Nov 2021

Nov 2021 Vol 1 Issue 08

Conversations With st

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FIJI’S OPEN! DEC

Sumaira Isaacs World Tourism Forum Institute Punam Singh Indian Hospitality Network Akshar Patel Asian American Hotel Owners Association César Bermejo Richart El Olivar and Cervantour Complex

OUR BULA SPIRIT AWAITS YOU BRENT HILL CEO, Tourism Fiji

SUSTAINABLE CITY Commitment to sustainability

HOSPITALITY Industry-wide waste measurement methodology

As many international destinations continue to announce re-opening dates, the travel & tourism fraternity’s mood is fast transpiring from dull to joy! India too announced re-opening of its borders to fully vaccinated foreign tourists entering the country on commercial ights for the rst time in nearly two years.

Regular international ight operations, which have remained suspended owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, is expected to return to normal soon. Civil Aviation Ministry Secretary Rajiv Bansal said that international passenger ight services are expected to be normalized soon and possibly by the end of this year. As per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the international ight operations have been suspended till November 30. The government has been allowing commercial international ights on a case-to-case basis. Currently, India has formed air-bubble pacts with around 28 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France.

Under an air-bubble pact between two countries, special international ights can be operated by their airlines between their territories with specic restrictions.

With the reopening of international borders, several international MICE activities have already kickstarted successfully. In a recent release, Thomas Cook India also shared that it has witnessed a strong recovery in India’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (M.I.C.E) business which was on a standstill for most of 2020. Let’s keep our ngers crossed!

Here’s presenting to you yet another edition of MS lled with loads of interesting articles and exclusive interviews. Do share your feedback with me at raghav@miceshowcase.com.

Happy reading!

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QUICK NEWS

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NEWS BUZZ

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CRUISING Monthly

HOSPITALITY

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INTERVIEWS

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TECHNOLOGY

SUSTAINABILITY

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GLOBAL NEWS

November 2021 BC Hospitality Group Ready For Growth: Changes Name To Bellagroup

Leading International Psychology Conference To Turku In 2023

BC Hospitality Group has used the lockdown during COVID to rethink its business and start over.

After a significant restructuring, new ownership and new management the group is now ready for growth under the new name Bellagroup. The ambition is to make Copenhagen a top destination for major events and conferences. In June Bella Arena opened with space enough for 8,000 standing guests. It adds new modern squaremeters to Bella Center and thus the opportunity to host several different types of events. Now there’s space for both the very large conferences with keynotes or larger cultural events and concerts. Major events with up to 20,000 participants can be hosted, but the flexibility also allows for hosting three simultaneous but separate events with up to 5,000 participants each or alternatively a large number of smaller events. In October, the group’s largest hotel, AC Hotel Bella Sky, finally opened after 1.5 year of lockdown and since the summer, Bellagroup have hired more than 200 new employees. With the current plans for hiring, half of the employees in Bellagroup will have less than 6 month’s seniority by new year. Of the 200 hired so far, half are former employees, who have returned.

The biennial European Conference on Developmental Psychology has been granted to the University of Turku for 2023. The Conference is a main event in the field of developmental psychology and i t h a s n e ve r b e f o r e b e e n organised in Finland. The event brings over 1,000 psychology researchers to Logomo in Turku. – It is great that the conference is organised in Finland where we have especially high-quality research in this field. With the resources provided by the INVEST flagship, we have particularly good circumstances for organising the event, says Professor of Psychology Christina Salmivalli from the University of Turku. The research flagship and centre INVEST – Inequalities, Interventions and a New Welfare State – aims at providing a new model for the welfare states that is more equal, better targeted to problem groups, more anticipatory as well as economically and socially sustainable. – We helped the researchers in drafting the written application. We are very happy of the researchers’ activity and trust in the conference sector that has been through a great deal.

This is a significant positive signal of faith in the future, says Convention Manager Sari Ruusumo.

Annual General Meeting Of IATA 2022 to Be Held In Shanghai The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced at the 77th Annual General Meeting of IATA being held in Boston, USA that China Eastern Airlines will host the 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit in Shanghai, China, on 19-21 June 2022. During the AGM, a decision was made in addition to the announcement of host city of the next Annual General Meeting. IATA officially announced that Chinese is to formally become a language of International Air Transport Association. As the only newly added language, Chinese joins English, French, Spanish and Arabic, bringing the number of languages for the body to five. "We look forward to gathering the aviation industry in Shanghai for the 78th Annual General Meeting of IATA. China is a dynamic aviation market, with the domestic market among the fastest to recover from the damage brought by COVID-19," said Willie Walsh, IATA's director general. IATA represents about 290 airlines in over 130 countries and regions. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of IATA, held in June every year, is the world's largest and preeminent gathering of airline leaders. It attracts 800-1000 participants each time.

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IAAPA Names Jakob Wahl Executive Vice President And Chief Operating Officer IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has named Jakob Wahl executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO) effective November 1. In this role, Wahl w i l l ove r s e e t h e r e g i o n a l o p e r at i o n s o f t h e g l o b a l association for the attractions industry and global sales. “Jakob is a dedicated and passionate leader who has increased membership and consistently expanded attendance and participation in the EMEA region’s events, including IAAPA Expo Europe,” said Hal McEvoy, president and CEO, IAAPA. “As IAAPA and the attractions industry emerge from the impact of the global pandemic, Jakob is the right person at the right time to help us better serve our global members, understand the varying needs of our regions and help the association move forward to meet its goals.” Wahl has nine years of experience working for IAAPA. He first came to IAAPA as program manager where he served the association for four years in the association’s office in Brussels. He then went on to work at Europa- Park in Rust, Germany as director of communications before returning to IAAPA in 2017 as vice president and executive director of IAAPA Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

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November 2021

Tata Sons Wins Air India Bid For 18,000 Crore

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ata Sons has won the bid to acquire national carrier Air India.

The salt-to-software conglomerate placed a winning bid of 18,000 crore reacquire the airline more than half a century after it ceded control to the government. Apart from 100 per cent stake in Air India and its low-cost arm, Air India Express, the winning bid also includes a 50 per cent stake in groundhandling company Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS).

Tata's special purpose vehicle (SPV) Talace Pvt Limited emerged as the winning bidder, DIPAM Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey said. As on August 31, 2021, Air India has a total debt of 61,562 crore, out of that 15,300 crore will be taken over by the bidder, Mr Pandey stated. So, 46,262 crore will be transferred to Air India Assets Holding Limited (AIAHL), he added. AIAHL is a SPV formed by the government.

Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Bansal said that the winning bidder will not

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retrench any employee for minimum period of one year and if retrenched after a year, they will have to be offered VRS (voluntary retirement scheme).

and the government loses nearly 20 crore every day. This was the second attempt by the Narendra Modi government to sell Air India.

Gratuity and Provident Fund (PF) benefits will be provided to all employees, he added. Mr Bansal also mentioned, "As of today, there are 12,085 employees in Air India out of which 8,084 are permanent and 4,001 are contractual. Besides this, Air India Express has a employee strength of 1,434." Earlier this month both Tata Sons and SpiceJet chairman Ajay Singh (in his private capacity) had placed bids.

The centre made an attempt in March 2018 but its expression of interest - to sell a 76 percent stake - had no takers over concerns regarding the airline's burgeoning debt. Despite its precarious finances, Air India still controls more than 4,400 domestic and 1,800 international landing and parking slots at domestic airports, and 900 slots overseas.

Reports last month that Tata had won the bid were played down by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who said then that nothing had been finalised. In December 2020, the government invited expressions of interest for the divestment of Air India. Four bidders entered the race, with the Tatas and Ajay Singh the only ones to make it to the final stages. Air India has accumulated losses of over 70,000 crore

Air India began life as Tata Air Services in 1932 when it was founded by JRD Tata. The company was nationalised by the government in 1953. JRD Tata continued to be its chairman till 1977.

Air India became the first Asian airline to induct jet aircraft and started flying to New York in 1960. At present, the Tata Group operates Vistara in partnership with Singapore Airlines and AirAsia India in partnership with Malaysia's AirAsia.

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November 2021

Kerala Tourism Unveils Keravan Kerala

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hree decades after the State made it big with houseboat tourism, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala has unveiled a new tourism product – Keravan Kerala. The concept of Caravan Tourism, with its nonintrusive mode of development, will enhance the potential and attractiveness of Kerala as a tourism destination.

Driving a paradigm shift and rising to the demands and preferences of tourists in the post-pandemic world, Government of Kerala announced a comprehensive, stakeholder-friendly Caravan Tourism Policy, promising the visitors safe, customized and closest-to-nature travel experience.

It envisages laying down the broad frame work for the development and encouragement of Caravan Tourism in Kerala, predominantly in the private sector through incentivising the procurement of caravans and for establishing the caravan parks, chalking out process and procedures for its operations, approval mechanisms etc.

TAAI Shares Inputs On Promoting Rail Tourism With Govt. Through PPP Model

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n a meeting with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has shared its inputs with the government on giving impetus to rail tourism in India. Attending the meeting virtually on behalf of the association, Bettaiah Lokesh, Honorary Secretary General, TAAI and Anoop Kanuga, Chairman – Tourism Services Council, Managing Committee Member shared inputs on how rail tourism products can be better promoted in the country with the help and support of travel trade. This was the second meeting after first such meeting was attended by President, Jyoti Mayal earlier. Second meeting on the same day was chaired by the Union Railways minister at the Rail Bhawan in New Delhi where all travel and tourism associations were invited. Among various suggestions, TAAI gave emphasis on travel agents and tour operators working very closely with government to promote rail products and how they should be mandatorily commissionable to them. “This is a potentially fantastic rail-tourism product. This should certainly create an initial impetus for private capital to participate in public services to create incredible stories around Indian Tourism,” the association mentioned. Ÿ Ÿ

Caravan Tourism policy is unique for many reasons. For one, it facilitates travellers to embark on a once-in-a-lifetimeexperience involving the luxury of caravans, the idyllic setting of caravan parks and Village Life Experience (VLE) packages powered by Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission. It aims at exploring the possibility of turning accessible but unexplored places in the state into alluring destinations for the caravan travellers to park and stay. The initiative is designed to make tourism a sustainable activity that would bring benefits to local communities and also scale up opportunities for the industry. Keravan Kerala offers big opportunities for investors to operate specially-built caravans for travel, leisure and stay. It also envisages a key role for a host of stake-holders, including local self government institutions, to set up eco-friendly Caravan Parks across the state to enable the visitors to spend a night or a day or station for an extended period to explore the destination of their choice.

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A detailed costs structure of train operations to enable a pro- forma P&L, cash flow & NPV analysis.

If the fixed costs instead of being paid quarterly can have a mortgage period and be paid two years into the concession.

If the lease can be given an NOC to be provided as a collateral to take bank funding against the concession.

The possibility of passing on depreciation benefits of coach retrofitting to the concessionaire to enable a more financially attractive model.

If there would be service level agreements on train timings and maintenance uptime between railways and the concessionaire and whether those can made linked to reduced fixed costs in case of their non-compliance.

Since for Railways it is a new marginal product without incremental capital costs, can a much lower fixed cost and marginal cost structure be explored for this concession to enable promoting the product The guidance of making this product mandatorily commissionable to travel agents & tour operators in India.

Possibility of creating a sub- brand -Incredible Indian Tourism Trains to provide overall branding support to the concessionaires.

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he apex body for events and experiential industry in India, EEMA, successfully hosted the EEMA Cyclothon – India on the Move.

Conceptualized in a multicity format, the event was conducted simultaneously in 25 cities including Ajmer, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kanyakumari, Kochi, Kolkata, Kota, Lucknow, Madurai, Mumbai, Puducherry, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vijaywada, Vizag and Warangal respectively. The overall distance covered by the cyclists has been added up to 2000 kms.

The event was flagged off simultaneously at all locations at 6:30 am in the morning. The cyclists pedaled through the predefined routes and covered approximately 8 to 10 kms in each city and reached their destination.

Despite the pandemic scenario, the event witnessed huge participation by members and several cycle enthusiasts throughout the country. A main part of the FIT EEMA Initiative, this event was conceptualized by EEMA zonal committees and was open for both members and non-members. EEMA aimed to bring a positive sentiment amongst the masses and celebrated the spirit of positivity and promoted the idea of staying physically fit in these challenging times.

The year 2020 and first half of 2021 has been majorly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. As the country tries to bounce back and get adjusted into the new normal, the apex body took charge and came up with this initiative to celebrate the importance of being physically fit.

EEMA members from more than 25 states worked rigorously in planning and making this event a success. The event was will strictly monitored as people following proper registration criteria were allowed, along with respective state capping for events was announced earlier

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November 2021

Event & Entertainment Management Association Successfully Hosts Cyclothon 2.0 – India On The Move and avoided any extra last moment hassles of event participation. The route map along with all necessary details was explained before the ride. This event was put together to keep a tab on participation and execution of the event in adherence to all necessary guidelines.

This event was broadcasted live from all respective locations on EEMA Social media channels via Streaming partner, Streamy. A special thanks to Hyatt Hotels and Resorts for being the Hospitality partner in multiple cities and Radio City, the official Radio partner.

Roshan Abbas, President, EEMA, said, “We thank everyone who came forward and participated with immense enthusiasm and made the EEMA Cyclothon 2.0 – India on the Move, a success. We are elated to see the enormous participation and enthusiasm with which we organized and executed this event. We feel this is how our industry looks towards positivity in order to bounce back into the new normal.

He added, “I would also like to share a special thank you to all our sponsors for their support and faith in pulling this event successfully.

made us witness both good and bad days, but the pandemic had brought us to a halt, but we never lost hope. As the events are now starting and we’re getting back to our hectic schedules, this event is a reminder that we should still maintain our exercise regimes and maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce our levels of stress.”

Vicky Tulsyan, Vice President, East said, “This has been a great opportunity for EEMA to showcase its strength to everyone. We believe in our members who have been a constant support and have come forward during the challenging times. A big thank you for executing this flawlessly.” He added, “Cyclothon is an initiative to drive the idea to the world of Fit India-Safe India.

Health and fitness are our major concerns in these times and with the support of the local member associations and other well-wishers EEMA’s initiative showcased wonderful results.”

Prerana Saxena, Vice President, EEMA North, said, “The events industry has

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November 2021

Indian Tourists To Be Highly Sought After, Says GlobalData

SITE’s Rajeev Kohli Inducted Into Hall Of Leaders

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ndian tourists will be some of the most desirable travellers, given India's growing economy, young population and rising middle class, according to GlobalData.

The leading data and analytics company notes that the country is projected to reach record levels of 29 million outbound trips by 2025 – a buoyant outlook considering the strains of COVID-19. Craig Bradley, Associate Travel & Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Before the pandemic, India was one of the most important and soughtafter tourism source markets globally, and was a key target for major players such as VisitBritain and Tourism Australia.

While the COVID-19 crisis put considerable strain on the country's economy and tourism industry, Indian travellers are expected to be ready to travel once more.” Bradley continues: Tourism development typically thrives in developing economies, and India's future looks bright – providing it can avoid further COVID-19 outbreaks and subsequent lockdowns. It poses an excellent opportunity for destination marketers, which can capitalize on the country's growing population, comprising Gen Z and millennials (approximately 51%). These generations are inclined to travel. Furthermore, India's improving infrastructure and developing low-cost airline market means outbound travel is both affordable and accessible.”

According to a Q3 2021 Global Consumer survey by GlobalData, 56% of Indians said that 'affordability' and 'accessibility' were key considerations when purchasing a holiday. This underlines that simple, cost-effective travel solutions are the way forward.

Bradley adds: “India's increased investment in budget airlines, as well as improving airport infrastructure, means better connections from regional and major airports. Therefore, international travel will be more straightforward and cheaper for Indian travelers. This will be essential to India's success in the post-pandemic era.

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ormer two-term President of SITE, Rajeev Kohli, CIS, CITP, has been inducted into the Event Industry Council's Hall of Leaders, the premier recognition programme in the business events industry, its de facto "lifetime achievement award." Rajeev joins an illustrious group of truly extraordinary SITE leaders including Roger Tondeur, Patti Roscoe, Bill Boyd, Patrick Delaney, Fay Beauchine and the late Jane Schuldt to have received this prestigious award. Commenting on the award, Jenn Glynn, CIS, CITP, Immediate Past President, SITE and Managing Partner, Meeting Encore Ltd said: “Rajeev has played a seminal role in SITE's recent growth, bringing our association beyond its traditional borders into new, emerging regions and destinations. Always the big picture thinker and strategic innovator, many of Rajeev's ideas and concepts have been at the heart of SITE's record growth in recent years.

His focus on diversity and inclusion, for example, may be seen in the composition of the present SITE board where the demographic, ethic, age and gender balances are best-inclass.”

Aoife Delaney, CIS, CITP, President, SITE and Director of Global Sales & Marketing, The DMC Network added “At the heart of Rajeev's personality and modus operandi, there's a human decency that's focused on giving, rather than receiving, being open rather than closed, sharing rather than hoarding, helping rather than seeking to be helped, serving rather than being served. These powerful values have driven all his achievements – his championing of diversity and inclusion, his great vision for youth, his passionate belief in the unique value of the DMC.” Commenting on his induction into the Hall of Leaders, Rajeev Kohli said “I am stunned, humbled and super-excited. I never imagined how highly my friends and peers would think of me but I now realise, and not for the first time, that success in our industry is determined in no small part by the relationships you build along the way. Thank you to my friends at SITE, Euromic, across the Indian sub-continent and, indeed, all over the world. If I stand here today, it's because of you”.

