Agoda Expands Marketing Offer to its Accommodation Partners with New ‘Top Stays Anywhere’

By | 2024

Leveraging the power of popular searches, digital travel platform Agoda has expanded its partner marketing portfolio and is providing a new way for hotel and accommodation partners to reach consumers through a series of dedicated landing pages to innovatively match with some of travellers’ top themed searches.

Utilising these data insights, Agoda launches the initiative, called ‘Top stays Anywhere’ in Thailand with sixteen distinct themes that resonate with travellers’ preferences.

These themes include a variety of options across travel budgets and traveller interests, including private islands, seaside villas, beach cabanas, family-friendly and pet-friendly accommodations, with each dedicated page offering a carefully selected list of accommodations by Agoda’s specialist teams.

This tailored approach enhances the trip-planning process, delivering a customised experience directly to the doorstep of ready-to-travel consumers and an opportunity for hoteliers and accommodation providers to reach travelers with intent.

“Often travellers are looking for very specific types of holiday experiences, so we curated these landing pages to quickly allow travelers with high intent to travel to connect with properties that excel in delivering those experiences, whether that’s pet friendly spots or rooftop hotels in Bangkok.  For partners, it’s an additional way that Agoda is supporting their ambitions to grow their business and optimise their inventory,” said Pierre Honne, senior country director for Thailand at Agoda.

Agoda’s initiative typifies the company’s data-driven approach to supporting its partners to attract more business, harnessing the intel from today’s customer travel search behaviours.

“The initiative not only aligns with travellers’ specific preferences but also opens up new avenues for hotels and accommodation providers to increase their visibility among potential customers. The thematic landing pages act as a bridge, connecting properties with consumers who have a demonstrated interest in particular experiences. With Agoda at the forefront, leveraging robust search analytics, hotels are well-positioned to capitalize on up-to-the-minute travel trends and stay competitive in a dynamic market landscape,” Mr. Honne added.

HotelREZ and Sabre agree to Renew Decade-Long Technology Partnership

By | 2024

HotelREZ, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing hotel representation companies, dedicated to connecting independent properties with bookers worldwide and Sabre Hospitality, has renewed its longstanding technology partnership.

This renewal reaffirms HotelREZ and Sabre’s mutual commitment to leveraging both companies’ strengths – combining Sabre Hospitality’s cutting-edge technology with HotelREZ’s representation services.

The agreement marks the continuation of the partnership, utilising Sabre Hospitality’s comprehensive suite of products, including Sabre Global Distribution System, SynXis Booking Engine, and Channel Connect, to enhance HotelREZ’s extensive range of hospitality solutions across more than 2,500 customers. Both companies’ broad portfolio of hospitality solutions empowers hoteliers to create and deliver a unique and differentiating guest experience based on their specific brand.

By leveraging Sabre’s technology solutions, HotelREZ customers will benefit from Sabre Hospitality’s SynXis Platform and distribution technology to promote their content to hundreds of thousands of travel agents globally.

In addition to this, HotelREZ customers will have access to Sabre’s SynXis Booking Engine, which offers a simple booking process to help hotels convert shoppers into guests while maintaining full control of their customer relationships and upselling with merchandising. This collaboration provides hoteliers with solutions that enable them to maximise revenue and operate more efficiently.

The SynXis Platform not only enhances HotelREZ’s own connectivity, as well as other solutions. It enables hotels to distribute their rates and inventory across more than 600 online channels globally. Built on flexible and reliable technology, it allows hotels to control their brand experience and deliver user experience converting shoppers into guests.

 

ITE Hong Kong 2024 Invites you to a Forum on how Technology can Propel Sustainability

By | 2024

Support for sustainable tourism development in the digital age has been growing. The integration of the tourism sector with technology, promises to yield substantial benefits for travellers, the travel trade, and the world. This is particularly significant given the pivotal role tourism plays in the global economy.

Can technology enhance the travel experience? What are the opportunities and potential obstacles that could arise from this integration? Are there any tangible examples of technology propelling sustainability?

These questions and more will be addressed by industry leaders from the tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as academics, in a panel discussion scheduled for June at the upcoming ITE Hong Kong. This event has been the city’s premier travel fair for many years. The panel discussion is a crucial component of the ITE2024 Industry Forum on Innovation and Sustainable Tourism.

Titled “Charting the Digital Path: The Intersection of Technology and Sustainable Tourism”, the Forum is organised by Hong Kong Metropolitan University, and co-organised by TKS Exhibition Services Ltd., the organiser of ITE. In addition to the panel discussion, there will be a keynote speech and Q&A session.

