Altabriza Resort Boracay welcomes Teody Espallardo back as director of sales and marketing, who had previously served in the same position at sister properties Altamare Dive and Leisure Resort Anilao in Batangas and Altaroca Mountain Resort in Antipolo.
Espallardo was also the director of sales at Sunlight Hotels and Resorts which has three properties in Coron, Culion and Puerto Princesa, all in Palawan.
Guillaume Gallas has taken the reins of Mondrian Singapore Duxton.
Gallas has over twenty years of experience across numerous destinations, including London, Tokyo, Dubai, Hong Kong, Macao, Beijing, and Sultanate of Oman.
Having worked with Alain Ducasse for seven years at the acclaimed Hotel de Paris in Monaco, and in London and Hong Kong, Gallas has a deep-rooted passion for all things culinary and has already been working with the Mondrian team on new menu offerings.
Recent travel disruptions, including the severe floods that forced Dubai International Airport to halt operations, and the disastrous impact of severe air turbulence on Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways, have highlighted the growing importance of business event (BE) liability insurance.
Frequent extreme weather due to climate change has been suggested as a possible reason for these occurrences. However, those seeking ways to mitigate risk find a significant gap in available solutions, and BE liability insurance remains a complex issue.
Michael Duck, executive vice president commercial development of Informa Markets and Informa Group explained that all insurance matters are handled directly from their head office in London. The group has a contract with Lloyds of London, which quotes for Informa’s global business every few years, and any claims are processed through the head office.
Duck shared that in the past, Informa made claims for the SARS outbreak (which occurred in Guangdong Province and spread to almost 30 countries, resulting in over 8,000 cases and nearly 1,000 fatalities in 2002) and the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks (which claimed the lives of more than 150 individuals and injured over 300). However, like many other event companies, Informa could not obtain coverage for the Covid-19 outbreak. Some smaller companies did get coverage, as they had not claimed for SARS.
Daniel Chua, CEO of experiential communications agency Aonia, called for “clear rules” on coverage required by suppliers, clients, and participants as part of a pre-event guide.
Chua, whose company specialises in branding and integrated marketing campaigns for meetings, incentives, and luxury product launches, opined that the mindset on BE liability insurance is “nice to have just in case.”
While shows like IBTM World in Barcelona feature BE liability insurance exhibitors, Chua commented: “There is no such thing as a chief risk officer in BE.”
He continued: “Insuring an entire event is very complex, and there is no guarantee it will be covered. As an organiser of small events, there have been no issues so far, but there are glaring gaps in BE liability insurance.”
Kenny Goh, founder of MICE Neurol, told TTGmice he sees an opportunity to add BE liability insurance as a new service his company can offer.
“Unlike the data available in the motor vehicle insurance industry, the BE industry is not mature. Actuaries, who develop methods to measure risks and analyse trends, do not fully understand the risks faced by the BE industry,” he explained.
Goh added that this is also true for underwriters who use actuarial findings to determine risk and decide if clients qualify for insurance policies. For example, Lloyds of London applies actuarial findings to determine client qualifications, but a lot of data is required to create these insurance packages.
He continued: “Insurance companies do not know what to cover and what event organisers want to be insured for. They also lack domain knowledge of BEs, which we possess, and we understand the complexities.”
As a starting point, Goh emphasised the importance of understanding the highs and lows of operational risk assessment when structuring an event, as dimensions of risk vary.
“If the insurance company cannot define the terms, write the policy, and set limits, then it does not know how much to charge. And if there are not many takers, the risk cannot be spread, and the buying fee will be high,” he added.
Goh believes that every organiser will face greater risk due to extreme weather, cybersecurity threats, and technology breakdowns.
“If you cannot define it, you cannot insure against it,” he stated. “The urgency is increasing because the range of problems is expanding.”
He also mentioned that MICE Neurol could provide a BE liability insurance service using generative artificial intelligence, which is relatively low in cost.
He urged industry associations, CVBs, and events stakeholders to take action and get the ball rolling to help develop comprehensive business event insurance solutions.
Sri Lankan opposition politicians are backing protests by local travel trade players against a new but confusing and pricier visa scheme that is said to be secured through a fraudulent deal.
The new visa scheme was introduced by Sri Lankan authorities in April 2024, with VFS Global signed on to handle visa processing and facilitation. Under the new arrangement, visa fees are hiked up to US$100 per visitor; it was US$50 previously for a 30-day visa, which included a facilitation fee of US$25.