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November 2021 our partners and the media. ” LEADING INTERNATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY CONFERENCE TO TURKU IN 2023

VFS Global Appointed As The Trade And Marketing Agency For Visitportugal In India

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FS Global has been nominated the new trade and marketing agency for Turismo de Portugal, the official Tourism Board for Portugal, responsible for building destination awareness in the market, attracting more visitor footfall from India, and positioning Portugal as the leading destination for travellers across segments.

In its role, VFS Global will help establish a bigger media outreach for Turismo de Portugal, providing them the latest updates about the destination, and keeping the travel trade up to date on the most recent and relevant information on places, products, and experiences. Additionally, there will be a focus on building corporate and airline partnerships to establish Portugal as a preferred destination in the Indian market. “Since the opening of our Turismo de Portugal office in New Delhi in 2020, our mission has been to work with the entire Indian market. Raising

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awareness of Portugal as a tourist destination and, secondly, of course, increasing partnerships with various tour operators and travel agencies, creating their knowledge and expertise about Portugal and creating the best conditions for these potential partners to bring more business from India to here ”, said Claudia, Director of Tourism Portugal, India, said Matthias.

“Portugal is the best destination for Indian travelers across segments and budgets, with many offers ranging from traditional tourism activities such as nightlife and nature, to weddings and large family outings. From beaches to lush vineyards, these free and independent Southern European Travelers (FITs) The country is home to a variety of activities, attractions and experiences as well – first-time and traveled Indian tourists, and we look forward to spreading the word. wonders of Portugal to our customers through

The University of Turku has been granted the biennial European Conference on Developmental Psychology. The Conference will be held in Turku on 28 August – 1 September, 2023. The biennial European Conference on Developmental Psychology has been granted to the University of Turku for 2023. The Conference is a main event in the field of developmental psychology and it has never before been organised in Finland. The event brings over 1,000 psychology researchers to Logomo in Turku.

It is great that the conference is organised in Finland where we have especially high-quality research in this field. With the resources provided by the INVEST flagship, we have particularly good circumstances for organising the event, says Professor of Psychology Christina Salmivalli from the University of Turku. The research flagship and centre INVEST – Inequalities, Interventions and a New Welfare State – aims at providing a new model for the welfare states that is more equal, better targeted to problem groups, more anticipatory as well as economically and socially sustainable. A great deal of research on developmental psychology is also conducted in INVEST. The Turku Convention Bureau of the City of Turku helped the University in the months long application process.

We helped the researchers in drafting the written application. We are very happy of the researchers' activity and trust in the conference sector that has been through a great deal. This is a significant positive signal of faith in the future, says Convention Manager Sari Ruusumo.

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November 2021

WTM Responsible Tourism Awards Winners Announced: India Leads The Way

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arning international recognition, the rural tourism project of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has been awarded ‘Best Project’ at the World Travel Mart (WTM) World Responsible Tourism Awards 2021 function held in London recently. The International Responsible Tourism Center gave this award in the category of ‘Best PostCovid Tourism Destination Development’.

The awards, first launched in 2004, recognise and reward businesses and destinations which are contributing to more sustainable and responsible tourism industry. Winners were chosen by a group of industry experts, which met online to allow for an internationally diverse panel.

This year, India stood out in the Awards emerging as the leading country for Responsible Tourism. Indian states have seen the benefits in Kerala from the efforts of the Responsible Tourism Mission which has been working since 2008. The Global Award winners have been selected from the best of India and the Rest of the World Awards along with the best of those already entered for Africa and Latin America.

1.Decarbonising Travel & Tourism Global Award: Govardhan Village, Maharashtra, INDIA

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The judges for the global awards commented that there was a much stronger field this year and wanted to emphasise the importance of the clean generation of power and what can be done, by adopting technical solutions, to achieve real and significant reductions in emissions.

Govardhan Village is a 100-acre retreat centre and model farm community, a campus that showcases alternative technology and provides residential conferences and study programmes, attracting 50,000 tourists a year. The judges were particularly impressed by the effort which has been made at Govardhan to avoid emissions in the build and operational phases. With zero emissions, 210kW of solar panels deliver 184,800 units of electricity annually.

2. Sustaining Employees and Communities through the Pandemic Global Award: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa. AFRICA The V&A Waterfront demonstrates what can be achieved by a large scale destination business that is determined to work at using its scale and dominance to benefit those otherwise excluded and marginalised. The V&A Waterfront is a mixed-use destination on the harbour in Cape Town, “a platform that facilitates and champions art and design, to support

entrepreneurship and innovation, lead the charge on sustainability and drive positive social and economic change.” It has continued to grow employment at 3.7% annually through the pandemic. In December 2020, as cases soared, they launched Makers Landing, a food community that celebrates South Africa’s diverse cultures through food.

3. Destinations Building Back Better Post-Covid Global Award: Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Rural Tourism Programme, INDIA One of the ambitions of the Responsible Tourism Awards is to encourage businesses and destinations to learn from others, replicate and amplify achievements. The judges for the Global Awards wanted to recognise and celebrate how Madhya Pradesh is drawing on learning from others, particularly the Responsible Tourism Mission in Kerala, to accelerate and grow its impacts for rural communities.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board’s Rural Tourism Program is being implemented in 60 villages in the first phase and 40 in the second phase over three years. This project gives the tourist the most authentic and ground breaking rural experience through several rural activities like bullock cart

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NEWS BUZZ rides, farming and cultural experiences and the opportunity to stay in homestays in rural areas to generate employment and alternative business opportunities for rural communities.

Exposure visits and need-based training on homestay operations, cooking, health and hygiene, book-keeping and accounting, housekeeping, guest house management, guiding, sensitivity towards travellers, photography and blogging is being provided. The arrival of tourists has created employment for guides, drivers, artists, and other opportunities for selling goods and services to visitors. The artisans of the villages are also engaged in the diversification of the local economy through handicraft development and promotion under responsible souvenir development programs.

4. Increasing Diversity in Tourism: How Inclusive is our Industry?

Global Award: No Footprints. Mumbai, INDIA The judges were impressed by the diversity and breadth of experiences that No Footprints offers of contemporary life in Mumbai, offering genuine insight to travellers and holidaymakers. They were recognised as Best Tour Operator in the India Responsible Tourism Awards in 2020: “No Footprints enables visitors to connect with the communities which have made the city what it is over generations, to meet with them, and to hear their stories. No Footprints offer opportunities to meet with Parsees, Bohris, the East Indians and the queer* community.” In 2021 they have been recognised in the WTM Global Responsible Tourism Awards.

5. Reducing Plastic Waste in the Environment Global Award: Six Senses, Laamu, Maldives, INDIAN OCEAN

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November 2021 The Global judges were impressed with the extensive range of ways in which the management has worked to reduce the use of plastics in the resort and to reengineer their supply chain to eliminate plastic.

At Six Senses Resort on The Maldivian island of Laamu, guests join a Sustainability Tour to see innovation and experimentation in action at their Earth Lab, their hub for self-sufficiency and zero waste. The resort has set itself the goal of becoming plastic-free in 2022. This includes all front of house plastics but also food packaging.

Fifty per cent of water sales in all Six Senses Laamu’s restaurant outlets goes into a fund providing clean, reliable drinking water to local communities in need. Six Senses Laamu stands out for having installed enough water filters (97) in the local community to eliminate over 6.8 million plastic water bottles every year. They have also conducted over 200 beach and reef cleansincluding submitting data to Project AWARE- and held education sessions for all members of the public on plastic pollution and waste management.

6. Growing the Local Economic Benefit

potential guests, using recommendations and referrals to generate domestic and international business through virtual tours. They have restructured their business and enhanced the skills of their staff in the Mumbai office to ensure that Village Ways can grow out of the pandemic.

When Covid struck, tourism stopped.

Village Ways adapted by developing virtual tours with village communities, including cookery demonstrations, each virtual tour attracted around 200 participants, often renewing old acquaintance across the ether. Village Ways was successful in obtaining training contracts from Madhya Pradesh. They have restructured, closing their UK marketing office, planning to outsource marketing efforts in the UK, and developing further the skills of the Mumbai head office.

They are rebuilding first from the Indian domestic market. The Village Ways model is distinctive. Guests are invited to walk through the landscape from village to village with a local guide staying in purpose-built village guesthouses, owned, managed and staffed by the community. All the village committees which manage the guest houses operate transparently.

Global Award: Village Ways, Mumbai, Maharashtra, INDIA In the context of the pandemic the Global judges looked for businesses that had actively worked to sustain and develop relationships between previous and

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November 2021

MakeMyTrip And Amazon Pay Form Strategic Tie-up To Offer Travel Services

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mazon Pay, the digital payments arm of the e-commerce giant and MakeMyTrip India, a fully owned subsidiary of MakeMyTrip Limited (MMYT), India’s leading travel group, have announced a strategic long-term partnership to offer travel services on Amazon.in which includes its suite of mobile apps and websites. The partnership will help Amazon Pay create a convenient experience and provide greater value for its customers with access to MakeMyTrip’s best in class travel offerings.

“Our partnership with MakeMyTrip, will benefit millions of our customers,” said Mahendra Nerurkar, CEO and VicePresident, Amazon Pay India. “It would allow them to choose from the best-inclass offerings and services across the country, followed by the ease of using Amazon Pay, facilitating a seamless journey.” With this partnership, MakeMyTrip will be able to extend its distribution further via Amazon Pay’s large customer base, especially in smaller

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cities and towns and accelerate online booking of travel services across the country.

“We are excited to partner with Amazon, the company that has revolutionized online purchase behaviour of people world over,” said Rajesh Magow, cofounder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip. “There is an accelerated digital shift happening as a result of the pandemic and through this partnership, we look forward to making travel bookings extremely convenient for new adopters, thereby increasing the online penetration of travel bookings. Amazon Pay aims at smoothening the booking and travelling experience for customers, extending the convenience of making online transactions from anywhere to anyone instantly.

With Amazon Pay ICICI Co-branded credit card customers will earn unlimited cashback rewards on every flight, hotel or bus bookings and with Amazon Pay Later customers can book tickets and pay

next month with no interest. Customers can also use different payment modes on Amazon Pay, including Amazon Pay Balance and Amazon Pay UPI to make their payments frictionless. Booking of bus services via Redbus is already live on Amazon.in and other travel services powered by MakeMyTrip will be going live over the next few months.

In 2019, Amazon.in, announced the launch of domestic flight bookings.

Customers could find the flights icon on the Amazon Pay page in the Amazon mobile app and on the website. The firm had said that in a few simple steps, customers can complete their flight bookings and avail rewards. The firm had said that delighted by the shopping experience, there has been a growing demand from customers for more services offered by Amazon. This launch enables customers to book their domestic flight tickets in addition to shopping, money transfers, utility bill payments, mobile recharges – all in one single app.

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NEWS BUZZ

November 2021

IHCL Announces The Opening Of Taal Kutir Convention Centre - One of the largest banque ng facili es in Kolkata

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ndian Hotels Company (IHCL) announces the opening of Taal Kutir Convention Centre, Kolkata.

Opening on December 1, 2021, this will be one of Kolkata's largest MICE and banqueting venues with 4645.152 metres of space. With its landmark location in the heart of the scenic Eco Park, this convention centre will be the ideal hub for conferences and social events for the Eastern region.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “Kolkata is the commercial and financial hub of East India with tremendous potential.

With the opening of Taal Kutir Convention Centre, the city will be able to host large scale conferencing and events. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Harshavardhan Neotia and the Ambuja Neotia Group in expanding and strengthening this growing segment.”

Taal Kutir Convention Centre is strategically located in close proximity to the airport. It is situated amidst stunning green meadows, lush gardens, and lakes at Eco Park, and has panoramic views of a 112-acres water body. The contemporary design draws inspiration from the architecture and culture of Bengal.

The expansive banqueting and

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conferencing facilities spread across 4645.152 metres offer six venues ranging from 278.709 meters to over 1161.288 metres. This includes beautiful indoor and outdoor venues with open-to-sky terraces.

Mr. Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group, said, “We are delighted to open a state-of-the-art convention centre for the people of Kolkata. Our growing partnership with IHCL will give a strong impetus to the development of tourism in the East.”

Suited for world-class events, luxurious weddings, sophisticated conferences and glamorous celebrations, Taal Kutir Convention Centre will offer 'IHCLs signature hospitality, unparalleled service and culinary expertise honed for over a century.

About the Ambuja Neotia Group Ambuja Neotia is a prominent and respected corporate house headquartered in Kolkata with its forte in real estate and recent forays into hospitality, healthcare and education. The company, under the stewardship of Mr. Harshavardhan Neotia has been responsible for landmark projects in and around Kolkata. Udayan, Kolkata's first condoville built on the PPP (PublicPrivate Partnership) model made good living 'affordable' for the first time in the

country and earned Shri Harshavardhan Neotia, the Padmashree in 1999. This was followed by several mini township projects and housing complexes in Kolkata, Durgapur, Burdwan and Siliguri. With City Centre Salt Lake, the mall concept was revolutionised. Leisure destinations includes The Fort Raichak, Ganga Kutir by the river Ganges and Taj Chia Kutir at the Makaibari Tea Estate. The Group also forayed into healthcare with the setting up of Bhagirathi Neotia Woman and Child Care Centre. Ecospace Business Park was developed to give the city smarter, greener workspaces for better work-life balance.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj – the iconic brand for the most discerning travelers and the World's Strongest Hotel Brand as per Brand Finance 2021, SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels, Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels and Ginger, which is revolutionising the lean luxe segment. Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel - The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903.

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November 2021

MANAGING CHANGE ON THE PATH TO RECOVERY “Fiji has always been a preferred global destination for many reasons; proximity and extensive global ight network, tropical climate, a diverse range of accommodation and immersive experiences, and a really wide range of accommodation and experiences, to name a few. And as a popular global destination, our goals have been focused on the safety of locals and visitors.”

Brent Hill, CEO, Tourism Fiji MS. Carrying the weight of the organisation on your shoulder, as the new CEO, what are your goals and strategies for bringing back Fiji as a preferred global destination? How are you settling into your new job?

1. A Sprint to December reopening 2. Lifting our profile via PR & Communications 3. Readiness – being prepared for opening 4. Marketing 5. Team

Brent Hill. Fiji has always been a preferred global destination for many reasons; proximity and extensive global flight network, tropical climate, a diverse range of accommodation and immersive experiences, and a really wide range of accommodation and experiences, to name a few. And as a popular global destination, our goals have been focused on the safety of locals and visitors. Over 88% of Fiji’s adults are fully vaccinated and over 95% have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Fiji’s high vaccination coverage and COVID-safety frameworks have been steered our confidence towards reopening to vaccinated travellers from December 1.

The new job is definitely demanding, and close industry and stakeholder partnerships have helped us deliver milestones towards reopening. From airline to accommodation, Fiji is a global destination committed to the highest standards of travel safety.

Other key strategies include the Care Fiji Commitment Programme administered by Tourism Fiji since 2020 to ensure that tourism businesses adopt enhanced safety standards by upskilling operators in COVID-19 mitigation practices and protocols. But overall we focus on 5 key areas –

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MS. Reopening and rebuilding destinations needed a joined-up approach, how are you restoring traveller confidence and stimulating demand with new safe and clean labels for the sector?

Brent Hill. Fiji’s COVID-safety frameworks are internationally benchmarked and recognized; the Care Fiji Commitment Program (CFC), which is approved by the World Health Organization and recognized by the World Travel and Tourism Council. A lot of work has gone into COVID-safety onsite protocols, practices and property

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November 2021 organisers get maximum attendance.

MS. Now that Fiji’s adult Covid vaccination rate has surpassed 80%, the country of 333 South Pacific islands is reopening to vacationers. How is Fiji getting ready to welcome back international visitors?

Royal Davui Island Resort, Fiji

upgrades for MICE and our other valuable travel segments.

Many tourism properties have dedicated events and coordination teams, and alongside a great range of inventories and facilities, we look forward to welcoming back business and leisure visitors. Since the border reopening was announced, there’s been extensive travel interest and holiday bookings made, and we appreciate the travel confidence put into Fiji as a leisure and MICE destination that is safe and prepared.

We feel very confident that Fiji has done and is doing everything absolutely possible to keep everyone safe. The protocols are clear and extensive, and designed to minimise any contact with low vaccination areas MS. What should be the unique strengths of a region that you feel will propel visitors to come to the desired MICE destination?

Brent Hill. As a MICE destination, the unique strengths of a region should be safe, seamless travel and facilitation. Ahead of international reopening from December 1, Fiji delivers this in spades for MICE, with many tourism properties including onsite event facilities, coordination and COVID-safety protocols. There’s also been a growing number of dedicated co-working spaces and hotdesking hubs in Suva and Nadi to accommodate remote work and consulting.

Brent Hill. There’s been an industry-wide investment in protocols and practices, and property and product upgrades to ensure safe, seamless travel and immersive experiences for vacationers and MICE visitors. A coordinated approach to onsite safety, marketing, and communications have helped align our preparations and global reopening messaging to the world. Countries on Fiji’s travel list can book now and travel from 1 December.

