Australian destinations compete for growing Indian MICE market

November 18, 2024

Even though traditionally Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast have been popular as incentive travel destinations for Indian corporate groups, CVBs in other Australian cities are now gearing up to claim a bigger share of the pie.

Earlier this month, Tourism Australia led a delegation of 15 CEOs representing all of its state and territory tourism organisations including convention bureaus to India, calling at New Delhi and Mumbai. These leaders were determined to raise their destination profile among event buyers.

Mack: more requests from Indian event planners for other Australian cities

“The incentive travel segment has been driving the Indian outbound MICE growth. Destinations like Sydney and Melbourne remain popular among incentive travel groups from India, but we are now also seeing requests for other parts of Australia. With the help of our CEO delegation, we are creating awareness about larger incentive travel experiences available across Australia,” Robin Mack, executive general manager, commercial and business events, Tourism Australia, told TTGmice.

Building on enhanced direct air connectivity – expanding from eight flights in 2019 to 25 today – along with a digitised visa process, Australia has benefitted from a surge in corporate event demand from India. Currently, this demand is growing at a year-on-year rate of six to seven per cent.

“Indian travellers are becoming much more experienced and looking to explore destinations beyond Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. Our proximity to Sydney holds us in good stead as Indian incentive travellers are looking at multi-destination trips. A three-night Sydney and two-night Canberra itinerary is a perfect scenario for us,” said Michael Matthews, CEO, Canberra Convention Bureau, who added that interest is rising from smaller groups of 30 to 80 pax.

However, Matthews said his city is ready for more – as many as 500 pax per group.

n, in association with India-based Venture Marketing, also hosted an event in New Delhi on last week. Drawing some 70 event planners and corporates, the event highlighted various products and experiences available for incentive travel groups visiting Adelaide.

Damien Kitto, CEO, Business Events Adelaide, said: “We believe that Adelaide has many experiences to offer corporate clients in India. I am very confident over the next 12 months Adelaide will host many Indian MICE groups. Some of the experiences that we are keen to promote includes meet-and-greet activities with former Test cricketers at Adelaide Oval ground or visits to Monarto Safari Park.”

Business Events Adelaide is also engaging with Indian carriers like IndiGo and Air India to introduce direct flights to the city.

Face-to-face meetings lead to higher revenues, more deals: Accor study

By TTG India

November 18, 2024

0

New research from Accor has found “undeniable” proof of the value face-to-face meetings bring to business performance. Insights from 9,000 professionals around the world said revenue could increase by 36% if all important meetings were conducted in person, and agreed that human connection fostered by in-person interactions is significantly more effective in driving business success and performance.

A striking 85% of respondents expected that prioritising in-person meetings would significantly boost their revenue, with an average projected increase of 36% over the next year. This statistic highlights the tangible business benefits of face-to-face meetings, suggesting that companies looking to enhance their commercial performance might want to rethink their approach to client interactions.

One respondent stated: “Business professionals expect to close 37% more deals if they were able to conduct all their important meetings face-to-face.” This sentiment was shared by a majority of the professionals surveyed, with 81% indicating they believed they would achieve better business outcomes if they could prioritise in-person meetings.

Understanding that in-person meetings are an investment, 35% of professionals globally agreed meeting in person is worth the investment in both time and costs. Ninety-two per cent of professionals agreed meetings were important with external clients while 85% of workers agreed face-to-face interaction was important with internal colleagues.

In fact, respondents believed that one in-person meeting bore the same impact as three virtual meetings.

Around 41% agreed that face-to-face interactions were more effective for business, particularly when it came to sales, closing deals, and overall business success. Nearly 40% emphasised the importance of in-person meetings for their work, with 38% noting that the investment in time and costs was worthwhile.

Furthermore, 37% believed in-person meetings were key to fostering company culture, while 35% reported higher attendee engagement during these interactions.

However, 33% acknowledged that virtual meetings made it more difficult to build personal relationships, underscoring the value of physical presence in the professional world.

The primary driver of business travel was commercial, with 34% of professionals stating that closing a deal was their main travel purpose, closely followed by client (31%) and contract negotiations (30%).

