intrepid team of cross-disciplinary specialists, an established track record in holistic venue and events businesses hybrid or otherwise, and multiple awards and accolades in designing impactful experiences, SingEx-Sphere will be in a unique position to provide end-to-end solutions within the MICE industry, fostering the development of new value creation and communities as industries intersect in a post-COVID world order.

Mr Robin Hu, Chairman of SingEx, said, “Events and Exhibitions remain the most robust marketing channels for businesses around the world. Both SingEx and Sphere Exhibits, with over ve decades of combined experience in organising and hosting trade and consumer shows across a variety of sectors, have built a strong foundation for the MICE scene in Singapore and our region. The ambition of the merged entity is to continue building on its rm foundation by adding

to it additional intellectual properties in the form of new events and exhibitions via both organic curation and inorganic investments. We believe COVID, while having a dampening impact in the short term, had given rise to new opportunities in the form of hybrid activities hitherto unimagined. Our industry is fast becoming a digitally enabled intellectual property business. Those who are adaptable, nimble and unafraid to reinvent will succeed.”

Mr Ng Yat Chung, CEO of SPH, added, “We look forward to working with Temasek to achieve SingEx-Sphere’s vision and push the MICE industry in Asia-Pacic to greater heights for the benet of both consumers and businesses. This merger will allow us to tap on each other’s expertise, resources and networks to seize new opportunities to enhance the portfolio and chieve growth regionally.” Mr Robin Hu will be appointed Chairman of SingEx-Sphere.

The completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

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Global News Incorporated in 2008, Sphere Exhibits – a wholly owned subsidiary of SPH – is a leading MICE operator today with over 35 consumer and trade events and exhibitions in Singapore, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines. It has expanded its footprints in the region through geocloning, acquisitions and strategic partnerships over the years. Attracting more than 1,000 exhibitors and 1.5 million visitors annually, these events range from dining and lifestyle experiences like Asian Masters and Beerfest Asia, building and construction trade show BuildTech Asia, to Health Fiesta – the largest annual health and wellness fair in Singapore.

Supported by SPH’s multimedia platforms and a loyal following among consumers over the years, Sphere Exhibits is established as a market leader in consumer tech exhibitions with COMEX and IT Show, while its Singapore Food Shows are the largest and longest-

running Food & Beverage consumer events locally. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in Sphere Exhibits shifting events to the virtual space in the past year, as it continues to deliver unique experiences to audiences and create business opportunities for its partners.

SingEx, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Temasek, has a 40-year track record in curating innovative event and venue experiences, expanding global business networks and enabling cross-industry collaboration through a comprehensive range of customer insights-driven solutions. Enriching this engagement is SingEx’s management of Singapore’s largest purpose-built MICE venue, Singapore EXPO and MAX Atria since 1999 and 2012, respectively; and the ownership and management of a series of trade exhibitions and conferences in Singapore, China, India and Indonesia across global themes such as Industrial Transformation; Innovation and Technology; and Sustainability.

Singapore EXPO welcomes over 6 million visitors and more than 600 events annually, pre-COVID. Over the past year it has also built and enhanced core offerings with broadcast and digital studio capabilities, customdesigned digital platforms, data management, content production and community engagement. Having managed the operations of the Community Care Facility at Singapore EXPO from April to December 2020, SingEx has also put in place a robust set of safe management measures including stringent sanitation and hygiene standards for venue management and dining experiences.

These were implemented during two recent hybrid events at MAX Atria, namely the Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC in October 2020 and the Singapore FinTech Festival x Singapore Week of Innovation and TeCHnology (SFF x SWITCH) in December 2020.

AIME 2021 CANCELLED exhibitors, buyers, industry professionals due to attend the show. Several options were explored to get this global event happening in 2021, but unfortunately the difcult decision has been made to cancel the event.

D

ue to the ongoing global COVID19 pandemic, the organizer of the Asia-Pacic Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) announced that AIME 2021, scheduled to take place on 15-17 March, has been cancelled. The organizer said, “We know this news is disappointing for our global business events community, especially the many

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Like many other event organisers, we face the challenges brought about by international and domestic travel restrictions despite healthy interest for the event from exhibitors and buyers. As the past year has shown, it’s difcult to predict if border closures will be required to slow the spread of future outbreaks. We wholeheartedly supported the move to a hybrid format to ensure AIME continued to offer international and local buyers

access to the best exhibitors from around the globe. Yet we believe a fully virtual event would remove the live, in-person element – which is the essence of AIME. Along with our partners and suppliers, we have poured our hearts into this year’s event. But we are resilient, we are adaptable and we will bounce back with AIME2022 to be bigger and better.

The event will play a signicant role in the business events industry’s recovery, and create and re-establish valuable connections to drive commerce for the wider region. As host of AIME for almost three decades in Melbourne, we’re proud of its status on the global business events calendar. We thank you for your support and look forward to meeting again at AIME, 21-23 March 2022.”

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Written By

ITALiAN EXHiBiTiONS: THE CURRENT SiTUATiON AND PROSPECTS FOR THE NEW YEAR

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or Italian exhibition centres, the closure enacted by Prime Ministerial Decree 24 October will last into the new year. Prime Ministerial Decree 14 January 2021 Art. 1, par.

10, point n states that [..] "Town fairs, exhibitions of every kind and analogous events are prohibited" while point o states that "Conventions, congresses and other events are suspended, with the exception of events held remotely; all public ceremonies will be held in observance of established protocols and guidelines and without physical participation; public authority meetings will be held remotely, unless for specic well-motivated reasons; we strongly recommend that private meetings also be held remotely; …”

and its application described cannot in any way replace the experience offered by a physical exhibition.

they are to act as intermediaries in the market. As such, they are a new form of communication and promise to offer greater national and international market penetration.

and these rules will apply until 5 March 2021.

We are going through the same situation as last year, and will be repeating our efforts to maintain the role played by exhibitions in the marketplace, with actions targeted at four categories: type of event, type of exhibition district, valuing human resources, and relations with the public authorities.

Type of events Digital events are by now an established reality: in this period of closure, exhibitions must be held in this way if

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Loredana Sarti General Secretary at AEFI - Associazione Esposizioni e Fiere Italiane

Many events of this type have now been held, with 17 international exhibitions held from October to December in digital form, including a number of rst editions, and this will continue through the rst part of this year.

I believe that for all countries, but particularly Italy, this type of event will in future accompany rather than replace conventional exhibitions with physical participation: to see a product and hear it

This is especially true of the Made-inItaly brand, because our industrial capacity is formed of innumerable companies making high quality handmade products which demand promotion by means of an experiential presentation to enable the buyer to understand their unique qualities.

We do not produce undifferentiated goods in large production runs, we produce special goods which demand the participation of all senses to be appreciated. And then there is the relational aspect, which is often maintained over generations - thanks in no small part to our exhibitions.

It is no coincidence that the calendar of international exhibitions prepared by the Interregional Trade Fair Coordination Body of the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces has scheduled 238 events for 2021.

Type of exhibition venues As for the exhibitions districts themselves, action has been taken on two fronts: on the one hand, to contain the costs of the district resulting from the suspension and reduction of their business due to COVID-19 in terms of:

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Global News market to enable persons to best express their potential Ÿ to enable fast decision making and action on the part of businesses.

Ÿ

building maintenance (oors, roofs, walls, windows, green areas, forecourts and so on); Ÿ infrastructure maintenance (water, electrical, mechanical, air climate control, security, etc.); Ÿ running costs (electrical and air climate control systems, security and custodial services, logistics and other miscellaneous services) Ÿ

On the other hand, we have worked to understand which of the activities envisaged by the COVID-19 protocols will become an established part of the organisation of exhibitions in the future, as applicable to each of the issues highlighted in the 'AEFI Protocol governing action to contain the spread of COVID-19 in exhibitions and events'.

In particular, we are talking of issues relating to: Health information, distancing, PPE, face masks, sanitising gel, medical supplies, cleaning and sanitising of exhibition areas, maintenance of air climate control and handling systems, body temperature controls at the gates and the maintenance of the database of access to the district.

Valuing human resources AEFI has always strongly believed in creating human value by means of training, and this is evidently especially important in the current situation.

Labour organisation theory tells us that exible organisation is demanded in turbulent times for three reasons: Ÿ

to enable a prompt and collectively organised response to changes in the

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We have worked to enable the potential of human resources with courses like 'Make the most of your presence online', 'Public speaking', 'Reactive sales', 'How to organise a meeting', 'Online theatre' and 'Maintaining cordial relations'. We have also offered more specic tools like 'Creating guides and tutorials', 'Context analysis', 'Digital analysis' and 'Digital storytelling', along with our customary legal and technical information, offered remotely as it happens every year.

We have focused particularly on supporting people through this epochal change so that they can continue working effectively.

of action which, waiving the usual requirements of de minimis regulations, provides for a Temporary Framework providing up to 800,000 euro of direct subsidies and 3,000,000 euro of contributions for the compensation of xed costs, enacted as a modication to the Temporary Framework of last October which waived the limit of 200,000 euro per year for a three year period (de minimis regime enacted before the start of the COVID-19 crisis) as envisaged by Regulation 1407/2013.

We are aware that the European Commission has initiated discussions with member states on the Temporary Framework, proposing a continuation up to 31 December 2021 and increased maximum subsidies, although the new ceiling has yet to be announced.

We have also learned that, in the wake of a major Danish plan, a signicant German plan has been accepted, which does not refer to the Temporary Framework but rather to art.107 bis TUE, as requested to the different Authorities by AEFI since last March.

Our future is now dependent on the “promptness of the Italian Government's

action and how soon the resulting requests will be accepted by the European Union.

Relations with public authorities Finally, we have worked - and are continuing to do so - on our relations with the authorities, rst and foremost to ensure adequate compensation for the damage experienced by the industry which amounted to around 80% of turnover in 2020 - with a view to reopening to best effect.

The European Union is also in charge of the vaccination campaign: we were pleased to hear of the large purchases of doses for our country and yet, as Italians, we cannot but accept that this element of hope is still subject to considerable uncertainty.

In this area we have encountered a positive response from the authorities, with the drawing up of instruments which, however, are subject to EU rules which are proving unsuited to compensate the damage suffered by industries, like our own, which have been closed down by the pandemic. At the moment we are discussing a framework

These plans must be implemented because, quite apart from the contributions of all of us, we are all working to survive, and the only way to do so is to nd a way to coexist with the virus. This applies to exhibitions, our industry, but it is just as true for all Italian industries experiencing this time of closure like us.