We are already marketing heavily into the US, UK and Europe and Australia as they reciprocate our quarantine free arrangements.

MS. What are some of the major developments in Fiji that you would want to highlight?

Brent Hill. The completely renovated Sheraton on Denarau in Nadi will be an incredible property, opening in 2022 and critical to the MICE market. It is a $70M renovation, and completely revamping the property. This is the most significant upgrade that has gone through during the COVID period, however there have also been a number of properties revamp, refresh and set themselves up for 2022 and beyond including the Hilton Fiji, Radisson Blu, Sofitel and Intercontinental. Many island properties have also had significant developments and new properties and experiences that have been developed. Fiji is ready for tourists and we can’t wait to welcome guests back from 1 December.

MS. Besides marketing the destination brand, how do you see the role of destination marketing organizations (DMOs) evolving in the next five to ten years?

Events and coordination teams are a valuable part of Fiji’s MICE facilitation and through their property’s CFC accreditation, have been trained in globally benchmarked COVID-safety protocol.

All inbound visitors will be required to use CFC-accredited services, as a destination-wide assurance of safety.

Importantly Fiji has a range of outstanding facilities catering for small intimate groups to very large groups – we are well experienced in dealing with MICE groups, and can provide the setting that sets everyone’s hearts racing and ensures

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Fiji Family Resort Jean-Michel-Cousteau Resort

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Brent Hill. DMOs have been instrumental in shaping post COVID destination communications for eager leisure and MICE visitors, including virtual industry events, advisories and other valuable activities to drive and inform markets. We definitely see their role expanding in the coming years. DMOs are trusted and provide the authentic impartial advice that tourists are seeking. With so much information out there, DMOs are trusted and provide that level of content that helps tourists make their decisions. I think DMOs though do need to be on top of things in the digital sphere and market heavily there, and be involved in the consumer journey to booking.

MS. If you get ten times more funding, what would you do with those funds?

Brent Hill. I would definitely ramp up our marketing and digital capability and add a few roles into the team that I am very keen for us to pursue. I want to encourage Destination Development in Fiji – that is, helping businesses and entrepreneurs develop tourism product that offers something unique and special to the market, but also benefits Fijians. I think to be able to market around the world to our key markets is critical, and extra funds would help us differentiate and grab share of voice from our competitors.

MS. How the pandemic has changed the face of Tourism industry? What are the lessons learnt?

Brent Hill. Prior to COVID-19, tourism was Fiji’s largest industry, GDP-earner and source of employment. As a postCOVID destination, there are many lessons learnt and many we are still learning for our industry, such as adaptability, innovation, collective vision towards recovery and supporting colleagues displaced and affected by the pandemic. COVID 19 was devasting for our industry, so we cannot wait for borders to reopen so that people can be re-employed, and we can start things going again and generate investment and jobs for the industry and for Fiji.

MS. Please tell us about your hobbies, sports and other activities that you love to do.

Brent Hill. I do spend a lot of time at work, so my thing is to really keep as fit as possible – so I generally do a workout every morning – either in the gym, running, riding or yoga. I love playing golf, snorkelling and spending time at the beach – lucky I live in Fiji! I live in Fiji with my wife Kellie who is a yoga teacher, so when we get time outside of work we love discovering more of Fiji, travelling and staying around the islands. In future, we hope to discover more of the South Pacific as well. We love to read to keep our minds sharp, and for fun we enjoy entertaining and spending time with friends.

Honestly, living in Fiji is a dream as it has everything we both want – so we’re very happy!

Fiji has reopened its international borders after Covid closed them almost two years ago. Fully vaccinated diplomats, returning Fijian residents, permit holders and those approved by the Covid-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce will be allowed in. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said fully vaccinated tourists from travel partners including New Zealand, Austalia, the UK and the United States can enter Fiji from December 1.

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

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November 2021

“ We believe strong travel and tourism agenda for a government’s economic policies can be a catalyst for change, and those are the countries we want to support and educate.."

Sumaira Isaacs, CEO, World Tourism Forum Institute MS. You had started interning when you were just 16 years old, in a Travel Agency. While Dubai is known today more for its fast cars and life of luxury, it was not that long ago.

Please share with us your professional journey, major hurdles overcome and milestones achieved so far.

Sumaira Isaacs. I started interning in Travel agency in Dubai at the age of 16, when there were only two hotels in Dubai Jebel Ali and Chicago beach (the Present Burj Al Arab location). In those days there were no tourists coming to Dubai, only friends and relatives (VFR) and the highest building was the clock tower. Milestones are many and hurdles were 3 times more, but hard to summarise. As biggest milestone is always your last one or one where you currently are. But if you ask me ONE, which is my greatest honor: Then its perhaps writing Pakistan’s national tourism strategy for next 10 years and 5 years action plan to support it.

economic activity for any country. How Pakistan offers diverse opportunities for tourists?

Sumaira Isaacs. Pakistan’s tourism potential is the BEST kept secret of our industry and perhaps one of the last frontiers to open to the world, of this scale and magnificence – at least in recent times. But, tourism is not new for Pakistan. They have one of the largest domestic segments. After the pandemic, the world started to focus on domestic travel, but this already existed in Pakistan long before. They are now in the process to launch their international product. Under the PM Imran Khan’s vision and passion for tourism they are just unfolding their story on the world stage, and I am honoured to have played my role.

MS. What are the challenges and threats surrounding the Tourism Industry in Pakistan?

MS. Currently, serving as CEO of World Tourism Forum Institute, London, UK, what are your roles in ‘Reshaping Economies Through Tourism’.

Sumaira Isaacs. No threats only opportunities, but like any country in the region, safety and security is always foremost critical focus and priority for consistent tourism flow of investments and tourists.

Sumaira Isaacs. Yes we believe we go and serve countries where no one’s ever been, taking the developed world with us.

We believe a strong travel and tourism agenda for a government’s economic policies can be a catalyst for change, and those are the countries we want to support and educate.

MS. What are the roles and responsibilities of the government and the private sector for the development of sustainable tourism?

MS. Tourism is considered as one of the major sources of

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Sumaira Isaacs. A government’s role is to ensure a positive and safe climate for both the tourist as well as for the business

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

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November 2021

and investments of tourism. Without a political will on the TOP most level, a country cannot pursue a safe and sustainable tourism agenda. The government and private sector must be aligned and have strong fundamentals of local bodies and associations supporting and representing all stakeholders, aligned towards a “SINGLE” strategy to invite ‘meaningful tourism’. In order to invite meaningful tourism, you require meaningful investments, and they can only come if the governments follow a FIVESTAR agenda of building blocks 1) Safety & Security 2) Infrastructure 3) IT communications network 4) Healthcare 5) Education/vocational training.

The necessity to rethink tourism is based on the insight that tourism today goes beyond recreation. Among the about 20% of mankind affluent enough to afford international tourism and about the two thirds of mankind affluent enough to afford domestic tourism, few people travel to rest their limbs and muscles anymore. A great variety of other activities, from business and MICE travel to visiting friends and relatives, religious travel, educational travel, special interest travel to second homes and digital nomads combining online work and travel, make up the whole universe of unforced mobility.

For the staff of tourism and hospitality service providers to offer full-time career jobs, good quality service, and meaningful activities Ÿ For governments to gain employment opportunities for their citizens, increased tax income and support of friendly international relations Ÿ For the environment, an encouragement for all stakeholder to be careful and more interested causing no or at least less damage locally and to push for non-polluting forms of mobility globally. Ÿ

Global environmental concerns culminated in the Brundtland report “Our Common Future” which successfully introduced the notion of sustainability. However, the intellectually appealing concept of sustainable tourism found limited practical application because it could be turned into a public relations tool for addressing the criticism of the impact of tourism while allowing essentially the same behaviour as before, or into what is today called “greenwashing”.

Meanwhile tourists became more ecologically aware; demanding more environmental resource–based experiences and showing increased sensitive to the actual environmental quality of destinations.

The wish to refresh the brain and the wish for selfactualisation by new experiences and new inspirations as well as to gain social capital, bragging power, was given increased importance already before the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the sudden experience of the fragility of life and the possibility of a shattering of the perceived stability of personal circumstances almost regardless of personal wealth has led to a new criticism of shallow consumerism and 3B (Beach, Beer, Boredom), 3S (Sea, Sun, Sex, or in the Chinese variation Sightseeing, Shopping, Selfies) tourism. “Meaningful Tourism” can be one of the ways to reimagine tourism. It is a concept developed by the Founding Dean of our HATT Business School Institute, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt.

“Meaningful Tourism” refers to a new concept for the postpandemic development of global tourism. It is a new paradigm aiming at advancing the existing concepts of sustainable and responsible tourism. It changes the predominantly supply-side and often negative perspective of Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Tourism towards a demand-side and more balanced perspective, promoting tourism which is meaningful for all stakeholders involved: For tourists to get new experiences and to increase their knowledge about themselves and about others Ÿ For host communities to have more influence on tourism development and to benefit instead of suffering from visitors Ÿ

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CEO Sumaira_President Bulut_Dr. Hirut Kassaw, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ethiopia

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

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November 2021

MS. Would you come as a tourist to India, and if so, why?

Sumaira Isaacs. India is a real case study of travel and tourism destinations and a great brand.

I have been to India several times, and it was my honor started one of the first International Professional Congress Organiser PCO’s in the country MCI Group – hence directly contributing to local economy and creating jobs in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Yes, I would come to India anytime as a tourist or otherwise.

MS. Could you tell us about your recently organised events for MICE industry? How was the Summit proved to be a vital meeting place for the Travel & Tourism industry?

Sumaira Isaacs. All of our events are a testimony to the destination we place them in – where all stakeholders come together to talk about the issues at hand. Our recent hybrid events of Indonesia and Brussels are a example where although live component due to covid restrictions was small – but the online viewership exceeded a million plus. That means there is a real need for the industry to come together, and people in far flung parts of the world are looking for a North Star and we are trying to fill that gap.

MS. Please throw some light on your Palestine case study.

This country has been voted in the top 5 destinations trends for 2020.

Sumaira Isaacs. With Israel and the Palestinian territories constantly littering the media with turmoil and conflict, there is one remaining aspect of stability: the region’s wealth of beauty is undisturbed by the tension and well worth a visit for historians and admirers of the aesthetic alike. Tourism can be

CEO Sumaira at the meeting with Ethiopia's President

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that anchor and sedge way the country needs to get out of conflict, and eradicate the poverty, and refocus its youth towards something that can help provide immediate livelihoods.

MS. What are your thoughts on religious tourism?

Sumaira Isaacs. Religious tourism is an amazing product line, and if any country is blessed with it they must harness its power and exploit it to the fullest but in a sustainable way.

Both India and Pakistan or for that matter Palestine are blessed in this. The segment already exists – all the governments need to do is apply the FIVESTAR building blocks I just mentioned above. The product is already there!!

MS. What has been your biggest challenge in navigating today’s uncertainty? How are you keeping yourself motivated and positive?

Sumaira Isaacs. Again it’s been really just opportunities. I had huge opportunity to reinvent our organisation form a conference based to a travel tourism think tank. Our online adaptation was quick and fast – and not because everyone was talking about digitization, but for us it was matter of survival do or die! And we are one of the lucky ones who got the model right!

MS. On a personal note, we are curious to know what keeps you busy when you are away from work?

Sumaira Isaacs. Of course my painting.. follow my Instagram nadle Sumaira.isaacs I have to paint everyday – even if its for a few minutes.

CEO Sumaira_Tourism and Creative Ecomomy Minister_Indonesia

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

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November 2021

“Quality of life is increasingly being recognized along with HAPPINESS as an Indice. Organisations now know that the output from a HAPPY employee versus a stressed/unhappy one ultimately impacts their bottom line negatively.”

Punam Singh, Chief Happiness Officer At Indian Hospitality Network - IHN MS. Could you start by telling us a bit about your role at IHN? You are popularly known as the 'Chief Happiness Officer', how do you define happiness at work place?

Punam Singh. I am the Chief Happiness Officer at Indian Hospitality Network – IHN. Along with the dynamic Founder, Abhishek Garg, I have had the opportunity and excitement of building IHN from an idea in our hearts, into an organization, a little over a year down the line, which our members and industry colleagues who meet and engage with us, have begun to immensely value. The IHN journey, embarked upon during Covid times, had more than our fair share of challenges, but such was the purity of our intent to build something worthwhile for our industry colleagues, that the Universe rewarded us with success, slowly, but surely!

MS. In a time where employee happiness at work is more important than ever, many companies are turning towards Chief Happiness Officers. Why are they important now?

Punam Singh. Quality of life is increasingly being recognized along with HAPPINESS as an Indice. Organisations now know that the output from a HAPPY employee vs. a stressed, unhappy one ultimately impacts their bottom line negatively.

Environments are becoming more humane and politically correct. Happiness goes viral very quickly. So it is not just relevant but extremely desirable from the corporate standpoint.

Happiness is a state of mind and of being! It is different things for different folks!

At IHN, to begin with, doing something close to our hearts with a sense of purpose, engaging with industry colleagues to convey hope for the future and with new hires for whom we meant a job in extremely constrained times, dealing diplomatically with our families who found it tough to accept that we were going out to work during rampant Covid spread conditions, trying to remain “safe” and upbeat all through –

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each day was an achievement and Happiness contributor.

We constantly encouraged each other and the very fact that the IHN team looked forward to coming to office each day, the camaderie and positive spirits all around; that was HAPPINESS. Our members on boarding was Happiness, getting an enviable Board of Advisors was Happiness, forging collaborative relationships was Happiness, doing small yet successful physical events when so many were scared of stepping out was Happiness, getting appreciated and talked about was Happiness, growing the IHN Team with fellow believers was Happiness, adding amazing members pan India was Happiness, having our members take ownership was Happiness, introducing new ideas that worked and staying ahead of the Covid curve, supporting each other through good times and bad and growing steadily with integrity IS HAPPINESS. So yes, overall, we are a happy bunch!

MS. Please tell us more about the IHN initiative.

Punam Singh. Simply put, IHN is about the three prongs of CONNECT – NETWORK – SYNERGISE! This collaboration focused platform believes whole heartedly in #truerelationships; supporting each other and growing with each other. If the Covid Pandemic has driven home one important lesson to everyone, which we immediately imbibed, it was to Support or Perish!

More details can be had from www.indianhospitalitynetwork.com !

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November 2021

IHN Platina Chapter's networking dinner, January 2021

MS. Given the unprecedented nature of the pandemic and the profound changes it is causing, we believe that marketers will need to think hard and differently. As a marketing consultant too, what do you think about consumer behaviour in the new normal?

Punam Singh. Economics and trends drive consumer behaviour in normal times. The Pandemic has turned the market upside down totally. People have learned to slow down, to reconnect with family, to learn to co-exist and work from home – WFH, effectively, while sharing space with parents / spouse / partner / siblings / kids / pets!

Organisations have also recognized, albeit a bit reluctantly, that WFH can actually cut costs dramatically and employees can still be effective; indeed, improvisation and innovation have been drivers! Almost everyone has learned to TECH UP and acquired at least one, if not multiple new skill sets.

MS. Mentoring programs can be highly impactful, but there are many factors that are critical to success. How is IHN instrumental in synergizing and helping its clients discover the X-Factor through their Unique Mentorship Program.

Punam Singh. Our Mentorship Programmes are completely bespoke and custom fitted. IHN recognizes only too well, the importance of skilling, training and development at all levels, so our advanced capsules cater to plugging important gaps, whilst the regular modules are kept on. To know more, you have to “enlist !” And yes, the X-Factor is pretty much the End Game!

MS. What have the past five or six months looked like for you? What is coming next from IHN? Punam Singh. The last 6 months have been challenging, growth oriented and filled with learnings like never before, but we are not resting on our laurels! IHN believes in constant innovation and member engagement which we contnually strive for with our member focused initiatives, programmes and build-up!

Speaking for myself, I learned to unwind and slow down, spent a huge amount of time as an Empath supporting folks, became a bit of a cooking wizard, enhanced my ability in animal communication with a formal course and put it to good practice, delved into DigiArt, connected more on calls and virtually with folks, became a Zoom Maestro with over 800 sessions attended or initialized, executed virtual events with panache, turned increasingly vegetarian and cultivated the valuable art of doing more with less – a complete turnaround from the shopaholic that I once was! I notice so many people in my environment with almost similar stories. Professionally in our industry, Domestic has replaced Outbound and Inbound. Trade colleagues are innovating and going bespoke in a big way!

Punam Singh. Industry challenges are manifold. Starting from the fact that we are a largely unrecognized and unsupported by our government industry, lack of infrastructure, no clarity on Covid travel policy,

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

MS. What are the key challenges surrounding our industry?

In your opinion, what does the future hold for the MICE industry?

INTERVIEW

November 2021

rules and regulations changing almost daily so it’s almost like navigating a minefield and the increased dependency upon each other for information and to work together for greater effect and mutual profit!

MS. We all need white space – open, unassigned time for better relationships, mental health, and better productivity.

On a personal note, we are curious to know what keeps you busy when you are away from work?

For the MICE Industry, the focus will continue to be domestic for at least the next 6 – 8 months. So redefining deliverables to metaphorically Sex Up the product in comparison to overseas glamorous trips is desirable by way of unusual elements, entertainment capsules, new properties, onsite engagements, accompanying party favours or gifts, catering to adventure, spiritualism, shopping, food and drink will win brownie points! Overall, the UN focus on Sustainability will also need to be concentrated upon.