A significant 68% favoured conducting client presentations in person, compared to just 17% who preferred virtual formats. Site inspections showed an even stronger preference for in-person involvement, with 77% choosing this method.

Looking ahead, the research suggests that the hybrid business model is now the norm. As businesses continue to rely on digital solutions, the human touch provided by face-to-face meetings will remain an irreplaceable aspect of closing deals and fostering strong business relationships. While digital tools offer convenience and global connectivity, they cannot fully replicate the effectiveness of personal interactions.

Cruise tourism in Asia rebounds with strong growth and new opportunities

By Rosa Ocampo

November 18, 2024

0

Asia’s cruise tourism is seeing a rebound, both as a source market and as a destination, with opportunities for the return of international deployments and new homeporting, according to industry experts at Seatrade Cruise Asia 2024, co-located with Seatrade Crew Connect Global in Manila.

Ted Blamey, principal at Chart Management Consultants, revealed that Singapore’s recovery “has been exceptional since last year” with 817,000 cruise passengers – two and a half times the 2019 level – the largest in all Asia.

Asia’s cruise tourism rebounds with new opportunities, say experts at Seatrade Cruise Asia 2024; photo by Seatrade Cruise Asia

India reached a record 374,000 passengers, making it the second-largest cruise market in Asia, followed by Malaysia with 350,000 passengers, nearly three times the 2019 volume. Indonesia and the Philippines also saw notable growth, though on a smaller scale.

Blamey noted the return of mainstream international cruise lines to Asia, including Norwegian Cruise Line’s four ships this year and next, Carnival Corp’s four brands, the new Disney Adventure arriving in Singapore in December 2025, and various upscale and luxury international lines.

Key priorities shaping the future of Asia’s cruise market include growing the market sustainably, engaging with local communities, and enhancing the guest experience.

On sustainability and green cruises, Oliviero Morelli, president of Japan, South Korea, South East Asia for MSC Group’s cruise division, stated that Asian destinations must match the efforts made by the cruise industry. While many Asian ports maintain high standards, there is still significant work to be done, and some destinations may not yet be fully prepared.

Noting advances in technology, infrastructure, and sustainable practices in other continents, Seatrade Cruise group portfolio director Mary Bond suggested learning from successful peers in the industry.

“Sometimes, it’s not bad to copy the homework of somebody else,” she quipped.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises president, Tsunemichi Mukai, emphasised the need to balance growth with environmental and community concerns, advocating for greater guest awareness of sustainability and the importance of preventing over-tourism in destinations.

In parts of Asia where sea travel is regarded as a mode of transport rather than a vacation, the speakers recommended raising awareness among travelers, transport providers, and local communities in homeports about the advantages of cruise tourism.

To enhance the guest experience, speakers urged cruise operators to focus on every detail for a seamless, enjoyable holiday, while developing new itineraries and creating programmes tailored to the Asian market.

They highlighted South-east Asia as an largely untapped market, with Singapore and Malaysia offering well-developed airports and ports, key for fly-cruise operations and enhancing guest experiences. Bangkok, with its strong airport and infrastructure, also shows great potential for homeporting.

UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages 2024 sees 55 rural communities shaping the future of sustainable travel

By TTG India

November 18, 2024

0

UN Tourism has recognised 55 villages in this year’s Best Tourism Villages initiative, with another 20 villages chosen to join the Upgrade Programme.

This fourth edition adds 75 new members – chosen from over 260 applications from more than 60 UN Tourism Member States – bringing the total to 254 villages, making it the largest community of rural destinations in the world.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative recognises the achievements of these villages and highlights the transformative power of tourism

The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative was launched in 2021 to advance tourism’s role in rural areas, preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions.

As in previous editions, the villages were evaluated under nine key areas: cultural and natural resources, promotion and conservation of cultural resources, economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, tourism development and value chain integration, governance and prioritisation of tourism, infrastructure and connectivity, as well as health, safety, and security.