”

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PATA ANNUAL SUMMiT 2021 TO BE ViRTUAL Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said, “Strengthening the Emirate’s MICE sector by showcasing our world class resorts, authentic Arabian hospitality, beautiful pristine beaches and the abundance of cultural and outdoor adventure experiences, has always been at the forefront of our wider destination strategy.

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he Pacic Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced that the PATA Annual Summit (PAS) 2021 will take place online from April 27-29.

The three-day virtual event, organised with the support of Platinum Sponsor, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), will bring together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are professionally engaged with the Asia Pacic region.

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah and aims to develop the emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy said, “Ras Al Khaimah has strongly committed to supporting the revitalization of the travel and tourism industry in a more resilient, responsible and sustainable

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manner by not only supporting the virtual event this year, but also by agreeing to host the Annual Summit in 2022 in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). That is why we are honoured to be working with RAKTDA in bringing together our public and private sector members and partners to discuss the challenges and issues facing our industry, and look forward to 2022 where we can welcome our members and industry colleagues to this amazing destination.”

One of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich culture and long-standing history dating back 7,000 years. The Emirate boasts an array of archaeological sites and breath-taking natural vistas, from golden sand beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and a green belt of date palms to

This joint venture with PATA gives us a chance to demonstrate Ras Al Khaimah’s breadth of offer to key industry leaders and delegates from around the world.

We are immensely proud to be the rst city worldwide and the rst Emirate to be certied as a ‘Safe Destination’ by the WTTC and Bureau Veritas, the global leader in testing, inspection and certication, and believe this will go a long way to promoting condence in the safety of Ras Al Khaimah amongst our visitors.”

The PATA Annual Summit embraces a global forum for enhancing the sustainable growth, value and quality of tourism and includes a half-day conference, the PATA Annual General Meeting and the PATA Youth Symposium that allows students and young tourism professionals that opportunity to engage with senior industry leaders.

As part of the event programme, the Association will also once again organise the PATA Leaders Debate which brings together senior executives from both the public and private sector to address thought-provoking issues currently affecting the industry.

Registration for Virtual PAS 2021 is complimentary for all PATA members, Chapter members and non-members.

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IAAPA EXPO ASiA 2021 MOVES TO SHANGHAi, CHiNA AUGUST 10-13

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AAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, announced IAAPA Expo Asia 2021 will take place in Shanghai, China at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) August 10-13, 2021.

Originally planned to occur in Macao, China in June, the relocation and date change are in response to the continued impact the global COVID-19 pandemic, and growing optimism for increased recovery as the year progresses.

“IAAPA’s role has always been to help members meet, do business, and learn from each other. It is more important

than ever we provide such opportunities in a safe manner, at the right time, in the right location. After careful review and with signicant input from our team, members, exhibitors, and the IAAPA Board of Directors, the decision has been made to relocate IAAPA Expo Asia 2021 to Shanghai, China,” shared Hal McEvoy, President and CEO, IAAPA. “Given the continued uncertainties impacting travel – international and domestic – we believe the relocation and event date change will provide more opportunity for exhibitors and attendees to participate.”

Plans are underway to ensure a smooth transition to the SNIEC. This year’s Expo will begin with a full conference day on Tuesday, Aug. 10, followed by three days of programming featuring a dynamic tradeshow oor, additional education programs, exclusive special

events and more August 11-13.

“The health and safety of our members and our team remains our top priority,” McEvoy continued. “While it is still hard to believe we are still working through global effects of the global pandemic, we are encouraged by the news that the initial vaccines are being administered in locations around the world. We know it’s going to take time and the phases of recovery will vary by region, but we are optimistic about the outlook for our industry. During IAAPA Expo Asia we will follow safety guidelines and operational procedures recommended by global health authorities, the SNIEC, and event industry experts. We look forward to returning to Shanghai for IAAPA Expo Asia, and once again bringing the global attractions industry together.”

IMEX FRANKFURT 2021 CANCELLED

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he IMEX Group chairman Ray Bloom and CEO Carina Bauer in a statement released on January 11, announced the cancellation of IMEX Frankfurt 2021.

The statement read: We know the timing of our announcement comes as a blow so early in 2021. More than anything, and like you, we’re eager to deliver some good news and mark a fresh start.

When we were compelled to cancel

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IMEX in Frankfurt and IMEX America last year we hoped 2021 would see the early recovery of the industry and the IMEX shows. We still believe wholeheartedly that a resurgence will come, but sadly we do not believe it will happen in time for us to deliver a strong and successful event in May. IMEX in Frankfurt is a hugely global event – our exhibitors and buyers represent 150+ countries – and we are, therefore, reliant on international travel routes being open in the coming weeks to allow our buyers and exhibitors from across the world to conrm their participation. All that said, we are genuinely positive about the future.

Industry prospects The vaccine roll-out and improvements in rapid testing programmes give us great

condence for the prospects of our industry and of travel in general. We are very condent that we’ll be able to deliver a successful IMEX America in Las Vegas from 9-11 November; as well as the 20th anniversary edition of IMEX in Frankfurt in 2022 (26-28 April).

The IMEX Team is already working hard with our partners in both locations to create and deliver successful shows that will drive the future growth and prosperity of our industry. In the meantime, we remain committed to value creation. We’ll be working with industry partners on digital activations and experiences that deliver on our mission of uniting and advancing the business events industry – doing everything we can to educate, innovate and help you to make powerful connections with the right people.

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LOUiSViLLE TOURiSM ANNOUNCES LEADERSHiP CHANGES

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Vice President in 2012 and returning as CEO in 2014. She has served on boards of Leadership Louisville, Meeting Professionals International, Destination Marketing Association International and APEX Commissioner with the Convention Industry Council.

Williams has also served as chair for the Destination & Travel Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to serving the interest of destination marketing professionals and highlighting the impact of travel around the world. In recognition of the diverse achievements and longevity of her hospitality career, Williams received the Dan Mangeot award in 2012 given to an individual who has greatly contributed to Louisville’s tourism initiatives.

Williams has worked in the hospitality industry for 40 years beginning as a sales manager at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Atlanta. After opening 18 hotels worldwide, Williams returned to Louisville and served 23 years at what was then the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau, retiring as Executive

This is Battle’s second time lling Williams’ role, as he was appointed Executive Vice President in 2014 before being named COO in 2019. Battle has worked in the hospitality industry for 34 years. Prior to coming to Louisville, Battle spent 12 years as Vice President of Sales & Services for the Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau in Richmond, Va. He also held the positions of Director of Sales and Sales Manager at the Richmond CVB. Battle began his hospitality career in the hotel industry working for Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn and Sheraton Hotels. Battle is a native of Denver. He is a graduate of Metropolitan State College with a BA degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management. He earned his Master’s of Business Administration in 1997 from Averett College in Virginia. He is both a

he Commission of Louisville Tourism has announced a succession plan upon the forthcoming retirement of current President & CEO Karen Williams.

Veteran hospitality industry executive Williams will close out her 30-year tenure at Louisville’s destination marketing organization on June 30, 2021. The Commission has named current Chief Operating Ofcer Cleo Battle to head the city’s tourism agency upon William’s retirement. The Louisville Tourism CEO represents the destination at industry tradeshows and conferences and provides strategic leadership and oversight of the marketing agency in all aspects of its scal and daily operation.

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Certied Destination Management Executive (CDME) and Certied Association Sales Executive (CASE).

Says Board Chair Donald Lassere, “The hospitality industry is an extremely competitive market for leisure and meetings business. Under Karen’s leadership, the Louisville landscape evolved with greater opportunities to incent highly sought-after conventions and tourism and the city was experiencing record growth in visitation prior to the pandemic. Working side by side with Karen for eight years, we know Cleo has the right combination of experience, leadership and vision to help our community maximize our opportunities as destinations like ours move into a recovery and rebound phase.”

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer adds “It would be impossible to overstate Karen Williams’ impact on the record tourism growth that Louisville has seen in recent years, with a pre-pandemic peak of 19 million visitors in 2019. Beyond being one of our community’s most optimistic, dynamic cheerleaders, Karen brought incredible skills, experience and sense of collaboration to the job. She was instrumental in working with the city, state and tourism stakeholders to nance and support the beautiful renovation of KICC, which positions us well in a competitive market as people begin traveling again, post pandemic. I will miss Karen for so many reasons, but I am condent in her board, the nationally recognized team they have built – and in her successor, Cleo Battle, who has worked alongside Karen for several years. I appreciate Karen staying until summer to help ensure a smooth transition and I wish her much rest – and travel! – in retirement.”

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ENGLiSH CORE CiTiES COME TOGETHER TO CREATE THE HYBRiD EVENTS SOLUTiONS UK

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he English Core Cities have joined forces to come together in a UK industry rst, to support the conference and events industry as it continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, with the launch of Hybrid Events Solution UK (HESUK); a free-ofcharge initiative open to all business audiences across the country, that will provide a solution for delivering national hybrid events in Covid-secure venues.

The conference industry has been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, with questions still hanging over us as to when the industry will start to meet face-to-face or in a live environment. In a solution to rebuild condence within the industry and in light of the national lockdown, the Core Cities and their convention bureau teams are working together in a collaborative effort to help facilitate national business events to take place again, whilst taking Government guidelines into account.

Including the convention bureaus for Birmingham and West Midlands, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, NewcastleGateshead, Nottingham and Shefeld, the Core Cities have created HESUK as an initiative to provide a single point of contact for event organisers who are looking to organise or restructure national and regional conferences. HESUK will allow delegates to attend the same national event at different Covid-secure venues within those regional hubs, enabling delegates to network and meet those within their

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eld, whilst remaining in adherence to Government guidelines at the time of the event. Through live-streaming technology, each hub can be linked together, so speakers and contributors can be in different cities whilst still attending the same event and any delegates who can’t attend in-person will still be able to experience the event in a virtual way.

In ICCA’s Market Intelligence on Covid19 Affected Meetings Report (Nov 2020) evidence suggests that in a postpandemic world, the meetings and events industry will look very different to the one that we have all been so accustomed to, where both ofine and online meetings will thrive together as the industry discovers new ways to connect. The report also highlights the important role that hybrid event solutions will play in the future, with 84% of association planners intending to include hybrid and digital elements to their events moving forward.

Recognising this fundamental shift to the way organisers will be approaching event delivery, and in what is believed to be a UK industry rst, the eight convention bureaus teams will be working together operationally. HESUK brings a fresh, out-of-the-box concept created to help the industry overcome the hurdles that lie ahead. Through one contact, the organiser will be able to work with Covid-secure venues across the network of Core Cities, as well as destinations outside of the Core Cities

group. On the initiative, Heather Lishman, Association Director of the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) said: “The Hybrid Events Solution UK is a glowing example of how the conference and events industry is innovating and working together to support each other through this damaging period. It’s wonderful to see this level of collaboration from the English Core Cities.