Punam Singh. I am a bit of a free spirit with multi interests.

Family, friends, pets, reading, writing, gardening, travelling, music, events, tarot, art, story-telling, Empath work, my practice of Nichiren Buddhism, spiritualism, cooking, entertaining – the list is fairly long. And yes, I do love to sleep and enjoy a spot of well being treatments and pampering!

MS. How would you describe your collaboration with the stakeholders as a Ghostwriter? Any piece of writerly advice that you would like to share with us.

Punam Singh. This has always been a constant with me. I believe my words will toot my horn ability wise!

MS. Is there anything else you would like to add as we wrap up?

Punam Singh. Do what you love to do and believe in so it doesn’t feel like work. Mentor whenever you can. Empower women always. Be a person of integrity, a giver rather than a taker. Always inspire, spread the smiles, be kind and compassionate to folks. Build a legacy!

Platina member Network Multiplier Event for 1524 Delhi

Field trip with Platina Chapter Jt Secretary Ranjana Sharma & Advisor Akanksha Garg

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IHN Founder Abhishek Garg with Punam Singh, President, IHN's Platina Chapter

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November 2021

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PSU BUZZ

“AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the U.S. AAHOA Members are responsible for 1.7 percent of the nation’s GDP. With billions of dollars in property assets and over one million employees, AAHOA members are core economic contributors in communities across the United States."

Since our start in 1989, Asian American Hotel Owners Associa on (AAHOA) has been a fastgrowing organiza on, and we knew our impacts on hotel ownership were significant, but we wanted to quan fy the data with a formal study to truly understand how significant our contribu ons are. Some of the most impressive findings is that AAHOA Members own 60% of the hotels in the US, and there are more than 34,000 AAHOA Memberowned hotels that comprise of 3.1 Million guestrooms. In addi on, in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, AAHOA Members own nearly a staggering 90% of the hotels in each state.

Akshar Patel Vice President of Conven ons at AAHOA MS. What are your motivations behind organising one of the largest annual gatherings of hotel owners in the country?

Please tell us about your role in this annual convention?

Akshar Patel. When I start to envision an event, I focus on experience, ROI, and messaging. These 3 fundamentals are the base of any size event which creates loyalty and retention to the end vision of an organization. In my role I am blessed to oversee the whole project from start to finish.

Logistic planning, contracts, financial management, AV/Production Design, F&B, Housing etc. That's why I am always clear on the end goal as we start planning with vision and strategy.

MS. Could you provide the readers about your journey & career?

Akshar Patel. My family came to the US and started in the hotel industry so you can say it runs in my blood. As time

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went along this became passion and when you have passion for something you can achieve anything. Alongside this I made it a point to be around people who could guide me, teach me, and scold me at the same time so that I learn how to be a better leader. I am humbled to have been selected as a top 40 under 40 Event Executive and recently named one of the top 15 Event Executives who have made an impact these past few years in our industry.

MS. Please tell us about Oxford Economics Study? Looking ahead, what is AAHOA's growth strategy for another 5 years?

Akshar Patel. The Oxford study was commissioned back in 2019 and has been years in the making. Because of their reputation and leadership in the space, AAHOA chose Oxford to do a deep dive of AAHOA membership so we could get a better understanding of our economic impact across the

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November 2021

The rst AAHOA Board of Advisors in 1989.

country. Since our start in 1989, AAHOA has been a fastgrowing organization, and we knew our impacts on hotel ownership were significant, but we wanted to quantify the data with a formal study to truly understand how significant our contributions are. Some of the most impressive findings is that AAHOA Members own 60% of the hotels in the US, and there are more than 34K AAHOA Member-owned hotels that comprise of 3.1M guestrooms. In addition, in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, AAHOA Members own nearly a staggering 90% of the hotels in each state. In addition the study explored jobs, revenue, taxes, GDP, and more, and all of the detailed data is available at AAHOA.com/Oxford. Our industry has been through so much over the past 18+ months, and in 2020, we worked on our new strategic plan that will take us from 2021-2023.

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PSU BUZZ

The Mart Motel in San Francisco is generally considered the rst property owned by a member of AAHOA.

MS. How many regional, national and international conventions, meetings and trade shows, are hosted by the AHOAA? Akshar Patel. We produce up to 170 events a year and the challenge is always going to be content delivery. We overcome it by separating content so it engages members to attend an event that is specific to that subject matter.

MS. What would be your top recommendations to get the most value out of an event?

Incorporate local experiences, service providers, and community leaders Ÿ Invest in AV/Production and messaging, this will resonate after the event is done Ÿ Create networking opportunities, that's essentially what events are for Ÿ

This shorter time frame allows us to better react to market conditions and our members' needs since they're ever changing at the moment. That being said, strategically, we're looking more at the short term right now. How can we be the best resource and advocate for America's hotel owners as they continue to grapple with the effects of the pandemic over the next few years? That said, we're continuing to grow and reach even more hoteliers across the nation, and we have some other exciting updates that we'll be rolling out in 2022 that will help us better serve our members and hopefully attract some hotel owners who have never been a part of AAHOA before. In addition, we have new leadership with Ken Greene becoming AAHOA's new president and CEO, and he's been in the business for over 20 years and has so much to bring to AAHOA. We know that under his leadership we'll continue to reach new heights and milestones on behalf of our nearly 20K members.

Akshar Patel. Do not be afraid to try new things and speak up on how to change our events ecosystem. If no one does it, who will!

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

MS. Please tell us about your hobbies and other activities that you would love to do at home.

Akshar Patel. I am a trained vocalist in Hindustani Classical and light music. Aside from work, I am heavily engaged in volunteer work with the BAPS Organization throughout the world which keeps me grounded and teaches me the path of personal and professional life. I am blessed to be around a great family where my wife and two beautiful daughters constantly support me but also are some of my closest teachers and advisors.

MS. Would you like to share any message with the industry?

INTERVIEW

November 2021

WHAT SETS US APART

IS OUR TEAM

César Bermejo Richart, Partner and CEO at El Olivar and Cervantour Complex Since 1975, the El Olivar Complex has been one of the most important references in Madrid and Guadalajara, providing event services, meeting spaces and professional gatherings.

MS. Could you start by telling us a bit about your role at El Olivar?

Please highlight your career journey, major hurdles overcome and milestones achieved so far.

César Bermejo. We are a family business, the farm where we developed the events bought my grandparents to cultivate and later my father and my uncle became a farm for events.Now we are the new generation that are my two cousins by my uncle and my brother and me on the part of my father.I am the eldest of the partners and I have been running the business for 15 years.We have had to overcome many difficulties especially during the Covid but thanks to being prepared and having a very good base we have managed to endure and above all keep all the workers which for me was my main goal because we are a family business and many workers carryMore years than I work here. The challenges we have achieved because they have been to put the company as a Top company within our community and having as clients the strongest companies in the region.

MS. What is your vision for the company? What changes, if any, would you make to the strategic direction?

César Bermejo. My vision is to be able to improve always giving more quality and striving as always to be better. The strategic direction is defined that it is to attract the best customers since we have a very good brand image.

MS. The economic effects were devastating post the pandemic Covid19, how do you personally perceive the cancellation of events? How has your company adapted to the new normal?

César Bermejo. It has been very hard, but I think has already happened the strongest and we have been flexible with our clients at cancellations because we believe it has been very hard for everyone and if we support each other, then it will be a bit easier. And we have been able to adapt very well because our Venue has many open spaces more than 20,000

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Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

INTERVIEW

November 2021 have the best providers both audiovisual and team building to do quality events. You can watch videos inside our event space. https://elolivar.es/en/business-events/ MS. What are some best practices you could share with other entities that run this type of event?

Cevantes Square m2 and customers I think they seek to make outdoor events and I think will benefit from the future.

MS. What shows are you planning for this year and ahead, given that the epidemiological situation will be favourable?

César Bermejo. We have created a program called www.cervantour.com is a unique experience in our city and unites on a gastronomy, culture and leisure day.Our slogan is "Spain in a day" as representative of Spain in a day. The customers said that its totally different and amazing. We started at 2019 but for covid we couldnt run good but 2022 will be so great.

MS. Can you give our readers your perspective on the MICE sector in the global market?

César Bermejo. Companies need to do events and they will do even more. Yes, there will be many virtual ones such as training and technique but there will always be team building and family days to unite the work team because it is key.

MS. The outbreak of the pandemic Covid-19 has forced the event industry to embrace and explore the realm of virtual meetings like never before, how have you adapted to the new reality of the meetings industry, which is much more digital and hybrid?

César Bermejo. We have adapted our rooms to be able to hold hybrid events and to be able to stream and videoconferences in real time without any problem. We have created a technology room for more than 600 people with everything you need for digital events.

César Bermejo. Above all, seek excellence in everything and the client himself asks you what he needs, then look for it and find the best way. We do team building and experiences with the best professionals. I think the key is to surround yourself with the best possible team.

MS. Please share with us your experiences on some of the latest events held at El Olivar Complex. What are some major attractions of El Olivar Complex that make it apart from other venues?

César Bermejo. What sets us apart is our team. We are a family business, with many values of work, humility and a desire to move forward. Also another competitive advantage is the venue that has more than 60,000m2 and 20,000 are outdoor spaces. We have swimming pools, gardens, more than 10 rooms. And another great advantage is that we have our own kitchens where we elaborate one of the best gastronomies in the region, said by our clients. The most important is we created our experience www.cervantour.com in Indian languages. We have audioguide and app in India idiom.

MS. We all need white space – open, unassigned time for better relationships, mental health, and better productivity. On a personal note, we are curious to know what keeps you busy when you are away from work?

César Bermejo. My white space is my family, my wife and my 2 children, they are what I love the most. My parents and my brothers that I am lucky to have them very close and I can enjoy them. And I like to play sports, before I did a lot of football but now I have discovered a sport that is having a lot of popularity here in Spain called “Padel”. It is similar to tennis but it is always played in pairs.

MS. How do you assess the attendees’ satisfaction level? What innovative elements do you apply to make an event successful?

César Bermejo. According to our clients we have an outstanding score, this can be verified through the internet in different places of secure information and we give, above all, a lot of security and confidence because we have been doing events since 1975. They request all kinds of elements and we

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Cevantes House

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

INTERVIEW

November 2021

&

PSU BUZZ

“

Every channel or platform available out there will be helpful for the exhibition industry. In the end, it is always being able to balance the needs of the industry and needs of the economy as a whole.

“

Octavio B Peralta

The association man MS. Over a course of three decades, you have developed a network of friends and allies in the association and MICE world. Please share with us your career journey, challenges that turn your dreams into reality so far. Who would you attribute your success to?

Octavio B. Peralta. If you ask any association leader today, nobody will tell you categorically that tracking the career path of an association professional has ever crossed their mind. So, I always believed that being an association executive is presented to you by fate. This is the case for me. When I first entered the association world 30 years ago, I had no clue whatsoever on what to expect and what to do. At that time, there was no school to go to and learn association management like other professions. But I was fortunate to have found a great resource in the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) where I subsequently became a member and learned the “ropes of the trade”, so to speak.

I have learned along the way that there is such a field of management as association management which is unique in itself since nowhere else can you find specific issues for associations only that are discussed and deliberated on as a body of knowledge such as, membership recruitment, retention and engagement, volunteer management, tax-exempt accounting and financial management, development of non-dues revenue, fundraising, among others. From my engagement with ASAE and involvement in its committees and task forces, I began to meet peers in the profession and built a network of contacts around the world. It also helped that my job as Deputy Secretary General and subsequently as Secretary General of my association then, the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP), has afforded me to travel across the globe and has enabled me to establish relationships that I still have up to now and is still increasing.

I think my successful career as an association leader can be attributed to my focusing on what I call as the “3Rs” of association management, i.e., relevance, relationships, and resources (people, technology and funding).

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OCTAVIO B. PERALTA Founder & CEO Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE)

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

INTERVIEW

November 2021

&

PSU BUZZ

Octavio B. Peralta. APFAO was natural and pleasant consequence of the global network of peers and associations that I have built over these years. ASAE was very much a part of APFAO, providing it with a venue to meet with other “associations of associations.” Established in March 2015, APFAO’s founding members include PCAAE, the Associations Forum, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) and the Korean Society of Association Executives (KSAE).

MS. What is your vision for APFAO? Can you share the latest developments of APFAO? OBP - Global Symposium on DFIs

MS. Better known as Bobby in the industry, and also known as 'Association Man', you have been instrumental in creating and sustaining multiple associations. Juggling multiple roles, what difficulties do you face while handling the tasks simultaneously?

Octavio B. Peralta. Having a global network in the association and MICE world has opened for me opportunities of creating, managing, and sustaining many associations, most of the time, even simultaneously. When I was ADFIAP Secretary General, I concurrently held the position of Secretary General of the World Federation of Development Financing Institutions (WFDFI) with members in Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and was the only one to hold the position for two 3-year terms. In November of 2013, this global experience and network have given me the wherewithal and the confidence to pursue my long-time dream of giving back to the profession I was destined to be and was able to establish the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) and thereafter in March 2015, through my initiative, the AsiaPacific Federation of Association Organizations (APFAO) got created.

While there were successes, there were challenges, too, like working in a multi-cultural, multi-lingual environment, relationship dynamics with different boards, planning events remotely and implementing them on-site, budget and financial management, communications, visibility and branding, etc. But all these challenges were surmountable because of the support and cooperation of members, the secretariat staff, peers in the industry, and similar-purposed organizations.

MS. How does your past experience helped you in building APFAO? 28 | www.miceshowcase.com

Octavio B. Peralta. APFAO’s vision is to be the hub of excellence in association leadership in the Asia-Pacific region. While APFAO is still an informal network of “associations of associations,” it is guided by its own constitution and office bearers. I currently serve as APFAO President. APFAO continue to collaborate with ASAE, the African Society of Association Executives (AfSAE) and the European Association of Association Executives (ESAE) as well as the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), among others.

MS. A mechanical engineer by education and a development banker by career, how did you land up here?

Please tell us about what motivates you as an association executive.

Octavio B. Peralta. As mentioned, being an association leader is my destiny. My education as a mechanical engineer has given me a logical mind which is helpful in project management such as event planning. My training as a development banker has given me a caring heart, needed to advocate in the area of social, environmental and good governance (ESG) aspects of sustainable development.

Having a WHAM (whole heart and mind) in everything you do brings forth inspiration, motivation, and a wellspring of ideas to do your work passionately as an association executive.

MS. What has been your biggest challenge in navigating today’s uncertainty? How have the fraternity come together to overcome challenges that you think was not possible without their efforts?

Octavio B. Peralta. The biggest challenge in today’s uncertainty, to me, is how to build a sustainable revenue stream that has been impacted adversely by the pandemic.

One of the biggest generators of revenue by

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

INTERVIEW

November 2021

associations are registration fees from conferences, training programs, exhibitions, and other events which have been markedly reduced as they have been shifted from in-person to virtual events. Another source of revenue that has been unduly hit by the pandemic is sponsorship. Discussions and experience-sharing on these issues among other associations through forums such as IMS have been helpful to gain ideas and collaboration to meet these challenges.

MS. The exhibition industry has always been a good platform to plan ahead and provide a better platform for all trade. What are your thoughts on how best we can bring back business in the new normal?

Octavio B. Peralta. I have heard many times over from exhibitors that virtual, or even hybrid, exhibitions will be unable to replace the face-to-face version of it. I certainly agree with this observation because business transactions are built on trust and personal relationship between the buyer and the seller. Also, there is a limit and constraint in showing exhibited items virtually like a piece of machinery, for example. I think the government has a big role to play in leading the way for trade exhibitions to be back in business and industry and trade associations need to work together to bring their case to the government as well.

&

PSU BUZZ

articles on association management and governance in my weekly column for a local newspaper and posting blogs in my “Association Man” blogsite. The pandemic however has altered all these activities as mobility and meeting family and friends have been restricted. The work from home environment has been a balancing act between work and family bonding. But I still keep my date time with my wife watching videos at home on Saturday nights and my “metime” interspersed during the day.

MS. What would be the one piece of advice you'd pass on to the industry?

Octavio B. Peralta. For associations, I would say to stick and to focus on their purpose because with purpose, they will remain relevant; if they are relevant, they will have loyal members; and if they have supportive members, they have the opportunity to develop services and generate revenues; and so on. For the events industry, I would say to stick to what they are good at, showcase more content and solutions, organize more impactful and experiential events, as well as create more opportunities for engagement and networking.

MS. Talking about the new approaches of learning and how the pandemic has changed the face of Exhibition industry?

Do you think the industry would be shifting towards omnichannel business models to elevate a show’s value proposition post the pandemic?

Octavio B. Peralta. Every channel or platform available out there will be helpful for the exhibition industry. In the end, it is always being able to balance the needs of the industry and needs of the economy as a whole.

MS. On a personal note, we are curious to know what keeps you busy when you are away from work? Please tell us about your hobbies and other activities that you would love to do at home.

