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August 2012 PPS 1140 09 2012(022844) WINNER OF PATA GOLD AWARD 2011 AND 2009 Asia-Pacific s leading meetings incentives conventions and exhibitions resource Abu Camp Botswana Dana Allen ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Japan sees the light at last Take a walk in Singapore s new park All systems go for Medan 40 incentive ideas To our readers Out of the office T he August issue of this publication is always a special one. For several years now we ve been running our cover story on top incentive ideas from around the world and each time we do it it puts us in a good mood. It never fails to remind us why incentive travel is a great motivational tool. We think of the many deserving winners out there who have surely gleefully put on their On vacation or Out of the office message and we really wish them a trip they cannot buy off the shelves. In the past that would likely mean something winners could boast about back home that lavish theme party with great entertainment a dream destination so special it s worth the extra sweat to bust the sales target in order to be on it. Those components of incentive travel are still aspects that make this form of travel special compared to ordinary leisure travel. They provide the opportunity for DMCs and event organisers to unleash their imagination creativity and sense of fun. The clientele for DMCs and event organisers has changed however. What used to be a Western-dominated market is now a global market an incentive could comprise winners from say as many as 23 countries compared to fewer countries before as a result of globalisation. Incentive winners are now younger than ever those from India for example can easily bring down the average age of incentive travellers today. Overall it is fair to say winners today are more well-travelled and sophisticated than their predecessors. Post-GFC and with the euro debtcrisis still hanging in the air for many a memorable incentive trip does not constitute bells-andwhistles rather experiences that are meaningful and tailored to their preferences. All this of course has a bearing on DMCs and event organisers since the customer has become more complex has diverse needs isn t so easy to please and can tell what good value is. Creativity used to be enough for DMCs and event planners to stand out. Today they need empathy and perceptiveness as well to be relevant to the new breed of clientele. It s what will separate men from boys among players in the sector. Fortunately a globalised world also brings with it accessibility to even more different and diverse incentive ideas that DMCs and event organisers can use to tailormake programmes for their winners. Just look at the sampling of ideas listed in this year s cover story. We hope it will inspire them to constantly be on the look-out for something fresh and relevant that will make the winner who has that Out of the office return message on his email wish he could be on vacation a lot longer. Raini Hamdi Senior editor Creativity used to be enough for DMCs and event organisers to stand out. Today they need empathy and perceptiveness as well to be relevant to the new breed of clientele. August 2012 TTGmice 1 AUGUST.2012 As incentive travellers become more sophisticated and well-travelled event planners can heave a sigh of relief that a globalised world has brought with it accessibility to more exciting ideas to spur winners to greater heights. By Raini Hamdi Karen Yue Linda Haden Patricia Wee and Prudence Lui 40 incentive ideas 9 COUNTRY REPORTS COVER STORY www.ttgmice.com EDITORIAL Yue (email karen.yue ttgasia.com) DEPUTY GROUP EDITOR Gracia Chiang (email gracia.chiang ttgasia.com) EDITOR TTG ASIA ONLINE Brian Higgs (email brian.higgs ttgasia.com) SENIOR REPORTER Linda Haden (email linda.haden ttgasia.com) EDITOR INDONESIA Mimi Hudoyo (email idmfasia cbn.net.id) EDITOR MALAYSIA BRUNEI S Puvaneswary (email puvanes ttgasia.com) SUB EDITORS Liang Xinyi Jayne Tay (email liang.xinyi ttgasia.com jayne.tay ttgasia.com) GROUP EDITOR Karen Prudence Lui (Hong Kong Greater China email prului yahoo.com) Shekhar Niyogi (Kolkata India email shekhar.niyogi ttgasia.com) Feizal Samath (Sri Lanka email feizalsam gmail.com) Marianne Carandang (The Philippines email mcarandang gmail.com) Timothy France Chamsai Jotisalikorn(Chami) (Thailand email timothy.france ttgasia.com chamsai fastmail.fm) CREATIVE DESIGNERS CORRESPONDENTS Redmond Sia Tan Kok Yong Lina Tan EDITORIAL ASSISTANT SALES & MARKETING GROUP PUBLISHER Michael Chow (email michael.chow ttgasia.com) SENIOR BUSINESS MANAGER Kris Chan (email kris.chan ttgasia.com) SENIOR BUSINESS MANAGER Marisa Chen CORPORATE MARKETING MANAGER Cheryl Tan (email cheryl.tan ttgasia.com) MARKETING EXECUTIVE Tan Ee Hiang (email tan.ee.hiang ttgasia.com) ASST MANAGER ADMINISTRATION & MARKETING Carol Cheng (Hong Kong) ADVERTISEMENT ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Cheryl Lim (Hong Kong email marisa.chen hk.china.com) PUBLISHING SERVICES DIVISION MANAGER Tony Yeo SENIOR PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE Agnes Loy DESKTOP PUBLISHING EXECUTIVE Nancy Lee CIRCULATION EXECUTIVE Carol Wong (email carol.wong ttgasia.com) OFFICES TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd 1 Science Park Road 04-07 The Capricorn Singapore Science Park II Singapore 117528 Tel 65-6395-7575 fax 65-6536-0896 email contact ttgasia.com TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd 11th floor ING Tower 308-320 Des Voeux Road Central Hong Kong Tel 852-2237-7174 fax 852-2806-0646. TTG ASIA MEDIA PTE LTD MANAGING DIRECTOR Darren SENIOR EDITOR Raini HONG KONG SINGAPORE 24 Seeing Exotic Kyoto becomes more relevant as MICE delegates seek clarity enlightment and meaningful experiences over abundance and indulgence says Raini Hamdi the light at last Ng Hamdi (email raini.hamdi ttgasia.com) 32 Take Gardens by the Bay not only adds more lush greenery to the concrete jungle that is Singapore it offers event planners more refreshing venue options writes Karen Yue a walk in the park ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES AUSTRALIA Zorka Sipkova Publicitas (tel 612-8298-9318 email Zorka.sipkova publicitas.com) FRANCE Colin Murdoch Ray Lampard International Media (tel 3349468-5778 fax 334-9468-5659 email intmedia aol.com) GERMANY Darwin Santo GWP media-marketing (tel 49211-887-2328 fax 49211-887-2919 email d.santo vhb.de) INDIA Meena Chand Adcom International (tel 9111-2576-7014 2576-0665 fax 9111-25742433 email adcomint rediffmail.com) INDONESIA Sarah G Hutabarat Media Mandiri (tel 6221-835-5510 fax 6221-829-3563 email sarah mediamandiri.co.id) ITALY Barbara Rebora TTG Italia International Sales Department (tel 39011-436-6300 ext 3 fax 39011436-6500 email rebora ttgitalia.com) JAPAN Yoshihiro Igusa Pacific Business (tel 8133661-6138 fax 813-3661-6139 email igusa-pbi gol.com) MALAYSIA Gerald Saw Raffles International Media (tel 6019-229-6484 fax 603-7804-2285 email geraldsaw_raffles yahoo.com) SOUTH KOREA Young J Baek Keon D Chang Young Media (tel 822-22734818 4819 fax 822-2273-4866 e-mail ymedia ymedia.co.kr ymedia chol.com) SPAIN BARCELONA Carlos Garcia Luis Andrade Publicidad Internacional (tel 3493-363-5750 fax 3493-410-0275 email cgarcia luisandrade.com) SPAIN MADRID Luis Andrade Luis Andrade Publicidad Internacional (tel 3491-441-6266 fax 3491-441-6549 email landrade luisandrade.com) SRI LANKA Vijitha Yapa Albadur Cader Vijitha Yapa Associates International Advertising Division (tel 9411-567-4094 fax 9411-255-6600 email vyadvt gmail.com vyadvtin gmail.com vijiyapa gmail.com) TAIWAN Virginia Lee Shirley Shen Kitty Luh Spacemark Media Services (tel 8862-2522-2282 fax 8862-2522-2281 email smedia ms5.hinet.net) THAILAND Chower Narula Anchana Nararidh World Media (tel 662-641-2693-6 fax 662-641-2697 email chower worldmedia.co.th anchana worldmedia.co.th) THE PHILIPPINES Eduardo Bassig ESB Marketing Services (tel 632740-1658 711-7259 fax 632-415-1581 email ed_bassig yahoo.com edbassig hotmail. com) THE UK AND EUROPE Sheryl Makin TTG Media (tel 4420-7921-8025 fax 44207921-8034 email sheryl.makin ubm.com) THE US Debbie Joseph Anderson Destination Marketing Hawaii (tel 1808-739-2200 fax 1808-739-2201 email debbieanderson dmhawaii.com) TTGmice endorsed by the Asian Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus is published by TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd and is mailed free-of-charge on written request to readers Asia-wide who meet a set of predetermined terms and conditions. Annual airmail subscription charges are US 70 (Asia) and US 90 (elsewhere). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. MICA (P) 176 05 2012 KDN PPS1140 09 2012(022844) ISSN 0218-849X Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd 57 Loyang Drive Singapore 508968. 38 All Medan will shine more prominently as a MICE destination thanks to advances in air connections and business event infrastructure discovers Mimi Hudoyo systems go for Medan DEPARTMENTS 1 4 43 44 46 47 48 To our readers Talk of the trade Appointments Case studies Hotel updates Packages Tittle tattle TTG Travel Trade Publishing is a business group of TTG Asia Media Talk TALKING NUMBERS The figure in millions of square metres of exhibition space sold by show organisers in Asia last year according to a study conducted by Business Strategies Group on behalf of UFI. Of that total almost 55 per cent was sold in China and 12 per cent was sold in Japan. The growth percentage registered by Singapore s exhibition industry last year making it the fastest growing market in South-east Asia according to the same research. Malaysia follows with a 14 per cent increment while the Philippines grew by 8.8 per cent. of the Trade REPORTING FROM KOREA MICE EXPO SEOUL 15.9 LVS keen on South Korea By S Puvaneswary 15 Las Vegas Sands (LVS) is thinking of opening its next Asian integrated resort (IR) in South Korea adding to the five it has in the region. Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the Seoul MICE Forum in early July Marina Bay Sands president and CEO George Tanasijevich revealed that LVS was already in talks with the South Korean government and private entities to enter the market. According to Tanasijevich South Korea had the characteristics to be successful in supporting IR development due to its geographical location robust infrastructure positive image among travellers and educated work force. Even though he declined to reveal which locations LVS had its sights on Seoul and Busan are believed to be on the shortlist (TTG Asia e-Daily April 12 2012). Industry players told TTGmice that an IR in South Korea would generate more international MICE business. Jeffrey Jones chairman Advisory Board of Korea Tourism Organization USA said South Korea needed additional hardware such as hotel rooms ballrooms and integrated properties similar to Marina Bay Sands to drive MICE business forward. Singapore is leading the MICE industry because of Marina Bay Sands he said. Novotel Ambassador Gangnam sales & marketing manager David Kim said the opening of an IR in South Korea would have a positive impact on all hotels in its immediate vicinity due to spillover business. Tanasijevich South Korea may get the next LVS integrated resort SINGAPORE Local horticulture landscape players launch first trade show The Landscape Industry Association Singapore (LIAS) Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects National Parks Board and Singex Group have come together to launch GreenUrbanScape Asia a trade exhibition and conference event that will take place for the first time from November 7-9 2013. Describing GreenUrbanScape Asia as a real milestone for the local horticulture and landscape industry John Tan LIAS chairman told TTGmice that the event would help position Singapore as the hub for international exchanges in related technologies knowledge and products. The opening of Gardens by the Bay 4 TTGmice August 2012 and the success of the Singapore Garden Festival are among the reasons why we wanted to develop such a trade show said Tan who believes that the new attraction in Marina Bay will entice industry experts to visit Singapore. Speaking at the opening of the International Landscape Industry Association Summit on July 9 another new trade event led by LIAS and the Centre of Urban Greenery and Ecology (CUGE) Teva Raj National Parks Board director of Industry & CUGE noted that Singapore s horticulture and landscape industry generated 0.45 per cent of the country s GDP in 2008. The figure is expected to grow at 4-6 per cent annually. It is important to leverage on Singapore s image as a garden city to develop this industry he said. GreenUrbanScape Asia will be held once every two years. Event details such as programme content and venue are still being worked out. Aloysius Arlando CEO of Singex Group which plays the role of event architect said The event may be held at the Singapore Expo or elsewhere it doesn t matter. (The venue choice) is secondary for without strong content the event will not be successful. Karen Yue REPORTING FROM KOREA MICE EXPO SEOUL IN BRIEF Lufthansa revamps biz seats Lufthansa has revitalised its Business Class offering with seats that recline into horizontal beds. Measuring 1.98m long when fully extended and placed in pairs in a V-formation the seats offer almost double the distance away from neighbours at shoulder level. Other features include ergonomic cushioning adjustable armrests and a fixed ottoman. First launched in Germany the new seats will soon be made available on all longhaul flights. Cheaper ways devised to sell Seoul By S Puvaneswary MICE planners are tweaking programmes to market Seoul more price-effectively as room rates in the capital city continue to rise. Rising demand for Seoul has led to a 1213 per cent year-on-year increase in room rates since 2010. According to Sheraton Seoul D Cube City general manager David Cuddon a top-tier five-star hotel in Seoul can command published rates of almost US 400 per day during the peak season. To make meeting and incentive packages reasonable in terms of rates New York-based Unique Meetings And Incen- tives president Misha Radulovic said he would combine Seoul with cheaper cities such as Busan and or Bangkok. DMCs he work with are also offering some of the meals as optional items. Jakarta s RajaMICE has taken to placing price-sensitive groups in hotels outside the city centre which allows savings of 40-50 per cent. MICE planners are also looking forward to the arrival of 9 000 rooms in the three- to five-star categories over the next three years which will make the city more affordable. Dubai debuts at IT&CMA This year s Incentive Travel & Conventions Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) will welcome its first Middle Eastern offering through Dubai s inaugural participation in the event which will be held in Bangkok from October 2-4. August 2012 TTGmice 5 the TalkofTrade REPORTING FROM KOREA MICE EXPO SEOUL IN BRIEF Singapore s Solis Hotels & Resorts will open its third property in China by the end of 2013. The 260-room Solis Guangzhou which is currently under construction will feature 1 780m2 of meeting space a cultural centre four restaurants and an executive club lounge among others. The hotel is said to be the only fivestar hotel along the Pearl River and the only one with its own jetty and docks. TCEB STO schools link arms for HR development By S Puvaneswary Solis expands in China Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) and two South Korean universities Kyung Hee University and Hallym University have agreed to collaborate on human capital development and education to drive the MICE industry forward. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the four parties was signed on July 4 to establish an Academic Exchange Programme between South Korea and Thailand. The programme will form a long-term affiliation in four areas material and information exchange shared academic research activities joint development of a MICE curriculum and organisation of symposia conferences short courses and meetings on research issues. A joint press release issued by TCEB and STO revealed that the partnership is designed to meet the industry s needs and demand for quality education improve professional calibre of new graduates entering the workforce and the development of future MICE leaders in Asia. This MoU follows one that was inked last year between the two MICE bureaus to promote human resource development in the MICE industry culture and economy through tourism and conferences in each other s country. South Korea is Thailand s sixth largest MICE market. A total of 23 570 South Korean MICE tourists visited Thailand in 2011 generating over two billion baht (US 63.4 million) in foreign exchange earnings. New golf option in Vietnam Hanoi-based Luxury Travel has launched a Central Golf Coast Tour of Vietnam package to leverage on Central Vietnam s growing golf appeal due to the improved air access and new products in the area. The six-day package which will also target non-golfers includes rounds on Vietnam s world-class golf courses such as Montgomerie Links and Danang Golf Club luxury accommodation in Danang or Hoi An and sightseeing trips to Hue Hoi An or along the coastline. MICE WINS Yogyakarta Indonesia will welcome the 5th Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction from October 22-25. The event will be attended by more than 1 000 ministers and high-level government personnel from 60 countries. Yogyakarta wins risk event ASIA-PACIFIC Hilton debuts Asia-centric MICE campaign Hilton Worldwide has rolled out its first MICE awareness and incentive campaign targeted at event planners based in Asia-Pacific. Swung into effect on August 1 Hilton s MICE to Millions campaign dangles rewards such as free roomnights and complimentary room upgrades as well as two million Hilton HHonours points in an effort to get regional planners to hold meetings and events at Hilton hotels and resorts across Asia-Pacific. To qualify for the challenge event planners must reserve a minimum of 10 6 TTGmice August 2012 Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao China roomnights at any of the 95 participating Hilton hotels in Asia-Pacific between August 1 and December 31. At the end the overall top booker in the region based on the highest cumulative revenue generated throughout the campaign will be awarded two million Hilton HHonors points. The top booker s company will also be awarded with one million points. Philippe Garnier vice president sales and regional marketing Asia-Pacific said Hilton understands that there are currently limited resources being placed on MICE activities as more businesses are moving away from conducting face-to-face meetings. Therefore we are making it a priority to offer better value to our customers who are hosting meetings at our hotels as well as providing them with the most unique and effective meeting locations. IUCN wants Sydney Sydney will host the 2014 