“Live conferences and events have ceased as we continue the ght against COVID-19. Going into 2021 there is a strong desire to get live events back, to have people meeting face to face, networking, sharing and learning together. Creating a hybrid event is a solution to enable this, as the world navigates its way through the pandemic with rapid testing and vaccines on the horizon. The biggest challenge is condence; organising a series of live event hubs across several destinations is a big logistical challenge, therefore we welcome this solution which seeks to make the process easier for organisers, which should get people meeting as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Simon Hughes, Chairman of Business Visits Events Partnership (BVEP) said: “The Hybrid Events Solution UK is a fantastic concept, and it is inspiring to see these cities working together to help instil consumer condence and get the conference and events industry up and running again.”

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FIRST EVENTS AT TĀKINA LOCKED IN AS CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES

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s Wellington prepares for the dawn of an exciting new conference and exhibition future, it’s apt that one of the rst events conrmed for Takina is Festival for the Future – a multi-day conference with more than 1200 delegates. Festival for the Future founder Guy Ryan says Takina ticked all the boxes and opened exciting opportunities to build the Festival into a world class event as it scales up in 2023.

“The Festival is a showcase of what’s possible – of leadership and innovation for the big issues of our time. The opening of Takina is a really exciting opportunity to attract global talent, host powerful in-person experiences and showcase the best that Wellington has to offer. “Covid has been crazy for the events sector. We transformed the Festival into a virtual summit that attracted attendees from 57 countries.

Being amongst the rst to book out Takina for 2023 gives us lead-up time to

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test hybrid experiences and bring the best of local and global together. We can’t wait.”

WellingtonNZ General Manager David Perks says Takina will be a major asset for Wellington as New Zealand’s arts and creative capital. “Despite organisations being nervous about any future impacts of Covid-19, WellingtonNZ is receiving a steady stream of Takina booking enquiries.

“They have been reassured to nd that construction on Takina is on time, on budget and on track to provide something special in the capital.” Mr Perks says with Wellington being the capital city, home to parliament, and to have a purpose built conference and exhibition is a mix made in convention and exhibition heaven. “Wellington is expecting a very good 2021 in terms of hosting business events. The latest Tourism NZ industry research reveals 55 per cent of associations planning a

conference next year plan to host it in Wellington.

“A number of clients who originally planned conferences in other destination for 2021 have stated access to government ofcials and Wellington’s central location as key reasons to move their conference to the Capital. We expect that interest to intensify as the opening of Takina nears.” Since then the multi-storey, 18,000 sqm, purpose-built facility has risen like a phoenix on its prime CBD harbourside location within walking distance to a raft of restaurants, eateries, bars and hotels. It will have 10,000sqm of conference space for up to 1600 people, a 2500 sqm exhibition oor, two large, exible plenary halls and meeting rooms, and a gala dinner capacity of 1400 people. A vibrant ground oor public gallery and café space with two main entrances on Cable and Wakeeld streets ensures a warm welcome to all visitors.

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THE MEETiNGS SHOW 2021 UNVEiLS NEW DATES AND VENUE

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he Meetings Show, the UK’s leading platform for the world’s meetings and events community, will take place on 30 September and 1 October 2021 at ExCeL London. Following the success of its virtual format in 2020, The Meetings Show 2021 will be delivered as a hybrid event to allow event planners who are unable to attend the event inperson to interact with the show’s exhibitors, comprehensive education programme and unrivalled networking opportunities.

Both the live and virtual elements of the show will focus on keeping business

The new destination is widely accessible to UK and international event professionals, located close to London City Airport, the Jubilee Line and the DLR. It also offers plenty of parking for those preferring to make their way by road ExCeL London’s expansive show oor will allow for plenty of space for social distancing.

events by the summer, we have decided to amend our usual show dates to later this year to ensure we can provide the greatest condence to our exhibitors and show attendees. “The Meetings Show will play a key role in supporting the recovery of the global business meetings and events industry, and we believe pushing back to the autumn enables us to ensure we can offer an exceptional event to the high-quality standard that our stakeholders have quite rightly come to know and continue to expect from us. We are currently working on some exciting innovative plans to facilitate exhibitors and buyers to make quality connections while being inspired by our comprehensive education programme.”

The Meetings Show event director Jack Marczewski, said: “With ongoing uncertainty surrounding the reopening of large-scale exhibitions and business

The Meetings Show 2021 will be held at the same venue and time as Northstar sister event The Business Travel Show 2021, but will run separately.

meetings and events professionals informed and connected, providing vision and support to the community while it focuses on recovery after a challenging 18 months. Relocating the show to east London venue ExCeL London puts it in the heart of an area which is undergoing exciting regeneration and growth.

PLANS UNDERWAY FOR FiRST CONVENTiON CENTER iN GANGWON PROViNCE

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lans are underway for the construction of a new international convention center in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, the rst international convention center in the province.

Comprising the northeast region of the Korean peninsula, Gangwon Province is recognized for rich natural retreats, and includes major cities Gangneung, Chuncheon, and Pyeongchang.

under 2 hours. Demand for an international convention center in the province has been raised steadily in the past, and with the successful hosting of the Winter Olympics and the province receiving 4th in the nation for MICE events hosted in 2018, the province is hopeful for the plans of a new convention center to receive the green light to proceed with construction.

According to preliminary plans, the new convention center is expected to have a site area of 54,200 m2, total building area of 16,200 m2, and total oor area of 36,900 m2. The convention center will be built in Hajungdo Island, an island in Chuncheon, also home to the new Lego Land Theme Park, currently under construction with a tentative opening date set for 2022.

A popular destination for outdoor sports and recreation, the province hosted the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, showcasing its capability to host largescale international events. The hosting of the games further enhanced the province’s MICE hosting capabilities, including the extension of a KTX (highspeed bullet train) line connecting major cities within the province to Seoul in

Currently, the top 3 regions for highest number of annual MICE events hosted in Korea is Seoul, Gyeonggi and Busan, all currently operating large scale convention centers – COEX (Seoul), KINTEX (Gyeonggi), and BEXCO (Busan).

Gangwon Province anticipates the construction of its rst international convention center will provide the boost it needs to place itself in the top three.

The theme park will be the 10th Lego Land in the world and the rst in the nation. With convenient access to Seoul and a wealth of recreational opportunities available in the region, the new convention center and theme park in Gangwon Province will open up doors of new opportunities for MICE visitors to Korea post-Covid-19.

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PATA: RECOVERY RATES FOR ASiA PACiFiC IVA GROWTH VARiED AND UNEVEN TO 2023

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y the end of 2023, international visitor arrivals (IVAs) into and across the Asia Pacic region could return to 96% of the volume of foreign arrivals received in 2019, at least under a mild scenario. The less fortuitous medium and severe scenarios, however, could see those proportions reach just 74% and 49% respectively, at that time. There is quite a disparity for each of the destination regions of Asia Pacic as well, with the Pacic for example, projected to exceed the 2019 volume of foreign arrivals into that region by a little over two percent in 2023. This is according to the full report of the Asia Pacic Visitor Forecasts 2021-2023 released by the Pacic Asia Travel Association (PATA), where three growth prospects for international visitors into and across 39 Asia Pacic destinations are made, covering mild, medium and severe scenarios.

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nder the medium scenario, that proportion is expected to reach around 78% while under the severe scenario it is likely to remain at just 52% of the 2019 volume. The Americas is in a somewhat similar situation, however, as the 2023 proportion of IVAs relative to that of 2019 is still expected to fall short under the mild scenario although only by a minimal margin. The medium and severe scenarios present a similar reduction in the proportions of IVAs in 2023 relative to 2019, to those of the Pacic.

Asia, known as a powerhouse for international arrivals into and across the Asia Pacic region will experience similar gures to what is expected for the Americas under the mild scenario. However, the medium and severe scenarios could fall back even further. In the latter scenario for example, the report projects that IVAs into and across Asia Pacic could fall back to less than half of the 2019 volume by 2023. Of immediate concern, for all of the Asia Pacic destination sub-regions under each of the scenarios, 2021 is likely to be another difcult year for international travel movements. Any growth is likely to be extremely uneven, and for some sub-regions may be further below the levels of 2019 and even those of 2020.

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Global News South Asia in particular, under this mild scenario, is expected to lose even more IVAs with its relative proportion to 2019, falling to around 14% in 2021, before rebounding strongly in 2022 and 2023. Under the medium scenario, more destination sub-regions are expected to fall into further decline in 2021 relative to 2019, before turning to some tentative recovery in 2022 and 2023.

PATA CEO Dr Mario Hardy stated, “Calendar year 2021 is likely to be difcult for most destinations, with almost 40% of the 39 destinations covered in these forecasts falling even further from the low point of arrival numbers in 2020, even under the mild scenario. In the case of the medium scenario, that proportion is likely to increase to 85% while under the severe scenario it could well be the case for all 39 destinations.”

“Clearly, a further round of belt-tightening will be needed in the international sector, with more innovation being required in developing what is available in the domestic sector,” he added. Dr Hardy concluded by reminding the travel sector that, “Vaccines are becoming more freely available and inoculations are proceeding rapidly, but even so, and while rst results are very encouraging, their effectiveness over a wider proportion of the population has yet to be fully demonstrated.

It is very likely that travellers in the future will have to carry proof of inoculation and being COVID-19 free, something that various agencies and airlines have been developing and is already trialling. Whatever the outcome, travel will never be the same again and we have no choice but to adjust and adapt to that.”

The Forecast Full Report is now available on the PATA website

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STB PARTNERS WiTH LOCAL MICE iNDUSTRY TO SHOWCASE REiMAGiNED EXPERiENCES AND CATALYSE NEW BUSiNESS OPPORTUNiTiES AT iNAUGURAL ViRTUAL EVENT About 700 participants expected at the SingapoReimagine MICE Virtual Show, a platform for local and international MICE players to connect and showcase their offerings

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he Singapore Tourism Board (STB) today announced the launch of the SingapoReimagine MICE Virtual Show, the rst such collaboration between STB and local MICE players. Organised

by STB, the two-day event will be held from 3 to 4 March 2021 and is part of Singapore’s efforts to catalyse the MICE industry’s recovery and generate business opportunities for our partners.

About 700 participants are expected at the show.