Octavio B. Peralta. Work has been an integral part of my life as an association leader. Before the pandemic, there was a clear-cut allocation of time for work, family and “metime.” Weekends are bonding time for me with the family, including babysitting duties for my 3-year old granddaughter. Saturday is dining out with the family and date time with my wife to see a movie. Sunday is visiting friends and relatives or they visit us in our home. My “me time” is doing light weight workouts, reading books on personal success stories, doing crosswords, writing short 29 | www.miceshowcase.com

OBP at PICC Aug. 8, 2018

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

SUSTAINABILITY

November 2021

Melbourne Ranked Number One Sustainable City In The Asia-Pacic

M

elbourne has been ranked the number one sustainable city in the Asia-Pacific region for business events in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index).

Led by Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) with input from City of Melbourne and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the sustainability performance was evaluated based on the city’s environmental strategy and infrastructure, social sustainability performance, industry supplier support and MCB’s strategy and initiatives. Top marks were achieved for Melbourne’s convention facilities.

MCEC is the first centre in the world to be awarded the 6Star Green Star rating for its innovative environmental design and operational features. In 2021, MCEC launched its Sustainability Strategy 2021-26 to further its commitment to sustainability targets and continually ensure the venue is a sustainable events destination. Ranked number 11 in the world overall, Melbourne has one of the most ambitious carbon emission reduction targets of any city in the world zero net emissions by 2020.

MCEC Sustainability Manager, Sam Ferrier said the result is a testament to the important work that Melbourne Convention Bureau does, by further validating Melbourne as a sustainable event and tourism destination. “We’re continuously looking for ways to help our customers host more sustainable events and have set some ambitious environmental targets to encourage industry-wide collaboration that will result in a more circular and low carbon economy. “Melbourne truly is a wonderful event destination and it’s a privilege to be recognised for our city’s eco-credentials alongside cities such as Copenhagen and Glasgow.” The GDS-Index is a platform that aims to promote the sustainable growth of international meeting destinations, highlighting best practices and responsible business tourism. It looks to bring cities together to benchmark and improve the social and environmental performance of the cities and its business events industry.

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Hybrid+, A New Approach To Meeting Experiences Launched By Göteborg & Co

H

ybrid+ is a new innovative tool from Göteborg & Co for creating new and improved digital meeting experiences.

Hybrid meetings play an integral part in the future development of meetings and events. “In the future, most physical meetings and events will be combined with the digital. It’s now up to us within meetings and events to shape the new normal. The aim of the Hybrid+ project is to build a strong position in hybrid experiences and therewith secure Gothenburg as a sustainable meeting region in an innovative way,” says Henrik Svensson, Project Manager for Hybrid Experiences at Göteborg & Co, which also includes Gothenburg Convention Bureau.

“By inviting and listening to the needs of hotels and venues, annual events, meeting organisers and technical suppliers, we see a great opportunity to educate and inspire the actors in the city.” “Hybrid experiences for meetings and events” focuses on laying the foundations for new and improved hybrid experiences. The project offers free consultation for meetings and events that have to choose platforms for their events. The basic premise for delivering new values for many digital and hybrid events is that the rights holder allows sponsors to create engaging content. This can then be advantageously combined with brand exposure. With the help of a technical supplier, you can then build in values for the sponsors.

The Hybrid+ method not only creates an easy way to produce content with a sponsor if allowed by the programme committee or programme manager, but also a balanced programme that invites the sponsor to host selected expertled sessions. As a supplier, companies often have interesting insights to share from research projects and case studies.

Digital and hybrid meetings and events often create interactivity and opportunities for sponsors to engage participants. Different platforms will help to involve partners who can contribute content, increase the outreach and enhance the experience.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

SUSTAINABILITY

November 2021

Time For Dmocracy: European Cities To Empower Their Local Community In The Future Of Tourism

1

7 Destinations in new joint initiative: Time for DMOcracy – a new collaborative project and a curious journey into citizen activation and empowerment, the challenges, and imperatives of dialogue, power-sharing and new modes of governance in tourism development. The project is relevant to any destination – urban or rural, national or regional – that wants to empower their local communities in the future of tourism and who puts value to the shift from tourism as a goal in itself to tourism as a means to build better societies and communities and increasing the liveability of the people, who live there.

The initiative is developed by Group NAO and launched in association with Global Destinations Sustainability Movement, The Travel Foundation, TCI Research and European Cities Marketing.

Over the next 12 months, the partners and the so far 17 participating destinations will deploy a wide range of research, case studies, master classes, learnings labs, boot camping and conferencing before delivering a white paper on public engagement in tourism in the early fall of 2022.

The destination and project partners have signed up with four shared objectives: Ÿ

To unfold the meaning and practice of people-based tourism in the city: Many city agencies and DMOs talk

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about community involvement – this project will explore best practice and methodologies to put action behind words and engaging citizens for not just better tourism, but better local quality of life. Ÿ To map citizen participation and involvement in tourism: The project will map existing citizen-involvement and participatory models in relation to tourism, develop a typology of current approaches, and discuss the role of the DMO and the challenges

involved.

To understand democratic mandate and participation: The project will identify new ways of empowering people-based, democratic tourism development and destination governance, including methods that diversify participation and empower actual influence and decision-making. Ÿ To prepare and upskill the DMO for new modes of governance, and what this means in terms of functions, skills, and accountability. Ÿ

SITE Foundation Launches Corporate In SITEs Edition 2

A

t IMEX Americas, SITE Foundation President, Terry Manion, CIS CITP, launched the latest edition of SITE's Foundation's serial research into the future face of incentive Travel. The study was launched during a high level “armchair conversation” involving SITE Foundation, Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) that discussed “Incentive travel at a crossroads? What the data is telling us about the future face of incentive travel”.

“This is the second of three qualitative surveys with 50 US corporations that use incentive travel for reward and recognition within their organisation. It tells the unfolding story of how US corporations are responding to the challenges posed by the pandemic and how, despite these challenges, corporate commitment to incentive travel remains positive and strong.

That said, the surveys highlight how safety and duty of care are now a

priority for corporations as they plan for incentive travel programs to be delivered throughout 2022”, said Terry Manion, President, SITE Foundation and Inspire Consulting.

VP of content and research at SITE Foundation, Selina Sinclair, CIS, CITP, and CEO, Realm added: “Our latest survey fielded in early September and we're seeing strong corporate concern around safety with corporations either mandating vaccines for program participants (45%) or matching their protocols to those of the destination / resort where the program is being delivered (55%). We're also detecting stronger focus on destination relationships with DMCs more relied upon that ever as the in-destination experts for information but also for emergency preparedness.”

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

SUSTAINABILITY

November 2021

Global Events Industry Presented “Net Zero Carbon Events” Pledge At COP26

T

he global events industry presented a united pledge and roadmap for a net zero carbon future for events. Industry leaders from venues, organisers, suppliers, and associations, were live on stage at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26, in Glasgow, to represent and demonstrate the commitment of the events industry community to fight climate change.

Events are a tool to drive progress in a sustainable way More than ever, post-pandemic, the fundamental need of societies and communities to come together is clear.

Events are a strategic tool used by governments, institutions, and industries to drive developments and implementations in a sustainable way.

As an example, COP26 itself is the meeting place on one of the most critical issues of our time, and people from around the world are here to share their thoughts, to find answers, and to get support. Being together face-to-face is the most expedient way to make connections and find solutions, and, as an event brings together an entire community in one location, the need for one-off travel throughout the year is

32 | www.miceshowcase.com

requirement to reduce global GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 – before the end of 2023

significantly reduced.

Events can be held in a sustainable way As the industry responsible for bringing people together, the events sector needs to play its part in fighting climate change. Many organisations in the sector have already adopted strong sustainability strategies and practices and are able to demonstrate significant progress. However, there is more work to be done.

Therefore, across the entire sector, the “Net Zero Carbon Events” pledge has been launched. This pledge has already been supported by business in all regions around the globe and all facets of the sector.

The “Net Zero Carbon Events” pledge On the occasion of the official launch of the pledge, there are already 109 businesses from around the world committed to taking action.

Signatories commit to: Ÿ

Publish their organisation’s pathway to achieve net zero by 2050, at the latest, with an interim target in line with the Paris Agreement’s

Ÿ

Collaborate with partners, suppliers and customers to drive change across the value chain

Ÿ

Measure and track Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions according to industry best practice

Ÿ

Report on progress every two years, at a minimum

The pledge presented was developed through a broad industry collaboration hosted by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), a global trade body, with the guidance and support of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and with representatives from across the sector. It is the practical starting point for the work that needs to be done in our sector.

Session at COP26 demonstrated the support and commitment already seen throughout the industry. The events industry is on its way to a net zero future, and this pledge represents a call for accountability, responsibility, and action for all organisations in the sector.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

CRUISING

November 2021

CLIA Announces Trade-Friendly Events And Activities At Selling Cruise Day (UK)

A

s both domestic and international cruise travel continue to open up, the events are designed to help agents gain the insight that will further boost their enquiries and bookings.

The largest-scale event is the CLIA Conference 2022, which will take place in Southampton in the spring. The conference will give attendees the opportunity to get onboard ships again and experience first-hand the hospitality of the industry. It will be a celebration of the diversity of cruise products available, with industry-leading figures on hand to help inform and engage the trade. More information will be announced in due course.

Next year's RiverView Conference 2022 will take place in Budapest from March 20-22. Delegates will be given the opportunity to spend two nights onboard river ships and have a full day of business sessions and networking. A total of nine ships across different brands will be made available, as well as a local Budapest excursion and two celebratory dinners. Prior to the RiverView Conference is RiverView

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Week, which be held from November 2226, 2021. CLIA is working alongside its river cruise partners to bring agents a series of virtual events, including brand updates, expert panel discussions and a session on the Danube ahead of the Budapest event.

CLIA is also organising several luxury, expedition and river residentials next year. Each trip is for a limited number of attendees and will offer more immersive and intimate educational experiences.

Agents will develop their understanding, knowledge and unique selling points of these sectors by having dedicated time with sponsors and experts. Further details will follow. In addition, a new-to yacht and sail cruising guide will be published next year. The guide will provide top sales tips, an explanation of how onboard experiences differ from traditional ocean cruising, and recommendations on the type of guests to target with these holidays.

The guide, the latest in CLIA's 'new-to' series, will include destination advice and mini-profiles of the different sail and

yacht ships. The updates were all provided at CLIA's Selling Cruise Day 2021, held in Southampton, which was the organisation's first in-person conference since 2019. The event saw a total of 340 delegates hear from keynote speakers including Ben Bouldin, vice president EMEA at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and CLIA chair UK & Ireland; Andy Harmer, managing director CLIA UK & Ireland; and Jan Swartz, president of the Holland America Group.

Andy Harmer said: “As the positive cruise momentum continues, we're keeping pace by offering a range of event options for the trade that we're confident will be engaging, informative and fun. From in-person conferences to residentials to virtual activities, we've listened carefully to feedback from across the industry, so we can provide the most beneficial and immersive experiences possible. We're looking forward to offering the tools and know-how that will equip the trade for a rewarding and buoyant cruise market.”

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

ACQUISITION

November 2021

American Express Global Business Travel Completes Acquisition Of Egencia From Expedia Group

A

merican Express Global Business Travel (GBT), the world's leading business partner for managed travel, has successfully completed the acquisition of Egencia, the leading digital travel management platform. As part of the transaction, Expedia Group has become a shareholder in GBT. Expedia has also entered into a long-term agreement to provide accommodations supply to GBT. GBT will accelerate investment in the Egencia brand, its people and technology. GBT and Egencia will together offer the leading solutions across every segment of business travel. Teaming Egencia with GBT's Supply MarketPlace, one of the most comprehensive sources for content and experiences in business travel, provides customers with more value and choice and offers suppliers enhanced access to business travellers.

Paul Abbott, GBT's CEO, said: “Bringing GBT and Egencia together will create a winning formula that will define the future of travel. We will provide unrivalled value, choice and

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experiences to customers. Unrivalled value because together we'll have the best content and deliver the best savings.

Unrivalled choice because no one comes close to the breadth and depth of solutions we will offer. And unrivalled

experiences because we have the best people and technology in the industry.”

Mark Hollyhead, President of Egencia, said: “Today is a significant moment in realizing the next important chapter for Egencia. Becoming part of an

organization totally focused on business travel will accelerate Egencia's growth and amplify what we do best – offer technology-driven solutions that address the ever-evolving needs of business travel and its many stakeholders.”

Ariane Gorin, President, Expedia for Business, added: “We are pleased to see Egencia grow with this new opportunity, especially as business travel comes back.

At Expedia Group, we power thousands of partners around the world with our best-in-class technology and vast inventory. Closing this deal, including our long-term agreement to provide lodging supply to GBT, is an important step forward in our ambition to power the entire travel ecosystem and help all

of our partners achieve their goals.”

With the close of the transaction, Mark Hollyhead, President of Egencia, will continue to lead the Egencia business reporting directly to GBT CEO Paul Abbott and will join GBT's executive leadership team.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

COLLABORATION

November 2021 communities. The strategic collaboration with AIPC will further enhance the value of services PCOs and Convention Centres deliver to their clients.

Research will provide the needs assessment; education will provide us with the tools and visibility across our networks and our own communities will strengthen relationships and drive results. We are thrilled to establish such a valuable partnership with AIPC.” IAPCO and AIPC have a shared ambition: raise the standards of service to excellence. This collaboration is another step of making this a tangible reality and the teams of both organizations are looking forward to cocreating value for the respective memberships.

IAPCO And AIPC Announce Strategic Collaboration

O

n October 25th, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between IAPCO and AIPC, with the aim to establish a strategic partnership around three axes, all focusing on creating a better, in-depth understanding of the activities of the member organizations: research, visibility, and education.

Julianne Jammers, Board Member of AIPC said: “Alliances will be important to our industry. As IAPCO is an organization of our clients this should be a step to getting closer in terms of understanding common challenges and managing expectations.” This was echoed by the President of AIPC, Greg O'Dell: “The pandemic has clearly demonstrated that the best way to grow as an industry is to learn from each other. A structured and structural collaboration with IAPCO will definitely support this process.”

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When it comes to research, IAPCO and AIPC will conduct a joint yearly research activity, the results of which are of benefits to the members of both organizations. The first activity will be on the different aspects of hybrid events and the results will be shared with the IAPCO and AIPC members by the time IBTM takes place.

As for visibility and education: IAPCO and AIPC will create different forums, allowing to exchange knowledge on specific topics of interest to the member associations and will also leverage existing communication channels to facilitate that exchange. Ori Lahav, President of IAPCO said: “Having clear understandings and an appreciation of stakeholders' objectives will remain of utmost importance as IAPCO members continue to drive economic recovery of cities and knowledge-exchange between

The International Association of Convention Centres: Founded in 1958, AIPC is a global network of some 190 leading centres in 61 countries with the active involvement of more than 900 management-level professionals. Its mission is to encourage, support and recognize excellence in convention centre management, based on the diverse experience and expertise of its international membership, and it maintains a full range of educational, research, networking and management standards programmes in order to achieve this.

The International Association of Professional Congress Organizers IAPCO, with more than 52 years of history representing today 138 companies comprised of over 10,273 professional congress organisers, meeting planners and managers of international and national congresses, conventions and special events from 40 countries.

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HOSPITALITY

November 2021

WWF And Greenview Collaborate With Hotel Industry To Develop A Methodology To Measure Waste Across Hotel Chains

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ccor, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International collaborate on industry-wide waste measurement methodology Waste is a global crisis crippling our systems and contributing to negative environmental outcomes for our planet.

While the hotel industry has made great strides to prevent and divert waste, and donate quality items, when possible, industry-wide waste reduction presents challenges without a standard measurement methodology in place.Recently, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Greenview, a global sustainability consulting group, unveiled a first-of-its-kind methodology to help hotels solve this problem.

The Hotel Waste Measurement Methodology, developed in collaboration with leading hotel brands including

Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International, is designed to provide a common approach for the hotel industry to collect data, and measure and report waste. This methodology creates a consistent way for major brands and individual properties to set meaningful goals to reduce waste, keep it out of landfills, and track progress against those goals over time. Building on robust existing strategies to track waste and set targets, this work harmonizes methods of data collection and addresses common data gaps and challenges.

WWF developed this methodology with a priority to address the challenge posed by managing food waste in diverse hotel operations, and the significant opportunity this offers to increase

business efficiency and make progress against social and environmental goals.

In the US alone, nearly 40% of food waste is generated from consumer-facing businesses including restaurants and hotels. WWF views the hotel industry as an important partner in helping to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12.3, which aims to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, and 12.5 that calls for substantial reductions in overall waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.

“Food waste presents major environmental and economic challenges across our global food systems, but it's one challenge that can actually be solved – and sooner than you might think,” said Pete Pearson, global food loss and waste lead, World Wildlife Fund. “The hotel industry has the unique ability to implement changes that will have global impacts when it comes to managing food waste, and all waste. This new methodology has the potential to be an industry game-changer—putting the power of prevention in the hands of hotels while creating a common industry-wide method to revolutionize the way we manage and measure waste.”0 The Hotel Waste Measurement Methodology was reviewed by a wide range of industry stakeholders — including WRAP, one of WWF's strategic food loss and waste partners — to ensure it addresses the specific challenges faced by hotel companies large and small, and from different parts of the world.

The common waste metrics and definitions will ensure that all those who follow the methodology will calculate, identify and fill gaps, and report their waste data in a comparable way.