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Parks Congress a forum that is held once in 10 years. The congress is expected to attract 3 000 delegates and inject some A 24 million (US 24.4 million) into the New South Wales economy. SWIFT picks MBS The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) has selected Marina Bay Sands (MBS) as the venue for Sibos 2015 an annual financial services event. The event is said to be MBS largest event to date utilising over 120 000m2 of event space. INDIA MALAYSIA Corporate business dips at India hotels By Divya Kaul Star Cruises sees stronger Indian MICE interest India s weakening currency against the greenback which has caused a dip in Indian travellers demand for overseas and longhaul travel appears to have left Star Cruises unscathed for now. The cruise company had recently bagged a full-charter win for its SuperStar Libra vessel. The 1 000-pax incentive group consisting of top-performing distributors and employees from APL Apollo Tubes in India sailed out of Penang Malaysia for a four-day threenight cruise on July 15. The full-charter win reflects Star Cruises progress in the Indian MICE market which had registered a 20 per cent growth in 2011 over 2010. Michael Goh senior vice president of sales Star Cruises told TTGmice MICE or corporate incentive groups play an important role in Star Cruises growth in the Indian market. On average our fleet welcomes about two corporate groups of different sizes every month. These corporate clients come from a number of industries including insurance cement pharmaceutical Fast Moving Consumer Goods and agriculture. He attributed Star Cruises success in India to the company s all-inclusive cruise packages diversity of MICE and other facilities onboard as well as close partnership with local travel companies in generating demand. Karen Yue An increasingly cautious attitude towards travel expenditure adopted by corporate clients has dented corporate business for hotels in India. Trade sources told TTGmice that best available rates in the India Gate Delhi country had fallen 10 per cent at press time in late June compared to the same time last year. India s financial institution ICICI Securities also reported that the average occupancy rate across business destinations such as Delhi Bengaluru and Chennai had dipped 100-500 basis points in the three months ended March compared to a year ago. One basis point is onehundredth of a percentage point. The global slowdown has dented occupancies of hotels in India said Sudhir Sinha president of Best Western Hotels. Saeid Heidari general manager of Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel noted that cautious corporate travel planners were booking with shorter lead times and reducing length of stay. We realise that the market has changed considerably since the golden era of 2006 2007. The economic slowdown in the US and European does not augur well for the Indian hotel industry since they remain our key source markets said David Mathews Trident Gurgaon general manager. To soften the blow from weaker international inbound corporate travel hotels in India are looking to tap the domestic corporate travel segment especially from companies based in non-metro Indian cities. Heidari noted that non-metro Indian cities had been buzzing with activity in recent years a result of investments from several business sectors such as IT retail education auto manufacturing and real estate. Cities like Pune have seen large industry set ups by automobile players while Chandigarh Ludhiana Guwahati Ahmedabad Bhubaneshwar and Jaipur are witnessing strong real estate development he said. Zulfeqar Ali The Trade Show for the Asian Travel Market itb-asia.com events 17 19 Oct 2012 MICE ITB ASIA 18 19 Oct 9 13hrs Corporate MICE Buyer Program Performance Improvement Forum (MCI Group) 19 Oct 10 12hrs The Power of Incentives New Initiatives Same Objectives Panacea Publishing Asia Held in Official Event of Conference Partner Partner Hotel August 2012 TTGmice TTGmice_ITBA_88x130_en.indd 1 7 04.07.2012 10 09 19 the TalkofTrade Singapore 2012 W Singapore-Sentosa Cove rakes in pre-opening interest By Karen Yue Calendar August 15-16 Australian Business Events Expo Sydney Australia August 21-23 IT&CM India New Delhi India a 150-pax financial conference will be among the first corporate events to be held in W singapore-sentosa Cove when the luxury hotel opens in september. several very good leads have surfaced in the months leading up to the 240-key hotel s opening on september 16 mostly from luxury fashion and car brands according to W singapore-sentosa Cove general manager stephane Fabregoul. Fabregoul said the W brand s design-led focus and passion in fashion music and entertainment had generated a strong demand from related industries. The property s location offered a strong proposition to event planners too he said. sentosa offers a short escape from the city. The experience and ambience is different and we sell the hotel as a short escape to a world of wow. Furthermore the hotel s ocean-facing location means we can offer unique experiences to event attendees. For instance W singapore-sentosa Cove has its own private berths (located in front of the grand Fabregoul unique ballroom) which gives event planners the opportunity to proMICE vide sea access (to delegates) and organise sunset cruises. no proposition other hotels in singapore can offer that he said. Fabregoul expects singapore-based clients to make up 60 per cent of the hotel s events market. To encourage more event planners to come and experience the property W singapore-sentosa Cove has rolled out a full-day meeting deal priced at s 108 (us 85) per delegate and a group accommodation deal at s 340 per room. Terms apply and both deals are valid till march 2013. starwood Preferred Planners will also earn triple starpoints for events happening before the promotions expire. September 12-14 CIBTM Beijing China aSia-paCiFiC ACTE steps up training series The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) is hosting a series of training programmes to allow corporate travel experts to network and exchange ideas. Plans are being made to host executive forums in Shanghai and Hong Kong in September and November respectively following the successful editions in India s New Delhi and Bangalore in June. Meanwhile ACTE will take its Asia Education Conference to Singapore on August 15-16. The association also debuted its 12-week Around the World in 80 Hours programme in May which focused on global business travel management. Encompassing classes networking events cultural activities and site visits the programme welcomed university students and travel industry professionals. Participants were awarded the ACTE Global Travel Executive Certification upon completion. The next event is scheduled for September to November and will cover cities such as Beijing and Sao Paulo. Linda Haden Sri LanKa CeySail offers luxury yacht tours Sri Lanka s CeySail Cruises has launched a fleet of luxury Catamaran and Monohull yachts with sea activity options a move that local tour operators said would sharpen the destination s appeal among high-end travellers. Rajiv Seneviratne CeySail Cruises COO said the luxury yachts would offer activities such as dolphin and whale watching on the east coast of Trincomalee as well as multi-day trips that include snorkeling diving and fishing on the south coast. Prior to the fleet expansion CeySail Cruises has a Water Sprite 11 a catamaran sailing yacht with four bedrooms for 12 guests and a MacGregor 26 monohull yacht with accommodation for four. The company is also looking to add a twin-deck luxury yacht with the capacity for a 100-pax party which will further enhance its positioning among the high-end MICE segment. Seneviratne intends to work with travel agencies and hotels to promote his yacht charters and activities. Ahintha Amerasinghe managing director of Worldlink Travels believes that the luxury yacht tours and activities will enhance Sri Lanka s ability to draw deep-pocketed MICE clients and add diversity to the destination s tourism offerings. Feizal Samath 8 TTGmice August 2012 COVER STORY 0 By Raini Hamdi Karen Yue Linda Haden Patricia Wee and Prudence Lui incentive ideas As incentive travellers become more sophisticated and well-travelled event planners can heave a sigh of relief that a globalised world has brought with it accessibility to more exciting ideas to spur winners to greater heights August 2012 TTGmice 9 &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge COVER STORY Save thegiant clams 01 Nestled on Gaya Island just 15 minutes from Sabah s Kota Kinabalu city is Gayana Eco Resort a luxurious 52-villa eco-friendly resort. Place your winners in the Bayu and Palm villas which promise splendid views of nature from private balconies with access to the sea. In the morning your winners can look forward to a hearty breakfast being delivered by boat right up to the balcony. The resort also features the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) which has made it its mission to propagate the endangered Giant Clams and restore natural coral reefs around the private island. Guests can take more than just a peek into MERC s operations they can join conservationists in lab work hear about the crucial role Giant Clams play in cleansing the sea and dive with conservationists to check on the Giant Clams and coral. Your winners will go home with a better understanding of the precious marine environment. Email reservations gayana-eco-resort.com Website www.gayana-eco-resort.com Chugawayinthe CanadianRockies 03 Charter a rail car or the entire train from Canadian rail company Rocky Mountaineer and mesmerise your winners with the everchanging vistas offered by a ride through the Canadian Rockies covering routes in British Columbia and Alberta. Enhance the experience with glamorous cocktail receptions branded headrests and tailored excursions such as helicopter rides over glaciers and gliding on the longest hipline in the world. Email groups rockymountaineer.com Website www.rockymountaineer.com Inca Rail Aracari Travel 02 ArriveatMachuPicchuinstyle Setting eyes and foot on Peru s Machu Picchu one of the Seven Wonders of the World will be a highlight in any traveller s experience. But the journey there can be just as memorable. Book your winners on the Inca Rail which offers premium rail services to Machu Picchu. Departing from Ollantaytambo Inca Rail features various carriage types Presidential (eight pax per carriage) First Class (30 pax per carriage) and Executive (42 pax per carriage). The Presidential carriage offers a luxurious lounge panoramic windows a bar and exquisite dining menus and fine wines. Authorised agents for Inca Rail include Aracari Travel which specialises in incentives. Email info incarail.com.pe marisol aracari.com Website www.incarail.com www.aracari.com 10 TTGmice August 2012 04 Needforsleekspeed Heatupthe kitchenwitha celebritychef 05 Do you have petrolheads among your winners If you do watch out for Mallorca GT an ultra-luxurious driving experience in Mallorca Spain which will be launched this November. Participants will be offered a supercar such as the Ferrari 430 Spider and Lamborghini Gallardo in which they can zip around the island on a specially-crafted tour. Tours can range from one to four days and include activities such as sailing regattas Harley Davidson tours cultural tours on a Segway circuit driving lessons golf challenges and visits to wine estates castles and caves. Mallorca GT takes six to 48 pax for incentives with rates from 1 500 euro (US 1 844) for two people on a two-night package. Email yvan xoprivate.com Give your winners an exclusive insight into the famed Aqua restaurant in The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg and the work of three-Michelin-star chef de cuisine Sven Elverfeld who sources cuisine inspirations from the Wolfsburg surroundings. The city is world famous as Volkswagen s headquarters and one of few German cities built during the first half of the 20th century. A package offered by The RitzCarlton Wolfsburg includes a one-day meeting at the hotel and a one-day break the next day at Aqua where attendees will have the opportunity to reveal their cooking talent in a relaxing atmosphere and get special tips from chef Elverfeld. Your winners will get to eat what they have cooked and can boast about their masterchef experience back home. Priced at 320 euro per person plus meeting rate for minimum 14 pax and maximum 16 pax. Email wolfsburg.ccs ritzcarlton.com 06 Escapeintoatranquilvalley Just three hours drive from Sydney this conservation-led resort by Emirates is located between Wollemi and the Gardens of Stone National Parks bordering the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The 1 619-hectare venue is a private conservation and wildlife reserve offering 40 suites. Guests can take part in activities such as horse riding through the breathtaking valley guided four-wheel-drive tours indigenous heritage tours photography and painting. Dining options are based on seasonal organic produce from local suppliers. The understated and private location is ideal for those want ing to get away and experience the outback in luxury. Guests can also learn about The Wolgan Valley Conservation Project which is dedicated to the regeneration and protection of the region s endangered flora and fauna. Email reservations wolganvalley.com Website www.wolganvalley.com August 2012 TTGmice 11 COVER STORY Seekanaudience witharealgeisha 09 Geishas embody Kyoto culture and hospitality and are the perfect introduction to the historical Japanese city. Invite a number of maiko (an apprentice geisha) geisha and samisen players to your event and ask them to dance mingle with your winners and pour them drinks. Make the experience even more meaningful by explaining the Geisha costume and daily life and by including a photography session. The price is US 1 500 for three maiko geisha and this experience can be arranged for one person to an unlimited number but planners should balance guest to maiko geiko numbers to get the most impact. This idea is part of Kyoto Convention Bureau s new cultural programme grant for MICE groups and is very popular with incentive groups worldwide. Email james hellokcb.or.jp Website http hellokcb.or.jp 07 Getintouchwithyourwildside At the five-star Camp Jabulani resort in the Big 5 Private Game Reserve in Hoedspruit South Africa that is. It was conceptualised to sustain 12 orphaned and abandoned elephants. Within the camp are an open-air spa six suites a business centre and a five-star dining establishment. Each suite has a plunge pool and deck area. The Zindoga Villa is ideal for small groups or families and has its own dedicated team including a ranger and private vehicle chef and butler. Your winners can enjoy elephant back safaris in the day and night hot air ballooning game drives in open safari vehicles and a visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre to interact with endangered species. They are able to adopt a cheetah for a year and in so doing help improve impoverished communities nearby. Email reservations campjabulani.com Website www.campjabulani.com Thenpeekintothe secretgeishaculture 10 Peter MacIntosh a world-renowned expert on geisha history and culture will unravel the shrouds of secrecy that is known to surround Japan s geisha community. Your winners will be led on a 90-minute walking lecture which includes visits to geisha schools ochaya (traditional teahouses) okiya (boarding houses) and artisan shops. Afterwards participants will be treated to a light meal and drinks while a solo geisha or a maiko provide entertainment for an hour. A more elaborate option can be arranged where guests partake in a kaiseki dinner (a meal of various exquisitely prepared dishes) and drinks with two hours of maiko and geiko entertainment with samisen accompaniment and traditional games. Prices from 50 000 (US 628.45) per person. Website www.kyotosightsandnights.com 08 Liveinluxuryanddosomegood Inkaterra is a Peruvian organisation with over 35 years of experience in sustainable tourism initiatives and believes that tourism can finance research and conservation to improve the lives of the local population. Within the 17 000 hectares of rainforest Inkaterra has is the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Located in the Machu Picchu Historical Reserve the hotel contains five hectares of tropical private gardens. The 85 casitas and two villas provide comfort after guests enjoy activities such as in-house ecological excursions a tour of the world s largest native orchid species collection a tour of the Bear Rescue Centre and a visit to Machu Picchu. Organic food is served at the resort. Email sales inkaterra.com Website www.inkaterra.com JNTO 12 TTGmice August 2012 11 Stomp on grapes O Reilly s Canungra Valley Vineyards in the Gold Coast Hinterland of Australia offers a range of distinctively quirky incentive and teambuilding activities that can be tailored to groups with 30 to 350 participants. Among the activities are grape stomping waiter s races through the vines grape spitting competitions and rubber duck races down the creek. Complement these with picnics and wine tasting. Website www.oreillys.com.au canungra-valleyvineyards 12 Go on a voyage Embark on a voyage with naturalists and scientists who investigate and research on the Arctic land mass. From Helsinki a two-hour flight brings the group to Murmansk where they will board 50 Years of History a powerful icebreaker ship. The trip includes breathtaking views from the ship as it battles its way through the great ice fields to reach the top of the globe a Polar barbeque five-star dining and exploration of the Franz Josef Land Archipelago which comprises 190 islands and is home to polar bears walruses and arctic birds. Bravehearts can take a plunge into the Arctic Ocean. Expeditions head off between June and August next year and rates range from US 23 995 for a standard twin sharing to US 34 995 for the Arktika Suite. Packages include pre- and post-expedition hotel stay in Helsinki with breakfast helicopter transfers and sightseeing flights excursions educational presentations by the expedition team and a photographic journal on DVD documenting the voyage among others. Email info northpolevoyages.com Website www.northpolevoyages.com August 2012 TTGmice 13 COVER STORY 13 Aworldofmagic Peter Marvey Take your winners into a world of magic with world-famous Swiss magician and illusionist Peter Marvey who has performed in several Asian cities in China India Japan South Korea and Taiwan. But instead of flying Marvey to Asia for your winners put them on an incentive trip to Z rich Switzerland. Have an overnight stay at the first-class 142-room Seedamm Plaza at the upper end of Lake Z rich throw in a three-course dinner (excluding drinks) then send them over to Peter Marvey s Magic House where they will catch a spellbinding magic show. Later back at the hotel your winners