The event will feature a locally curated programme that includes live-streamed cultural and leisure tours, culinary masterclasses by celebrity chefs, and a live panel discussion with industry leaders on organising pilot events in Singapore. It will also facilitate 1-on-1 virtual meetings between participants and up to 40 leading suppliers like hotels, convention centres and tour operators. Within the virtual 3D environment, participants can navigate

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MICE Neurol, Aspen Event Planners and TLC Events. The Eos have organised over 48 digital events between them in the last eight months, including providing production and event management services for the 2020 Alzheimer’s Disease International Conference, a 3day event with over 1,000 delegates. the virtual tradeshow oor easily with their mobile devices and connect with exhibitors, such as Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Airlines and Sentosa Development Corporation. They can also catch up on various event programmes on demand and take part in trivia quizzes to win prizes. The top 5 voted buyers will each win a hosted trip to Singapore on Singapore Airlines, inclusive of a hosted stay and exclusive experiences.

To bring the SingapoReimagine MICE Virtual Show to life, STB has partnered established local event organisers (EO)

Dr Edward Koh, Executive Director (Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel), Singapore Tourism Board, said: “Singapore has started its journey to reimagine the future of business events, and we are doing so in partnership with our MICE industry to push new boundaries using technology and creativity. The SingapoReimagine MICE Virtual Show demonstrates how we are transforming industry models to seize new opportunities, and underlines our reputation as a safe, trusted and innovative destination for business events. We look forward to having delegates from around the

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Global News world join us in this journey of exploration and reimagination.”

Kenny Goh, founder of MICE Neurol, said, “We are excited to partner STB for the SingapoReimagine MICE Virtual show, not just to deliver a platform to connect buyers and sellers, but also to co-curate experiences and gamication to enhance the Singapore destination experience. Singapore has both the physical and digital infrastructure to be the centre of global events and we hope to do our part to reignite the MICE industry and continue to brand Singapore as a leading MICE destination.”

Innovation in a time of disruption The SingapoReimagine MICE virtual show aims to bring like-minded industry stakeholders together. It also presents an opportunity for local MICE industry players and tour operators to showcase their creativity, as they transform their businesses in the new COVID-19 environment.

STB has partnered MICE Depot to deliver the event’s digital content and live panel discussion. The event agency pivoted its business last year, tapping on STB’s Business Improvement Fund (BIF) 2 to develop its digital capabilities and cater to the strong demand for virtual and hybrid events Francis Tan, Director of MICE Depot said, “Partnering STB for this event has allowed us to showcase our technical know-how in creating digital content for events and also enabled us to sharpen our skillsets. With the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw a need to pivot and adapt our business. As such, we invested in the development of our own in-house event studio and created internal training programmes to equip our employees with skillsets for broadcasting events in order to create quality virtual and hybrid events.”

Participants can also look forward to 7 unique experiences exclusively curated

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for them, including live cultural tours at Waterloo Street and Little India; masterclasses by homegrown distillery Brass Lion Distillery and Malcolm Lee, chef-owner of the world’s rst Michelin star Peranakan restaurant Candlenut; and a behind-the-scenes tour of one of Singapore’s oldest coffee shops, Killiney. To further enhance the experience, experience kits will be sent to selected participants, allowing them to participate alongside the sessions or enjoy the activities at their own pace.

Jamie Koh, founder of Brass Lion Distillery, said,” For this event, we’ve created a gintasting followed by a hands-on cocktail making session for participants to learn about the Brass Lion brand in a more engaging way. We are excited to share our brand story, and we hope that it will help us to bring the Singapore Dry Gin to more people beyond Singapore.”

Chef Malcolm, Candlenut, said, “I am happy to be able to connect with local and international foodies through this platform. For this culinary masterclass, I will be whipping up one of my simplest dishes and sharing a slice of the Peranakan culture in Singapore in the way I know best - food.”

Culinary Masterclass with Chef Malcolm

Bake-at-Home Demonstration by Asia’s Best Pastry Chef, Chef Janice Wong

Behind the scenes tour and cocktail masterclass with Jamie Koh

Killiney Kopitiam: From Coffeeshop to Factory

More information on the virtual tours can be found in the ANNEX. Reshaping the future of travel The SingapoReimagine MICE Virtual Show comes under the umbrella of the SingapoReimagine initiative launched

by STB in November 2020 to reimagine travel for Singapore and the rest of the world, and to collectively shape the future of our tourism sector. With health and safety as our top priority during COVID-19, Singapore has resumed MICE events in a gradual and calibrated manner, leveraging on technology to reimagine the future of business travel in Singapore.

Explore the sights and sounds of Little India

Home dining with a “Peranakan”

Streets of Harmony @ Waterloo

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MEET BRISTOL & BATH – A NEW CONVENTION BUREAU FOR THE REGION LANUNCHED

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new regional Convention Bureau has been launched representing Bristol, Bath and the surrounding area.

The Bureau's key objectives are to proactively promote region for business events, working with local partners to secure new business for the region.

Building on the success of the existing Meet Bristol Convention Bureau, this new partnership will benet local businesses who wish to attract conferences and business events, helping to boost the visitor economy for the region.

The development of a regional convention bureau will help aid recovery, targeting business events that have a positive economic impact. Simon Hughes, Chair of Business Visits Events Partnership (BVEP) says, “The BVEP is delighted to learn of this initiative. The importance of strong local resources to represent and facilitate growth for business events should never be understated. Bristol and Bath and the surrounding region offer some of the best amenities for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions in unique locations.

Combining the two cities will undoubtedly create a more efcient and effective marketing platform”.

VisitEngland Head of Business Events,

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Kerrin MacPhie said: “The launch of the new convention bureau, Meet Bristol & Bath is an exciting development for the business events industry in England.

Both destinations offer a wealth of opportunity and leading business events facilities which combined will make an unforgettable visitor experience. We are excited to promote this new convention bureau to event planners at MeetEngland Virtual alongside 29 other leading English destinations, showcasing the many ways future events can be reimagined in England.” Meet Bristol & Bath will target a global audience, focussing on developing association, corporate and incentive travel business with a strong focus on developing working relationships with event planners and agents all over the world. During a pilot event in December, the concept of the two complementary city destinations, together with the surrounding countryside and nearby coast proved an attractive proposition to an international audience booking multi day events and incentive trips.

“Representing two cities with such varying offers, plus their surrounding areas is hugely benecial and gives us a competitive edge when bidding for

events. We are working hard to put plans and actions in place to aid recovery after what has been an extremely difcult year for the industry.

We are well connected, and welcome all enquires however large or small and are dedicated to maintaining and developing working relationships with all of our stakeholders” Amy Bramhall, Convention Bureau Manager, Meet Bristol & Bath.

There are also several exciting new developments planned for the region, including the YTL Arena Bristol due to open in 2023. The venue will consist of three interlinked arenas' including a multi-purpose, exible hall with 11,000sqm at oor space for exhibitions, trade shows and conventions.

Plus, a 17,080-seat arena, making it the third largest arena in the UK. The Ashton Gate Stadium Sporting Quarter Development is a proposed new development of a state of the art 4,000 capacity sports and convention centre, adjacent to their existing venue, which is currently the largest conference centre in Bristol and the surrounding areas. The development will include a 4 star hotel and a new urban village development.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Global News In addition, there are more hotel rooms coming to Bristol over the next few years, including the Leonardo Hotel scheduled for 2021 and the Clayton Hotel which will have 255 bedrooms and extensive meeting space, due to open in quarter one 2022.

Bath has also welcomed the Freedom Auditorium to its conferencing offer. The impressive Auditorium offers space for up to 500 delegates, breakout space and a private mezzanine level. The experienced in-house technical team

specialise in hybrid events and live streaming is provided with top of the range equipment. There will be more opportunities to host team building and social events, including the opening of the new Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein, a world rst visitor attraction opening in the Spring, which will include an escape room experience for groups.

Mary Shelley wrote the majority of this timeless classic whilst living in lodgings situated in Abbey Churchyard, Bath, in

1816, where the iconic Pump Room is now located. As well as delivering a very proactive role in attracting business, the convention bureau offers a one stop shop for event planners considering booking business events in the West of England. A range of services will be available, including venue and accommodation booking, connections with local suppliers and industry specialists, together with expert knowledge and insights to support those bringing their event to the West of England.

NEW CMO APPOiNTED FOR WESTERN CAPE OFFiCiAL TOURiSM, TRADE AND iNVESTMENT AGENCY Since 2016 Iuel has been CEO of Nonpublic Safaris Southern Africa – a DMO owned by Fairfax Monetary Holdings primarily based in Toronto.

Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris, concluded: “Monika has had a stellar profession that demonstrates extraordinary capacity and keenness for advertising and tourism.

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esgro, the ofcial tourism, commerce and funding promotion company for Cape City and the Western Cape in South Africa, has appointed Monika Iuel as its new chief advertising ofcer. Iuel brings a wealth of expertise and can lead the vacation spot advertising organisation and communications and advertising groups at Wesgro from 15 March 2021.

Iuel has previously worked for an outbound tour operator in Berlin,

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followed by boutique DMCs in Johannesburg, and served 13 years at Tourvest Destination Management.

Following that, Iuel spent 4 years at South African Tourism (SAT), initially as regional director for the Americas, throughout which era she opened the workplace in Sao Paulo and, nally, as common supervisor for worldwide advertising, supporting all worldwide SAT workplaces in Europe, Americas and Australasia.

She has a deep data of the vacation spot advertising and communications house, and powerful trade relationships domestically and overseas. She is going to advance Wesgro's work selling Cape City and the Western Cape as a worldclass leisure and enterprise tourism vacation spot, and a number one enterprise hub for Africa.

“Monika's connectivity may even assist to make sure continued messaging alignment between nationwide, provincial, and native authorities, and the enterprise group within the Cape.

We look ahead to having her as a part of our staff as we take Cape City and the Western Cape's wider nancial and tourism supply to the world, to assist drive a robust restoration.”

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Global News

ARABiAN TRAVEL WEEK TO FOCUS ON RECOVERY OF MiDDLE EAST TOURiSM

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eed Exhibitions, organiser of the annual Arabian Travel Market (ATM) showcase in Dubai, has announced the return of Arabian Travel Week (ATW) between 16-26 May 2021.

World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), ATM 2021 will play an integral role in Arabian Travel Week.

“This week-long festival of events is dedicated to travel professionals from all over world, to collaborate and shape the recovery of the Middle East travel industry, through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briengs, awards, product launches and networking events,” Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.