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HOSPITALITY

Corporate participation has played an essential role in advancing the UN SDGs. As a truly global sector, the hotel industry is well-positioned to set sustainability targets that align with these goals but, until now, without a uniform methodology measurement system in place, hotels, especially larger multi-national brands have faced challenges. When scaled, the methodology will help develop a framework to support industry-wide benchmarking of waste.

Greenview Director Olivia RugglesBrise said, “Measuring waste uniformly at a hotel and among hotels is enormously challenging and this first version of the Hotel Waste Measurement Methodology represents an important first step in addressing those challenges by setting out key metrics, definitions and approaches. As companies start using it, and more data becomes available, we will be able to update the methodology to reflect new insights and harness the power of industry benchmarking. This will in turn catalyse action across the hotel

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November 2021

sector as companies work towards waste reduction and diversion goals.”

Madhu Rajesh, CEO, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance said: “A crucial part of any sustainability strategy is to understand your impact and monitor and report your journey towards improvement. The Hotel Waste Measurement Methodology further complements existing measurement methodologies including our Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative and Hotel Water Measurement Initiative. By coming together as an industry, and sharing expertise, we can develop resources that are designed for the industry context and support every hotel to manage and improve their impact – wherever they are on their sustainability journey.”

The Hotel Waste Measurement Methodology is a valuable addition to an expanding suite of industry measurement methodologies, including the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI) and Hotel Water Measurement Initiative(HWMI) tools

and lays important groundwork for an industry culture focused on improving operations and producing less waste.

This uniform measurement and reporting will inform strategic action to increase profitability and efficiency while contributing to key environmental and social goals.

The development of the methodology has brought together the hotel industry around one common goal and demonstrates the enormous potential of collaborative action. Organizations such as the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance helped drive this collaboration, assisting in the coordination of their members to review the tool, including voices from other key brands like Four Seasons and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, among others. This latest effort to develop this methodology is a further example of how the industry is working together towards ambitious global agendas to benefit both people and nature. This methodology joins the HCMI/HWMI methodologies that are standard for the hotel industry and waste methodology will become the new standard for waste.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

November 2021

&

PSU BUZZ

Annalisa Ponchia, Innovation Director AIM Group International, Nominated To The International Board Of Director Of PCMA

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fter serving 5 years in the EMEA Advisory Board, Annalisa Ponchia, Innovation & Customer Experience Director at AIM Group International, was nominated member of the International Board of Directors of PCMA, the world's largest network of business events strategists.

Annalisa, an expert professional in the events industry for more than 30 years, is the first Italian to take part in the highest governance level of PCMA and joins the board, effectively from January 2022.

“I am glad and proud to take on this role and serve in an organization like PCMA, providing value to the largest community of business events professionals. I am conscious of the task ahead and the level of engagement required, but I am ready to deliver with commitment and passion”, said Annalisa Ponchia. “I will give voice to European event professionals and advocate for some projects close to my heart assuming they are fully aligned with PCMA's vision and mission. One of these is the development of a Core Curriculum in Event Management, in collaboration with Academic Institutions and Business Schools, to provide solid education and competence, to prepare a Future Ready generation of Event Strategist. The First PCMA Convening EMEA, a 3-day international event that gathered +350 event profs, just took place in Lausanne and provided the occasion for a first encounter with the other Board of Directors, but also with various stakeholders from the Region. Thanks to many promising conversations, the path is now open”.

Convening EMEA, aside from the

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excitement of reconvening in person, was designed and targeted at business leaders from across the industry.

Keynotes touched upon the importance of striking a balance between exploration and exploitation, emotional intelligence (EI) amongst leaders, implementation of automated processes to leave space for creativity as well as a review of successful Business Models used to change businesses. “The main message was about the importance of innovation and resilience to ensure the future success of business. We also looked at how to cultivate curiosity to develop products and services of relevance to our clients in a changing world. I believe that PCMA plays a crucial role in fostering peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and education, as well as advocating to make our industry become sustainable and inclusive” concludes Annalisa.

Annalisa Ponchia Baccara has over 30 years international experience in events management having organized

conferences and events around the globe for the corporate sector, government, and associations. She spent nearly 12 years guiding the European Society of Organ Transplantation (ESOT) as CEO where she gained substantial knowledge of the association environment and processes. She joined AIM Group International as Director of Innovation and Customer Experience. In light of the growing network of offices around the worldwide, she was recently appointed Director of International Congress Development.

Her role will focus on developing a compelling narrative to widen outreach and increase the company's visibility.

During her career, she also spent 10 years as an entrepreneur running her own PCO company specialised in medical meetings. Ponchia is a certified meeting professional, with CMP and CMM designations, and is active as speaker at numerous association and industry events.

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TECHNOLOGY

November 2021

UgoVirtual™ And 6connex Expand Strategic Partnership To Drive Continued Growth And Innovation Of The Virtual And Hybrid Event Market Worldwide

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goVirtual™, a leading provider of advanced virtual/hybrid engagement solutions designed to meet the needs of the global conference and event industry, and 6Connex, the recognized global leader in virtual and hybrid event technology announced the signing of an expanded strategic partnership agreement.

Recognized as a top-tier 6Connex partner since 2018, UgoVirtual leverages the award-winning technology platform as the core of its comprehensive virtual/hybrid solution set to deliver dynamic event environments and experiences designed to maximize attendance, engagement and ROI. The new agreement solidifies the companies' successful business relationship and outlines the framework for joint participation in market expansion, virtual/hybrid event industry leadership and continued technological innovation.

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"Through our strategic commercial and technical alignment with 6Connex, UgoVirtual has established a proven track record of successful virtual event implementation, innovation and growth," said Michael C. Cohen, UgoVirtual CEO. "The platform's powerful technical capabilities, advanced security and reliability has enabled us to deliver highly impactful virtual and hybrid events for our diverse clientele in the hospitality, medical and education markets, as well as Fortune 500 corporations and global event management agencies.

We're proud to have the opportunity to deepen our relationship with such a dynamic and professional organization."

The secure, cloud-based 6Connex platform that powers UgoExpo™, UgoVirtual's premier solution, is trusted by many of the world's most recognizable brands, corporate organizations and national/global associations to deliver world-class

virtual and hybrid event experiences.

Highly customizable and scalable, the platform leads the industry in security protocol, such as ISO-certification and GDPR standards, with flexible configurations that meet the requirements of any virtual or hybrid event. UgoVirtual's dedicated event architects, creative design and technical support teams enhance the platform with professional services, project management, and integrated solutions designed to maximize attendee engagement and ROI. "As a top-tier global channel partner, UgoVirtual has effectively utilized the expansive features of our platform to design, deliver and support highly engaging and profitable virtual events for its growing international clientele," said Ruben Castano, CEO of 6Connex.

"We are excited to continue our journey with UgoVirtual during this unprecedented period of industry evolution and growth."

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TECHNOLOGY

November 2021

FCM Unveils Preview Of Revamped Global Travel Management Platform

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lobal travel management company FCM is inviting corporate travel managers to experience a preview of its new proprietary platform. Developed in response to a rapidly evolving business travel landscape, this latest initiative reflects the company's accelerated investment in next-generation technology to address the future requirements of a multi-national customer base that stretches over 100 countries. Following a successful and productive testing phase, demos are now being offered to prospective clients.

“As the world has changed, so have the challenges our clients face too. With geographically dispersed operations and a remote workforce the new norm, our travel management solution has been purposely designed for the digitally savvy workforce, offering a powerful suite of digital tools and dashboards that puts travel managers, arrangers, and travelers firmly in control,” said Marcus Eklund, FCM's Managing Director. “We are excited to offer the global business travel community a first-look of our proprietary platform while introducing a

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few of its many innovative features.”

Over the past 24 months, FCM worked with a representative cross-section of clients from different sectors and varying sizes and budgets, garnering feedback to help shape the new travel platform. This has resulted in a slick user experience delivering global consistency where needed, while offering a superior level of choice and flexibility that is built around their individual needs.

At the platform's heart, is a clear and informative landing page displaying an instant overview of key information such as upcoming trips alongside live updates, notifications and changes to bookings. The user interface has also been purposely designed to ease seamless navigation between an array of impressive features and tools.

As an open platform, FCM's signature 'plug and play' flexibility remains front and center. Clients will have the ability to choose from a number of integrations to deliver on their multi-national and local needs – like booking tool selection,

expense suppliers and duty of care providers. While the introduction of a single approval flow joins multiple online booking tools, offline bookings and even multiple markets into a consistent and simplified approvals experience.

Additionally, an improved ecosystem of communications prioritizes safety and wellbeing by combining technology and personal service to support bookers and their travellers 24/7/365. Together with new desktop notification features like trip updates, check-in reminders, duty of care alerts and more, help is always an instant away via a new built-in live chat function backed by the always-on assistance of FCM's highly experienced team.

Travel managers have full visibility of their entire travel world with a versatile and flexible reporting suite integrated into the platform. Reservation, spend and sustainability data as well as bespoke reporting and analytics, also gives an indication of the AI-powered capabilities to come.

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GLOBAL NEWS

November 2021

Singapore Opens It’s Borders For India Modi and Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore will be launching a VTL for fullyvaccinated travellers from India with valid entry approvals starting November 29, pending resumption of commercial passenger flights.”

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n a recent announcement, Singapore will finally be reopening its doors for fully vaccinated travellers from India starting November 29 through a “vaccinated travel lane” (VTL).

Travellers under VTL are not subject to stay-home notice (SHN) on arrival.

Instead, they need to produce a negative pre-departure test taken within two days prior to departure and undergo an onarrival PCR test, says the island nation’s health ministry.

In its tweet shared by Singapore mission in India it read, “Following discussions between Prime Ministers Narendra

While Indonesia is also included in this announcement along with India, the programme is expected to be extended to visitors from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from early next month. Currently, there are 13 countries, including Canada, Australia and Germany, under Singapore’s vaccinated travel lane (VTL) programme.

“We hope the VTL with India will be a significant first step towards a broader travel reopening. While we do not expect a major uptick in inbound tourists from India in the immediate term, it will be useful for travellers to get used to the

new protocols and for both countries to streamline processes in the coming months,” said Mr G.B. Srithar, Regional Director (India, Middle East and South Asia), Singapore Tourism Board. “India is an important market for Singapore. We will market Singapore’s varied offerings to our fans in India and look forward to welcoming Indian visitors once again when the VTL for India launches on Nov 29,” he added.

Noticably, Since November 12, India had started recognising vaccination certificates issued by Singapore implying that fully vaccinated travellers from Singapore entering India will just need to self monitor for 14 days upon arrival.

Ungerboeck Receives Recognition As “Best Venue Booking Solution” 2021

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Solution in 2020. Since its inception in 2013, the Event Technology Awards has been regarded throughout the world as the premier networking event for the event technology sector. Hosted as a 5day hybrid event this year, the ninth edition of the award series took place in London.

he annual award series recognizes the most useful and innovative event technology solutions in the global event industry. Ungerboeck received the first-place accolade after its debut as one of the finalists on the 2021 short-list.

Manish Chandak, President and CEO of Ungerboeck commented: “The speed of our innovation and the new self-service, usability, and communication components we have added to our venue booking systems has made us rise to the top in the venue booking category. I want to take a moment to thank our customers who are adopting new technologies and are emerging stronger and more efficient in the post-pandemic

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world.” The Ungerboeck venue booking system is now used by 4,000 venues in 50 countries around the world. The award comes after a number of milestones for Ungerboeck this year, including winning three notable “Top Workplace” awards, and merging with the provider of VenueOps, which won the designation for Best Venue Booking

The Event Technology Awards recognize those pushing the boundaries in innovative event technology worldwide. The award series connects agencies, brands, venues, organizers, developers, investors, and tech providers as well as an unparalleled and expert panel of judges.

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GLOBAL NEWS

November 2021

Fira De Barcelona Takes Over The Management Of The CCIB In November

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ira de Barcelona will take over the management of the CCIB (Barcelona International Convention Centre), thus reinforcing the city's global trade fair and congress strategy and enhancing the city's international standing as a benchmark for trade fairs in Spain and Europe by means of the running of three large venues with an exhibition area totalling nearly 500,000 square metres and the hosting of more than 250 events a year, some of them global leaders.

With this licence, awarded by Barcelona City Council for a period of 25 years, Fira de Barcelona will now have full management of the city's main trade fair facilities (Montjuic, Gran Via and the CCIB), enabling the institution to increase its competitiveness by having three complementary venues for holding and attracting new fairs, congresses and different events. It will also strengthen the city's commitment to a platform for these kinds of events, clear exponents and promoters of the activity of the different economic sectors whose roles are being reinforced in the current postpandemic era.

Deputy Mayor Jaume Collboni believes that Fira will thus reinforce its position within Spain and Europe “as one of the leading institutions for the organisation of trade fairs and congresses, a sector that is key to the future of Barcelona and one to which we remain committed so as to attract new events to improve the city's standing. The recovery of trade fairs is a key factor in finding a way out of the crisis that leaves no one behind while contributing to the creation of high-quality employment, one of our priorities as a city. Everyone knows that Barcelona is one of the best cities in the

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world for holding congresses, a sector in which we're global leaders, and in the coming months we'll show that we'll be even stronger in the post-pandemic era”.

Constantí Serrallonga, the managing director of Fira de Barcelona, expressed his satisfaction at taking over the management of the CCIB, as “it's a flagship facility for holding congresses and meetings which we're convinced will reinforce the institution's leadership in the international trade fair market and the projection of the city as a pole of attraction for major events. Similarly, its management will promote Fira even further in its role as the economic and social driving force of the city and the territory”.

Following Barcelona City Council's decision to award Fira de Barcelona the management of the CCIB three years ago, the trade fair institution will take over after a fruitful transitional process for a progressive handover from the previous manager, GL events, which will ensure the maintenance of the activity, the business model and its personnel. In

this respect, the subsidiary company Fira CCIB, whose general manager is Marc Rodríguez, has been set up for its administration within the Fira group.

The Barcelona International Convention Centre, opened in 2004 on the occasion of the Universal Forum of Cultures, is located in the Besòs area, in the technological and business district known as 22@. It consists of two buildings with state-of-the-art designs: the Convention Centre and the Fòrum Building, which houses the Auditori Fòrum, linked by an underground boulevard. It has a surface area totalling 100,000 square metres where around a hundred events are held each year.

Fira de Barcelona is the leading trade fair organisation in the Spanish market and one of the most important in Europe. Within a context of full activity, each year it hosts more than 150 fairs, congresses and events, attracting 30,000 companies and 2.5 million visitors from 200 countries and territories to its Montjuic and Gran Via venues, which together have a gross exhibition area totalling almost 400,000 square metres.

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GLOBAL NEWS

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xCeL London has secured Newham Planning Committee approval to expand the venue, representing a significant investment in the Royal Docks venue.

ExCeL CEO Jeremy Rees said: “This decision is a key moment not just for ExCeL but for our customers and the entire UK events industry. The expansion of ExCeL will ensure that London and the UK remains internationally competitive and a destination of choice for world leading events, for years to come. Moreover, this investment will ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of our customers by providing opportunities for growth, complimented by a world class guest experience.”

November 2021 Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) said: “ADNEC continues to affirm its commitment towards developing its assets in London. This consolidates ExCeL's position as one of the largest exhibition and conference hubs in Europe, and its pivotal role through the direct and indirect economic impact. The new expansion phase for ExCeL London contributes to our investments in the business tourism sector for the United Kingdom. It is an extension of the expansion phase launched in 2010 which supports our goals of meeting the needs of our partners and providing flexible spaces for hosting mega events.”

ExCeL London Secures Approval For Expansion To Its World Class Venue

Following the initial expansion of the venue in 2010, including the opening of London's International Convention Centre (ICC), it has been a long-term ambition to further extend ExCeL to meet increased client demand.

This new investment will deliver an additional 25,000sqm of premium event space, with 12,000sqm of exhibition space on the ground floor, seamlessly integrated into the existing venue. This will be complimented on the upper level with high end convention space, state-ofthe-art meeting rooms and catering facilities. In addition, a substantial investment will be made in greenery along the dock edge, improved landscaping, and a new pocket park. The extension will increase overall floorspace by 25%, enabling ExCeL's customers to grow their events in a world class environment.

ExCeL's ambition is to create the most sustainable development possible and will therefore be targeting a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating of 'Excellent' – surpassing the recognised industry standard.

ExCeL is committed to developing a world leading event space, which will culminate in the opening of the expansion. This commitment is underpinned by the venue's owners ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company), who recently acquired the DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCel. The entire ExCeL site, including Phase 3, will be further enhanced with the opening of the Elizabeth line in 2022.

Set to transform travel across London, visitors will be able to reach ExCeL in 15-minutes from Central London and 43-minutes from Heathrow, via the venue's onsite Elizabeth line station at Custom House. Construction works are expected to start next year.

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GLOBAL NEWS

November 2021 strong demand for international tourism, and many destinations have started welcoming visitors back safely and responsibly. However, the true restart of tourism and the benefits it brings, remain on hold as inconsistent rules and regulations and uneven vaccination rates continue to affect confidence in travel.”

Tourism Earnings

Vaccines And Reopen Borders Driving Tourism’s Recovery

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ccording to the latest edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, an estimated 54 million tourists crossed international borders in July 2021, down 67% from the same month in 2019, but the strongest results since April 2020. This compares to an estimated 34 million international arrivals recorded in July 2020, though well below the 164 million figure recorded in 2019.