can try their luck in the hotel s Swiss casino. A 30-minute magic show with Peter Marvey will cost SFr10 500 (US 10 743) including soft drinks beer and wine for 40-90 pax. Website www.lhw.com experiencedetail.aspx Id 29 UncoverLondon s darkpast 14 A gruesome trail of blood guts and gore awaits unsuspecting visitors as they make their way down into the depths of the crypt-like London Dungeon which lies beneath London Bridge station. The attraction which is purportedly haunted is divided into sections depicting horrific crimes and incidents from London s chequered history including the Great Fire of 1666 Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd. Actors dressed in costume vividly narrate and re-enact each ghastly tale. During the 90-minute guided tour visitors are lead through realistic sets enhanced by special effects. The entrance fee costs 24 (US 38) per person and includes three rides. Event organisers with an evil streak would be happy to know that dinners for up to 75 unlucky guests can be hosted in the dungeon s very own torture chamber. Website www.the-dungeons.co.uk london en index.htm 15 ConquertheEmptyQuarter The Rub al Khali also known as the Empty Quarter is the largest sand desert in the world and Lightfoot Travel has exclusive access to put together a tailormade mobile camp in the Arabian Peninsula s sea of sand. Perfect for high-end corporate trips the three-day desert safari will comprise camel rides sandboarding or walking the dunes and drinks as the sun sets over the desert. The itinerary can be customised specifically to the aims of the group trip. For instance challenging group activities can be put together to foster stronger relationships among participants while a more luxurious itinerary can be created to thank a sales team for its sterling performance. Event planners can weave in an educational twist by featuring a number of speakers such as desert experts geologists astronomers and historians. The programme does not require a minimum group size and can normally take as many as 40 participants although Lightfoot Travel can accommodate even larger groups. Website www.lightfoottravel.com 14 TTGmice August 2012 COVER STORY 18 PrivateNohtheatrebyfirelight 16 AmberrushinGdansk Poland s Gdansk the host city of the UEFA EURO 2012 can get your winners adrenaline pumping even off the soccer field. Your group will hit the chase to find the precious stone amber through careful analyses of tips and hints and in the process build team spirit and get to know the city better. The chase begins from where else but the Amber Museum and covers attractions such as the main town hall Artus Court Neptune Fountain Crane and St Mary s Church. The duration is about two hours and the amber chase can be done for at least four people. Prices start from 20 euro per person discounts apply for bigger conference groups. Email teja teja.com.pl Website www.teja.com.pl What better way to celebrate an incentive in Kyoto than with a private Noh theatre performance which is usually well beyond the means of most people. Kyoto is home of Noh theatre which is a designated UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This theatre-form dates back to 8th century AD and your top achievers can enjoy it privately outdoors in an impeccable Kyoto garden or temple by firelight with the moon rising and Kyoto s historic skyline in the background. Surreal. You can set up a temporary Noh stage in your chosen venue (temple first-class restaurant unique historic venue etc) get your winners relaxed with a cocktail or two create the first wow when you lit the open flame torches then let the Noh master and musicians take over. To give your winners a rare chance to rub shoulders with Japan s elite invite the Noh master to join the dinner afterwards. Minimum price per person is US 300 and the performance can be done for one to 1 000 pax although smaller groups are better. This idea is part of Kyoto Convention Bureau s new cultural programme grant for MICE groups. Email james hellokcb.or.jp Website http hellokcb.or.jp Inthefootstepsofa Polishfreedomfighter 17 The historic Gdansk Shipyard is worth a second look. In fact it is worth a trip into its premises with former Gdansk Shipyward workers as guides sharing with participants their personal experiences the history of the shipyard and the economic and political role it plays as the workplace of freedom freedom fighter Lech Walesa. The shipyard tour will include a ride on a vintage bus called Jelcz RTO which is fondly referred to as the cucumber. Bus stops along the route are mapped by remarkable events and places the wall which Walesa jumped over the slipways the BHP Hall (Occupational Health and Safety Hall) and of course Walesa s workplace itself. More ideas are available from Gdansk Con vention Bureau and local PCOs. Email teja teja.com.pl Website www.teja.com.pl Learntosculptlikean Italianmaster 19 An art experience offered by Hotel Savoy (by Rocco Forte Hotels) the two-day sculpture takes place at the renowned Galleria Romanelli Sculpture Studio located in the neighbourhood of San Frediano. Your winners may create their own masterpiece during two threehour lessons in the studio. They will learn the techniques of the Maestri Italiani honing these skills in practice to create a sculpture to take home and show off to friends and family. Unless of course Mayor Matteo Renzi asks to display the masterpiece in the Accedemia Gallery alongside Michelangelo s David. This gives participants the opportunity to act like a real master sculptor while spending two nights at the elegant Hotel Savoy. Website www.lhw.com experiencedetail.aspx Id 29 Hotel Savoy 16 TTGmice August 2012 22 SeePenang spride 20 Dicewithrealsamuraisandninjas Did you know that Kyoto is home of Japanese movie production and that Toei Uzumasa movie studios are Japan s oldest (80 years and counting) The studios themselves have inspired the likes of Quentin Tarantino its actors appeared alongside Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai (2003). The area is known as the Hollywood of Japan and the set is seen almost daily in TV period dramas aired on Japanese TV. As these are movie studios you can create any scene you fancy snowfall in summer or cherry blossoms in autumn. Break down the castle gate let the samurais and ninjas appear from everywhere and let your winners take on these formidable foes nothing like a good fight to remind them how they got to be winners in the first place. Minimum price per person is US 300 and the activity can be done for 50 to 1 000 pax. This idea is part of Kyoto Convention Bureau s new cultural programme grant for MICE groups. Email james hellokcb.or.jp Website http hellokcb.or.jp Suffolk House Penang s first Great House which served as the residence of the British Settlement founder in Penang Francis Light has finally opened its doors to the public. With its stylish interiors and picturesque lawn Suffolk House is a unique and elegant choice for corporate functions. After working up your top achievers appetites with personal guided tours of the 200-year-old building and its gardens indulge them in a fine-dining experience at the charming Suffolk House Restaurant which is decorated with period furnishing. Cooking classes on its sprawling lawn where clove and nutmeg trees abound can also be organised for corporate groups. The extensive conservation and renovation has earned Suffolk House a distinction in the 2008 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation. Email pingho myceb.com.my Website www.myceb.com.my AwhirlwindromancewithPorsche andautobahnsinGermany 21 Step into a Porsche 911 Carerra and cruise through valleys tunnels and Germany s infamous autobahns where there s no speed limit. This whirlwind 1 800km 11-day luxury driving tour starts in Frankfurt before heading to Stuttgart Lake Constance Lucerne Oberalp Pass Baden Baden and the Black Forest before looping back to Frankfurt. Offered by Autobahn Adventures the tour is priced at US 9 495 per person on a twin-sharing basis. A visit to the Porsche museum in Zuffenhausen and a behind-the-scenes look at the Porsche 911 production line are included in the programme. Travellers will be given a choice of a coupe or cabriolet and a sixspeed or PDK automatic car. A maximum of 20 cars are used for the convoy. A tour from Germany to Italy is also available and itineraries can be customised for groups on request. Website www.autobahnadventures.com 23 Tomarket tomarket The iconic Central Market in Kuala Lumpur makes a unique venue for off-the-beaten-track dinner events and creative incentive programmes. It boasts a central location and can accommodate up to 650 people. Built in 1936 the Central Market reopened in 1996 as a centre to showcase the country s finest local crafts. Its adjacent annex houses art galleries theatre and musical performance spaces. If you are incorporating teambuilding activities into your incentive programme do consider organising an Amazing Race contest covering the Central Market and its vicinity. Email pingho myceb.com.my www.myceb.com.my August 2012 TTGmice 17 COVER STORY Waltz through Vienna 24 Dance away in the grand halls of the Hofburg the former seat of the Hasburg Empire. Learn the waltz from Austria s most traditional dancing school Elmayer which organises Vienna s opulent State Opera Ball each season. Instructors will take keen learners through their rudimentary paces for an amazing and memorable hour or two. Historical and up-to-date information on the development of the Viennese Ball tradition Viennese waltz and Viennese etiquette will be imparted in between exercises. Groups will be provided with dancing partners if they cannot form dancing couples themselves. The session can be combined with a historic tour of the city if desired. Alternative venues for the lessons include Palais Daun-Kinsky a Baroque palace or Elmayer s premises in central Vienna. Website www.botros.at Spygamesin Moscow 26 Espionage is the name of the game in this exclusive peek into the inner workings of the KGB the national security agency of the now-defunct Soviet Union. The programme starts off with a visit to the KGB museum housed within the Lubyanka Building which was the former agency s headquarters during the Cold War. Visitors will then set off on the spy game obtaining instructions from an actor dressed as a KGB officer. Subsequently they will follow secret signs plotted on a map solving various tasks before proceeding to the final destination Stalin s Bunker in Samara located 14 hours outside Moscow which has been transformed into a museum. Expect to pay around 80 euros to 120 euros per person depending on the number of participants. Website www.oltatravel.com 25 GetwarmintheMuseumofSpirits The Swedes have a multi-faceted relationship with alcohol and a new attraction in Stockholm should warm the hearts of your winners. Located on the waterfront Spritmuseum (The Museum of Spirits) is where you want to take them for dinner. Opened in May it houses The Absolut Art Collection featuring works by artistic greats such as Andy Warhol Damien Hirst and Keith Haring. It also holds exhibitions about Sweden as a country of spirits. The indoor capacity is 90 pax and the outdoor restaurant by the waterfront holds up to 150 pax. Email helen.ericsson spritmuseum.se Website www.spritmuseum.se 18 TTGmice August 2012 Red Travel Oldtimerrally throughmarvellous scenery 27 The sight of vintage cars never fails to elicit oohs and ahhs. But doing a rally in Oldtimers and doing it through Bergisches Land a region in Germany known for its unspoilt meadows fruit orchards thick oak and pine forests mountains ancient castles mills and churches is a double wow. Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg s events team is offering the idea. Its local partner event agency will take care of the rally arrangements. The activity costs about 15 000 euro for a group of 20 pax. A minimum participation of 20 pax is required while the maximum is 50. Email info schlossbensberg.com 28 GettoknowItalytheFerrariway The six-day Ferrari Experience will reel your winners into the richness of Italy s best destinations and highlights of Baglioni Hotels properties. Starting off in Rome with two overnights at Regina Hotel Baglioni the tour will proceed to Tuscany where participants will drive along the famous Mille Miglia route towards Florence. There the group will cruise through the beautiful landscape of Chianti and Tuscany countryside and enjoy a two-night stay at Bernini Hotel. On the fifth day they will leave for Maranello and visit the Ferrari Gallery. Milan makes the final stop for the group where they will stay in Carlton Baglioni Hotel for the two nights. The Ferrari convoy and tour will be led by an expert tour director who will be in his own car. And like magic has been woven overnight your winners will find their car at the entrance of the hotel every morning clean and polished refuelled and checked and all ready to begin another day of driving adventures. Website www.lhw.com experiencedetail.aspx Id 29 TheICEHOTEL Worth thebiting cold 29 Give your winners a new meaning to the expression autumn glow by taking them to Kiruna 200km north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden where the northern lights sweeps its green brush across the sky even as you read this cover story in August. The region has the Northern hemisphere s best prerequisites for spotting northern lights. It also has the Icehotel the world s first hotel built entirely of ice and snow which will tailor meetings and incentives to your needs. Combine for example chalet living with wilderness camping in the middle of Swedish Lapland. Pay a visit to the Aurora Sky Station. Experience the Swedish alps and lowlands. Learn about the myths and science surrounding the Aurora Borealis. Now s the time to consider this incentive as the solar activity which causes northern lights reaches its peak this year so an impressive show can be expected over the next couple of years. Email marie icehotel.com Website www.icehotel.com August 2012 TTGmice 19 COVER STORY Quad-bikeinthe ValleyofFire 32 Instead of just hitting the casino tables visitors to Las Vegas should also head out into the surrounding desert on quad bikes to criss-cross the numerous trails in the majestic Valley of Fire state park. The thrill begins in Logandale a small quaint town situated just an hour away from the glitz of Las Vegas. Some 45km is covered in around three hours and participants will be able to observe wildlife while travelling over pink coral sand dunes desert washes and through red sandstone canyons. Tours with Adrenaline ATV Tours led by professional guides costs US 169 per person including a picnic lunch and refreshments. Website www.adrenalineatvtours.com 30 Slowestexpresstrainintheworld Climb onboard the Glacier Express train in Switzerland and ascend the 2 033m Oberalp Pass down into the Rhine Canyon through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges from Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn to the world-famous spa resort of St. Moritz. The journey which takes seven and a half hours offers unobstructed views of the magnificent Swiss Alps alpine lakes and pristine forests. Trains run in both summer and winter and all seat carriages feature panorama windows. Tickets are priced from Sfr136 (US 144.58) per person one way in a second-class carriage for Zermatt to St. Moritz. Website www.glacierexpress.ch Cycleandspa throughHungary 33 Tour Hungary the land of medicinal waters by bike and take in the wonders of nature. This seven-night tour offered by Bike Tours Direct between May and September sets off from Szolnok 45km south-east of the capital Budapest. Next the tour takes cyclists towards Ab dszal k at Lake Tirza a World Heritage site. Hortobagy National Park is the highlight on the third day followed by N dudvar a town famous for its thermal baths. Hajd szoboszl which features the largest open-air thermal spa in Hungary with 17 pools is next on the itinerary. The tour then loops towards Budapest and once in the city your winners are free to relax or explore on their own. Tour prices from 748 euros per person on a twin-share basis. It includes the services of a guide accommodation evening meals transfers and spa admission but excludes bicycle hire. Website www.biketoursdirect.com 31 Sayhellotothepenguins Head to the remotest part of the world starting from Chile s Punta Arenas via a two-hour flight to King George Island in the South Shetlands the gateway of Antarctica. Upon arrival visit the Frei Chilean Base and surrounds. A Zodiac boat brings guests to the expedition ship the Ocean Nova a 68-pax vessel with a dining room a bar a library and an infirmary. From day three to six sail between the South Shetland and the Antarctic Peninsula along fjords icebergs and view sea birds penguins seals and whales. Visit Livingston Island Port Lockroy Petermann Island Paradise Bay Cuvervile and Deception Island and Laimere Channel. On day seven return to King George Island and disembark at Frei Chilean Base to board the flight back to Punta Arenas. As the first fly-cruise tour to Antarctica your winners will have something to boast about back home. Rates start from US 9 700 for a triple cabin to US 14 900 for a single cabin. Email sales antarcticaxxi.com Website www.antarcticaxxi.com 20 TTGmice August 2012 Meetina princely space 34 Hold your meeting in Blenheim Palace in Woodstock Oxfordshire which bills itself as Britain s greatest palace. The palace was a gift from Queen Anne and a grateful nation to John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough following his famous victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Sir Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace in 1874 so a highlight for your winners is the Churchill Exhibition set around the room where he was born. There are also guided tours of the State Rooms not to mention the palace s breathtaking gardens which are guaranteed to make your winners feel well like winners. Blenheim Palace boasts unique meeting venues such as the high-ceiling Orangery which can take up to 320 pax theatre-style and 500 for a reception the Spencer-Churchill Room which overlooks Blenheim Park (70 pax theatre-style 30 pax boardroom set-up) and the Campaign Rooms ideal for smaller meetings and break-outs. Cap the meeting with dinner at the Great Hall and Saloon (up to 150 pax) and post-dinner drinks on the Water Terraces. Email sales blenheimhospitality.com www.blenheimpalace.com 35 ThecallofAfrica swild Led by &Beyond a luxury experiential travel company which runs 33 safari lodges and camps in Africa this tour is the ultimate lasting 11 days and costing US 10 599 per person (sharing). The journey starts in the Serengeti where guests can choose between three places for three nights &Beyond Klein s Camp on a private concession offering night drives and nature walks Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp nestled in a riverbank grove and the tented elegance of Serengeti