“ITE has been promoting sustainable tourism, but seldom before from the perspective of technology! We warmly welcome this timely Forum and express our deep appreciation to HKMU for such an excellent programme”, said Mr. KS Tong, managing director of TKS.

ITE Hong Kong 2024, which will take place from June 13 to 16 at Halls 1A to 1E in the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), is strongly supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Macao Government Tourism Office and travel and MICE trade associations as supporters.

The first two days of the event are reserved for trade only, while the last two days are open to the public.

For enquiry about the Forum’s programme, please email: ba@hkmu.edu.hk

Details and enquiry about ITE Hong Kong, please visit www.itehk.com or email: travel@tkshk.com

AIME, the Asia Pacific Incentive and Meetings Event made a Triumphant Return to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

By | 2024

The event welcomed more than 600 buyers and 3,500 visitors drawing from over 33 countries and, featured about 570 exhibitors.

Talk2 Media & Events, in partnership with event owner Melbourne Convention Bureau put on a spectacular event held over three days from February 19.

Led by the popular Knowledge Program, themed the 4 Ps of Glocalisation: People, Planet, Purpose and Profit, was sponsored by Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. The centre in Geelong is to be operated by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, the current operators of MCEC.

AIME 2024 delivered a diverse entertainment program. Highlights included keynote speakers such as Adjunct Professor Ms. Lisa Ronson of Deakin Business School and bestselling author, Mr. Sebastian Terry alongside an ICCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion panel.

The two-day tradeshow provided an abundance of networking opportunities.

This year’s theme perfectly aligned with MCEC’s commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and local community through its operations and events.

The event also presented an exciting opportunity to showcase the newly launched brand for Nyaal Banyul. Inspired by the name gifted by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Nyaal Banyul, meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’, showcased its new brandmark that draws upon layers of country that unite to form an eye, symbolising enlightenment and perspective.

Solidifying its status as the largest international meetings and events industry gathering in the Asia Pacific region, the conference presented a golden opportunity for MCEC to showcase its unique capabilities and reinforce its position as a premier international events venue.

“AIME is a flagship event for the business events industry to come together, network, exchange ideas and forge partnerships. As Australia’s largest convention centre, MCEC is the perfect venue for an event of this scale and influence,” said Ms. Natalie O’Brien AM, chief executive of MCEC.

“As operators of MCEC and the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, AIME is the perfect opportunity to showcase our expertise in creating innovative and memorable experiences for attendees,” she added.

Ms. Julia Swanson, chief executive of Melbourne Convention Bureau stated: “AIME is the ideal platform for industry in our region to showcase their products and services to a highly targeted audience, create meaningful connections and drive commercial and social outcomes for all involved across the sector.”

While AIME event director, Ms. Silke Calder reflected that the event was a fantastic three days of knowledge sharing, networking and business connecting people from across the world.

The event welcomed more than 600 buyers and 3,500 visitors drawing from over 33 countries and, featured about 570 exhibitors.

Talk2 Media & Events, in partnership with event owner Melbourne Convention Bureau put on a spectacular event held over three days from February 19.

Led by the popular Knowledge Program, themed the 4 Ps of Glocalisation: People, Planet, Purpose and Profit, was sponsored by Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. The centre in Geelong is to be operated by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, the current operators of MCEC.

AIME 2024 delivered a diverse entertainment program. Highlights included keynote speakers adjunct professor of Deakin Business School, Ms. Lisa Ronson, and bestselling author, Mr. Sebastian Terry alongside an ICCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion panel.

The two-day tradeshow provided an abundance of networking opportunities.

This year’s theme perfectly aligned with MCEC’s commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and local community through its operations and events.

The event also presented an exciting opportunity to showcase the newly launched brand for Nyaal Banyul. Inspired by the name gifted by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Nyaal Banyul, meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’, showcased its new brandmark that draws upon layers of country that unite to form an eye, symbolising enlightenment and perspective.

Solidifying its status as the largest international meetings and events industry gathering in the Asia Pacific region, the conference presented a golden opportunity for MCEC to showcase its unique capabilities and reinforce its position as a premier international events venue.

“AIME is a flagship event for the business events industry to come together, network, exchange ideas and forge partnerships. As Australia’s largest convention centre, MCEC is the perfect venue for an event of this scale and influence,” said Ms. Natalie O’Brien AM, chief executive of MCEC.

“As operators of MCEC and the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, AIME is the perfect opportunity to showcase our expertise in creating innovative and memorable experiences for attendees,” she added.

Ms. Julia Swanson, chief executive of Melbourne Convention Bureau stated: “AIME is the ideal platform for industry in our region to showcase their products and services to a highly targeted audience, create meaningful connections and drive commercial and social outcomes for all involved across the sector.”