Travel trade players warned that the new scheme would lead to a drop in tourist arrivals. They made their case in a joint petition, pointing to strong arrivals in November 2023 and January 2024 that fell off after mid-April 2024 when Sri Lanka introduced the controversial VFS Global Visa system. April arrivals dipped below 2017 levels and continued to fall ending May and June below 2015 levels.
Industry protests have so far led the authorities to reverse visa fees to US$50, including a facilitation fee of US$10 in May.
However, citizens of seven countries – India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia – who are entitled to free visas, are still required to pay a facilitation fee of US$10 per entry.
On July 26, six tourism organisations including the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) filed action in the Supreme Court pleading that their “fundamental rights” had been violated by the new scheme. They are against the new visa pricing and confusing procedures.
SLAITO president Nishad Wijetunga said the new visa system was complicated and confusing. From having to deal with just 10 to 11 questions previously, visa applicants must now answer around 30 questions. Furthermore, visa applicants who log into the Sri Lanka Immigration Department website are now redirected to the VFS Global website, where they are asked for the country they intend to travel to, which Nishad felt was confusing.
THASL president M Shanthikumar said the website was not user-friendly and added that travellers from India, Sri Lanka’s biggest source market, have raised genuine concerns.
Separately, three politicians from the main parliamentary opposition have also filed suits in the Supreme Court claiming their rights had been infringed on by what they perceived as a corrupt and fraudulent deal.
The authorities have dismissed claims of fraud in the transaction with VFS Global.
The scheme also raised security concerns. A visitor who was issued a visa was also sent via email details of another applicant. Erroneous visa communications is another reason politicians have headed to court, citing security flaws.
The northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is looking to collaborate with governments across South Asia and South-east Asia to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) towards the development of tourism infrastructure at its Buddhist sites.
Its lures are land banks at destinations including Kushinagar, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Sankisa, and Kaushambi, which will be used to develop monasteries and accommodation units. At press time, the Uttar Pradesh government has already allocated two acres of land in Varanasi to the Bhutan government for the construction of temples and guesthouses.
To bring attention to its initiatives, the state government recently organised the Bodhi Yatra conclave in New Delhi, showcasing its various Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. It was attended by envoys and representatives from various countries including Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
Mukesh Meshram, principal secretary of the department of tourism and culture, government of Uttar Pradesh, said: “Our goal is to strengthen spiritual and cultural connections with South Asian and South-east Asian countries. We invite these countries to invest in the hospitality and tourism sectors at our Buddhist sites.”
Industry stakeholders told TTG India that Uttar Pradesh, home also to the iconic Taj Mahal, needed to diversify its product offerings. They agreed that promoting Buddhist sites was a step in the right direction.
Sarbendra Sarkar, founder and managing director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said: “Promoting Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist sites in South-east Asia and South Asian markets will significantly boost international tourism and diversify the state’s tourism appeal. The development of country-specific monasteries and accommodation units at key Buddhist sites will create a sense of familiarity and comfort for international visitors, enhancing their overall experience and encouraging longer stays.”
Earlier this year, the tourism department of Uttar Pradesh hosted an event in Bangkok to promote Buddhist tourism.
Local tour operators would like to see more being done to attract Asian travellers.
Sushil Kumar Singh, managing director of Varanasi based Jatak Travels, suggested the establishment of a dedicated Buddhist tourism promotion committee to exclusively promote Buddhist tourism in overseas markets.
“Apart from government participation, the committee should include representatives from the private sector, such as hotels and inbound tour operators,” said Singh.
Sarkar also underlined the urgency to bring more “modern amenities and facilities” into Buddhist sites, so as to make them “more accessible and appealing to a global audience”.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport, recognised as one of the busiest international hub in China, will install SITA’s common-use self-service bag drops (SBD) and kiosks for foreign airlines and their passengers to speed up passenger processing.
Half of the airport’s total passenger traffic is made up of international travellers, and numbers are set to rise as more international routes reopen post-pandemic. As such, there is a pressing need for faster and easier operations at the airport.
The contract will see the deployment of 52 kiosks and 14 SBDs across the airport, allowing international passengers to independently check in early before counters open.
Coming up next, SITA will work with Shanghai Pudong airport to enhance end-to-end self-services through a low-touch, safe environment, which is also in line with the airport’s digital transformation strategy.