Under Canvas camps. Two nights are also spent at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge to discover the wildlife haven perched on the rim of the world s only intact caldera. A night follows at Arusha Coffee Lodge a working coffee plantation that offers plantation tours as well as four nights at Greystoke Mahale where guests will enjoy a hike in the forested slopes in search of chimpanzees. &BeyondNgorongoroCraterLodge Email simplysafari andBeyond.com Website www.andBeyond.com August 2012 TTGmice 21 COVER STORY Wilderness Safaris HotelLeBristol HavetheLouvre Museumtoyourself 38 36 Swimwiththeelephants If your winners had gone on a wild safari before kick the nature experience up a notch by giving them a chance to swim with a herd of elephants at Abu Camp Botswana. Guests at Abu Camp are invited to become part of the elephant herd during their stay watching the evening feed sharing the simple joy of an active youngster and accompanying the herd on foot as they move through the bush. There are morning and afternoon game drives night drives and nature walks to view fauna and flora in the area. During the seasonal floods of the Okavango Delta guests can take to the waters in mokoros the traditional poled craft used in the Okavango Delta. And when it is time for your winners to rest Abu Camp charms with uniquely designed accommodation that combines airy spaciousness with high-end furnishings. Set in a riverine forest of Botswana s Okavango Delta Abu Camp blends in flawlessly with the natural surroundings. Website www.abucamp.com Every Tuesday afternoon Hotel Le Bristol in Paris offers a private guided tour of the Louvre Museum at a time when the attraction is closed to the general public. Translators can be arranged. This exclusive treat is part of the Leading Hotels of the World s signature One-Of-A-Kind Experience programme which comes with a threenight package in deluxe suite. Reservations must be made three weeks in advance. Website www.lhw.com luxury oneofakind ext2 oneofa kindLOK Anders Rosenlund 39 AwhiffofProvence 37 Kenya snewwildlifetreat Segera Retreat Kenya will open its doors this November offering deeppocketed nature lovers the opportunity to appreciate the rare sanctuary in luxury. Run on solar energy accommodation consists of six two-storey villas made of wood and thatch with views of Laikipia Plateau at the foothills of Mount Kenya. A large bedroom and en-suite bathroom fill the upstairs space under timber trusses. A sun deck in the garden offers ample sun-tanning opportunities and a swing bed a Jacuzzi bath is in the deck outside the bedroom. The Segera Paddock House and Arrivals Paddock form the main areas complete with bar library spa and gazebos. Guests can feast on free-range beef and organic vegetables and interact with the resident staff of the Zeitz Foundation to learn more about the complexities of conservation and community and experience the wildlife of Laikipia through game drives walks and sleep-outs. Email petera wilderness-safaris.com Website www.wilderness-safaris.com There s more to France than Paris and Aroma Tours shows that best with a week-long tour of Provence during the lavender season in July. Aptly called the Aromas of Provence the tour takes participants through enchanting villages splendid lavender fields lush vineyards and colourful Provencale markets. It starts off in the seaside city of Marseille with a visit to a museum showcasing the region s lavender production history. This is followed by a trip to an essential oil distillery and organic herb farm the next day. Your winners will also have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh at St Paul de Mausole who captured Provence s vibrant landscape in oil. The tour ends with a scenic ride to Avignon a medieval city of art and culture. Aromas of Provence takes no more than 15 pax and costs US 2 950 per person on a twin-share basis. The price includes accommodation transfers breakfast and lunch or dinner wine tastings lectures and guided tours. Website www.aroma-tours.com 22 Caroline Culbert TTGmice August 2012 40 Dine with the sharks Behind the safety of a large 10m by 3m glass window in the underwater viewing area of Shark Bay at Sea World Gold Coast that is. The marine attraction is home to the world s largest man-made lagoon system for sharks which houses some of the most awe-inspiring species in an innovative twolevel exhibit. Table theming and a gourmet seafood buffet menu can be created for an unforgettable incentive experience. Your winners will dine face-to-face with large sharks stingrays and a range of exotic fish as they swim past the windows. The famous alternating two-note suspenseful music played on the movie series Jaws is not included. Website www.seaworld.com.au Singapore Gifts and Stationery Show 15-17 August 2012 Sands Expo and Convention Centre Marina Bay Sands www.gsshow.net Singapore s largest Gifts Premiums Lifestyle and Stationery show is happening in AUGUST Pre-register today to qualify for the many benefits to enhance your sourcing experience. As a pre-registered visitor you will receive by post your personal express entry pass and an accompanying event preview to help you navigate the many options available to you. Express Entry Pass Pre-registered visitors will receive advance notice of opportunities for guaranteed prizes through participation in our various campaigns. Visit our website to see the more than 1 000 prizes and giveaways awaiting visitors to the event. Lucky Draw Our popular complimentary talks supported by industry experts and eConsultancy cover topics as diverse as Online PR Strategies to Effective Search Engine Optimization Practices . Give your feet a rest and take a break from your sourcing and learn from the experts. Pre-registered visitors will get advance notice of new seminar offerings. Free talks So mark your calendar and join us in August at Singapore s largest Gifts Premiums Lifestyle and Stationery event worth waiting for Pre-register online NOW Call (65) 6395 7564 to experience the excitement See you at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre Hall B Level 1 Contact us for more information Email info gsshow.net Visit www.gsshow.net Organised by Supported by Media Partners TTG Events Is A Business Group of TTG Asia Media SGSS2012_TTGmiceHPHAd_130(h)x180(w).indd 1 August 2012 TTGmice PM 7 4 12 2 43 23 JAPAN Fushimi Inari Shrine Maiko in Matsuo Taisha Shrine JNTO Seeing the light at last Exotic Kyoto becomes more relevant as MICE delegates seek clarity enlightment and meaningful experiences over abundance and indulgence says Raini Hamdi A 24 t a time when most companies are shunning excesses and shallow experiences Kyoto is dangling the lure of clarity and enlightenment through deep cultural immersion in the historical city. A grant to encourage meeting planners to incorporate traditional activities in their meetings has seen a higher-than-expected take-up since its introduction last year helping somewhat to mitigate the impact of the Tohoku earthquake which affected MICE business to Kyoto and the yen s appreciation which has made meeting in Japan more expensive. Seventy-five per cent of the grant s budget for 2011 2012 has been awarded and as awareness of its availability rises Kyoto Convention Bureau (KCB) is confident that this year s grant (April 2012 to March 2013) will be fully utilised. Three TTGmice August 2012 to four grants were already awarded in the first two months of this year s instalment according to James Kent KCB s international marketing manager. The grant gives planners financial support to incorporate Kyoto s veritable chest of cultural heritage into their education workshops gala dinners and receptions. Thus far the most popular idea taken up by planners is having a real maiko and geiko (trainee geisha and geisha) mingle talk and pour drinks for delegates who can then better understand their way of life or their intricate costume and customs through the closer interaction. Other ideas include a private Noh theatre in a Kyoto garden or temple or dicing with real samurais and ninjas (see this issue s cover story on top incentive ideas). A city with no fewer than 17 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites and was the seat of Japan s capital and the emperor s residence from 794 until 1868 Kyoto lacks neither ideas nor venues to make incentives a memorable experience. But the idea of the grant was not born from the need to stem sudden cancellations in meetings following the tsunami disaster according to Kent. Rather it was part of the City of Kyoto s effort to reinforce its branding among MICE planners as a unique and memorable destination. In our talks with planners we found that they wanted something special. We in turn have always wanted to help the incentive market to go deeper into Kyoto so that when they leave they will remember Kyoto for the rest of their lives. Thus from the organiser s point of view the event is a motivational rewarding and enriching experience. From our point of view we achieve our branding aim that people leave with everlasting memories of Kyoto said Kent. Among Americans and Europeans Kyoto has long been the real deal of Japanese and Asian exoticness but the economic crisis in the West the tsunami and the yen appreciation were a triple whammy affecting properties such as Hyatt Regency Kyoto and Westin Miyako Kyoto which saw business slipping last year. Fifty to 60 per cent of business at Hyatt Regency Kyoto for example comprises foreigners with the US as the biggest market. Ken Yokohama general manager said Last year we saw cancellations and this was not because of money but (tsunami-related) fear. Business is returning but it will take a couple of years before we return to 2009 2010 levels. Kent expects full recovery in 2013 2014 judging by healthier returns now. We had a large conference in 2011 hence the figures by comparison in 2012 look less. But business events are really coming back to Kyoto. Corporate events and incentives that postponed last year are returning this year or next year and there are new enquiries as well for 2013 2014. We ve just confirmed an 800 pax incentive with winners from all over the world for April 2013 and DMCs are also reporting good forward bookings too Kent said. While awaiting the return of longhaul markets the city and its players are diversifying their business mix. Hyatt is working on Asian markets such as Hong Kong China Taiwan India and Singapore apart from emerging Russia Brazil and the Middle East. In fact overall Japan has its eyes now peeled on the Asian leisure and MICE markets. Although Asia already dominates Japan s top five sources South Korea China Taiwan Hong Kong and the US senior vice minister Ministry of Land Infrastructure Transport and Tourism Ken Okuda said during the recent WTTC Global Summit in Tokyo that Japan Kent business events are would be expandcoming back to Kyoto ing activities to further grow North-east Asia markets and tap South-east Asian markets. It wants a 50 per cent increase in Asian meetings by 2016. This year Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) added Indonesia along with Vietnam and the Philippines to its list of priority markets and work is underway to open a JNTO office in Indonesia by next year the third in the region after Singapore and Thailand. Brimming with both leisure and MICE travellers the Indonesian market grew 28.3 per cent to 13 479 visitors in the first quarter compared with the same period in 2010 (pre-earthquake) according to Motonari Adachi executive director of JNTO Singapore office which also oversees the Malaysia and India markets. Toptour Corp s manager-global marketing & sales Streamlines Shinjuku Branch Hisaki Maruyama said We used to have incentives from Japanese automobile companies in Europe now we can t find such incentives anymore. In contrast the Japanese companies in Indonesia are saying that their automobile production cannot catch up with demand. Indonesia has very good potential because its economic condition is good and its (political situation) is stable. Asked if the strong yen is the main challenge to attract more MICE to Japan now that tsunami-related fears have abated (the yen is now about 78- 80 to the greenback compared to 150 preLehman) Kent said The main challenge is the financial environment the debt crisis and yes to a degree the strong yen not safety as Japan is still considered the safest destination in the world. But my experience shows that nothing is based on just financial decision alone it s a whole basket of factors that goes into the decision-making. For Kyoto culture is definitely a big draw and when you compare the enormous value and quality you get from an incentive trip here it is far from expensive. After all only in Kyoto will planners find priests having a fine relationship with the convention bureau to promote the industry. In Kyoto a garden of more than 2 000 temples many of these wondrous buildings have become available for corporate events over the last few years. Reverend Matsuyama a Zen Buddhist priest said If temples work more closely with the industry it provides an opportunity for them to spread their own messages while bringing in revenues that can help the temple maintain itself and grow in an ever-changing world. Last year we announced our meditation programme to help meetings improve through delegate preparedness. This has been incredibly successful and we are delighted to see so many other temples taking on the benefits of working with this dynamic industry. It remains to be seen if more MICE planners from Asia will be as enlightened. Ideas Two nights in Kyoto Day one Check into Hyatt Regency Kyoto which is close to the Gion district a traditional neighbourhood with numerous shopping and entertainment options and important temples. In fact an unforgettable temple Sanjusangendo is just a stone s throw. It has 1 001 statues of the Goddess of Mercy. Visit after a quick lunch then head for the Kiyomizu Temple and Gion allowing your delegates to stroll around the ancient city of many surprises. Have a Kyoto Artisan Dinner at the hotel where your group can dine Kyotostyle with cutlery made by these artisans. Day two Work with the hotel to arrange a Zen meditation course at a temple. For lunch head for the famous sea eel restaurant at Nishiki Market. After lunch visit Nijo Castle built as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Shoguns. For the dinner opt for a temple venue. The hotel is able to tailor the food to your group s liking with both buffet or set dinner as options and a cocktail reception to start. You can even throw in a kimono fashion show at Daikakuji Temple if there are more ladies among the winners. August 2012 TTGmice Unwind after a meeting with meditation 25 JAPAN C H E C K I N G I N Hyatt Regency Kyoto Five-star 189 rooms Tel 81 75 541 1234 Fax 81 75 541 2203 Email sales.Kyoto hyatt.com Website www.kyoto.regency.hyatt.com n just five to seven minutes drive from the Japan Railway Kyoto Station I was already at the hotel s doorstep. Barely arrived I already felt I was in Kyoto as the hotel s neighbours in the Higashiyama Shichijo district Kyoto s cultural heart include the Kyoto National Museum and the Sanjusangendo Temple. Its driveway was lined with bamboo trees. General manager Ken Yokohama came out to greet me. It would not be the last time that I would see him soon I would realise he s an old-school hotelier the kind who would take the time to greet guests in the lobby and be hands-on among his team when needed. The hotel opened in 2006 but its contemporary Japanese design by Super Potato still looked relevant while the hardware had obviously been maintained. I Meeting facilities There are more than 1 700m2 of banquet and meeting space including one ballroom two junior ballrooms three meeting rooms a boardroom three restaurants and an innovative bar. There is also a wedding chapel wedding gallery and family rooms. An event planner will support you all the way through. A quiet check shows the hotel is eager to show off what Kyoto has to offer efficiently prepared with a gamut of ideas that use off-site venues not just its venues and encouraging planners to incorporate cultural activities into their programmes. Rooms Simple functional and I like the kimono fabric headboard. But as I was on the garden floor and the skies were gray the space felt rather tight even though the room size was the standard 28m2-33m2. There was no in-room wireless Internet access but a staff hurried to install a modem which unfortunately was slow and not free. Best to use the wireless broadband in the lobby which worked like a dream and is free besides. Wireless broadband is provided in the meeting rooms. fire ovens an Italian restaurant with a show kitchen and a Japanese restaurant and bar Touzan which is modeled after a traditional Kyoto house. I ate at the Italian restaurant and had drinks at Touzan. Both were great experiences with welcoming helpful and professional staff that spoke good English as with those I interacted at the Concierge who were really helpful with suggestions and directions on sightseeing and local dining places. Maximum pax for meetings 700 pax theatre-style Maximum pax for banquets 500 pax Recent events handled UK-based insurance and security company incentive two groups of 300 pax each International Organization for Chromium annual conference four days 130 international guests Kyoto-based company shareholder meeting 360 pax Wedding ceremony and reception party 120 guests from Hong Kong Note Hyatt Regency Kyoto is able to fully arrange programmes including group outings catering in offsite venues and transportation to and from the hotel Other facilities Riraku Spa and Fitness which offers Japanese medicinal therapies including acupuncture or moxibustion. Just the facility needed especially for a spouse programme or during rainy season. F&B True to the Hyatt chain s F&B prowess the hotel has stylish dining options including The Grill with an open kitchen and wood26 TTGmice August 2012 VERDICT Has all the ingredients to make your stay event smooth-running Raini Hamdi JAPAN Fortune Garden Kyoto opens A new exciting venue in Kyoto is the Fortune Garden owned by high-tech manufacturer Shimadzu which as part of its CSR wants to breathe new life into the historic building by opening it up to incentive parties company commemorations networking receptions and exhibitions. The building dates back to 1927 and was designed by Takeda Goichi who influenced modern Japanese architecture. It was Shimadzu s headquarters until 1986. There are four floors of event space each with a capacity for 130 pax. The venue serves first-class French and Japanese cuisine. Visit www.fortunegarden.com for details. Three low-cost carriers take off in Japan Peach Aviation AirAsia Japan and Jetstar Japan are set to reduce the cost of domestic air travel giving planners a real option to combine a Tokyo city break with a beach getaway in Okinawa or snowboarding in Hokkaido. Peach based at Kansai International