This year, seven villages from the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme have achieved recognition as Best Tourism Villages, including Capulálpam de Méndez (Mexico), Grand Baie (Mauritius), Kalopanagiotis (Cyprus), Pissouri (Cyprus), Ruboni (Uganda), Bo Suak (Thailand), and Trevelin (Argentina).

The 20 villages selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme this year comprise Breb, Romania; Campo Ramón, Argentina; Cap Malheureux, Mauritius; Cascas, Peru; Choshuenco, Chile; Dhudmaras, India; Lens, Switzerland; Malalcahuello, Chile; Mexcaltitán de Uribe, Mexico; Mittelberg, Austria; Pals, Spain; Piedades Sur, Costa Rica; Polovragi, Romania; San Juan Bautista, Chile; Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala; Seonhakdong, Republic of Korea; Shirayama, Japan; St. Leonhard in Pitztal, Austria; Yamakoshi, Japan; and Yörük, Türkiye.

“Tourism is a vital tool for inclusion, empowering rural communities to protect and value their rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable development,” said UN Tourism secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili. “By leveraging their unique assets, these communities can foster economic growth, promote local traditions, and enhance the quality of life for their residents. We celebrate the villages that have embraced tourism as a pathway to empowerment and community well-being, demonstrating that sustainable practices can lead to a brighter future for all.”

The call for submissions for its fifth edition will take place in early 2025.

Club Med’s all-inclusive offering stirs corporate event interest

By Karen Yue

November 18, 2024

0

One year on from kicking off a business events-focused strategy in 2023, Club Med has seen a 30 per cent increase in business this year, with forward sales and pipeline bookings looking extremely strong.

Rachael Harding, chief executive officer of East, South Asia and Pacific, at the company, attributed the strong pick-up to the brand’s all-inclusive feature and opportunity to charter the entire resort – or island, if the property is in the Maldives.

Harding: logistical convenience and no surprise fees with Club Med’s all-inclusive feature

In an interview with TTGmice last week at Club Med Kani in the Maldives, which hosted a brand and property showcase for almost 200 journalists, content creators and key opinion leaders from around the world, Harding said: “People want ease and convenience. At Club Med, event organisers only have to deal with us, not with multiple parties to put an event or a conference together.

“The second reason (for the growing interest in meeting at a Club Med resort) is the lack of hidden cost. It is common for events to have their budget blown due to add-ons. With our all-inclusive feature, an event at Club Med has access to all sorts of activities and all-day F&B without surprise fees.

“Then, of course, we have the Club Med Live entertainment programme. Our artists can create the desired ambience for the group, and event organisers do not have to go out and source for entertainers themselves.”

Club Med Live has been in place for six months, and has amassed 3,000 artists, musicians, poets, and more across its resorts around the world. They not only provide musical entertainment, like DJ sets and singers, but also conduct poetry reading, craft workshops, and more for resort guests.

Harding said that while every resort would have around two Club Med Live artists on site for a fixed period each time, event organisers could consult with resort coordinators for additional entertainers.

She added that Club Med’s Rent A Resort option, which involves booking out the entire resort, is loved by corporate clients for its flexibility to customise resort crew outfits, entertainment, activities, and F&B themes.

While business event take-up and enquiries are rising steadily, it has only been recently that larger corporate group movements have returned.

“It certainly took people a while to build up those results (business performance to quality for rewards) post-Covid,” Harding reasoned.

Club Med Tomamu – Hokkaido recently welcomed an incentive travel event led by a South Korean company. It was the resort’s top-grossing event, as the client activated the Rent A Resort option for 28 days, with thousands of attendees arriving in waves.

In May 2023, a direct-selling company from Taiwan led 523 top achievers to Club Med Kani and its luxurious sister property, Club Med Finolhu Villas for a three-night incentive retreat. While this was not a Rent A Resort activation, the properties were able to apply the client’s corporate branding on site and arrange a private cocktail and theatre usage for the group.

Harding said Club Med resorts are ready for corporate groups, especially those that prioritise sustainable experiences and wellness elements. Event packages feature meaningful activities, such as beach clean-ups and conservation talks, while attendees can participate in fitness pursuits – such as yoga or padel games – together or individually.