Sumesh Patel, president, SITA APAC, said: “As air travel booms globally, and airports see a massive surge in travellers, there is an increased need for technology that can speed up the boarding process, reducing delays and traffic for passengers.”
Race promoter Singapore GP has unveiled a stunning entertainment line-up for the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 this September, with big names such as OneRepublic, Kylie Minogue, Lenny Kravitz, Disclosure (DJ), The Corrs, Kool & the Gang, Tones & I, and BabyMonster set to fire up trackside action.
Visitors to the races can expect over 100 hours of entertainment across 12 stages.
These global big names will take to the stage across the three-day races. OneRepublic will perform on September 20 at Zone 4 Padang Stage, while The Corrs will take over Zone 1 Wharf Stage on September 21.
The entertainment line-up also features other international acts such as Dean Lewis (Australia), MOS (Japan), Rangga Jones (Indonesia), and The Astronauts (Singapore),
The full entertainment schedule is available on the event website.
Additional tickets have been released with single-day walkabout tickets now available.
The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 will take place from September 20 to 22.
Accor has come together with Kylian Mbappé, French professional footballer and catalyst for youth empowerment, to take the latter’s Inspired by KM community support activities further through its extensive hospitality network.
The partnership is a long-term commitment that will see Accor provide accommodation support and logistical assistance to Inspired by KM activities.
At the same time, Mbappé will leverage Accor’s expansive reach through awareness activations across the company’s group channels, notably via its ALL-Accor Live Limitless loyalty and distribution platform.
The strategic collaboration will enrich ALL-Accor Live Limitless’s appeal, harnessing Mbappé’s notable influence to attract members and guests while staying true to Accor’s core values.
Mbappé, president of Inspired by KM, said: “Together, we can make a meaningful difference and foster opportunities for a promising future. Our partnership embodies sharing and transmission, making us ambassadors for the younger generation worldwide.”
Sébastien Bazin, chairman & CEO, Accor, underlined the “transformative power of hospitality to create positive change”.
“Our partnership with Kylian Mbappé aligns perfectly with our commitment to making a difference in the communities we serve,” said Bazin.
Guests staying at The Hari Hong Kong this summer can enjoy two new offerings that delve into the Wan Chai district: the Live Like a Local summer package and the Neighbourhood Guide Audio Tour.
The Live Like a Local summer package features a one-night stay, daily breakfast for two, complimentary access to The Hari Neighbourhood Guide Audio Tour, custom gallery tours arranged by PHD Group, a welcome amenity pack, and early check-in at 14.00 and late check-out until 14.00 (subject to availability).
The audio tour offers guests a chance to venture off the beaten path to see a more authentic side of Wan Chai. Expect stops at Foo Tak Building, Villain Hitting, Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, and a local cooked food centre, among many others. All stop are within a two- to 10-minute walk from the hotel, ensuring an effortless and enjoyable adventure.
For more information, email The Hari Hong Kong.
Indonesia’s Komodo National Park will implement periodic closures to protect its fragile ecosystem and ensure long-term sustainability, with these conservation cool-offs expected to start mid-2025.
The exact format of the closure has yet to be decided, stated officials.
Frans Teguh, CEO of Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Board, emphasised the need for the park to regenerate for sustainability, and the goal of the periodic closures is to minimise disruptions to both conservation efforts and the tourism industry.
Frans said efforts would be made to “manage the flow of tourists”.
Several factors have contributed to the decision for the periodic closures. Intense tourism activity has put significant pressure on the park’s natural resources, which need time for recovery.
Additionally, the government aims to diversify tourism within the region. It is promoting other attractions on Flores Island and creating economic opportunities for more local communities. Infrastructure and amenities in Labuan Bajo and Flores have been developing over the last few years, all to disperse travellers beyond the national park. Currently under development is the Parapuar Labuan Bajo, a 400-hectare green space that will comprise zones for culture, recreation, wildlife, and adventure.
Nia Niscaya, a senior advisor at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, acknowledged the challenges posed by the periodic closure, and stressed the importance of public education and communication to ensure understanding and support for the decision.
Nia said the initiative now would pave the way for something better in the future.
She is optimistic that the decision to close Komodo National Park periodically can maintain a healthier Komodo ecosystem in the future.
“This step is part of sustainable, inclusive, and quality development,” she remarked.