Airport (Osaka) started flying in March while AirAsia based at Narita International will take off this month subject to relevant approvals. Jetstar Japan expects to fly from Narita and Kansai end-2012. Yasufumi Nishi JNTO New life for two good old Tokyo hotels Asia s first Four Seasons hoHotel Chinzanso Tokyo tel the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Chinzan-so will be rebranded Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (http hotel-chinzanso-tokyo.jp) from January 2013. It will be managed by hospitality company Fujita Kanko which also owns the development. With its garden backdrop banquet spaces that can host up to 2 000 guests and 36 meeting rooms the 259-room hotel has been a popular venue for international conventions and functions for royalty and state leaders. Meanwhile Palace Hotel Tokyo (www.palacehoteltokyo.com) has reopened after a 90 billion (US 1.1 billion) investment in the mixed-used development. A new 290-room hotel succeeds two previous hotels the Hotel Teito and Palace Hotel that occupied the site from 1947 and 1961 respectively. Located beside the Imperial Palace the hotel aims to give business travellers and leisure visitors the very essence of Japanese hospitality said its president Takashi Kobayashi. The latest spot to view Tokyo skyline The place today to view the skyline of Tokyo is Tokyo Skytree which opened on May 22. At 634m it is now the highest tower in the world. The Second Observatory is glass-covered while the Air Corridor offers your delegates the sensation of walking on air. Tokyo Skytree is located in Sumida Ward where the legacy of Edo culture still lives. Visit www.tokyo-skytree.jp for more information. Sendai CVB rebuilds MICE Sendai Tourism & Convention Bureau (STCB) says meetings infrastructure in the city the largest in the tsunami-devastated Tohoku region is virtually back to normal and that further investment is being made to boost infrastructure in the city. A new subway line connecting Sendai railway station downtown Sendai and Sendai International Center will open in 2015. A new venue adjacent to the Center will also come online around the same time featuring a large space for technical exhibitions and additional conference rooms. The Miyagi Exhibition Center destroyed by the earthquake has also reopened. For more information contact Yumiko Nakao STCB asisstant manager at nakao-yumiko stcb.or.jp. 28 TTGmice August 2012 For the best and brightest in the Asia-Pacific Travel Trade The 23rd Annual TTG Travel Awards 2012 The Asia-Pacific s most prestigious annual travel industry awards the TTG Travel Awards returns for the 23rd year to celebrate travel in the Asia-Pacific recognising the excellence of those who raise industry standards to new heights. Vote Now Your Vote Matters As an industry professional familiar with the latest developments in the region you represent the voice of the Asia-Pacific travel trade in helping us identify the organisations most deserving of the coveted Hermes trophy. Vote for your favourite travel suppliers and travel agencies through the following voting form or on our online voting form. www.ttgasia.com ttg-awards Closing Date 3rd August 2012 Organised by Supported by Award Categories 1. Travel Agency Awards Winnersinthiscategoryaredecidedbyvotesfrom industrysuppliers. BestTravelAgency Australia BestTravelAgency China BestTravelAgency ChineseTaipei BestTravelAgency HongKong BestTravelAgency India BestTravelAgency Indochina(Cambodia Laos) BestTravelAgency Indonesia BestTravelAgency Japan BestTravelAgency Malaysia BestTravelAgency Singapore BestTravelAgency SouthKorea BestTravelAgency Thailand BestTravelAgency ThePhilippines BestTravelAgency Vietnam BestCorporateTravelAgency BestOnlineTravelAgency Winnersinthiscategoryaredecidedbyvotesfrom travelconsultantsandexperts. AirlineAwards BestNorthAmericanAirline BestEuropeanAirline BestMiddleEasternAirline BestSouthAsianAirline BestSouth-eastAsianAirline BestNorthAsianAirline BestChinaAirline BestPacificAirline BestRegionalAirline BestAsianLow-CostCarrier Hotels Resorts ServicedResidences&SpaAwards HOTELChains BestGlobalHotelChain BestRegionalHotelChain BestLocalHotelChain BestHotelRepresentationCompany BestLuxuryHotelBrand BestMid-rangeHotelBrand BestBudgetHotelBrand HOTELS IndividualProperty BestLuxuryHotel BestMid-rangeHotel BestBudgetHotel BestIndependentHotel BestBoutiqueHotel BestCityHotel Bangkok estCityHotel Delhi B BestCityHotel Hanoi HoChiMinhCity BestCityHotel Jakarta BestCityHotel HongKong BestCityHotel KualaLumpur BestCityHotel Macau BestCityHotel Manila BestCityHotel Seoul BestCityHotel Singapore BestCityHotel Taipei BestCityHotel Tokyo BestNewCityHotel BestAirportHotel RESORTS IndividualProperty BestBeachResort BestResortHotel(Non-Beach) BestNewBeachResort BestIntegratedResort SERVICEDRESIDENCES BestServicedResidenceOperator SPAS BestSpaOperator BT-MICEAwards BestAirline BusinessClass BestBusinessHotel BestMeetings&ConventionsHotel BestBT-MICECity BestConvention&ExhibitionCentre BestConvention&ExhibitionBureau TravelServicesAwards BestAirport BestGDS BestCruiseOperator BestNTO BestThemeAttraction VOTING INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES For Travel Agency and Travel Supplier Awards 1. Please use the correct voting form. Voting Form A Travel Agency Awards Forvotingbyhoteliers airlinestaff carrentalcompanies cruiseoperators nationaltourismorganisations GDScompaniesandallothertravel professionals(excepttravelconsultants touroperatorsanddestination managementcompanies). Voting Form B Travel Supplier Awards Forvotingbytravelconsultants touroperatorsanddestination managementcompaniesonly. Online Voting Forms Youcanopttovoteusingouronlineformwww.ttgasia.com ttg-awards instead. Pleaserefertothevotingcriteriaforeach categoryandtitletoensurethat alljudgingisdoneonanequalbasis. iv. Noresponsibilitywillbeacceptedbytheorganisersforvotingforms lost delayedordamagedinthepost. v. Therearenopre-nominatedcontendersforanyvotingawards. vi. TheresultsforTTGTravelAwards2012arefinalandno correspondencewillbeentertained. vii. Votingformswillbetabulatedandevaluatedbyanindependent auditorinSingapore. viii. Theclosingdateis3rd August 2012. Completedvotingformsaretobereturnedto SINGAPORE Ms Lina Tan (TTG Travel Awards 2012) TTGAsiaMediaPteLtd 1ScienceParkRoad 04-07TheCapricorn SingaporeScienceParkII Singapore117528 Tel (65)6395-7575Fax (65)6536-0896 HONG KONG Ms Carol Cheng (TTG Travel Awards 2012) TTGAsiaMediaPteLtd China.comInc 11 FINGTowerNo.308DesVoeuxRoad CentralHongKong Tel (852)2237-7272Fax (852)2806-0646 4. Voting Form Submission 2. Travel Supplier Awards 2. Voting Criteria 3. Voting Rules i. Onlyonevotingentryperpersonisallowed usingthevotingformor onlinevoting. ii. Allvotesareconfidential. iii. VotingformsarepublishedinTTGTravelTradePublishingprinttitles andareavailableonlineatwww.ttgasia.com ttg-awards. VOTING FORM A TRAVEL AGENCY AWARDS For voting by Hoteliers Airlines Car rental companies Cruise operators National Tourism Organisations GDS companies All other travel professionals (except travel consultants tour operators and destination management companies) VOTE ONLINE AT www.ttgasia.com ttg-awards Criteria Best Travel Agency in its respective category in terms of Professionalismandexcellenceinstaff. Bestvalue-addedservicestoclient. Bestuseofcomputertechnologyapplicationstohelpimproveefficiencyandeffectivenessinservicesprovidedtoclient. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Best Travel Agency Australia Best Travel Agency China Best Travel Agency Chinese Taipei Best Travel Agency Hong Kong Best Travel Agency India Best Travel Agency Indochina (Cambodia Laos) Best Travel Agency Indonesia Best Travel Agency Japan Best Travel Agency Malaysia 10. Best Travel Agency Singapore 11. Best Travel Agency South Korea 12. Best Travel Agency Thailand 13. Best Travel Agency The Philippines 14. Best Travel Agency Vietnam 15. Best Corporate Travel Agency Besttravelagencyspecialisinginservingtheneedsofcorporatetravellers. 16. Best Online Travel Agency Bestonline-basedtravelagencyofferingthemostuser-friendlyandeffectiveinterfacetomeetclientneeds.Thisonlinetravelagencymustalsoboastthebestsales andmarketingnetworkintermsofserviceinnovation. VOTER INFORMATION 3. Outstanding Achievement Awards Thewinnersinthiscategoryaredecidedbythe TTGAsiaeditorialteam. TravelPersonalityoftheYear DestinationoftheYear MostEntrepreneurialTravelCompany BestMarketing&DevelopmentEffort 4. Travel Hall of Fame TheTravelHallofFamehonoursorganisations thathavewonatleast10consecutivetimesat previouseditionsoftheTTGTravelAwards.These specialawardwinnerswillberecognisedatevery TTGannualawardspresentationceremony.Votes forthemwillnotbecounted. InductedTravelHallofFamehonorariesare SingaporeChangiAirport(2002) SingaporeAirlines(2002) HertzAsia-Pacific(2005) RoyalCliffBeachResort Pattaya(2006) StarCruises(2008) AbacusInternational(2009) Silkair(2010) LotteTour(2011) Name Job title Address Country Telephone no. Email Passport no. Company Fax no. Signature Please refer to the next page for VOTING FORM B TRAVEL SUPPLIER AWARDS VOTING CLOSES 3rd August 2012 VOTING FORM B TRAVEL SUPPLIER AWARDS For voting by Travel Consultants Tour Operators Destination Management Companies VOTE ONLINE AT www.ttgasia.com ttg-awards SPAS 58. Best Spa Operator Bestmanagedandoperatedspaornetworkofspasintheregion. Airline Awards Criteria Best airline in its respective category in terms of Providingthebestservice networkandschedules. Mostagent-friendlyintermsofreservations confirmationsand commissionpayments. Mostprofessionalsalesandmarketingteamintermsofinnovative ideas incentiveprogrammesandservicing. 17. Best North American Airline BestairlinebasedinNorthAmericaoperatingAsia-Pacificroutes. 18. Best European Airline BestairlinebasedinEuropeoperatingAsia-Pacificroutes. 19. Best Middle Eastern Airline BestairlinebasedinMiddleEastoperatingAsia-Pacificroutes. 20. Best South Asian Airline BestairlinebasedintheIndiansubcontinentoperatingAsia-Pacific routes. 21. Best South-east Asian Airline BestairlinebasedinBrunei Cambodia Indonesia Laos Malaysia Myanmar ThePhilippines Singapore ThailandorVietnamoperating Asia-Pacificroutes. 22. Best North Asian Airline BestairlinebasedinSouthKorea Japan ChineseTaipei Macauor HongKongoperatingAsia-Pacificroutes. 23. Best China Airline BestairlinebasedinChinaoperatingAsia-Pacificroutes. 24. Best Pacific Airline BestairlinebasedinthePacificoperatingAsia-Pacificroutes. 25. Best Regional Airline BestairlinebasedregionallyoperatingAsia-Pacificroutes. 26. Best Asian Low-cost Carrier BestairlinebasedinAsia-Pacificthatoperatesonalow-coststrategy. 33. BestBudgetHotelBrand Besthotelchainoperatinganetworkofeconomicalpropertieswithin anyoneAsia-Pacificcountry. HOTELS Individual Property 34. Best Luxury Hotel Besthotelcateringtotheupmarkettraveller.Thishotelmustalso boastthebestvisualappealandambiencereflectingupmarketstatus. 35. Best Mid-range Hotel Bestmid-rangehotelcateringtothetravellerwhoseeksthree-tofourstarqualityandcomfort. 36. Best Budget Hotel Besthotelcateringtothebudgettraveller. 37. Best Independent Hotel Bestnon-chain(ienotpartofanetworkofproperties)hotel. 38. Best Boutique Hotel Bestsmall fashionableanduniquehotel. 39. Best City Hotel Bangkok 40. Best City Hotel Delhi 41. Best City Hotel Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City 42. Best City Hotel Jakarta 43. Best City Hotel Hong Kong 44. Best City Hotel Kuala Lumpur 45. Best City Hotel Macau 46. Best City Hotel Manila 47. Best City Hotel Seoul 48. Best City Hotel Singapore 49. Best City Hotel Taipei 50. Best City Hotel Tokyo 51. Best New City Hotel Bestcityhotelthatopenedin2011 2012. 52. Best Airport Hotel Besthotel locatedwithinthevicinityofanairport thatcatersto travellersintransit. BT-MICE Awards Criteria estservicesandfacilitiescateringspecificallytotheBT-MICEmarket. B ostprofessionalsalesandmarketingteamintermsofinnovative M ideasandservicingtheBT-MICEmarket. ostdesirableandattractiveincentivesandvalueaddedservicesto M businesstravellersandMICEplanners. 59. Best Airline Business Class Bestbusinessclassairlineacrosstheboard. RefertoAirlineCriteria. 60. Best Business Hotel Besthotelcateringtothebusinesstraveller. RefertoHotelCriteria. 61. Best Meetings & Conventions Hotel Besthotelcateringtomeetingandconventionneeds. RefertoHotelCriteria. 62. Best BT-MICE City Thecitymostfriendlyanddesirabletobusinesstravellersandfor MICEplannerstohosttheirevents. 63. Best Convention & Exhibition Centre Bestfacilities. Bestvalueformoney. MostflexibleincateringtoMICEplanners. Mostprofessionalsalesandmarketingteamintermsofinnovative ideasandservicing. 64. Best Convention & Exhibition Bureau Mostefficient flexibleandfriendlyintermsofresponsetoenquiries andinformation. MosteffectiveinraisingawarenessofMICEatgovernmentand communitylevels. Mostprofessionalsalesandmarketingteamintermsofinnovative ideasandservicing. Hotels Resorts Serviced Residences & Spa Awards Criteria Best Hotel Chain in its respective category in terms of Mostconsistentinproductsandservices. Mostprofessionalsalesandmarketingteamintermsofinnovative ideas incentiveprogrammesandservicing. Best Hotel Resort Serviced Residence Spa in its respective category in terms of Bestservicesandfacilities. Bestrangeofvalue-addedbenefits. Mostprofessionalsalesandmarketingteamintermsofinnovative ideasandservicing. HOTEL CHAINS 27. Best Global Hotel Chain Besthotelchainoperatinganetworkofpropertiesglobally. 28. Best Regional Hotel Chain Besthotelchainoperatinganetworkofpropertiesintheregion. 29. Best Local Hotel Chain BesthotelchainoperatinganetworkofpropertieswithinanyoneAsiaPacificcountry. 30. Best Hotel Representation Company Bestcompanyprovidingthemostagent-friendlyproductsandservices andshowingthebestmarketingeffortingeneratingsalesformember hotelsviaagents. 31. Best Luxury Hotel Brand Besthotelchainoperatinganetworkofluxuriouspropertieswithinany oneAsia-Pacificcountry. 32. Best Mid-range Hotel Brand Besthotelchainoperatinganetworkofmid-rangepropertieswithin anyoneAsia-Pacificcountry. Travel Services Awards 65. Criteria estproduct servicesandfacilities. B ostprofessionalsalesandmarketingteamintermsofinnovative M ideasandservicing. Best Airport Bestfacilities. Mostuser-friendly efficientandhassle-freeimmigration. Mostorganisedbaggageclaim. Bestplannedfloorlayout witheasygroundaccess. 66. Best GDS (Global Distribution System) Mostcomprehensivenetworkofferingeaseofoperationanduser friendliness. Mostefficientandreliablesystem. 67. Best Cruise Operator Bestproductintermsofservice routesandschedules. Bestonboardprogrammeandfacilities. Mostagent-friendlyintermsofreservations confirmationsand commissionpayments. Mostprofessionalsalesandmarketingteamintermsofinnovative ideas incentiveprogrammesandservicing. RESORTS Individual Property 53. Best Beach Resort Bestresortlocatedbyabeach.Thisresortmustalsoboastthebest visualappealandambiencereflectinglocalflavour. 54. Best Resort Hotel (Non-Beach) Bestresortnotlocatedbyabeach.Thisresortmustalsoboastthe bestvisualappealandambiencereflectinglocalflavour. 55. Best New Beach Resort Bestbeachresortthatopenedin2011 2012. 56. Best Integrated Resort Besthotelofferingcomprehensiveaccommodation shopping dining entertainmentandsports. 68. Best NTO (National Tourism Organisation) Mostefficient flexibleandfriendlyintermsofresponsetoenquiries andinformation. Mosteffectiveinraisingawarenessoftourismatgovernmentand communitylevels. Mostprofessionalsalesandmarketingteamintermsofinnovative ideasandservicing. 69. Best Theme Attraction Bestambience. Bestfacilitiesandservices. Mostprofessionalsalesandmarketingteamintermsofinnovative ideasandservicing. SERVICED RESIDENCES 57. Best Serviced Residence Operator Bestservicedpropertycateringtomid-andlong-termstayingguests. VOTER INFORMATION Name Job title Address Country Telephone no. Email Passport no. Company Fax no. Signature VOTING CLOSES 3rd August 2012 SINGAPORE Gardens by the Bay s (pictured here) Bay South Gardens is home to The Meadow a massive outdoor space that can seat a 3 000-pax banquet Take a walk in the park Gardens by the Bay not only adds more lush greenery to the concrete jungle that is Singapore it offers event planners more refreshing venue options writes Karen Yue A 32 fter the launch of Singapore s two integrated resorts Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands in late 2010 and early 2011 respectively the opening of Gardens by the Bay offers a refreshing update to the city-state s new generation of tourism products. It is refreshing because it is 101 hectares of greenery and wide open spaces in Singapore where land is scarce and large MICE-friendly spaces are found mostly in convention and exhibition centres and a handful of hotels. Located within the Marina Bay area Gardens by the Bay is a collection of three gardens. It unveiled Bay South Garden the first phase of its development on June 29. Bay South Garden spans 54 hectares and boasts features such as two cooled TTGmice August 2012 conservatories that replicate the cool-moist climate of the Tropical Montane region and the cool-dry climate of the Mediterranean and semi-arid sub-tropical regions 18 Supertrees vertical gardens two horticultural themed gardens and two lakes. Eeling Koh director-MICE of Singapore s World Express believes that the new attraction will appeal to incentive and special interest groups that are keen to see how Singapore upholds its garden city status. Singapore is recognised as a garden city and there are groups that want to see how the country does it. So far we have only been able to sell the Singapore Botanic Gardens. With Gardens by the Bay there is a whole new horticultural attraction for visitors she said. European incentive participants especially would be attracted said Patrick Lee regional director of Best Travel Deals a Singapore-based company that handles leisure and MICE business. They love greenery he said. The attraction also houses a number of event spaces that can cater to corporate functions gala dinners product launches and special events. An event space inside the Flower Dome cooled conservatory was the first in Bay South Garden to demonstrate its MICE capability when it hosted the World Orchid Conference Gala Dinner and Special Preview last November well ahead of the attraction s grand opening in June this year. The 1 200m2 space can seat up to 700 pax in a banquet setting or up to 1 000 for a standing event. Bay South Garden also lays claims to having Singapore s largest outdoor garden event venue. Called The Meadow SINGAPORE Gardens by the Bay Ideas A taste of Singapore s past and present in a day After breakfast in the hotel head off to Gardens by the Bay and get in touch with nature s splendour. End the tour with a garden lunch tea party perhaps one that takes on an Alice in Wonderland theme at the scenic Silver Leaf lakeside event space. Having seen Singapore s new darling participants will then head back in time by going on Journey s The Time of Empire walking tour which takes participants on foot to prominent landmarks steeped in colonial history in the North