“There will be a whole host of in-person seminars on ATM’s show oor specically designed to support, inspire and innovate all travel and tourism professionals, looking at the latest trends in technology, sustainability and proling the next generation of global travellers,” said Curtis. There will also be an array of high-prole keynote speakers and world-class technology experts lined up for the Travel Forward Theatre, providing industry-leading insights and discussing the latest technologies and trends that will shape the future of travel. Other notable features of Arabian Travel Week and in-person at ATM include ILTM Arabia 2021, buyer forums with networking dedicated to key source markets including Saudi Arabia, India and China, a hotel summit, the

“Essentially, Arabian Travel Week will provide a pivotal platform for the region’s travel and tourism industry, whether participating in-person at the events or virtually, over the course of 10 days – it will put a spotlight on Dubai, the UAE, GCC and of course the wider MENA region’s tourism sector,” she added. Now in its 28th year and working in collaboration with Dubai

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responsible tourism programme and the International Tourism & Investment Conference (ITIC) summit.

Ibrahim Ayoub, Group CEO, ITIC & Invest Tourism Ltd said, “We are delighted to host in partnership with ATM, our ITIC Middle East Tourism Investment Summits, in-person on Wednesday, 19th May and followed by our virtual summit, a week later on Thursday, 27th May. We will bring together hospitality, tourism and nancial services leaders to discuss how the Middle East’s travel and tourism industry can position their businesses to be ready for the post COVID-19 recovery, through instituting and making strategic investments to rebuild the sector.”

“This year’s theme of ‘A New Dawn for Travel and Tourism’ has never been more relevant nor important – this message of recovery will be integrated into all of the show verticals and planned activities,” added Curtis.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Global News governments around the world will start to withdraw their travel restrictions,” said Curtis.

To complement the four-day in-person show, for the rst time, a new hybrid format will mean a virtual ATM running a week after to reach a wider audience than ever before. ATM Virtual, which made its debut last year, proved to be a resounding success attracting 12,000 online attendees from 140 countries. “It is imperative that we include a virtual element to Arabian Travel Week because many industry professionals from around the world, may not be able to attend the in-person event for 2021.

“Indeed, it would also be impossible for us, at this moment in time, to even begin to speculate on how effective the vaccine rollout will be and subsequently when

ATM Virtual will feature comprehensive webinars, live conference sessions, roundtables, speed networking events, virtual digital inuencers’ speed networking session, one-to-one meetings, destination briengs, as well as facilitating new connections and offering a wide range of online business opportunities. A highlight on Arabian Travel Week’s agenda and part of ATM Virtual is Arival Dubai @ ATM. This event will feature a series of sessions covering current and future trends for operators of tours and attractions. Douglas Quinby, CEO of Arival said, “Arabian Travel Market has long been the event that gathers the global travel community around the Middle East, and its role in the revival of our industry is more important than ever. We are partnering with ATM to create a special virtual forum that assembles leading voices from

tours and attractions, as well as technology innovators, from across the region to help our industry chart a path of resilience and resurgence in 2021 and beyond.”

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organisation, will also be participating at ATM Virtual for the rst time. The GBTA will deliver the latest business travel content, research and education to drive the post-pandemic recovery and support growth in business travel.

The show will strictly adhere to all DWTC’s stringent health and safety guidelines and will set out to provide a touchless and seamless experience. The team at DWTC are working hard to ensure that all events run safely and have implemented a range of measures including an enhanced cleaning regime, improved air circulation, multiple hand sanitiser stations and temperature checks.

INDIA EMERGES AS #1 TOP SOURCE MARKET IN THE MALDIVES

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submit an online health declaration form within 24 hours prior to departure and are required to produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test result conducted within 96 hours prior to departure.

ndia has emerged as the #1 top source market for tourist arrivals in the Maldives so far in 2021, overtaking the position previously held by Russia.

The latest statistics published by the Ministry of Tourism indicates that as of 17th February 2021, Maldives welcomed 32,970 arrivals from India followed by 32,019 arrivals from Russia this year.

Furthermore, Ukraine took the third position with 10,178 tourist arrivals.

The remaining top source markets include Kazakhstan, Romania, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Czech Republic and the USA. After temporarily closing the borders to

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curb the spread of COVID-19, Maldives reopened borders for all international travelers on 15th July 2020. While tourists are not required to quarantine upon arrival, tourists are required to

The Maldives is one of the most ideal and safest locations for travelers right now as the islands are geographically blessed by its isolated nature. The rising number of incoming Indian travellers are largely inuenced by Bollywood celebrities opting for vacations at high-end resorts and organically promoting the Maldives.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Global News

CONNECT@CHANGi, THE WORLD’S FiRST BUSiNESS TRAVEL EXCHANGE, OPENS iTS DOORS

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Connect@Singapore initiative,” said Robin Hu, Head of International Policy & Governance, Temasek and Chairman, SingEx-Sphere Holdings.

emasek Holdings has announced the launch of the rst phase of Connect@Changi, a pilot short-stay facility designed to support safe business exchanges between international business travellers and Singapore residents.

As the rst facility appointed under the Connect@Singapore initiative, Connect@Changi aims to support the progressive reopening of the nation's borders and spur business and economic activities, while safeguarding the local community from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Connect@Changi is launching with 150 premium guest rooms and 40 meeting rooms that can accommodate a range of meeting sizes, from four to 22 attendees.

This will expand to around 660 guest rooms and 170 meeting rooms when the initial phase of the project is completed in May. When fully completed later this year, the facility will have the potential capacity to host some 1,300 business travellers at any one time. Located at Singapore EXPO & Max Atria, within a ve-minute drive from Changi Airport,

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Connect@Changi offers an integrated 'test-stay-work-meet' experience for inbound business travellers. Business executives landing at Changi Airport can meet their Singapore-based counterparts or hold regional meetings in person at the facility, all while enjoying a comfortable stay with an array of safe management measures in place. The project is developed by a Singapore consortium, led by Temasek and includes The Ascott Limited, Changi Airport Group, Sheares Healthcare Group, SingEx-Sphere Holdings and Surbana Jurong.

“We are thankful for the Singapore Government's strong support and commitment to the Connect@Changi project, by appointing it as the rst facility licensed to operate under the

“Without such a facility, travel options are essentially binary – either stay at home due to travel restrictions, or y overseas and endure long periods in quarantine. After close to 4 months of intense, round-the-clock construction and collaboration with our partners, various government agencies, vendors and subcontractors, we are now ready to offer business travellers the option of resuming in-person meetings in a safe and contained manner, and do our part to catalyse economic recovery for Singapore and across the region.”

Business travellers residing at Connect@Changi can meet their Singapore-based counterparts as well as guests from other countries safely, in specially designed meeting rooms outtted with air-tight glass panels to reduce the risk of transmission. Largescale video conferences can also be held, which would allow hybrid meetings to take place.

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Global News

ACCOR LAUNCHES ALL CONNECT, NEW HYBRiD MEETiNG CONCEPT TO ENABLE SEAMLESS PHYSiCAL & ViRTUAL MEETiNGS WORLDWiDE

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eading hospitality group Accor has announced that it is collaborating with Microsoft to launch All Connect, a new hybrid meetings concept supported by Microsoft Teams. This new concept will enable guests around the world to adapt to the new ways of working that are expected to be an enduring legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Today, 55% of Accor hotels with meeting rooms are already providing hybrid

meetings solutions to their clients.

Launching in April 2021, the new All Connect concept will ensure Accor hotels can provide an enriched full experience, which resets the bar on the hybrid meeting experience. Accor's ambitious target is to achieve 100% of its hotels with meeting rooms comply with the new hybrid meetings standard by 2022 across all brands, from economy to ultraluxury worldwide. By combining the brands and service culture of Accor with the powerful meetings and collaboration technology of Teams, this new offering will enable corporate customers and meeting planners to combine physical inhotel meetings with virtual interactions

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meetings & events experience, and a seamless digital booking platform.

Patrick Mendes - Group Chief Commercial Ofcer in charge of Sales, Marketing, Distribution and Loyalty at Accor, said:

across multiple locations simultaneously.

Meetings will take place on the Microsoft Teams platform, where attendees can connect and engage virtually. In Accor meeting spaces, Microsoft Teams Rooms and Surface Hub 2S will connect people on-site to those joining remotely with industry-leading audio and video device experiences. People can easily present content and see virtual participants as if they were in the same room. With this solution, Accor guests and their meeting

“The Covid-19 pandemic has caused business travelers and meeting planners to review the way they work. Virtual and hybrid formats have become an essential part of daily business life. Accor's new

attendees can come together through professional, inclusive meeting experiences, from wherever they are.

The concept will focus primarily on small meetings (8 to 50 physical participants) and customers will benet from the expertise of dedicated teams, Accor's

concept All Connect, created in collaboration with Microsoft Teams, will be an important tool for our guests, offering them the opportunity to organize safe, qualitative and seamless hybrid meetings as they continue to focus on health & safety and sustainability. All Connect is another example of Accor responding rapidly to the ongoing crisis following on from the launch of AllSafe and the rollout of Hotel Ofce & coworking concepts. We are delighted to launch this collaboration with Microsoft, knowing that Teams has become a new way to work for 115 million daily users who come together every day to meet, call, chat, and collaborate.”

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Global News

THAiLAND SAYS iT NEARS A COVID-19 VACCiNE PASSPORT, HOPES TO WELCOME TOURiSTS iN Q3

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hai authorities are preparing a plan to ease restrictions for travellers vaccinated against the coronavirus, senior ofcials said on Wednesday (Feb 24), as the country looks to revive a tourism industry battered by travel curbs.

Measures for vaccinated visitors would be introduced step-by-step and could include shortening the mandatory quarantine for all arrivals from two weeks to three days for those vaccinated, or waiving it entirely, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Yuthasak Supasorn said.

"We have to be fast because we want to start welcoming tourists in the third quarter," he told Reuters. The TAT plans to begin selling tour packages after April.

The tourism ministry has also requested 100,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine for tourism workers in Chon Buri, Krabi, Phang Nga, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

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The ve provinces will from next month host "hotel area quarantine" programmes offering 5,000 to 6,000 rooms, where visitors can move around within hotel grounds instead of being conned to their rooms, according to tourism minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. The global vaccine roll-out has given hope to the pandemichit industry, which makes up about 11 per cent of Southeast Asia's secondlargest economy.