While AIME event director, Ms. Silke Calder reflected that the event was a fantastic three days of knowledge sharing, networking and business connecting people from across the world.

 

The event welcomed more than 600 buyers and 3,500 visitors drawing from over 33 countries and, featured about 570 exhibitors.

Talk2 Media & Events, in partnership with event owner Melbourne Convention Bureau put on a spectacular event held over three days from February 19.

Led by the popular Knowledge Program, themed the 4 Ps of Glocalisation: People, Planet, Purpose and Profit, was sponsored by Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. The centre in Geelong is to be operated by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, the current operators of MCEC.

AIME 2024 delivered a diverse entertainment program. Highlights included keynote speakers Adj. Professor, Deakin Business School, Ms. Lisa Ronson, and bestselling author, Mr. Sebastian Terry alongside an ICCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion panel.

The two-day tradeshow provided an abundance of networking opportunities.

This year’s theme perfectly aligned with MCEC’s commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and local community through its operations and events.

The event also presented an exciting opportunity to showcase the newly launched brand for Nyaal Banyul. Inspired by the name gifted by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Nyaal Banyul, meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’, showcased its new brandmark that draws upon layers of country that unite to form an eye, symbolising enlightenment and perspective.

Solidifying its status as the largest international meetings and events industry gathering in the Asia Pacific region, the conference presented a golden opportunity for MCEC to showcase its unique capabilities and reinforce its position as a premier international events venue.

“AIME is a flagship event for the business events industry to come together, network, exchange ideas and forge partnerships. As Australia’s largest convention centre, MCEC is the perfect venue for an event of this scale and influence,” said Ms. Natalie O’Brien AM, chief executive of MCEC.

“As operators of MCEC and the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, AIME is the perfect opportunity to showcase our expertise in creating innovative and memorable experiences for attendees,” she added.

Ms. Julia Swanson, chief executive of Melbourne Convention Bureau stated: “AIME is the ideal platform for industry in our region to showcase their products and services to a highly targeted audience, create meaningful connections and drive commercial and social outcomes for all involved across the sector.”

While AIME event director, Ms. Silke Calder reflected that the event was a fantastic three days of knowledge sharing, networking and business connecting people from across the world.

The event welcomed more than 600 buyers and 3,500 visitors drawing from over 33 countries and, featured about 570 exhibitors.

Talk2 Media & Events, in partnership with event owner Melbourne Convention Bureau put on a spectacular event held over three days from February 19.

Led by the popular Knowledge Program, themed the 4 Ps of Glocalisation: People, Planet, Purpose and Profit, was sponsored by Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. The centre in Geelong is to be operated by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, the current operators of MCEC.

AIME 2024 delivered a diverse entertainment program. Highlights included keynote speakers Adj. Professor, Deakin Business School, Ms. Lisa Ronson, and bestselling author, Mr. Sebastian Terry alongside an ICCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion panel.

The two-day tradeshow provided an abundance of networking opportunities.

This year’s theme perfectly aligned with MCEC’s commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and local community through its operations and events.

The event also presented an exciting opportunity to showcase the newly launched brand for Nyaal Banyul. Inspired by the name gifted by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Nyaal Banyul, meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’, showcased its new brandmark that draws upon layers of country that unite to form an eye, symbolising enlightenment and perspective.

Solidifying its status as the largest international meetings and events industry gathering in the Asia Pacific region, the conference presented a golden opportunity for MCEC to showcase its unique capabilities and reinforce its position as a premier international events venue.

“AIME is a flagship event for the business events industry to come together, network, exchange ideas and forge partnerships. As Australia’s largest convention centre, MCEC is the perfect venue for an event of this scale and influence,” said Ms. Natalie O’Brien AM, chief executive of MCEC.

“As operators of MCEC and the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, AIME is the perfect opportunity to showcase our expertise in creating innovative and memorable experiences for attendees,” she added.

Ms. Julia Swanson, chief executive of Melbourne Convention Bureau stated: “AIME is the ideal platform for industry in our region to showcase their products and services to a highly targeted audience, create meaningful connections and drive commercial and social outcomes for all involved across the sector.”

While AIME event director, Ms. Silke Calder reflected that the event was a fantastic three days of knowledge sharing, networking and business connecting people from across the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dubai Consolidates its Status as a Major Hub for International Business Events

By | 2024

In 2023, the city won a record of 349 bids to host prestigious international conferences, congresses, meetings, and incentive travel programmes. Driven by Dubai Business Events the city’s official convention bureau, the wins reflected a robust 49 percent increase in successful bids compared to 2022.