Bridge Road and Stamford Road area. An early seafood dinner will be served at Punggol Choon Seng Seafood Restaurant on Turnhouse Road a lush and serene area in Singapore s east. Set in a single-storey colonial house the restaurant offers air-conditioned comfort and tasty dishes at reasonable prices. The rest of the evening is free for your group to explore Singapore s vibrant night life in Clarke Quay. Singapore Tourism Board The Flower Dome in Bay South Garden welcomed delegates of the World Orchid Conference last November the flower bowl-shaped space offers a panoramic view of the two conservatories Supertrees and the Marina Bay. Covering an area of 22 000m2 The Meadow can seat up to 3 000 pax in a banquet setting or up to 30 000 for a standing function. Leveraging on the aesthetic appeal of the Supertrees a 1 500m2 space has been set aside within the grove to cater to events. As the Supertrees are lit up after the sun sets this space is perfect for cocktails dinners and product launches. It can seat up to 730 guests banquet-style. For more intimate events planners can consider the 1 700m2 Silver Leaf which overlooks the Dragonfly Lake in pictureperfect surroundings. Besides these planners can also host dining events in Pollen one of the six F&B outlets now open in Bay South Gardens. Nestled within an olive grove in the Flower Dome the two-storey Mediterranean restaurant has a more intimate space on the upper floor suitable for private functions with no more than 40 guests. The restaurant is the latest embellishment on Singapore s vibrant dining scene as it is headed by renowned chef Jason Atherton owner of Table No.1 in Shanghai and Pollen Street Social in London. He was also the executive director of Maze a Michelin-starred restaurant of the Gordon Ramsay Group. Bay South Garden will eventually have 13 F&B outlets. Gardens by the Bay is now expanding its team to market and manage various events and will leverage on word-ofmouth promotion through satisfied customers. Referring to the successful hosting of the World Orchid Conference Gala Dinner and Special Preview the attraction s assistant director (business) Darren Oh said The positive experiences from both events have led to more enquiries from 34 TTGmice August 2012 event organisers and corporate partners. Our team is also actively engaging local event organisers and attending overseas travel tradeshows to promote the Gardens as not only the ideal leisure destination but also a venue for corporate events in a unique garden setting. Oh added that more than 50 events had been confirmed at press time in July. Some of the events that took place soon after the attraction s opening included the Singapore International Water Week Closing Reception The Straits Times Appreciates Readers Concert and Carnival and Pocari Sweat Run. Carrie Kwik executive director Industry Development Group II Singapore Tourism Board said Gardens by the Bay along with other new tourism developments such as the River Safari and The National Art Gallery would provide unconventional business event venues that integrate MICE facilities together with unique leisure offerings allowing event organisers to come up with creative programmes that deepen the overall delegate experience . Koh expressed confidence in the MICE appeal of Gardens by the Bay saying The space in the Flower Dome is especially competitive because it is air-conditioned and isn t part of a complex. It can also take in a large event. There are very few venues in Singapore like that. Lee also agreed that the event spaces in the attraction would make an attractive proposition since its landscape is so beautiful . Both Koh and Lee had client enquiries on the attraction ahead of its opening. Meanwhile Bay Central Garden and Bay East Garden are being developed although part of the latter has opened to the public. Three outdoor spaces are available to planners the Promenade Lawn the Central Grove and the Palm Grove. Explore the 150-year-old Saint Andrew s Cathedral during The Time of Empire tour MBS muscles up on sports events By Karen Yue M arina Bay Sands (MBS) is seeing a rise in the number of mega sports events being held on its premises with the most recent one being the high-profile ONE Asia MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Summit held from June 1 to 3. Organisers of the summit has claimed that it is the largest ever in the history of the sport. Mike Lee MBS vice president of sales said these events which include the Dragon Fire Championship Boxing Event in May Asia Dive Expo in April and Z1 Pro-Fencing World Series in July 2010 and December 2011 allowed the integrated resort to showcase the flexibility of the space at the Sands Expo and Convention Center . For instance an exhibition hall at the center was transformed into a sports arena with up to 4 000 tiered seats pyrotechnics music and lights on one of the days during the Dragon Fire Championship Boxing Event. Sporting events held at MBS allow the integrated resort to be viewed from a different perspective. We are not only a venue that caters to traditional conferences tradeshows and business meetings our facilities and accompanying attractions provide a natural platform for large-scale sporting events that demand space flexibility and expertise said Lee. He observed that event organisers were also increasingly using MBS as a venue for diverse events and as a canvas to display their creativity . The spaces that have been utilised for large-scale sports events thus far have been exhibition halls because the blank halls serve as a fantastic canvas for the unique set-ups required for various types of sporting events he said adding that MBS handles sports events the same way as other MICE events. We have teams onsite 24 hours a day seven days a week allowing our turn-around time to be quick and for us to be responsive to tight deadlines when setting up a sporting arena or running a live sporting event he said. Although it has been reported that MBS has asked the Singapore government for more land to expand its operations and feed a growing MICE demand Lee said there were enough space in MBS for sporting events to be comfortably booked alongside tradeshows in other halls . Large-scale sports events also contribute significantly towards guestroom occupation at the 2 561-room integrated resort. Lee explained The boxers participating in the Dragon Fire Championship Boxing Event were from around the region with two boxers in particular Chris John (Indonesia) and Lorenzo Villanueva (Philippines) having notably large fan bases in their own respective countries. As a result the fights saw many regional fans flying in just for the fight and to support their boxing heroes. Marina Bay Sands Sands Expo and Convention Center transformed one of its exhibition halls into a 4 000-seat fighting arena for the Dragon Fire World Championship Boxing event in May August 2012 TTGmice 35 SINGAPORE C H E C K I N G I N The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore Five-star 608 rooms and suites Tel (65) 6337-8888 Email sinrz.leads ritzcarlton.com he Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore brought the brand s trademark polished service and luxury accommodation and event spaces to Singapore in 1996. It was exquisite then and still is today thanks to an extensive revamp that gave it fresher guestrooms since early last year. In fact the hotel is all the more breathtaking now that much of the surrounding Marina Bay area is fully developed. Website www.ritzcarlton.com singapore T Rooms It must be impossible to land a guestroom with a poor view because every room offers clear views of the city-state s skyline and Marina Bay or Kallang Bay. Today with Singapore Flyer Marina Bay Sands and the sprawling Gardens by the Bay all up the Marina Bay area is an enchanting vision for hotel guests looking out of their windows. The rooms with the best views are those in the 26 series suites. My room on the 27th floor 2726 was one such winner. I was immensely lucky to catch rehearsals of the National Day Parade and a fireworks display over the Marina Bay during my stay. Renovations undertaken by Burega Farnell sharpened the guestrooms material comforts. New features include a teak wood desk placed against an expansive window so that one can draw intelligent inspiration from the spectacular view while working LED lights and water-conserving bath fixtures. Guests can also enjoy high-definition movies on 46inch Hospitality LED TVs and the convenience offered by high-speed Internet access and universal power points on the desk and by the bed among other new technology features. F&B The hotel s F&B outlets are renown in Singapore s culinary circles. Summer Pavilion is one of Singapore s acclaimed fine-dining Chinese restaurants. Specialising in Cantonese cuisine the 96-seat restaurant has four private dining rooms for 10 to 36 guests. Greenhouse all-day dining restaurant is famous for its Sunday vintage champagne brunch while Shiraishi Japanese restaurant is favoured by Japanese expatriates and businessmen with exquisite taste. And when the business day draws to a close Chihuly Lounge is the perfect spot to unwind over cocktails music and soft chatter. chocolates and cordials from 20.00 to 22.30. This is perfect for business travellers seeking a moment of silence and quality refreshments at any time of the day. The hotel also has a spa a fitness centre and a pool surrounded by lush greenery. Maximum pax for meetings 720 pax classroom-style in the Grand Ballroom Maximum pax for banquets 1 000 pax in the grand ballroom Events handled A 600-pax conference for a financial firm a 350-pax conference by a luxury brand and a 250-pax music industry forum Meeting facilities Known to draw a strong business travel and corporate meeting crowd the hotel has 3 252m2 of indoor and outdoor event space. The Grand Ballroom on level one can host a 1 200-pax reception. Eight meeting rooms sit on level two with the largest being Millenia 1 which can accommodate 214 pax in theatre-style. These meeting rooms offer quick access to a business centre. Event planners who fancy views of greenery should use the Chihuly Room on the lobby level. It can take a 150-pax reception or be spit into two smaller rooms. The hotel also charms with unique venues for more intimate events such as the 100-pax Stella Gallery. 36 TTGmice August 2012 Other facilities My favourite place in the hotel is the Club Lounge on the 32nd floor despite it being left out of the recent renovations. The Club Lounge furnished with plush armchairs and sofas is cosy more so in the evening when lights come up across the city like a million little stars. This exclusive space is also bent on keeping club floor guests well-fed all day with continuous treats. Club breakfast is served from 07.00 to 10.30 midday snacks from 11.00 to 14.00 afternoon tea from 14.30 to 16.30 hors d oeuvre and cocktails from 17.00 to 19.30 and VERDICT A beautiful property that is so easy to fall in love with Karen Yue New Order will perform in Singapore on August 28 Take your delegates to a concert in the park Three big names in the music world Snow Patrol Garbage and New Order will descend upon Singapore in August bringing their music to audiences at Fort Canning Park. Snow Patrol whose albums have been nominated for the Mercury Music Prize Grammys and MTV Europe Music Awards will perform on August 6 grungy quartet Garbage will perform on August 21 and the legendary New Order will hit the stage on August 28. Hospitality packages are available at S 250 (US 198) per person which includes a concert ticket a lanyard posters finger food and drink coupons. LAMC Productions which brings these concerts to Singapore is also able to work with event planners on VIP group arrangements and provide corporate branding exposure in VIP tents. Wine dine and unwind Zafferano a new Italian restaurant bar and lounge that opened in July is the latest addition to Singapore s F&B landscape and night life. Located on the top floor of the Ocean Financial Centre in Collyer Quay the restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Marina Bay and affordable Italian cuisine. Created by head chef Roberto de Franco the extensive menu features seven varieties of cuisine Cucina di Mamma (mum s kitchen) Terra (earth) Verde (greens) Mare (ocean) Griglia (grilled meats) Delicate (delicatessen favourites) and Dolci (sweets). Zafferano can seat 200 guests and has two dining areas that can be combined to host private events with 20-30 guests. Swing through the tree-tops Forest Adventure a tree-top course in Bedok Reservoir Park offers corporate groups a number of teambuilding programmes that require participants to swing from tree to tree zip across the reservoir and other challenges. Refreshments and a certificate of completion will be provided. Day and night programmes are available and a minimum of eight participants is required. Prices from S 68 per pax. Visit www.forestadventure.com.sg for more information. Groove to the mambo beat Siloso Beach on Sentosa will welcome Mambo Caf this month offering event planners yet another venue option for casual events. Said to be inspired by old-fashioned beach bars in Miami Cuba and Hawaii Mambo Caf offers cabanas that can be rented for private gatherings and a live reggae band that will play throughout the day. Shangri-La Hotel gets pretty Shangri-La Hotel Singapore has unveiled its new Garden Wing after a US 52 million eight-month makeover. Redecorated to complement the hotel s lush greenery the 158 rooms and suites are decked in natureinspired furnishings and balconies that overlook either the hotel s garden or the swimming pool. The three Premier Balcony suites also feature outdoor jacuzzi and private barbecue facilities. Other new additions include the Waterfall Garden Caf and CHI spa. August 2012 TTGmice 37 INDONESIA The new Medan International Convention Center hosted Medan s first automotive exhibition which drew 45 000 visitors All systems go for Medan Medan will shine more prominently as a MICE destination thanks to advances in air connections and business event infrastructure discovers Mimi Hudoyo M edan is one of Indonesia s major business cities following behind only Jakarta and Surabaya and it has the right ingredients now to become one of the country s strongest MICE destinations. Medan satisfies one of the key criteria of a successful tourism destination it is connected to major cities in Indonesia by domestic airlines such as Garuda Indonesia AirAsia Lion Air Batavia Air and Sriwijaya Air. The city is also linked to regional destinations such as Kuala Lumpur Singapore Penang and Bangkok by a host of full-service and low-cost carriers including AirAsia Malaysia Airlines Firefly SilkAir ValuAir Tiger Airways Sriwijaya Air and Mandala Airlines. Flag carrier Garuda Indonesia intends to strengthen Medan s hub status by providing more onward connections to other secondary Indonesian destinations through the city from major domestic and regional airports. TTGmice August 2012 Medan s over-crowded Polonia Airport will also make way for the new Kuala Namu International Airport by March 2013 allowing the city to welcome increased air traffic and arrivals. The new airport which will boast a capacity for 8.1 million passengers a year is expected to propel Medan forward as a major leisure and business destination. Angkasa Pura II airport authority president director Tri Sunoko was reported to have said that Kuala Namu International Airport would become an international transit point. As Medan gears up on air access advancement has also been happening on the accommodation and venue front. Rahudman Harahap mayor of Medan noted that accommodation and MICE facilities have been growing in the last few years and still are . In the last five years the city has welcomed major international and local hotels such as Hotel Aryaduta Medan Grand Swiss-Belhotel Medan Grand Aston City Hall Medan Hotel and Serviced Residences and JW Marriott Hotel Medan. They join Medan s existing portfolio of MICEfriendly properties which includes Tiara Medan Hotel & Convention Centre Grand Angkasa International Hotel Hotel Soechi International and Garuda Plaza Hotel. Developers of these properties had the foresight to include MICE hardware with many hotels offering ballrooms with capacity for 500 to 2 000 guests. The four-star Santika Premiere Dyandra Hotel & Convention Medan is the latest MICE-friendly addition to the city. It opened earlier this year bringing with it 324 rooms and a dedicated convention centre called Medan International Convention Center (MICC). It houses two convention halls one with 960 seats and the other with 720 seats a 326-seat ballroom a 288-seat ballroom and eight breakout rooms that can accommodate between 40 and 90 people in a theatre-style setting. The municipal government continues to improve public facilities and infrastructure to make Medan convenient for busi- 38 ness and leisure travellers. And now that Medan has the right facilities for domestic and regional events we are starting to promote (the city) more seriously said mayor Harahap. The city hosted the Indonesia Corporate Meeting & Incentive Travel Mart (ICMITM) in May and the 7th Sumatera International Travel Fair in June allowing it to draw tourism buyers attention. It will also host the Indonesia Travel and Holiday Fair in October. As well the municipal government is supporting cultural festivals and contemporary musical performances in an effort to stimulate tourism first from the domestic market and then from the region. While Medan has seen growth in meetings and conferences trade sources say the exhibition segment must be cultivated. MICC is expected to provide the stimulation needed for the city s exhibitions business. Santika Premiere Dyandra Hotel & Convention Medan general manager Rudi Mimi Hudoyo Maimoon Palace pictured here is one of Medan s key tourist attractions Herrmann told TTGmice that MICC had a good start with large-scale exhibitions. It hosted Medan s first automotive exhibition which drew 45 000 visitors as well as a computer exhibition with 50 000 visitors earlier this year. At least 12 more consumer exhibitions have been booked at MICC this year. Corporate buyers who attended ICMITM had the oportunity to see Medan s MICE capability for themselves. While buyers agree that Medan possesses the facilities for business events many said that the destination needed stronger promotions to raise awareness among MICE clients and to stand out from other popular MICE destinations in the country such as Jakarta Bali and Lombok. For Roche Indonesia site support manager Cony Avianti Medan makes an attractive alternative to the usual meetings destinations such as Bali. Ideas Take off to Lake Toba after meetings Day one After lunch in Medan take a four-hour drive to Parapat and onward by boat to Samosir Island which sits in the middle of Lake Toba. The sun will be setting by then allowing delegates to bathe in the warm glow of the sun as they sail over Lake Toba. It is the