In 2019, Thailand received about 40 million foreign tourists, who spent 1.91 trillion baht (US$63.60 billion). That compared to just 6.7 million visitors last year and revenue of 332 billion baht, due largely to Thailand's tight limits on international commercial ights and visitors. Since October it has allowed a limited number of tourists to return on long visas, including a group from South Korea for a new "golf quarantine" programme. "This year, we expect about

5 million visitors, but next year it should jump because the vaccine will have helped, maybe 15 million," Phiphat told state television. Arrivals could reach 30 million in 2023 and return to prepandemic levels the year after, he said.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Global News provide responses to real and current challenges and will also facilitate both face-to-face and virtual business meetings to be conducted in the safe environment complying to Safe Management Measures (SMM).

The conference will feature 40 leading international speakers including Hwang Yu-Ning, Chief Planner & Deputy Chief Executive Ofcer, Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore; Philipp Kandal, Head of Engineering, Geo, Grab, Singapore; Dr Winnie Tang, Founder & Honorary President, Smart City Consortium, Hong Kong; David Henderson, Chief Geospatial Ofcer, Ordnance Survey, United Kingdom; Robbie Schingler, Co-founder & Chief Strategy Ofcer, Planet Labs, United States; and Farizan D’Avezac de Moran, Senior Consultant, GreenA Consultants, Singapore. Key highlights of the GCA 2021 Conference include 10 keynote addresses, panel sessions and extensive dialogue.

Rupert Owen, Montgomery Asia Event Director and Co-founder, said, “We are hugely excited to announce that Geo Connect Asia 2021 will be Singapore’s

rst physical-virtual event of its size in 2021. Going hybrid is set to be a gamechanger in this new normal, as international travel remains limited while physical events are slowly allowed to resume (under strict health & safety protocols). There has also been signicant clamour for the safe resumption of faceto-face meetings after a very long interval, and a dual-platform approach brings the best of both worlds. In spite of challenging market conditions, we have been receiving strong support from the industry, including Bentley Systems as Gold Sponsor, to participate in Geo Connect Asia 2021, to add to a strong list of previously committed companies.

We look forward to providing a very personalised experience for the ASEAN geospatial community and the associated industries and at the same time reaching out to a much wider audience in a virtual space.”

Ng Siau Yong, Director of the Geospatial and Data Division and Chief Data Ofcer at the Singapore Land Authority, said, “SLA continues to support Geo Connect Asia as a Knowledge Partner, as the event is a key lynchpin of the geospatial community in Singapore and

ASEAN. The geospatial sector has a role in accelerating opportunities and economic recovery as the region’s economies shift to the new normal. Geo Connect Asia could act as a catalyst for accelerating the broader adoption of cutting-edge geospatial technologies across a vast range of sectors in Southeast Asia. As Singapore forges ahead towards becoming a Smart Nation, geospatial technologies will have a growing role to play in the country’s growth and transformation.”

Andrew Phua, Executive Director of Exhibitions & Conferences at the Singapore Tourism Board, said, “STB will continue to support and collaborate with our MICE industry to cement Singapore’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations for safe, trusted, and innovative MICE events. The event’s focus on digital transformation and sustainability in smart cities is in line with the opportunities that Singapore is exploring in the new environment. Geo Connect Asia 2021 is also the rst hybrid tradeshow of the year in Singapore, and we look forward to a safe and fullling experience for all our visitors and delegates.”

ICCA ANNOUNCES SUPPORTiNG OTHERS CAMPAiGN campaign.

The initiative aims to be one of "positive ideas and goodwill", that can provide support to its members during the pandemic. ICCA has called on its members in the UK & Ireland chapter to provide stories and insight into their experience of the Covid-19 pandemic to support the campaign.

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he International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) UK & Ireland chapter has announced the launch of its Supporting Others

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The organisation is looking for thoughts in two key areas: positive stories regarding the pandemic, for example successes and gains, goals and targets

or plans for the future, and challenges those in the ICCA UK & Ireland chapter feel their fellow members could support them through, whether this be commercial or personal. ICCA has also asked members to share how they feel all members could support each other better.

ICCA is currently looking at several platforms to share positive anecdotes on, in addition to condential ways to provide help to those who need support.

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Global News

GEO CONNECT ASiA 2021 TO DEBUT iN SiNGAPORE iN REiMAGiNED FORMAT

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nternational events organiser Montgomery Asia has announced that its highly anticipated agship geospatial and location intelligence event for Southeast Asia, Geo Connect Asia, has gone hybrid. Bringing together the latest innovations in smart cities, digital construction, remote sensing and UAVs, amongst many others, Geo Connect Asia 2021 will take place at the heart of Singapore, with both a physical event on 24th and 25th March 2021 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, as well as a virtual Geo Connect Asia 2021 for delegates and visitors.

Themed “Global Solutions for Asia’s Geospatial & Location Intelligence Markets”, Geo Connect Asia (GCA) 2021 will be Southeast Asia’s inaugural online & ofine conference and businessled geospatial services and location intelligence event. It is also set to be Singapore’s rst large-scale physicalvirtual event to-date in 2021, combining

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a two-day conference, technical talks and plenary sessions to provide a forum for an industry which is crucial to regional development as ASEAN economies continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic. GCA 2021 is where digital transformation embraces smart and sustainable cities as drivers of change and will provide a personalised meeting space for business and educational exchange.

A safe, trusted and innovative MICE experience GCA 2021 will be the next pilot tradeshow to trial the ‘hybrid event’ prototype developed by the Alliance for Action on Enabling Safe and Innovative Visitor Experiences. The prototype seeks to provide delegates with the degree of interaction they would be accustomed to in a regular tradeshow setting – but in a far safer way which minimises infection risks.

TravelRevive, GCA 2021 will pilot creative solutions to enhance health and safety for delegates, as well as digital enablers to allow participants a seamless experience in the current Covid-19 environment.

Geo Connect Asia Conference The event highlight is the Geo Connect Asia Conference themed, “Mapping the Data-driven Future Economy”. It will be led by high-level speakers and thought leaders from across the global geospatial industry, providing a strategic and collaborative platform for industry professionals, government agencies, start-ups and more to exchange knowledge, expand networks, and develop global solutions for burgeoning geospatial & location intelligence markets across Asia.

The two-day conference will comprise various panel sessions where industry experts will share invaluable insights,

Riding on the learnings and insights from

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Global News provide responses to real and current challenges and will also facilitate both face-to-face and virtual business meetings to be conducted in the safe environment complying to Safe Management Measures (SMM).

The conference will feature 40 leading international speakers including Hwang Yu-Ning, Chief Planner & Deputy Chief Executive Ofcer, Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore; Philipp Kandal, Head of Engineering, Geo, Grab, Singapore; Dr Winnie Tang, Founder & Honorary President, Smart City Consortium, Hong Kong; David Henderson, Chief Geospatial Ofcer, Ordnance Survey, United Kingdom; Robbie Schingler, Co-founder & Chief Strategy Ofcer, Planet Labs, United States; and Farizan D’Avezac de Moran, Senior Consultant, GreenA Consultants, Singapore. Key highlights of the GCA 2021 Conference include 10 keynote addresses, panel sessions and extensive dialogue.

Rupert Owen, Montgomery Asia Event Director and Co-founder, said, “We are hugely excited to announce that Geo Connect Asia 2021 will be Singapore’s

rst physical-virtual event of its size in 2021. Going hybrid is set to be a game-changer in this new normal, as international travel remains limited while physical events are slowly allowed to resume (under strict health & safety protocols). There has also been signicant clamour for the safe resumption of face-to-face meetings after a very long interval, and a dualplatform approach brings the best of both worlds. In spite of challenging market conditions, we have been receiving strong support from the industry, including Bentley Systems as Gold Sponsor, to participate in Geo Connect Asia 2021, to add to a strong list of previously committed companies.

We look forward to providing a very personalised experience for the ASEAN geospatial community and the associated industries and at the same time reaching out to a much wider audience in a virtual space.”

Ng Siau Yong, Director of the Geospatial and Data Division and Chief Data Ofcer at the Singapore Land Authority, said, “SLA continues to support Geo Connect Asia as a Knowledge Partner, as the event is a key lynchpin of the geospatial community in Singapore

and ASEAN. The geospatial sector has a role in accelerating opportunities and economic recovery as the region’s economies shift to the new normal. Geo Connect Asia could act as a catalyst for accelerating the broader adoption of cutting-edge geospatial technologies across a vast range of sectors in Southeast Asia. As Singapore forges ahead towards becoming a Smart Nation, geospatial technologies will have a growing role to play in the country’s growth and transformation.”

Andrew Phua, Executive Director of Exhibitions & Conferences at the Singapore Tourism Board, said, “STB will continue to support and collaborate with our MICE industry to cement Singapore’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations for safe, trusted, and innovative MICE events. The event’s focus on digital transformation and sustainability in smart cities is in line with the opportunities that Singapore is exploring in the new environment. Geo Connect Asia 2021 is also the rst hybrid tradeshow of the year in Singapore, and we look forward to a safe and fullling experience for all our visitors and delegates.”

“LESHOW ISTANBUL” WiLL OPEN THE DOORS 3RD TiME AT THE ISTANBUL CONGRESS CENTER (ICC) FROM JUNE 10TH TO 12TH, 2021

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ith the aim to support leather, fur and textile outerwear fashion community in these challenging times, the proven hub of allure for

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outerwear fashion in EURASIA region “3rd LeShow Istanbul-2021” will take place at the Istanbul Congress Center (ICC) from June 10th to 12th, 2021.

dynamic attendances especially from Europe, North America, Middle-Far East, Russia and Central Asia regional apparel fashion markets.

Embodying world-famous “Mix & Match” type outerwear fashion concept, 3rd LeShow Istanbul-2021 will bring together high-end collections leather & fur outerwear fashion items and haute qualité creations made of leather & fur and various textiles in a professional business-networking platform with

During this 3-day remarkable live event; more than 150 int’l exhibitor fashion brands will meet up and forge solid, tailor-made business relations with 10.000 int’l business visitors & 1.000 professional int’l sectoral buyers to be hosted from varied geographies of the world.

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Global News

SHENZHEN RETAiL BUSiNESS ASSOCiATiON TO BE THE JOiNT ORGANiSER OF MARCA CHiNA INTERNATiONAL PRiVATE LABEL FAiR 2021

henzhen Retail Business Association and BolognaFiere China Ltd. have signed an agreement to jointly host the Marca China International Private Label Fair (Marca China). The rst edition will be held from 8th-10th June 2021 at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre. BolognaFiereS.p.A. (BF), with more than a century of history, is one of the world's leading exhibition companies. Annually, the group organises more than 100 of the world's top events and tradeshows.

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In 2007, BolognaFiere China Ltd. (BFC) was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of BF in Shanghai. To date, BFC has successfully organised and coorganised nearly 30 exhibitions.