Come 1Q2025, Club Med will unveil a “whole new branding for MICE”.

Meanwhile, with Club Med’s expanding property portfolio and extensive property renovations, Harding said corporate clients have a lot more options to choose from. The company welcomed the opening of Club Med Kiroro Peak in 2022 and Club Med Kiroro Grand in 2023, both in Hokkaido, Japan. Club Med Kiroro Peak will be elevated to the Exclusive Collection this December. Club Med Borneo in Malaysia will open end of 2025, along with Club Med Heilongtan and Club Med LongWu in China.

The group’s popular Asian resorts in Phuket, Thailand; Kani, Maldives; Bali and Bintan in Indonesia; and Cherating, Malaysia will also undergo and complete renovations soon.

BWH Hotels signs new BW Premier Collection resort in Vietnam

By TTG India

November 18, 2024

0

BWH Hotels has expanded its portfolio in Vietnam with the signing of a new BW Premier Collection resort on the beach in Phan Thiet.

The Costamigo Phan Thiet, BW Premier Collection will join BWH Hotels’ expanding portfolio in Vietnam, which currently includes four Best Western Premier branded properties in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and Ha Long, with more hotels and resorts in the pipeline.

The Costamigo Phan Thiet, BW Premier Collection adds to BWH Hotels’ expanding portfolio in Vietnam

The new beachside resort is located in Vietnam’s Binh Thuan province, and is just a 2.5 hour’s drive from Ho Chi Minh City. It will offer a selection of villas and rooms, all fully equipped with modern amenities, as well as facilities such as a restaurant, beach bar, cabanas, swimming pool, and a stage for beachfront events.

Travellers can also explore the destination’s natural scenery, including lush forests and sand dunes, along with fishing villages, temples, golf courses, and long coastal roads.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of the Costamigo Phan Thiet, BW Premier Collection, which marks the latest phase of our development strategy in Vietnam, one of BWH Hotels’ key Asian markets. With its beachfront location and collection of spacious villas and accommodations, this exceptional resort is set to become a popular option for guests on short breaks or extended vacations,” said Olivier Berrivin, vice president – APAC, BWH Hotels.

Brilliant by Langham’s members earn more miles with Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Air China, and China Eastern

By TTG India

November 18, 2024

0

Langham Hospitality Group’s (LHG) loyalty platform Brilliant by Langham (Brilliant) has launched its Have a Brilliant Flight points-to-miles conversion programme, allowing Brilliant members to convert their membership points to airline miles for Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Air China, and China Eastern Airlines.

Since the launch of Brilliant early this year, members have been able to experience personalised journeys across 33 participating hotels under LHG’s brands. Brilliant offers personalised experiences based on members’ preferences, along with member-only room rates and more. Signing up for Brilliant is free, and members earn award points for stays and use of amenities, as well as enhance their benefits by progressing through membership tiers.

Have a Brilliant Flight allows members to convert their points to airline miles for four major airlines

To celebrate the launch of the programme, LHG is introducing a limited-time Bonus Miles offer for members to earn extra miles from now to January 31, 2025. There is also a social media story-sharing campaign from now to December 15 where members can share their most memorable travel experiences on Facebook and Instagram for a chance to receive up to 1,000,000 miles.

Lawrence Ng, senior vice president of sales and marketing at LHG, commented: “This key milestone marks our commitment to enriching member experiences through airline partnerships with four leading airlines that represent the world’s three major airline alliances, Oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance – together, we’re creating a more rewarding travel experience that truly shines.”

Club Med’s all-inclusive offering stirs corporate event interest

By Karen Yue

November 18, 2024

0

One year on from kicking off a business events-focused strategy in 2023, Club Med has seen a 30 per cent increase in business this year, with forward sales and pipeline bookings looking extremely strong.

Rachael Harding, chief executive officer of East, South Asia and Pacific, at the company, attributed the strong pick-up to the brand’s all-inclusive feature and opportunity to charter the entire resort – or island, if the property is in the Maldives.