Under its business events and delegate boosting strategy, DBE brought an impressive citywide offering to the global market that resonated with the core needs of the business events industry.

Positioning Dubai as the foremost destination for international business events, DBE worked closely with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to covert interest into confirmed events with some have already taken place in 2023. While others are confirmed for coming years, joining wins from previous years with Dubai’s strong appeal driving a pipeline of impactful events as far as 2029.

Bidding activity and success has continued to accelerate since the global covid-19 pandemic with the number of bid wins in 2023 exceeding the previous record of 295 bids registered in 2019.

The events secured for the city will play a vital role in driving trade, investment and attracting global talent – all critical pillars to build a stronger, more productive, and diverse economy – in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.  Importantly, business events also play a role in creating new advocates for the city further enhancing Dubai’s appeal as a leading destination for business events.

Prominent among the most noteworthy successful bids in 2023 are association events such as Critical Communications World 2024 with 3,800 delegates, the WCA Worldwide Annual Conference 2024, with 4,500 delegates, the International Trademark Association’s Annual Meeting 2026, with 10,000 delegates, and the Million Dollar Round Table Global Conference 2024, with 10,000 delegates.

This is in addition to an impressive line-up of corporate and incentive events coming to the city, including TOKEN2049 andNuskin Elite, both taking place this year with 4,000 and 1,000 delegates, as well as Amway ESAN 2025, which is expected to bring 3,500 visitors to Dubai.

DBE partnered with hotels, venues, professional congress organisers, destination management companies and other service providers across the city to secure these wins, also collaborating with local associations, busines and other entities to develop comprehensive proposals to showcase Dubai’s capabilities as a business events destination.

As a result of DBE’s continuous efforts to drive the business events sector, Dubai was voted the top meeting and MICE destination in the Middle East by Cvent for 2023. Dubai was also named the Middle East’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2023 by the World Travel Awards.

In addition to working with various service providers, DBE leveraged its role as one of the co-founders of the Dubai Association Centre to support its mission to build relationships with international associations and attract them to Dubai, with 60 percent of delegates set to come to Dubai as a result of bids won for association conferences and congresses.

At the same time, DBE’s Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme played a critical role in identifying and supporting local UAE-based key opinion leaders and government representatives, including doctors, scientists, professors, teachers, government officials and businesspersons, to attract international business events to Dubai in 2023.

Bidding activity and success has continued to accelerate since the global covid-19 pandemic with the number of bid wins in 2023 exceeding the previous record of 295 bids registered in 2019.

The events secured for the city will play a vital role in driving trade, investment and attracting global talent – all critical pillars to build a stronger, more productive, and diverse economy – in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.  Importantly, business events also play a role in creating new advocates for the city further enhancing Dubai’s appeal as a leading destination for business events.

Prominent among the most noteworthy successful bids in 2023 are association events such as Critical Communications World 2024 with 3,800 delegates, the WCA Worldwide Annual Conference 2024, with 4,500 delegates, the International Trademark Association’s Annual Meeting 2026, with 10,000 delegates, and the Million Dollar Round Table Global Conference 2024, with 10,000 delegates.

This is in addition to an impressive line-up of corporate and incentive events coming to the city, including TOKEN2049 andNuskin Elite, both taking place this year with 4,000 and 1,000 delegates respectively, as well as Amway ESAN 2025, which is expected to bring 3,500 visitors to Dubai.

DBE partnered with hotels, venues, professional congress organisers, destination management companies and other service providers across the city to secure these wins, also collaborating with local associations, businesses and other entities to develop comprehensive proposals to showcase Dubai’s capabilities as a business events destination.

As a result of DBE’s continuous efforts to drive the business events sector, Dubai was voted the top meeting and MICE destination in the Middle East by Cvent for 2023. Dubai was also named the Middle East’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2023 by the World Travel Awards.

In addition to working with various service providers, DBE leveraged its role as one of the co-founders of the Dubai Association Centre (DAC) to support its mission to build relationships with international associations and attract them to Dubai, with 60% of delegates set to come to Dubai as a result of bid wins visiting for association conferences and congresses.

Additionally, DBE’s Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme played a critical role in identifying and supporting local UAE-based key opinion leaders and government representatives, including doctors, scientists, professors, teachers, government officials and businesspersons, to attract international business events to Dubai in 2023.

 

AIME 2024 is Set to Welcome 3,500 Visitors and Buyers

By | 2024

Once again AIME will be held in February in Melbourne, Australia.  This year, the event is expected to host more than 600 buyers from around the world and welcome, some 3,500 visitors and buyers with 570 exhibitors.