Shenzhen Retail Business Association, established in 1997, currently has over 700 members covering more than 40 business types. The association is comprised of Shenzhen's major large

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and mediumsized retail and brand chain enterprises.

The total number of members exceeds 70,000, nearly 60,000 of which span more than 30 provinces, municipalities, and regions across the country, with over 850,000 employees collectively. The two parties join hands to provide international production and buyer resources, and to more comprehensively meet development needs within China, particularly the South China market.

products. Mr. Marco Tchen, President of BolognaFiere China Ltd., states: "We have always been committed to creating sustainable value for our clients. In addition to the group's global resources and the great potential within the Chinese market, we are also actively seeking cooperation with renowned domestic and international institutions, business associations and media related to the private label market. The partnership with Shenzhen Retail Business Association will provide exemplary support for the fair in all aspects, including in exhibitor recruitment, visitor promotion, and conference organisation. We continually strive to bring greater prosperity to our exhibitors and visitors, and to better serve the Chinese private label market."

The partnership aims to further expand the private label market in the Greater Bay Area, drawing in more professional buyers from a variety of elds including supermarkets, convenience stores, professional stores, e-commerce, brands and Ho.Re.Ca, to facilitate professionalism, marketisation, and diversication within Marca China.

Marca by BolognaFiere, organised by BolognaFiere, is now entering its 17th year. As its rst overseas subsidiary fair, Marca China is also the rst international private label fair in China.

Marca China is expected to attract more than 500 exhibitors and over 20,000 professional visitors from nearly 30 countries and territories, covering a venue of 20,000 square metres.

Exhibits will include food, fresh food, organic products, household and leisure products, personal care, pet food and products, packaging/technology and services, and retailers and e-commerce.

The fair is staged as a preferred platform for production and servicesoriented enterprises to explore the South China market, expand sales channels, and promote their images and

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

Global News

BOOSTiNG TOURiSM FROM INDiA TO CAMBODiA DiSCUSSED WiTH ENVOY government and from former Indian ambassadors in the push for direct ights, but to no avail as of yet. PATA has also observed that Cambodia does not have a wide awareness as a tourism destination in India, despite its having been visited previously by up to 100,000 Indian people annually, mostly for religious purposes. Sinan added that if there are substantially more people on incoming ights from India than the return ights, then direct ights will not be sustainable.

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epresentatives of the Pacic Asia Travel Association (PATA Cambodia) and the Indian ambassador to Cambodia have met to discuss the boosting of tourism between the two nations. The meeting resulted in the proposing of the establishment of both direct ights and a travel bubble.

Devyani Khobragade, Indian ambassador to Cambodia, said that various topics were discussed in the meeting with Dr Thourn Sinan, chairman of PATA Cambodia, but focused primarily on how the association and the Indian Tourism Authority can boost bilateral tourism during COVID-19 and the post-pandemic era.

Devyani sees post-pandemic travel as likely to increase the number of Indians visiting Cambodia in order to experience the Angkor Wat temple as well as the Kingdom’s many other popular heritage and eco sites and nature areas. She also expressed

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interest in exploring the potential for India’s meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition industry (MICE) and wedding market sector to look to Cambodia as a hosting venue.

Both parties acknowledge that establishing direct ights between the two countries would be the key step in strengthening connectivity between the two nations as it would save signicantly on travel time.

Sinan said that PATA Cambodia suggested the development of a proposal for the establishment of a travel bubble. It also proposed the preparation of an Indian market insight paper so PATA Cambodia members with an interest in exploring that market can glean a better understanding of it. He added that globally, China and India are among the two most desirable tourism markets courtesy of their large populations. He noted he has seen a lot of commitment previously from both the

Ministry of Tourism’s Secretary of State Top Sopheak said that because global travel remains locked under strict travel measures to prevent the spread of the virus, Cambodia is seeing almost no international tourists these days.

Therefore, the government has been promoting domestic tourism to push the economy, but that makes up just part of the loss in tourism caused by the pandemic.

“We thought that through our scenarios [it is possible that] the tourists will be back by mid-2023, or by the end of 2024. However, we cannot assume that tourism will boom once there are vaccines. It will recover step-by-step and take years to do so. At the same time, we are training our human resources to strengthen the quality of services to welcome tourists once they do come back,” Sopheak added.

During 2020, Cambodia received only 1.31 million foreign tourists, a drop of 80 percent compared with 2019. In 2019, Cambodia welcomed around 70,000 tourists from India. However, last year Indian tourist visits to Cambodia reached only about 13,000.

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DUBAi’S TOURiSM TO GROW WiTH MAJOR EVENTS LiNED UP FOR 2021

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ubai this year is preparing to ride high on the arrival of international tourists. Initial set back aside, tourism sector started opening by the last quarter of the previous year with proactive measures and protocols in place to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic and ensure business continuity.

Dubai had attracted a record 16.7 million tourists in 2019 - an increase of 5.1 per cent compared to the previous year - and tourism sector's contribution to the emirate's GDP was 11.5 per cent, and it accounted for a direct international tourism spending worth $27.9 billion. With Expo 2020 coming up in October of this year and running till March 2022, the event would be a catalyst for tourism growth. Director General, Dubai Tourism, Helal Saeed Almarri says the emirate's multigeographic strategy allows Dubai to react quickly to market changes across source markets combined with strong economic relief programme.

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“

Dubai as a global tourism destination remains highly competitive in spite of global challenges because of our approach and exceptional cross functional management of the situation.

”

Helal Saeed Almarri - Director General, Dubai Tourism Almarri, of course, is referring to the emirate's Covid management strategy which is already showing results. This is evidenced by a 2021 Global Investment Outlook Report published by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE's largest bank predicting a V-shaped recovery for the UAE. According to the report, the UAE economy should grow by around 2.5 per cent overall and 3.6 per cent for non-oil sectors.

Further, Dubai Tourism ofcials are enthused by the hospitality sector's rebound since November last year.

Citing preliminary data, research rm STR says hotels in Dubai were 71 per cent full in December. With an aggressive inoculation program, of the 10 million population, it has already administered 3.7 million vaccine doses one of the highest rates of inoculation per 100 people globally. Almarri says that Dubai has a very clear plan on how to deal with Covid-19 and it will be ready to receive visitors for the Expo 2020. "We are going to be ready to make sure that the growth starts this summer and by Expo in the fourth quarter, we look to welcome the world," he asserts.

The report notes that Expo 2020 will add further strength to the national economy and the imminent boost to tourism will have a positive impact on other sectors as well including retail and real estate activity as the Covid-19 immunisation programme moves forward.

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WORLD TRAVEL & TOURiSM COUNCiL TO HOLD iTS GLOBAL SUMMiT iN APRiL 2021 The event will convene public and private sector leaders and provide the platform for the sector’s global recovery

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he highly-anticipated World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) 20th Global Summit, will now take place in April - one month later than the originally planned date. The Global Summit is being organised in partnership with the Government of Quintana Roo in Mexico and will be held in Cancun, Mexico on 25-27 April. WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, has taken the decision to move its Global Summit from March into April to coincide with the expected relaxation of travel restrictions and the beginning of the sector's recovery.

While Cancun is ready to host the Global Summit now, the international organisation is condent that rescheduling the event will enable more international participants to take part and help lead the sector into recovery.

The Global Summit will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase what both Mexico and Cancun have to offer as a destination, along with the world-class health and safety protocols that have been implemented to host such an event.

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The event will take place in a hybrid format, allowing those unable to travel to benet from the content virtually.

WTTC's annual Global Summit is the most important Travel & Tourism event in the calendar, where the highest-level industry leaders meet with key government leaders to act on the biggest and most important issues across the global agenda. Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: "While Cancun is ready to host our Global Summit as planned, we believe that moving the event back by just a few weeks, will enable people from many more regions around the world to attend the event, in beautiful Cancun, one of the most popular destinations in the world."

"As the global vaccination rollout picks up pace and with international mobility rules expected to be relaxed over the coming weeks, more people from key regions will be able to participate and add to the conversation for the path to recovery." "Those unable to attend the event in person, will be able to join virtually from anywhere in the world."

“The Travel & Tourism sector has been devasted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 174m jobs impacted, making our Global Summit more relevant and important than ever. The WTTC Summit is the most important global platform for leaders of the sector to set the path forward, share the future of travel with the world and accelerate the sector's recovery." "WTTC also wants to showcase how we can use this experience to adapt to COVID-19 and lead the global Travel & Tourism sector back to recovery and restore millions of jobs and livelihoods which have been thrown into turmoil since the beginning of last year."

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EUROPE TOURiSM ALLiANCE URGES EU TO RESTORE TRAVEL BY SUMMER

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n alliance of travel and tourism organisations is calling for the European Union to establish a taskforce to restore freedom of movement across the continent. The European Tourism Manifesto alliance, a group of more than 60 public and private travel and tourism organisations, made the call as it outlined recommendations for the relaunch of travel in time for the “critical” summer season.

The taskforce should develop and implement a travel restart plan and recovery roadmap, it said. The alliance added: “Vaccination, or vaccination certicates, should not be mandatory in order to travel (once vaccination is more

widely available), but vaccinated travellers or those with proven immunity should be exempted from entry bans, testing and quarantine restrictions in accordance with the latest scientic insights on the reduced ability of those vaccinated to still spread the virus.” The recommendations were shared with EU governments ahead of two key discussions – a videoconference of the European leaders on February 25-26 and a meeting of tourism ministers on March 1.

A statement by the alliance said: “As EU vaccination programmes progress and protect the most vulnerable citizens, we must jointly prepare for the restart of

travel. “There is simply no time to lose – preparations on a common approach should begin now, in order to restore public condence by the summer.

“Our recommendations detail a joint way forward towards restoring travel & tourism and freedom of movement on behalf of European citizens.” As well as the taskforce, the alliance wants “an improved and effective European coordination of travel restrictions and requirements” to offer predictability to travellers and workers in the sector. The alliance wants “a harmonised EU framework for travel-related testing” and coordination on e-health certicates.

HONG KONG TOURiSM BOARD TO BOOST THE CiTY'S RECOVERY THROUGH NEW "HONG KONG SUPER FANS" GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM

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he Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today its rst global fanengagement program, "Hong Kong Super Fans", to accelerate its promotional efforts as part of the postCOVID-19 tourism-recovery plan it has been developing over the past year. At a time of unprecedented restrictions on international travel, and as the world races to roll out vaccines in the hope of resuming normality, the HKTB is harnessing the power of community to remind people why they love Hong Kong and to drum up excitement about visiting the city once borders reopen.