largest volcanic lake in the world measuring 100km long and 30km wide and 505m at its deepest point. After checking into one of the local hotels or inns proceed to dinner with Batak music and dances as accompanying entertainment. Day two The group will head off to a nearby village on bicycle early in the morning where they will participate in a corporate social responsibility programme that requires them to plant tropical fruit trees. These trees prevent erosion and bear fruits that the villagers can sell for some money. Later en route back to the hotel the group can stop by some local shops that sell traditional handicraft. After breakfast at the hotel the group will check out and take a boat to Tomok village where they will visit the famous tombs of King Sidabutar and King Siallagan before returning to Parapat. After a traditional lunch at a local restaurant the group will return to Medan. A stop at a local sweet factory should be arranged as delegates can purchase traditional treats made with peanuts cashew nuts and sesame seeds as gifts for family and friends back home. Bintan Lagoon Resort offers the perfect setting for private parties corporate meetings conferences incentives and teambuilding events. With 6 Function rooms an Adventure Training Centre a private beach two 18-hole golf courses and 473 contemporary rooms we are dedicated to working with you to create your perfect event. A new direct ferry service departs from Singapore s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bintan Lagoon Resort s Doorstep. For enquiries please call 65 67502280 or email reservations mozaichotels.com www.mozaichotels.com Managed by Mozaic Hotels and Resorts August 2012 TTGmice 39 INDONESIA Explore Medan s leisure side By Mimi Hudoyo M edan offers not only serious MICE hardware but also a variety of attractions that can feature well in pre- and post-show programmes. Horas Tour Medan managing director Robert Lam said popular tourist attractions in the city such as Maimoon Palace Tjong A Fie Mansion (once home to the first Chinese billionnaire in Sumatra) and Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery could offer conference and meeting delegates a quick introduction to Medan. Lam added that event organisers could also create thematic programmes by leveraging on Medan s cultural and heritage attractions for instance a heritage tour that features the London Sumatera Building and the iconic Tirtanadi Water Tower. The London Sumatera Building takes on a British colonial architectural style and was the first building in Sumatra to have an elevator in the 1910s. The Tirtanadi Water Tower is a reservoir that has been functioning since the Dutch colonial period. For incentive and teambuilding groups seeking fun options there is the Pantai Cermin Theme Park & Resort which offers a water theme park and 45 guestrooms. Beyond the bustle of Medan are quieter destinations that can support teambuilding and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes. Taman Simalem Resort in Merek Hills some 2.5 hours from Medan by car offers a variety of outdoor activities such as camping trekking outward bound courses horse riding as well as visits to coffee and tea plantations and flower nurseries. Berastagi Highland Parapat and Samosir Island are ideal destinations for post-show programmes that seek to showcase a more traditional and scenic side of Indonesia. Narasindo Mitra Prima Tours & Travel product development manager Morris Ginting noted that visitors to Medan would often ask to include Lake Toba in the itinerary. There are cultural and nature-related activities that we can create in the areas on and around the lake such as Parapat and Samosir Island said Ginting adding that the Indonesia Tourist Guide Association North Sumatera Chapter has been working with the local tourism stakeholders and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy to develop sustainable tourism. He said These programmes range from trekking to see the indigenous black orchid in Sibisa in Parapat to a tourism village visit. They can be combined with teambuilding and CSR activities in the villages. He also suggested traditional cooking and handicraft classes in the villages and visits to local families for accompanying spouses. Narasindo Mitra Prima Tours & Travel had once created a one-day teambuilding programme with rafting on Bingei River and games in the fields for a group of participants from a national bank. Bank Danamon executive vice president and card business head Dessy Masri who had organised a conference in Medan earlier this year said the destination s endless culinary and shopping options appealed to delegates especially those from Indonesia and Asia. Mimi Hudoyo Event delegates can indulge in laid-back shopping in Parapat s Tomok Market (left) or cruise down Lake Toba the world s largest volcanic lake 40 TTGmice August 2012 C H E C K I N G I N Bintan Lagoon Resort Five-star 473 rooms including suites and villas Tel (65) 6223-3223 and (62) 770-691-388 Email reservations bintanlagoon.com Website www.themozaic.com Gracia Chiang ess than an hour away from Singapore Bintan Lagoon Resort fans out across some 300 hectares of landscaped gardens on the quiet Indonesian island boasting more than a kilometre of private beach. Its two 18-hole golf courses 12 F&B outlets eight function rooms and activitypacked leisure centre only mean that guests have few reasons to venture beyond. Plus the resort now has its own ferry terminal ideal for time-pressed corporate groups who prefer a doorstep arrival. L such as the feature wall behind the bed (two twins or king). However I felt the room could have been better insulated against noise. One notch above the Deluxe Rooms are the Suites which come with separate living and bedroom areas as well as luxuries like a four-poster bed and a Jacuzzi spa bath. The resort also reaches out to those who want a home away from home with its singleand double-storey Villas featuring kitchen facilities a barbecue pit a personal buggy and even a swimming pool for some. ing and night go-karting. Those with family in tow can leave their little ones (aged four to eight) at the Nutty Bunch Kids Club. Maximum pax for meetings 400 pax theatre-style Maximum pax for banquets 300 pax for poolside dining 1 000 pax for beachfront dining Maximum pax for teambuilding 120 pax for Adventure Training Centre (high and low elements) 50 pax for beach telematch Events handled Meetings teambuilding activities corporate golf tournaments weddings Meeting facilities A popular location for off-site meetings and staff retreats Bintan Lagoon s clients have included Barclays Capital J.P Morgan and BNP . Paribas. Ten room configurations are available for meetings with the smallest at 31m2 (maximum 15 pax theatre-style) and the largest at 405m2 (maximum 400 pax theatre-style). All of these can be catered for cocktail banquet classroom and boardroom settings. F&B My favourite was Rice (pictured above) which will wow lunch and dinner patrons with breathtaking views of the South China Sea. Seafood buffets can be arranged. Italian dinners can be had at Orzo Japanese teppanyaki at Miyako and Indonesian specialities at Kopi-O to name just a few mouth-watering options. Other facilities You will have to pick wisely. Tennis or beach volleyball Gym or spa Laser Quest or archery There are also plenty of chances to get wet with two free-form pools and a wide range of sea sports available. And the activities don t have to stop after sunset thanks to the karaoke lounge and optional tours such as firefly watch- Rooms I stayed in the Deluxe Sea Facing Room which together with the Deluxe Room was given a makeover in 2010. I liked the platform daybed (suitable for children or a third adult) and the balcony as well as modern design touches VERDICT A self-contained beach getaway for corporate groups Gracia Chiang August 2012 TTGmice 41 INDONESIA Trans Studio adds new attractions Incentive groups headed for Bandung Indonesia can now get an extra dose of thrills at Trans Studio Bandung said to be the world s largest indoor theme park. The theme park has added four new attractions 4D Marvel Superheroes Special Effects Action Trans Science Centre and Kiddy s Land. The 4D Marvel Superheroes and the Special Effects Action are most suited for fun-loving adults. The 4D Marvel Superheroes attraction features famous comic heros such as Captain America Hulk Iron Man Fantastic Four and Spiderman while the Special Effects Action zone unveils behind-the-scenes of action films and invites participants to take part in a mock robbery. These new features will add to Trans Studio Bandung s current collection of 20 major rides and attractions. The theme park is part of the massive Bandung Supermal and close to the 606-room Ibis Bandung Trans Studio Hotel. Ibis debuts in Bali Accor has taken its Ibis property into the heart of Bali Indonesia. The 156-key Ibis Kuta Bali sits in the bustling Kuta area and is less than one kilometre from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The hotel is outfitted with two flexible meeting rooms that can accommodate small- and medium-sized events for up to 100 people. Guestrooms are furnished with comfortable beds 24-inch LCD TVs in-room safes coffee tea making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access. There is also a 24-hour restaurant and bar in the lobby. Get connected on the go InterContinental Bali Resort is offering free Wi-Fi Internet access in its entire fleet of vehicles allowing guests the convenience of getting connected during airport transfers or when touring the island. The move came with the hotel s recent implementation of a new wireless service that blankets the entire property from guestrooms and meeting facilities to public areas and the beach. Get active in a mall The Pulomas X Venture Mall which will open in eastern Jakarta by the end of 2012 will offer many activities besides retail therapy. The mall will have outdoor F&B establishments encircled by horse racing tracks allowing visitors to enjoy live equestrian events as well as a nine-hole golf course jogging and cycling tracks trampoline flying fox and a park with labyrinth tunnel. Emphasising its active concept the mall will boast a jungle-like interior and a sprawling rooftop park. The mall has also employed environmentally sustainable building practices. More MICE space in Jakarta Aston International has inked a deal with Paramount Group an Indonesian real estate developer to manage a convention centre and three hotels in the Indonesian capital city. Scheduled to open in 2014 the Paramount City mixed-use development in Slipi West Jakarta will offer a convention centre with more than 5 000m2 of meeting and exhibition space a 360-room four-star Aston a 199-room three-star Quest and a 250room select service Fave. There will also be a 25 600m2 shopping mall. 42 TTGmice August 2012 Appointments Katie Scholes Michael Johnson Guillaume Ruppin Dominique Berhouet Klaus Alexander Woizik Jason Leung Abid Butt Melvin Lim James Ramage Samuel Gacos AUSTRALIA Mantra Group has appointed Katie Scholes general manager of Mantra Circle on Cavill in Surfers Paradise the Gold Coast. She was most recently with the Rydges Group. Michael Johnson is now general manager of Parkroyal Melbourne Airport. He has over 30 years of experience in tourism and hospitality in Australia and New Zealand. CAMBODIA Guillaume Ruppin has joined Exotissimo Travel Cambodia as MICE manager based in Siem Reap. He was with Hanuman Travel. HONG KONG Dominique Berhouet has been appointed general manager of both Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East and Holiday Inn Express Hong Kong Kowloon East. He will lead the opening of both hotels in 4Q2012. He was most recently the opening general manager of Crowne Plaza Guangzhou City Centre in China. INDONESIA Klaus Alexander Woizik has been appointed general manager of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Luxury Collection s The Keraton at The Plaza Jakarta. He has over 15 years of experience in the luxury hospitality business with companies such as Langham Group Hilton International and Global Hyatt. Bipan Kapur has been promoted to managing director of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort and The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali. He will oversee the upcoming Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort on top of his existing responsibilities as general manager of The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali and Bali International Convention Centre. Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali has also promoted Jason Leung to executive assistant manager who will retain his sales & marketing role. SINGAPORE Banyan Tree Holdings has appointed Abid Butt as CEO of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. Butt previously served as the area general manager of Banyan Tree Phuket over ten years ago and was appointed the first vice president of operations from 2000 to 2002. He was most recently vice president for asset management of Host Hotels & Resorts in the US. Fabian Seet has moved from The Ascott to Jin Jiang International Hotel Management where he is now director of international marketing and sales. He is based in Singapore. Seet was director of global sales at The Ascott. Furama Hotels International has appointed Chakrapong Paladsongkram general manager of Furama RiverFront. Chakrapong has worked for top hotels in Thailand Cambodia Dubai and the US. Park Hotel Group has appointed Melvin Lim vice president. Based in Singapore Lim will oversee the performance of the group s portfolio of hotels in Greater China. He joins from Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur where he was general manager. THAILAND James Ramage has been appointed assistant vice president global sales for Dusit International based in Bangkok. Ramage brings with him almost 30 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry and joins from Starwood where he was regional director of sales and marketing. Absolute Hotel Services has appointed Martin Fabiano as general manager of U Sunsuri Phuket which will open this November. He was most recently general manager at Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18. UAE Pieter Idenburg former CEO of Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre has joined Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company as CEO. VIETNAM Samuel Gacos has joined Caravelle Hotel as director of sales and marketing. He has over 18 years of experience with companies such as Shangri-La Hotel and Resorts Hilton Hotels and Resorts and Sutera Harbour Resort Group in Malaysia. August 2012 TTGmice 43 Case studies ELSA 2011 Ace Daytons Direct (International) leverages on its experience in medical events to deliver the AsiaPacific Congress of Endoscopic Surgery with aplomb and bags an award too. Linda Haden writes Event The 10th Asia-Pacific Congress of Endoscopic Surgery Organiser Ace Daytons Direct (International) Client Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA) No. of pax 1 500 pax Ace Daytons Direct (International) Venue Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre Date August 11-13 2011 he 10th edition of the Asia-Pacific Congress of Endoscopic Surgery (ELSA 2011) organised by the Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA) took place at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre between August 11 and 13 2011. Four national societies participated in the congress including the Society of Colorectal Surgeons (Singapore) Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society of Singapore Singapore Urological Association and the Gastroenterological Society of Singapore making it the largest surgical congress held on the island last year. A total of 1 500 delegates from 38 countries descended upon Suntec Singapore exceeding the organising committee s expectations. Some 97 international speakers including 46 from Singapore were invited too. Ace Daytons Direct (International) was engaged by the organising committee to assist with event planning and management. The brief provided by ELSA called for a conference that encompassed a state-of-the-art scientific programme led by good speakers and complemented by an exciting social programme. Despite Ace Dayton s experience in handling large medical events the firm faced several challenges as a result of the congress sheer size and the complex organisational structure of ELSA. 44 TTGmice August 2012 T Ace Daytons acted as the key liaison between various ELSA sub-committee members who are based in Singapore and the region. It also brought various societies and the organising committee together when it came to arranging special sessions for paediatric and thoracic surgery. Progress updates were issued to all members regularly to keep them in the loop and to obtain constructive feedback. In the run up to the actual conference Ace Daytons acted as the key link between multiple national hospitals that were chairing three pre-congress workshops. Technology played an integral role in the execution of the congress. Ace Dayton s managing director Nancy Tan said (We) used proprietary software to manage all planning and co-ordinating aspects of the event covering areas such as abstract submissions registration hotel and transport bookings and accounting. A guidebook which defined the individual roles and duties for both full-time and temporary staff was created to preempt potential operational hiccups. There was also a clear division of labour. Staff were assigned to specific tasks which maximised our productivity as staff knew exactly what to do before during and after the congress added Tan. To enhance its understanding of the scientific programme and to guarantee a smooth delivery of the conference agenda Objective Bringing international experts together to discuss new developments studies and findings in a highly specialised medical field Challenges Ensuring a compelling scientific programme while co-coordinating and dealing with various stakeholders Re-budgeting and re-negotiating sponsorship as a result of a last minute venue change Ace Daytons had weekly meetings with the scientific chairmen who were tasked with devising key topics and content. Ace Daytons also had to select the location for the main congress segments. It secured function rooms within the same area of Suntec Singapore making it convenient for delegates to flit between talks and to network more efficiently during tea breaks. One major hurdle the firm faced was the change in venue 18 months before the congress was to be staged. Owing to the shift all sponsorship packages had to be re-budgeted and re-negotiated. The success of the congress led to Ace Daytons being awarded the top accolade of Best Association Conference at the inaugural Asian Conference Awards 2012 in March. F1 in Schools World Finals Careful planning and coordination between the hotel s events team and organisers whipped the annual global educational initiative into a