77%). The Americas (-68%) saw a comparatively smaller decrease, with the Caribbean showing the best performance among world subregions. Meanwhile, some small islands in the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia and the Pacific, together with a few small European destinations recorded the best performance in June and July, with arrivals close to, or sometimes exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Moderate rebound for most destinations

Confidence in travel slowly rising

Most destinations reporting data for June and July 2021 saw a moderate rebound in international arrivals compared to 2020. Nevertheless, 2021 continues to be a challenging year for global tourism, with international arrivals down 80% in January-July compared to 2019. Asia and the Pacific continued to suffer the weakest results in the period January to July, with a 95% drop in international arrivals compared to 2019. The Middle East (-82%) recorded the second largest decline, followed by Europe and Africa (both -

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This improvement was underpinned by the reopening of many destinations to international travel, mostly in Europe and the Americas. The relaxation of travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers, coupled with progress made in the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines, contributed to lifting consumer confidence and gradually restoring safe mobility in Europe and other parts of the world. In contrast, most destinations in Asia remain closed to non-essential travel.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “There is clearly a

Although destinations continued to report weak international tourism revenues in the first seven months of 2021, several did record a modest improvement in June and July, and some even surpassed the earnings of 2019.

Among the larger destinations, Mexico earned roughly the same tourism receipts in June 2021 as in 2019, and in July posted a 2% increase over 2019. The same is true for outbound travel. Among the larger markets, France (-35%) and the United States (-49%) saw a significant improvement in July, though tourism spending was still well below 2019 levels.

Looking Ahead Prospects for September-December 2021 remain mixed, according to the latest UNWTO Panel of Experts survey, with 53% of respondents believing the period will be worse than expected. Only 31% of experts expect point to better results towards the end of the year. The survey also shows that most tourism professionals continue to expect a rebound driven by unleashed pent-up demand for international travel in 2022, mostly during the second and third quarters.

Almost half of all experts (45%) continue to see international tourism returning to 2019 levels in 2024 or later, while 43% point to a recovery in 2023.

By regions, the largest share of experts pointing to a return to 2019 levels in 2024 or later are in Asia and the Pacific (58%). In Europe, half of respondents indicate this could happen in 2023.

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GLOBAL NEWS

November 2021

Marina Bay Sands Launches Virtual Meeting Place, A First For MICE Venues provider Sixtrees Viz Comms.

“Hybrid events is the mainstay of the industry but the omnichannel meeting experience will be the future. With more clients placing a premium on creating a shared user experience, we are taking the next step forward to offer them a singular, integrated customer journey.

The future of meetings in an endemic world will focus on delivering a 365-day, 24/7 user journey – one that offers delegates a seamless experience transitioning between physical and virtual events as well as providing ondemand content akin to that of online streaming entertainment platforms.

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arina Bay Sands has unveiled its new Virtual Meeting Place, a fully customisable platform that allows event organisers to scratch-build their virtual venue set to replicate their reallife event space. As the first venue in the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences & exhibitions) industry to launch such a platform globally, Marina Bay Sands is set to transform the integrated hybrid experience, effectively connecting both online and offline audiences. The Virtual Meeting Place is built to meet three key needs of the MICE industry – network, content delivery and be a global marketplace to promote services to a curated customer base. Through the virtual platform, Marina Bay Sands aims to shift the paradigm of a traditional five- day-a-year in-person event concept, enabling organisers to continuously engage and build their communities all year long.

Using Marina Bay Sands' iconic architecture as the visual interface, event

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planners can customise the spaces to create an integrated meeting experience for both physical and virtual audiences.

International delegates will be teleported to unique meeting places within the integrated resort. From virtual meeting pods and exhibition booths, content library to watching the live streaming of onsite plenary sessions, the Virtual Meeting Place is an all-purpose-built solution offering multiple touchpoints to continuously drive engagements and interactions among target audiences.

The experience-driven platform brings together the expertise and creativity of the award winning venue and three Singaporean organisations that are powerhouses in their respective sectors – brand activation agency Pico Art International, virtual event platform GEVME and 3D and interactive solutions

An extension of the physical venue, the Virtual Meeting Place empowers our clients to capitalise on the O2O2O (Offline-to-Online-to-Offline) opportunities that this platform offers – reinventing the delivery and consumption of information while optimising customer experiences,” said Ong Wee Min, Vice President of Conventions and Exhibitions, Marina Bay Sands. The Virtual Meeting Place also extends the industry conversations beyond event days, allowing organisers to host scheduled meetings online to keep their communities connected throughout the year.

Asia’s Most Comprehensive Media Pla orm For MICE

GLOBAL NEWS

November 2021

WTTC Reveals Saudi Arabia As Upcoming Host For Its 22nd Global Summit

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he World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global Travel & Tourism sector, has announced that its 22nd Global Summit will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the end of 2022. WTTC’s annual Global Summit is the world’s most influential and Travel & Tourism event. Saudi Arabia has been leading a new global approach to ‘redesign tourism’ and this summit in Riyadh will see industry leaders gathering with key government representatives to drive support for the sector’s ongoing recovery, moving it to a safer, resilient, inclusive and sustainable future. The event in Saudi Arabia will follow the next highly anticipated Global Summit which is taking place in Manila, Philippines, from 14-16 March 2022.

Speaking from the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “Since the very beginning, when the pandemic brought international travel to an almost complete standstill, Saudi Arabia has shown its total commitment to our sector, ensuring it has remained at the forefront of the global agenda. “It has been instrumental in leading the recovery of a sector which is critical to economies, jobs and livelihoods around the world.

“For that we are grateful and want to recognise their incredible efforts by bringing the Global Travel & Tourism sector to the Kingdom next year.” His Excellency Al Khateeb, Minister for Tourism for Saudi Arabia said: “I welcome the decision to choose Saudi Arabia as the host country for the next WTTC Global Summit in 2022. This is a critical forum for the private sector and government to come together to redesign tourism for the future, and it is fantastic to hold this event in the Kingdom. This is recognition of Saudi leadership to help the global tourism sector recover, and importantly, become more sustainable. I look forward to welcoming all WTTC Members next year.” Further details of the WTTC Global Summit in Riyadh will be announced in due course.

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Sarawak First Malaysian Destination to Receive 2 Recognitions from ICCA Best Marketing Award

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fter winning the coveted ICCA Best Marketing Award in 2008, Sarawak has bagged the ’Outstanding Recognition in Communication’ at the 60th ICCA Congress Best Marketing Award, positioning Sarawak as the first Malaysian destination to receive 2 recognitions from ICCA. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is one of the largest bodies to represent the international conventions industry and is renowned for its broad range of education, business development, and networking opportunities. ICCA’s Best Marketing Award is a signature ceremony that recognises the excellence and achievements of destinations around the world to embrace future forward thinking and showcase innovative marketing, diversified solutions, brand protection, and extraordinary collaborations.

This year’s theme was ‘Marketing Through Transformation’.

Sarawak demonstrated true marketing flair with its advocacy marketing plan titled ‘Sarawak 2030’ where the local business events industry – through Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) – cemented a strong collaboration with the government sector to recognise the economic and noneconomic returns of business events as part of the government’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.

Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, congratulated BESarawak for pushing the boundaries of conventional marketing, “There is tremendous value to business events that goes beyond tourism hence the industry’s inclusion in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030. The Ministry will continue to support the business events industry through BESarawak”.

“The award is a reflection of the stakeholder’s commitment to elevate our industry’s market presence and standards of excellence,” said BESarawak’s CEO Amelia Roziman. “I would like to thank the government and private sectors for their support in achieving our Sarawak 2030 vision for the business events industry.” The winner of ICCA Best Marketing 2021 goes to Hybrid City Alliance in which Kuching, Sarawak is part of the 22-member international alliance.

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November 2021

UFI Global Congress – The Exhibition Industry’s Annual Global Gathering To Take Place In Las Vegas In 2023

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FI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry has announced that the 90th UFI Global Congress will be held in Las Vegas, and will be hosted by Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) from 1-4 November 2023. The UFI Board of Directors made the decision to take the UFI Global Congress to Las Vegas, USA, during their meeting on 3rd November in Rotterdam.

UFI President, Anbu Varathan, said “We are delighted to hold a UFI Congress in the United-States for the first time. This country is of great importance to UFI, and this is the message we wish to communicate”. Kai Hattendorf, UFI CEO & Managing Director, commented: “What a wonderful win-win! Congratulations to Las Vegas! We look forward to this Congress, gathering the global exhibition industry in the U.S. for the UFI Global Congress in 2023. As the global trade association for our

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industry, this will allow us to connect our colleagues from across the US markets even better with their global peers.”

Las Vegas pairs meetings and conventions with world-class resorts, entertainment and sports offerings.

“We are honoured to have been selected as the host city for UFI Global Congress' inaugural U.S. show, which further demonstrates the destination's appeal as a global destination for business and leisure travel,” said Brian Yost, chief operating officer for the LVCVA. “We are excited to welcome the Congress' delegates from around the world and look forward to providing them with an experience that can only be found in Las Vegas.”

The 2023 UFI Global Congress will take place at Aria Resort and Casino on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. “On behalf of MGM Resorts and Aria, we are very excited to be chosen as the host

the 2023 UFI Global Congress,” said Stephanie Glanzer, SVP and chief sales officer for MGM Resorts International.

The UFI Global Congress takes place in October or November every year in trade show destinations around the world. In 2019, the event was hosted in Bangkok, Thailand. In 2020, due to COVID-19 related global travel restrictions, the Congress went digital, with programming from Hong Kong, Dubai, London, and Bogota. In 2022, the event will be hosted in Oman. In 2021, it was hosted in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, followed by Muscat, Sultanate of Oman in 2022. Open to more than 50,000 industry professionals globally, who work for UFI member companies, UFI Global Congress combines international networking with unique content. It's an opportunity to gain insight into topics of strategic interest, to learn about new trends, and to discuss the challenges facing the exhibition industry.

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November 2021

WTM Africa And ILTM Africa Go Hybrid In 2022

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orld Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa) and the International Luxury Travel Market Africa (ILTM Africa) will be adopting a hybrid format for the popular travel and tourism trade shows in 2022, allowing exhibitors to connect with buyers both at a live event and a two-day virtual event. The hybrid format ensures a significant return on investment and buyers and exhibitors can benefit from 22% more meeting time slots than what was previously available to them.

WTM Africa will be held live and inperson from 11 to 13 April 2022, alongside ILTM Africa. As Africa’s only inbound and outbound premier travel and tourism trade show, the event will once again bring together exhibitors and buyers from across the globe to connect, exchange ideas, share news and discuss innovation within the travel and tourism sector. The three-day live event in the Host City of Cape Town is open to all travel trade professionals. Visitors can look forward to attending conference sessions with speakers from around the globe, face-to-face networking, the African Responsible Tourism Awards, press conferences and more!

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Recognising that some buyers might not be able to attend the live event, the event organisers have introduced a hybrid format for the show. The hybrid event will take place on 04 and 05 April and will only be open to exhibitors who are also attending the physical event one week later. During the virtual event, exhibitors will be able to connect with buyers from around the world who are not able to attend the live event because of border closures, COVID regulations or simply a lingering unease to travel.

Both one-on-one meetings as well as virtual speed networking sessions will be available on the same platform that was successfully used for ATW Virtual 2021.

The virtual event is exclusive to exhibitors and buyers only. Different buyers will attend each event meaning that exhibitors will receive marked value as the buyers that they will meet online will be different to those that will be attending the physical event thereby offering a diverse and enhanced pool of buyers. .

“Our focus has always been to ensure the best return on investment for our

clients. Africa Travel Week 2022 will enable education and content sharing as well as networking, providing the opportunity to meet and discuss business, leading to contracts being signed whilst expanding connections,” says Megan Oberholzer, Portfolio Director: Travel, Tourism and Creative Industries at Reed Exhibitions.

“We are thrilled to finally bring exhibitors and buyers together in person in the Host City of Cape Town. Africa Travel Week is proud to have been partners with the City of Cape Town since the inception of WTM Africa in 2014 and we’re grateful for the unwavering support the city has shown us. As one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town truly is the ideal destination for travel and tourism industry players to not only communicate and connect, but also to share stories and laughs over a glass of wine. Although virtual connections have kept our industry afloat over the past year, it is now time to take it to the next level again. A compelling live event creates memories and meaningful relationships. And, after all, that’s what our industry is all about.”

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November 2021

TAT Formed Agreement With Etihad & Launched ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’ To The Gulf Region Governor, said, “This Letter of Intent will pave the way for strategic tourism collaboration efforts between TAT and Etihad Airways with an emphasis on revenue-generating quality tourists. We expect this partnership to help strengthen the position of Thailand as a popular destination for Arab travellers from the Gulf Region.”

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he Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently staged a special tourism marketing mission to Dubai, the UAE, that resulted in stronger ties with strategic airline partners and a wider awareness of the 'Visit Thailand Year 2022' in the Gulf Region.

During the mission on 2-3 November, 2021, the TAT's high-ranking delegation signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Etihad Airways, introduced the latest tourism marketing campaign to Emiratis and influencers in the UAE, and discussed tourism collaboration with Air Arabia and Oman Air. Mr. Thosaporn Sirisumphand, TAT Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “Next year, 2022 will mark a new chapter for Thailand as it will be the year of 'Visit Thailand' where throughout the year, we will invite travellers from around the world to experience the “Amazing New Chapters” of Thailand. As such our key messages will highlight the abundance of the kingdom's tourism products and services that will fulfil all visitors' travel desires, because from A to Z, Thailand has it all.”

Prior to the official start of the 'Visit Thailand Year 2022', Thailand is

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currently welcoming fully vaccinated foreign visitors from 63 countries and territories, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to enter the Kingdom without quarantine requirements under the Exemption from Quarantine (Test & Go) and the Living in the Blue Zone (17 Sandbox destinations) entry schemes, starting from 1 November, 2021.

The list of approved countries will be expanded later to cover the entire world from 1 January, 2022. Meanwhile, the “Thailand Pass” web-based system has been launched to support the “Ease of Travelling” policy, allowing foreign travellers to fill in their travel and health information and upload the related documents before travelling to Thailand.

Under the LoI agreement, TAT and Etihad Airways will put into effect a range of joint promotions to mutually increase tourism and visibility for Thailand through the Etihad Airways global network. The promotions will focus on niche tourism markets; such as, sports tourism, luxury tourism, as well as health and wellness.

The Letter of Intent (LoI) between the TAT and Etihad Airways was signed in Dubai on 3 November, 2021, by Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Americas, and Ms. Amina Taher, Vice President Brand, Marketing and Sponsorship, Etihad Airways.

The timing could not have been better, for TAT and Etihad Airways to support each other in promoting Thailand as a preferred destination.

Both signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to form a long-term strategic partnership to develop and promote quality tourism experiences in Thailand for travellers from the Gulf Region.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT

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T

he approval follows the government’s announcement on October 11 that fully-vaccinated overseas visitors will be allowed to enter Thailand without having to serve quarantine from November 1. The reopening will begin with a list of countries the CCSA considers low-risk, such as the US, UK, China, Germany and Singapore. Also announced were shortened curfew hours, fewer provinces categorised as maximum controlled and strict zone where stringent controls are mandatory for gatherings, and allowing domestic flights to operate at full capacity.

The approval of TCEB’s MICE proposal was the result of the collaboration between TCEB, Department of Health, Department of Disease Control of The Ministry of Public Health, and 23 partner organisations, such as Tourism

November 2021 Authority of Thailand, Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thai Exhibition Association, Business Creative and Event Management Association, and Thai Hotels Association. With the green light, organisers of meetings, trade fairs, and festivals can now proceed to plan events with more attendees that will stimulate the broader economy.

Under TCEB’s proposal, limits on a venue’s operating hours and number of attendees will be relaxed. Trade fair centres, convention centres, exhibition halls, and event spaces in hotels and department stores will be allowed to operate until 22.00 hrs. in all cities and provinces. The number of attendees allowed will depend on the event site’s risk level. There are five levels – maximum controlled and strict zone (highest risk), maximum controlled zone, controlled zone, high surveillance zone, and surveillance zone (lowest risk).

Reopening Thailand For MICE: CCSA Approves TCEB’s Proposal For MICE Events

For maximum controlled and strict zone, the number of attendees allowed has been raised from 25 to 50; for maximum controlled zone, from 50 to 100; for controlled zone, from 100 to 200; and for high surveillance zone, from 200 to 300.

However, for surveillance zone, the number has been maintained at 500.

This easing of restrictions will require venues and organisers to strictly follow a set of three “COVID Free Setting” protocols covering the event environment, personnel, and customers: COVID Free Environment requires attention to hygiene at every touch point, availability of hand wash stations and hand sanitisers, individual servings of all foods and beverages, screening of organisers and staff, pre-event and onsite communication on safety measures, a risk and emergency management plan, social distancing of at least one metre and at least 4 sqm for each attendee, a limit of two hours per meeting session, and good air ventilation.

COVID Free Personnel requires organisers and venues to deploy only fully-vaccinated staff with a screening and risk record. Staff must undergo selftest with Antigen Test Kit (ATK) and test negative no more than 72 hours prior to reporting for work. Gathering while on duty and during breaks are prohibited. Operation zones must be clearly designated and cross-zone operations must be avoided.