"The HKTB has been planning ahead to prepare for the much-anticipated grand invitation to welcome visitors back to Hong Kong," said Dr. YK Pang, Chairman of the HKTB. "The 'Hong Kong Super Fans' program is both an important,

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integral element of the HKTB's recovery plan, and a way for us to show our appreciation to the people whose continued passion for Hong Kong has maintained top-of-mind awareness of the city as a world-class travel destination."

In its latest program, the HKTB has invited Super Fans – people with an authentic connection to Hong Kong – to take part in exclusive online and ofine activities that have been designed to showcase the best the city has to offer.

Once international travel is allowed again, these Super Fans will be invited to explore Hong Kong in all its glory, from heritage attractions to hidden local gems and exciting new happenings, and share their experiences with their friends and family.

To show its appreciation, the HKTB will

also organized a series of attractive offers and incentives that can be enjoyed by all. The HKTB has been recruiting Super Fans by invitation in Hong Kong and 20 key markets through the HKTB's worldwide ofces in Asia, Australasia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. This week saw the launch of the program's debut activity – a virtual tour celebrating everything unique about ringing in Chinese New Year in Hong Kong – organized especially for the very rst Super Fans.

The journey took participants through the charismatic neighborhood of Old Town Central to experience cherished traditions and shop for auspicious essentials, while enjoying a pre-delivered "Good Fortune Bag", lled with lucky ornaments, festive snacks and more, from the comfort of their own homes.

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MALDiVES RECORDS 14% INCREASE IN ARRiVALS IN JAN 2021

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he year 2020 started with high hopes of reaching two million tourist arrivals, as Maldives completed 2019 with a record-breaking amount of 1.7 million tourists for the rst time. The month of January was triumphant as Maldives recorded a 14 per cent increase in tourist arrivals as opposed to the previous year. With this laying the foundation for another victorious year, the country was anticipating a successful year ahead. However, it was disrupted by the arrival of the COVID19 pandemic which resulted in border closure and ceasing of ight operations.

The lockdown began and Maldives immediately began adapting to the new situation, and the government and tourism industry got together to brainstorm and project the course of the pandemic. The operational efforts were adjusted to evolving situations and the process of preparing for the reopening of borders initiated in phases. On 15th July 2020, Maldives reopened its borders to tourists of all nationalities with the reopening of several resorts and liveaboards. Guesthouses also

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resumed operations on October 15, 2020. Currently, there is no mandatory quarantine for arrival but all tourists are required to ll an online health declaration form within 24 hours prior to departure and submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted maximum 96 hours prior to departure to Maldives.

The reopening of borders brought about a lot of challenges but President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made the solid decision to do so after careful consideration, and the implementation of several stringent health and safety measures in the country. All tourist establishments are required to follow the guideline given by the Ministry of Tourism and the local Health Protection Agency, HPA. Maldives was one of the rst countries to reopen its borders and even during such unprecedented times, the tourism industry remained vigilant and worked towards increasing tourist arrival numbers.

In this regard, 2020 ended with the celebration of over 500,000 tourist

arrivals for the year, and over 100,000 tourist arrivals since the reopening of borders. On 4th February 2021, a total of 102,107 tourist arrivals were recorded. According to the Ministry of Tourism, 10,004 arrivals were from 1st to 4th February, with a daily average of 2,501 arrivals. The top source market for tourist arrivals is Russia, followed by India and Ukraine. Other top source markets include Kazakhstan, Romania, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Czech Republic and United States. Currently, there are over 140 resorts and over 330 guesthouses in operation, along with over 135 liveaboards and 11 hotels. There are 27 airlines connecting Maldives to the rest of the world.

On 1st February 2021, Maldives commenced the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed were two of the rst to receive their rst doses of vaccine, along with other government ofcials, and frontline workers. The vaccine was administered at a special ceremony held at the Male’ Social Center to launch the COVID-19 vaccinations in Maldives. Vaccines are to be initially administered in Male’ City, Addu City and in Kulhudhuffushi.

President Ibrahim Solih stated that the government aims to provide free COVID-19 vaccine to all citizens and residents of Maldives, in the coming months, and also emphasized on the importance of individual responsibility and caution even during this time of renewed hope.

With the commencement of vaccination, up until 6th February 2021, 6,854 people have been vaccinated and the process is still ongoing vigilantly.

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SiNGAPORE’S TOURiSM SECTOR EMERGES FROM 2020 WiTH GREATER RESiLiENCE AND REiNVENTiON Industries adapted to the domestic audience and operating models, while doing their part in the national effort against COVID-19

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espite enduring its toughest year on record, Singapore's tourism sector has taken strides to reimagine its offerings and experiences, while supporting nationwide efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourismrelated companies have beneted from various government support measures to transform their products and offerings, while building new capabilities to position themselves for future growth opportunities.

well. STB remains condent in Singapore's position as one of the world's safest and most attractive leisure and business destination, and the longterm prospects of Singapore's tourism sector. While mass international travel is unlikely to resume in a major way in 2021, STB will continue standing together with our industry partners to prepare for recovery and to start building a better and more sustainable future for tourism.”

Mr Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said: “Singapore's tourism sector has had to ght for survival in 2020. Our tourism businesses have displayed immense resilience and adaptability throughout this difcult period, reinventing their business models and leveraging technology to nd solutions in a COVID-19 world. I am also grateful for their commitment to keep Singaporeans and residents safe and

To ensure that Singapore remains top of mind even while travel is curtailed, STB's regional ofces launched new initiatives to engage its fans and strengthen Singapore's brand image around the world. STB partnered with technology, media and tourism industry players in key source markets to jointly promote Singapore as an attractive destination for future travellers. India is an important visitor source market for

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Singapore. and The Singapore Tourism Board and its tourism partners have been leveraging technology and the digital medium for consumer outreach in the India market since the beginning of the lockdown as they have realised that it is important to continue engaging with and entertaining the audience in such extraordinary times and keep Singapore close to their hearts and minds. Interesting virtual consumer activations with brands such as Zomato, BookMyShow, NH7 Weekender, Windmill Festival, St+art India Foundation, Tripoto have been executed where Indian artistes and inuencers have collaborated with Singaporean artistes where they were also to showcase their passions and talents and connect with the Indian audiences virtually.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, STB India has

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Global News undertaken the #UnitedWeStand trade engagement theme to ramp up trade engagement efforts.

Video messages showcasing solidarity and unity with the travel fraternity, launch of a whatsapp business channel, update sessions and webinars on Destination Singapore to upskill their partners' leisure and MICE product knowledge, etc. were some of the initiatives undertaken by STB in the market. Recently, STB concluded its rst virtual travel trade engagement roadshows for 2021 in India. Based on this year's theme, “Charting Our Pathways to Tourism Recovery”, the roadshows aimed at strengthening partnerships and planning on how to grow the tourism business and prepare for travel restart once the situation normalises. During the roadshow, the STB shared updates on the COVID-19 situation in Singapore and how the country is preparing for tourism re-start and recovery in 2021 and beyond. The roadshows included close to 48 key stakeholders from Singapore representing hotels, airlines, integrated resorts, attractions, Destination Management Companies (DMC) and cruise operators and were attended by over 3000 buyers from India.

Mr GB Srithar, Regional Director (India, Middle East and South Asia), Singapore Tourism Board while talking about outlook for the India market adds: “Singapore has made progress in its gradual and calibrated return to some normalcy. We had entered the third phase of a three-phased 'A Safe Singapore' transition since 28 December 2020 and are adopting a deliberate and cautious re-opening of our borders for international travel, with necessary safeguards in place. We are prepared for recovery to be a slow and deliberate process but we are condent that we can overcome this pandemic.

STB is condent that along with our valued partner-friends and tourism

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partners, we will come together to share and exchange ideas and jointly congure the pathways to recovery for travel and tourism.”

Contributing to COVID-19 efforts amid adversity Due to unprecedented global travel restrictions and border closures, Singapore saw a decline in both visitor arrivals and tourism receipts in 2020.

Visitor arrivals (VA) fell by 85.7 per cent in 2020 to reach 2.7 million visitors (nearly all from the rst two months of 2020), while tourism receipts (TR) declined by 78.4 per cent to S$4.4 billion in the rst three quarters of 2020.

Even during this difcult year, tourism businesses played a key role in Singapore's battle against COVID-19.

Hotels offered their properties for various accommodation purposes, including Government Quarantine Facilities, Swab Isolation Facilities and Stay-Home Notice Dedicated Facilities (SDFs). Many tourist guides stepped up as Safe Distancing Ambassadors (SDAs), capitalizing on their people and language skills to urge compliance to safe management measures (SMMs).

Resuming Operations Safely As Singapore’s economy gradually reopened in the second half of 2020, the tourism sector faced a new challenge: working out how to resume operations safely while providing meaningful customer experiences. STB engaged industry stakeholders to develop their re-opening proposals and implement the necessary SMMs. As of 25 January 2021, 45 attractions, 270 hotels, and 1,686 tour itineraries have received approval to resume operations. From November 2020, Singapore also piloted cruises with enhanced safety protocols and no ports of call for two of Singapore’s homeported cruise lines – Genting Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International.

demand for cruise, STB established the world’s rst CruiseSafe Certication – a mandatory audit and certication programme for cruise lines before they commence sailing. Many tourism establishments have also been certied SG Clean, a national mark of excellence that indicates our businesses adhere to high standards of environmental public hygiene on their premises. As of 25 January 2021, STB has issued more than 1,390 SG Clean Quality Mark certicates to tourism-related premises.

Resuming MICE and leisure events From 1 October 2020, STB began accepting applications for organisers to pilot MICE events of up to 250 attendees. As of 31 December 2020, Singapore has held 29 MICE event pilots, with the rst being the Singapore International Energy Week in end October 2020. Singapore also developed testing protocols for foreign delegates and other visitors arriving for events such as TravelRevive and the ONE Championship events, to safeguard public health.

Supporting Transformation of Singapore’s travel industry Since the start of the outbreak, STB has worked closely with industry partners to chart a new path for the tourism sector. In February 2020, the Tourism Recovery Action Task Force (TRAC), comprising tourism leaders from both the private and public sectors, was set up to develop and implement joint recovery strategies. Looking ahead Even with the development of vaccines, it will take time for mass leisure travel and travellers’ condence to return.

Therefore, STB expects tourism arrivals and tourism receipts to remain weak in 2021. In 2021, STB will continue to support quality tourism businesses to sustain key capabilities and build new ones, and to innovate in order to meet evolving consumer needs and emerging travel trends once cross-border travel resumes in a signicant way.

To rebuild consumer condence and

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