roaring success writes Karen Yue exhibition booths measuring 9m2 each for teams to display their designs. This need was easily met by DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur s spacious grand ballroom which measures 1 130m2 and boasts an eight-metre high ceiling. One of the first challenges to surface for the hotel was the massive volume of equipment and props needed to be delivered to the grand ballroom. To solve this Angelia Ku director of sales group conference & event of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur said an alternative access for props was set up and the loading bay was kept in operation beyond the usual working hours. Ku said With 23 teams from 17 countries extra coordination was required to ensure that all props and materials were delivered to the right team. The operations team was complimented for their flexibility and efficiency in facilitating smooth moving-in of props from large to small display items specially flown-in by the various teams from around the world. She also noted that despite high occupancy at the hotel during the event check-in was smooth and rooms were ready for the teams that had arrived at different times. The 2011 F1 in Schools World Finals was broadcasted live over the Internet allowing parents beyond Malaysia to share in the excitement of the event in real time. The hotel also made arrangements to have an F1 car displayed at the centre arena of The Intermark a mixed-use development which the hotel is part of bringing more eyeballs and attention to the F1 in Schools World Finals. Ku credited close working relationship with the client and appointed agency and clear concise communications within the team as well as attention to detail for the event s success. At the end of the competition David Howes director of communications & events of F1 in Schools offered this compliment The service culture of the hotel s team and the warm Malaysian hospitality greatly impressed the organiser and participants from around the world. August 2012 TTGmice DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur T he F1 in Schools World Finals held its seventh edition in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia over three days last September making it the second time the international technology challenge was staged in the country. The annual event which was first launched in 1999 and previously held in destinations such as Australia the UK and Singapore requires students from around the world to form teams of three to six to design a model compressed air-powered F1 car using CAD CAM engineering techniques and present their creations before a judging panel with a verbal and written presentation. The model cars must also be raced on a specially designed test track. It is recognised as a prominent educational initiative as participants compete for coveted automotive and motorsport engineering university scholarships to City University London and the Bernie Ecclestone World Champions trophy. The 2011 F1 in Schools World Finals endorsed by the Malaysian Ministry of Education saw participation by 23 teams of 200 students from 17 countries. The event needed large spaces to accommodate a 24m race track and 17 Event F1 in Schools World Finals Client F1 in Schools No. of pax 200 Venue DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur Date September 19-21 2011 Objective A platform for student teams from around the world to design manufacture and race their miniature model F1 car Challenges The hotel s loading bay was unable to accommodate the large volume of equipment and props required for the event A 24m race track and 17 exhibition booths must be accommodated within the venue 45 Hotels update The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa Centara Hotel & Convention Centre Khon Kaen The District Boracay The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa Japan The third Ritz-Carlton property in Japan has opened in Okinawa. Located in the premises of Kise Country Club in Nago and surrounded by the 18-hole championship golf course the 97-room hotel comprises 78 Deluxe rooms nine Premium Deluxe rooms eight Cabana rooms one Presidential Suite and The RitzCarlton Suite. Rooms are provided with highspeed Internet access and Yukata robes among other amenities. The hotel has a spa a fitness studio an outdoor pool a lobby lounge and restaurants serving Italian and international cuisine and teppanyaki. www.ritzcarlton.com Conference equipment and free wireless Internet access are also available. Leisure amenities include a spa a fitness centre and an outdoor pool. There are a variety of F&B options such as the Ethyl Bar and Lobby The Creative Kitchen the Cakewalk Tea Lounge and Pastry Shop Ni Hao and Indya Oye. www.radissonblu.com hotel-nagpur which seats 150 diners and serves international and Asian cuisine Sui Sian a 136-seat Cantonese restaurant and Ju Fang a 114-seat Hong Kong-style outlet. The property is a 15-minute drive from Khon Kaen International Airport. www.centarahotelsresorts.com Centara Hotel & Convention Centre Khon Kaen Thailand The new 196-room Centara Hotel & Convention Centre Khon Kaen which has opened in North-east Thailand is said to offer the largest meeting venue in Khon Kaen province. It has a 1 690m2 convention hall that can seat 2 000 people theatrestyle. This space can be split into three smaller rooms suitable for 750 pax each in the same setting. There is also the 560m2 Prachasamosorn Ballroom and other function rooms of different sizes. Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool which comes with a pool bar or boost their well-being at the fitness centre or spa. The hotel also boasts several dining options such as The Globe Landmark Village Hotel Singapore Landmark Village Hotel a property under Village Hotels & Residences which belongs to the Far East Hospitality group has unveiled its new collection of Premier rooms which are introduced as part of the hotel s ongoing upgrading works. The 32m2 Premier rooms take on a contemporary design and are furnished with a 40-inch LCD HDTV a recliner armchair an openconcept wardrobe and an indulgent rain-shower. All rooms offer views of the city and Marina Bay. The hotel is located in Singapore s culture-rich Arab quarters. www.stayvillage.com Landmark form of The District Boracay. The resort is five kilometres from Caticlan Jetty Port and 120m from D Mall shopping centre. Suitable for high-end incentive programmes involving a few select delegates The District Boracay offers 48 rooms that each comes with a private veranda complimentary Wi-Fi access and an LED flat screen TV. There is also a pool a lounge and a restaurant called Caruso Ristorante Italiano and Caffe Caruso. www.thedistrictboracay.com Swiss tel Makkah Saudi Arabia Swiss tel Hotels & Resorts has opened its first hotel the Swiss tel Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Designed with a mix of Arabian culture and modernity the 1 562room hotel is said to be the largest hotel in the country. The hotel is part of the prestigious Abraj Al Bait complex. Business facilities include two 40m2 meeting rooms wireless Internet access and a well-equipped business centre with six Internet stations. F&B outlets include Al Rowad restaurant Ajwa restaurant and Caf Swiss. www.swissotel.com makkah Radisson Blu Hotel Nagpur India Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has brought its first-class Radisson Blu brand to Nagpur city in India. The 214-room Radisson Blu Hotel Nagpur offers over 10 000m2 of meeting space which can accommodate up to 1 000 guests. Facilities include a 1 200m2 ballroom that can be divided into three smaller rooms a business-class lounge three boardrooms and a business centre. The District Boracay the Philippines The Philippines Boracay island has a new luxury boutique resort in the 46 TTGmice August 2012 Packages THAILAND Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach has rolled out its Free Meeting Package at 2 499 baht (US 79) per room per night. The package includes a meeting room Internet access stationery LCD projector with screen morning and afternoon breaks with homemade cookies breakfast buffet and late check-out at 14.00. A 15 per cent discount for all treatments at the resort s Tea Tree Spa is also offered. Package is valid till October 31 for a minimum booking of 10 rooms over two consecutive nights on single occupancy. Email salesmgrhkt holidayinnmaikhao.com HONG KONG SINGAPORE Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is offering the Value Meeting Plus for S 75 (US 58) and S 90 per pax for a half-day and a full-day package respectively. Benefits include daily breakfast buffet an upgrade to a selection of 20 themed breaks and high-speed Internet for up to two devices in the guestrooms and one line in the main meeting room. One guestroom or suite upgrade is given for every 30 occupied rooms. Discounts offered include 20 per cent off selected spa treatments during off-peak hours and 15 per cent off round-trip airport limousine transfers among others. The package requires a minimum of 10 rooms booked till September 30 and meetings must be held by December 31. Email chinen.phillips fourseasons.com Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers kicks off the summer with its Summer Meeting Package for meetings held by August 31. A half-day package inclusive of one lunch and one break costs HK 530 (US 68) per person while a full-day package with one lunch and two breaks costs HK 650 per person. Prices listed exclude a complusory 10 per cent surcharge. Each package offers complimentary use of LCD projector high-speed Internet access an iced tea station throughout the meeting and an upgrade to Colour Your Plate themed coffee break at preferential rate. Email ris.wong sheraton.com HONG KONG J Plus Boutique Hotel has launched the J Plus Meeting Experience at HK 1 000 (US 129) and HK 2 000 for a half-day and a full-day package respectively. For HK 2 990 the full-day package includes a night s accommodation in a studio room adjacent to the meeting space which planners can use for preparation and storage and 20 per cent off the best available rate for additional rooms booked. Continental breakfast afternoon tea with cakes and free wine in the lobby during cocktail hours are also provided. Offer is valid till December 31. Email rez jplushongkong.com August 2012 TTGmice 47 Make a gift of art Hands up those of you who have given your delegates gifts of food (pleasing but gone in a jiffy) quirky paper-weights (whatever for ) and stationery with your logo (again ) as momentos of a concluded event or tokens of appreciation Tittle tattle Bird Homage to Charlie Parker by It is time to revitalise your gift ideas. Jane E Porter Cue Artchu (pronounced like you are sneezing) a company that allows customers to specify an art brief either by uploading a picture or describing in words what they have in mind and have artists offer to create it. Customers can consider the artistic proposals from various artists chose the one they fancy most agree on a price and proceed. All costs and delivery methods are discussed between the artist and the customer. The end product will definitely be unique and may even occupy a prime spot in the recipient s home or office. Although Artchu has offices only in Australia and Singapore it employs a wide network of artists from the US Europe Australia Vietnam and Singapore. More details can be found on www.artchu.com Although business is such a serious affair surely we can afford a little humour in our correspondence. However the ability to apply the right dose of humour in business writing is a delicate art form and some have had their jokes backfired on them. To help take the tumour out of your humour grab a copy of Funny Business Putting humor in your writing a book that teaches readers how to add funny remarks or jokes to emails tweets and reports that actually work with people and make the writer look better not worse. Written by Michael Dolan a former journalist the book features chapters such as The Basics of a Working Joke Why Humor is a Good Idea at Work The Secret to Puns and Science Discovers Keys to Humor. This light-hearted read is available in Kindle and other ebook formats and can be purchased at www.amazon.com and www.ebookit.com. 48 TTGmice August 2012 Office humour Once a jailhouse now a swanky hotel Travel website VirtualTourist.com has compiled a list of Top 10 Best Converted Hotels to highlight accommodation properties that were once used for vastly different purposes and are now winners in terms of architectural uniqueness and modern material comfort. Included in this list are Mandarin Oriental Prague which was a Dominican monastery in the 14th century The Liberty Hotel in Boston USA which was once the Charles Street Jail La Purificadora in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Puebla Mexico which was an ice factory built in 1884 and The Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam a former music conservatory. Singapore s Wanderlust Hotel has also made it to the list. The former schoolhouse in Little India is now four floors of designer chic and home to a rustic French restaurant Cocotte. the asian luxury travel buyer s choice Which three names come to mind when you think of the most prestigious luxury hotel chains in the world Visit our webpage to participate in this short survey. The Top 40 and many other useful guides will be featured in the inaugural issue of TTG Asia Luxury this October. TTG Asia Luxury the Asian luxury travel buyer s choice of reading material. www.ttgasia.com luxury TTG ASIA for buyers of premium travel and luxury meetings Win up to 3 000 000 Hilton HHonorsTM points FROM MICE TO MILLIONS More than just events it s exceptional rewards with signature Hilton Worldwide experiences. Great things happen when people come together. With 95 hotels and resorts in the Hilton Worldwide Asia Pacific portfolio serving as the perfect backdrop every event - from training workshops to global conferences - becomes an unforgettable experience. FROM MICE TO MILLIONS our new bookers challenge now offers more incentive to create exceptional events. HILTON WORLDWIDE SIGNATURE EVENTS A conference room transforms into a racetrack. A product launch turns into a courtyard brimming with art and music. Just a few showcases of the acclaimed service that makes every event with Hilton Worldwide unique. We are pleased to showcase some of our signature MICE events in Asia Pacific. WHEN HILTON QUEENSTOWN UNVEILED MORE THAN THE NEW PEUGEOT 4008 Client Peugeot Event The Peugeot 4008 Car Launch Attendees 50 Delegates Hosted at Hilton Queenstown Awe-inspiring and magnificent were just a few words used to describe the Peugeot 4008 Car Launch at Hilton Queenstown. Through ingenuity in maximizing space usage the hotel staff kicked off the festivities with a welcome party around an outdoor fire pit near the popular Wakatipu Grill. Working alongside the local council the events team created a dramatic reveal of the new car with a stunning lightshow on the shores of the scenic Lake Wakatipu for the 50 attendees. From start to end the launch made a big splash in delightful and unexpected ways. James Chatterley Managing Director Event Dynamics Always responsive and willing to help turn the many and varied requests into reality Hilton Queenstown s team made our job of running this event with literally thousands of touch points so much easier. A SUCCESSFUL CAR LAUNCH TAKES AN UNCONVENTIONAL TURN AT CONRAD DALIAN Client Dalian Yanbao & Xing Zhi Bao Event Launch of BMW 7 Series Attendees 50 top regional dealers Hosted at Conrad Dalian The launch of the iconic BMW 7 Series at Conrad Dalian showcased innovation in automobiles and creative thinking behind an event for the top 50 regional dealers. The challenge faced by the hotel team was to ensure the event proceedings would live up to the massive hype of the event itself. And they certainly didn t disappoint. It started with transforming the ballroom into a courtyard followed by a traditional tea-making performance and a classical music concert. All capped off by the exclusive privilege to test drive the new luxury sedan. The experience celebrated the much-anticipated launch of the BMW 7 in unconventional ways that people are still talking about. Rachel Dai Director of Events Conrad Dalian and Hilton Dalian The clients were happy about Conrad Dalian s service organization and venue. Also the Hilton brand is one of the key reasons why they selected us to launch the BMW 7 series. THE F1 SPIRIT COMES ALIVE AT DOUBLETREE BY HILTON KUALA LUMPUR Client F1 in Schools Event F1 in Schools World Finals Attendees 200 Hosted at DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur The F1 in Schools World Finals at DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur was a roaring success in not only bringing the F1 experience to the city but also bringing people together. All made possible by the careful planning and coordination between hotel members and organizers managing the event which was attended by 200 participants. Transforming the ballroom into a racetrack the events team sourced and flew in props and shared the spectacle with the rest of the world through a live online broadcast. From the smallest details to the big picture the hotel team proudly lived up to DoubleTree by Hilton s distinctive standard of service excellence. David Howes Director of Communications and Events F1 in Schools Ltd. The service culture of the hotel team and the warm Malaysian hospitality greatly impressed the organizer and the participants from around the world. Find out more details inside Conrad Bali Indonesia Imagine the possibilities that millions of Hilton HHonorsTM points can bring. A world of exceptional rewards for you and your company awaits. WHAT COULD YOU DO WITH A MILLION HHONORS POINTS TRIP TO REWARD YOUR EMPLOYEES Free nights at Hilton Worldwide Asia Pacific portfolio of hotels and resorts including Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund Conrad Tokyo Hilton Sydney DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur and many more GIFTS FOR YOUR COMPANY S DINNER AND DANCE Sony Blu-ray Home Theatre Systems Samsung Galaxy Tab Apple iPad 2 Wi-Fi Model Canon Digital SLR Camera PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS FOR YOUR COMPANY High-tech HP LaserJet Printer Jabra Bluetooth 3-in-1 Professional Headset EPSON Colorio Ink Jet Combined Machine HTC Incredible S Smartphone HHONORS EVENT BONUS Making your MICE events more rewardable. Take advantage of our award-winning HHonors loyalty program to earn points as well as airlines miles for the business you book with us. Choose how you wish to be rewarded by earning either EARNING OPTION 1 With every US 1 spent earn 1 HHonors bonus point and 1 airline mile (Up to 100 000 points and 100 000 miles) Subject to terms and conditions EARNING OPTION 2 With every US 1 spent earn 1.5 HHonors bonus points (Up to 100 000 points) For more details please visit www.hiltonworldwideapmice.com