COVID Free Customer requires an examination of an attendee’s risk profile and proof of full vaccination. The attendee must strictly follow “DMHTA” – distancing, mask wearing, hand washing, temperature testing, download of Thai Chana application. Additionally, attendees must keep watch of any possible COVID-19 symptoms during attendance and post-event for at least 14 days.

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GLOBAL NEWS

November 2021

Sydney’s Business Events Industry Gets Multi-Million-Dollar Boost

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aunch of the ‘COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan’ by the NSW Government will play a significant role in rebuilding business confidence and incentivising event organisers to book their in-person meeting, according to the State’s global bidding specialists BESydney.

The more than $530 million support package includes $6 million for business events, conferences and conventions across Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, as part of a major COVID19 recovery package designed to encourage people back into the Sydney CBD in particular, and support industry suppliers hard hit by COVID-19 restrictions.

The package also includes an Event Saver Fund to provide immediate support to organisers if events are cancelled or disrupted by any Public Health Orders during the 2021-22 summer, and $60 million for an Aviation Attraction Fund to incentivise international airlines to recommence flights to Sydney. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the muchneeded investment will help revive businesses and bring tourism providers

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back to their vibrant best. “This funding recognises the sustained impacts from the pandemic, which severely damaged our tourism industry and put significant strain on businesses and staff.

“For our once thriving business visitor economy to reach its full potential we need caps to be lifted, delegates able to fly in, and staff attracted back to our world-class hospitality and event venues to put on the best of events for which Sydney is well-known.” BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said the funding announcement was a great outcome for Sydney’s business events industry which has the lion’s share of the events market and could therefore have the biggest impact in restarting the economy, as we build back, and gives event organisers another reason why #itsgottobesydney for their next business event.

Ms. Lewis-Smith added: “With restrictions continuing to ease, Sydney is coming back to life and the funding will continue the positive momentum that we are starting to see. People are excited about reconnecting with friends and family and the prospect of travel as borders open. We can’t wait to see that same confidence now flow through to business and to welcome our national

and global business delegates back here soon.” Meanwhile BESydney is still winning domestic and international meetings and the forward pipeline of confirmed business is very strong, with a bid win tally at 24 year-to-date, and 98 events secured through to 2029 with a combined estimated direct expenditure of $524 million.

The funding package announcement continues BESydney’s industry support initiatives, alongside the ‘It’s got to be Sydney’ campaign which launched last year to drive domestic business whilst international borders were closed, and to provide a suite of resources on meetinsydney.com.au for decisionmakers and event planners when booking in Sydney.

BESydney will administer the funding program in conjunction with Destination NSW, on behalf of the NSW Government. Matched funding will be available by application in rounds, commencing late November 2021.

Events eligible for funding are conferences, conventions, symposia, congresses, seminars, training courses, trade exhibitions attracting a minimum of 100 delegates to a venue for a gathering of at least one day’s duration.

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November 2021

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Anticipates Resumption Of Business Events

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he Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre), Malaysia’s premier purpose-built venue, welcomes the recent Government announcements surrounding domestic travel and the success of tourism bubbles in its effort to fully revive the country’s economic sectors based on the National Recovery Plan (NRP), on the back of its closure as a mega vaccination centre (PPV).

Between 7 June and 22 September 2021, over 800,000 people in Kuala Lumpur were vaccinated at the Centre’s PPV.

allowed, we are hopeful that the domestic travel relaxation, the continued success of the travel bubbles and the closer we get towards reaching the national immunisation goal, will all soon pave the way towards allowing the BE sector to fully operate, based on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).” The business events industry, as detailed in the NRP, is currently slated to re-open in Phase Four, resulting in the prevailing temporary closures of most of its supply chain.

The Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri recently announced the much anticipated update allowing domestic and overseas travel for all fully vaccinated Malaysians from 11 October.

“It has given us a great sense of pride and purpose to serve the country and our people as a PPV and to have contributed to a national cause during a time of great trials and tribulations. We were able to put our collective resources, knowledge and expertise in helping the government make the best use of the venue.

Alan Pryor, the Centre’s General Manager, said, “This is certainly a reflection of the collective effort by all Malaysians in battling the COVID-19 pandemic. We, at the Centre, are keeping optimistic that this positive news will steer us towards the full resumption of business events (BE) in the near future. With small meetings with 50% physical capacity currently

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Now, we must look forward and be ready to serve the business and trade community and hope that the reopening of our industry will be expedited based on the progress we have made and are making,” concluded

Pryor. As part of its readiness strategy, the Centre recently became the first venue in Malaysia to acquire the “Safe Business Events (BE)”, a hygiene label

by Bureau Veritas, which serves as a reassurance and guarantee towards the Centre’s expertise in providing a safe, controlled and regulated event environment by way of compliance to and implementation of the governmentapproved SOPs. The safety and hygiene level of the venue is further enhanced by additional finer filters in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to regulate and maintain good air quality within the Centre.

The Centre has also deployed a series of virtual solutions for event organisers ranging from remote site-visits and artificially-intelligent digital concierge (website chatbot) to providing virtual and hybrid event studios with ground breaking technologies accompanied by a team of experts and all supporting services and infrastructure for a digital event pivot, all under one roof.

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GLOBAL NEWS

November 2021

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iven the dynamic environment driven by COVID-19 and border policies, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has produced an updated third-quarter 2021 forecast for international visitor arrivals into 39 Asia Pacific destinations.

The latest forecast at the overall regional level projects a nominal decrease in rate of recovery compared with the forecast provided in June. Given the complexity and uncertainty of the factors driving travel recovery, the forecast provides the range of three scenarios – mild, medium and severe. These latest updates show a range of results, with predicted arrivals numbers for 2021 ranging from 154.8 million under the mild scenario to 65.5 million under the severe scenario.

“Travel recovery remains volatile and variable across destinations in all regions. These conditions are testing the agility of governments and businesses as well as any pent-up consumer interest to travel,” said PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera.

“A return to travel will be impacted by complex factors in both the source markets and destinations. As each government weighs the difficult balance between opening up livelihoods and economies with public health risk management, we can expect a different tourism ecosystem to emerge from the pandemic.”

PATA Updated Visitor Forecasts 2021-2023: Travel Recovery To Be Uneven And Highly Variable Per Sub-region traveller interests have evolved, now is the time to reinvent products, reinforce destination readiness, communicate health and safety preparedness and expand interest in lesser-known destinations. Now is the time to define

the future of travel more positively with responsible travel elements.,” added Ms. Ortiguera.

What you will learn from this report Ÿ

Forecast updates by region and subregion to reflect the latest status on

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel and tourism trends in the Asia Pacific region Ÿ Scenario forecast updates for all 39 destinations to support the development of recovery strategies post-COVID-19 PATA International members have exclusive access to the recording of the recent webinar, PATA Visitor Forecast Updates – Recovery Paths for Asia, which included expert speakers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, TCI Research, ForwardKeys, and STR. The speakers provided further insights on Asia Pacific travel-related sentiments, an overview of international arrivals to Asia Pacific including future bookings to the region, and insights on current hotel booking and demand towards Q4 2021 and Q1 2022.

The statistics broken down at a subregional level demonstrate significant variability across the various sub-regions demonstrating the unevenness of the recovery. Nevertheless, the Pacific will have the highest recovery rates in the mild and medium scenarios over the forecast period: mild (102.6%), medium (78.2%), while the Americas will see the highest recovery rate (54.8%) in the severe scenario.

“PATA continues to support its members in navigating through this challenging recovery. As market conditions open and

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GLOBAL NEWS

November 2021

IBTM World Barcelona Launches Enhanced Safety Protocol Ahead Of In-person Event

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BTM World Barcelona has revealed the health and safety measures for its in-person event, which this year will take place between 30 November – 2 December at Fira Barcelona.

The business events industry is preparing to reconnect in-person in the Catalonian capital for three days packed with inspiring education, quality one-to-one business meetings and networking while respecting a robust set of safety measures. All attendees are encouraged to plan their travel to the venue and print their badges ahead of time to allow for a smooth entry at the event.

Inside the venue, attendees are required to wear masks and maintain a 1.5 metre social distancing as per the current Spanish regulations. Exhibitors will incorporate this requirement into their stand design and stand demonstrations will be one-to-one to avoid congregations. Other measures in place include increased ventilation incorporating outdoor fresh air, hand

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sanitiser stations and the highest standards of cleaning before, during and after the event.

IBTM World Barcelona is a forum to connect with existing contacts as well as create valuable new ones, and an elbow bump is the recommended greeting to ensure a safe, seamless and productive event experience for all attendees. Event health and safety precautionary guidelines are subject to change as directed by the local authorities.

David Thompson, Event Director, said: “It has been exciting to see the incredible response and appetite from our community to get back to doing business in person. Our primary focus this year

remains on the safety of our exhibitors, partners, visitors and employees so that everyone involved has a fantastic and fruitful event experience. We are cutting no corners and we will apply all safety guidelines and regulations with the utmost diligence to ensure attendees can wholeheartedly and confidently focus on the power of doing business face-to-face and benefit from the practical takeaways and business relations acquired on the show floor.”

Kerry Prince, Brand Director, RX (the organisers of IBTM World), said: “Having already successfully run a series of events in 2021 as part of our RX portfolio, we have been able to take some of the learnings from those shows and apply them to the strategic planning of IBTM World. Our team has worked extensively with industry peers to create a safe working standard called “All Secure” for holding events in a COVIDimpacted world, and IBTM is working closely with the local authorities and the Fira Barcelona to implement all other necessary precautions.”

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November 2021

Los Angeles Ushers In A New Era Of Professional Meetings And Events As City-wide Conventions Safely Resume

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rofessional meetings and events have officially started their comeback in Los Angeles. Earlier this month the destination hosted its first City Wide convention since the start of the pandemic, welcoming more than 2,800 attendees for the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) at its Annual Meeting and OTO Expo.

Taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, AAO-HNSF contracted with 14 hotels in Downtown L.A. and the events resulted in an economic impact of $9.2 million.

“Downtown Los Angeles is once again filled with the buzz and energy that only comes from group business,” said Darren Green, Chief Sales Officer of Los Angeles Tourism. “We’ve worked diligently to ensure professional meetings and events are brought back in a safe and responsible manner. It was an honor to host this incredible group of medical practitioners in Los Angeles and their success bodes well for the future of meetings and events in our City of Angels.”

“This meeting was made possible by the extraordinary collaboration we received

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from the Los Angeles Convention Center and LA Tourism throughout the entire process,” said Dr. James Denneny III, Executive Vice President and CEO of AAO-HNS. “They were instrumental in helping us choose our special event venues and COVID-19 monitoring services and identifying enthusiastic local staffing, which contributed greatly to our success. They delivered on all promises and our experience overall was even better than we had hoped for under the fluctuating conditions. Our attendees routinely praised the facilities, service, and safety throughout the meeting.”

“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the wonderful individuals associated with planning and executing a most memorable 125th anniversary meeting in Los Angeles. We look forward to our return in 2029.” Throughout the pandemic, L.A. has placed the health of visitors and residents as a top priority, allowing the destination to grow a reputation as a safe destination for professional meetings and events.

Vaccination rates in Los Angeles County are higher than the national average and public health orders allow for group business to be conducted in a safe

manner. In May, Los Angeles Tourism also became the first Destination Marketing Organization to partner with CLEAR Health Pass, offering planners a turn-key solution to that will enable them to verify attendees’ vaccine and testing status. Conventions represent a significant economic impact for L.A. In 2018, citywide conventions held at LACC drew more than 400,000 attendees who booked 401,154 room nights and generated $341.7 million in direct spending. “City wide conventions are crucial for the recovery of Downtown Los Angeles,” said Ellen Schwartz, General Manager of the Los Angeles Convention Center. “The success of our first city wide event since before the pandemic proves that we are ready and able to deliver safe event experiences for large groups.”

AAO-HNSF marks the start of L.A.’s return to citywide conventions with four additional events on the books for the calendar year including Linux Foundation – KubeCon and CloudNativeCon, GSMA Mobile World Congress, The McCourt Foundation LA Marathon and the National Science Teaching Association NSTA Area Conference.

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November 2021

IMEX America 2021: Turning Point For The Regeneration Of The Global Meetings And Events Industry

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fter a busy week defined by an overwhelming feeling of “it’s good to be back”, IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom, and CEO, Carina Bauer were joined on the podium at the IMEX America closing press conference by Steve Hill, CEO and President of the LVCVA; Paul VanDeventer, President and CEO of MPI and Stephanie Glanzer, Chief Sales Officer & Senior Vice President at MGM Resorts International.

Ray marked the 10th edition of IMEX America with his traditional recap of business statistics from the week, “Over 3,300 buyers were here this week, the vast majority of them hosted buyers. We also had over 2,200 exhibiting companies representing 200-plus countries.

Appointments were around 50,000 and feedback shows they produced strong business for exhibitors. Also notable was the quality of business and RFPs coming from walk-up appointments by attendee buyers.“ Carina expanded upon the business demand demonstrated during the week.

“It’s been heart-warming and joyful to

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hear so many come-back stories. London & Partners, our friends here today, the LVCVA, and dozens more, including hotel groups such as Mandarin Oriental, have all reported strong business pipelines right through Q3 next year and into 2025. This IMEX week has given us all reason to believe the industry’s future is bright.

The mood in the room was upbeat as every member of the panel shared success stories and paid tribute to the resilience and adaptability of the global business events industry, as demonstrated at IMEX America by the sheer scale and scope of this year’s show after close to two years of industry shutdown.

Innovation and initiative As always, IMEX America offers a wealth of initiatives and opportunities in addition to face to face business. This week they included over 200 education sessions, new education tracks, a new People & Planet Village with a ‘misfit’ fruit and vegetable juice bar plus sustainability sessions; a Tech Therapy Area and a daily wellbeing programme

which featured the traditional #IMEXrun on Wednesday morning.

World-class experts and speakers, specialist education for corporate, association and agency executives together with workshops and programmes for students and faculty topped off a busy reunion week.

Carina summed up, “Like so many of you, our team worked long and hard to make IMEX America 2021 come to fruition. We were buoyed up knowing you were watching, waiting and willing it into life because it means so much for our global industry. We couldn’t have done it without you. More importantly we do it for you because we believe so strongly in the economic value and positive impact of this industry all over the world. This week has signalled that – collectively – we’re back, and we’re back in business. Even if you weren’t in the room, we know you felt it from afar.”

The dates for IMEX America 2022 were confirmed as October 11 – 13, with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on October 10.

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November 2021

60th Annual Congress By The ICCA Showcases A Brighter, Bolder Future For The Association Meetings Industry

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uring the first face-to-face meeting for the global association meetings industry since the start of the pandemic, more than 1200 delegates from 83 countries came together across five cities and a cutting-edge virtual platform. The 60th Annual Congress by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), held 24-27 October 2021, delivered a unique and expansive programme that set a new standard for business events.

The entire event brought more than 100 hours of live content and 120 worldclass speakers to the stage.

Industry’s future on display during trailblazing event Under the theme “Forward to our Future”, the Congress demonstrated what delegates can anticipate from business meetings of tomorrow. The hub-and-spoke model featured live events in the Congress host city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia and Congress Hubs in Abu Dhabi, UAE; Paris, France; Nagaski, Japan; Seoul, Republic of South Korea; and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Delegates benefited from a global educational programme and sessions tailored to the regional business events industry of their Congress Hub. Those who joined on the virtual platform enjoyed a seamless experience with dynamic learning and networking opportunities. The host destination Cartagena de Indias staged a memorable congress and the respective Congress Hub hosts showcased creative events.

“We are very pleased with the success of

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and the entire meeting industry stakeholders for their extensive support and commitment. The education committee of the congress for their futuristic input, Maritz global events for designing the programme and Kenes group for creating a cutting edge technology platform.”

Delegates take a deep dive into collaborative transformation the 60th ICCA Congress, which was a showcase of building global communities. More than 300 of the world’s leading international associations have now experienced the new possibilities in event organisation,” said Senthil Gopinath, ICCA CEO. Flexible registration allowed people to change their registration type up until two weeks before the Congress without incurring an additional fee. As a result, the ICCA Congress attracted a record number of delegates during a time when many are still dealing with travel uncertainty.

“With the re-opening of business in certain parts of the world, it's evident that our industry is getting back faster than expected in organising face-to-face events. While the tools and strategies will continue to evolve, we do anticipate associations to include best practices and technological advances in future meetings. As such, our aim for this Congress was to blaze a trail for our industry’s way forward, together, into our revised future,” Gopinath said.

“I take this opportunity to thank ProColombia, the local host committee

A revolutionary component of the educational programme honed in on current meta trends shaping the business events industry and the world.

Meta trends are drivers of change that influence trends and megatrends. The panel sessions brought together experts from diverse fields and leading companies such as McKinsey, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., bestselling author Josh Linkner, Chilean activist Julia Martinez, and many more. The speakers provided global and regional perspectives into these eight meta trends: innovation, agility and collaboration; sustainability; organisational culture; the future of work; consumer choice and event experience; future generation; diversity and inclusion; community building; and the impact of technology.

“The crucial and eye-opening conversations revealed that our industry is at the forefront of the critical issues that are shaping our future. Not only are we aware of the meta trends, we are leading the charge and catalysing real change. For example, our industry is deepening our commitment to becoming a more inclusive and sustainable industry,” stated Gopinath.

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