International destinations attending AIME for the first time since the covid pandemic include Fiji, Korea, Macau, USA, Canada, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, India, Maldives, Italy, Malta, Norway, Monaco and United Kingdom and Ireland.

They join countries like Japan, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Africa returning again to the show floor of AIME.

In total, 33 countries will be represented at AIME in 2024.

For the first time at AIME, in 2024 there will be a dedicated zone for the world’s boutique experience makers. The Boutique will showcase more than 20 operators offering bespoke and highly customisable experiences.

Another new zone this year, is the DMC Network will bring together Destination Management Companies from all over the world.

The hotel zone om the other hand, continues to grow in popularity, a testament to the post-covid bounce back of travel, and in 2024 occupies a footprint that is 50 percent larger than AIME 2023.

Other show floor features and activations include the Accor Hosted Buyer Lounge, the Ideas Academy presented by Spice and four new interactive breakout spaces to recharge attendees.

Kicking off the three-day event on Monday 19 February, AIME’s Knowledge Program is themed ‘The 4Ps of GLOCALISATION’ which will explore the relationship between global insights and local nuances with two keynote speakers: award-winning marketing executive Ms. Lisa Ronson; and bestselling author, TV host and founder of the 100 Things movement Mr. Sebastian Terry.

As always, the hugely anticipated AIME Welcome Event will be another highlight of the three-day show.  This exclusive evening is open to hosted buyers, exhibitors, media partners, and VIPs.

For more information or to register to attend AIME visit: aime.com.au

Trip.com Group Reveals Top Travel Trends in 2024 – AI Revolution and Sustainable Journeys

By | 2024

A global leader in online travel services, Trip.com Group, reflects on the dynamic landscape of travel over the past year, offering insights into the trends set to shape the journey in 2024.

China’s Border Reopening Sparks Global Travel Surge

Travel was greatly boosted by a wave of Chinese travellers with the opening of China’s borders and, a pent-up demand for overseas travel. Trip.com data unveils a significant rise in outbound travel bookings, showcasing a six-fold increase compared to 2022.

The data also revealed that Chinese travellers have a strong interest in visiting Southeast Asia, with many of these countries topping the list of preferred outbound destinations in 2023: Thailand; Japan; South Korea; Singapore; and Malaysia.

The thriving interest in outbound travel is expected to persist in 2024. Besides outbound travel, China’s inbound travel is also showing steady signs of recovery.

In 2023, Trip.com saw four-digit growth in visitor numbers as compared with the same period in 2022 – surpassing 60 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

AI Takes Centrestage in Predictive Planning for 2024

Leading this transformative change is TripGenie launched in 2023 is an advanced AI travel assistant that is integrated into the Trip.com mobile app.

Leveraging on cutting-edge large language model technologies, TripGenie has evolved into a personalised travel companion and is, reshaping the way we plan our journeys, from crafting bespoke itineraries, enabling instant bookings and delivering lightning-fast responses to user queries.

Trip.com introduced AI-powered curated lists to enhance the booking experience for users such as:  Trip.Best that recommends the best travel options; Trip.Deals that shows top flights, accommodations, and travel deals; and Trip.Trends which features the most popular travel topics and events based on user searches.

These dynamic compilations are finely tuned to user preferences derived from real-time data, providing a sneak peek into the future of travel planning in 2024.

Music Festivals and Theme Parks Lead the Way for 2024’s Global Attractions

According to Trip.Com Theme parks specifically, are poised for a stellar rise, having witnessed an impressive 65 percent increase in bookings in 2023 compared to 2019 levels.

In the arena of live entertainment, concerts and music festivals since Trip.Com’s venture into the concert category in 2023, Trip.com has already witnessed positive outcomes. The category of event ticket has become one of the most sought-after products on its platform.

The Rise of Sustainable Travel and Event Tourism in 2024 

According to Trip.com Group’s latest ESG report, more than 16 million customers have opted for low-carbon travel options, signaling a rising interest in eco-friendly exploration.

Trip.com Group’s low-carbon hotel standard initiative was launched in 2023 with promising results with over 1,500 partners shortlisted as low-carbon hotels – this suggests that sustainable accommodation is set to become a major trend.

Event tourism, encompassing concerts, festivals, and sporting events, is poised to gain momentum in 2024 with the eagerly anticipated 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The ticket + hotel category is expected to be a sought-after product, underscoring the growing importance of events in shaping travel choices.

As the story of travel evolves in the year ahead, Trip.com Group stands at the forefront, poised to guide adventurers into an era marked by exploration, innovation and sustainability.

MITEC Cited as the World’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre at the WTA Grand Final Gala

By | 2023

Nominated alongside 18 major players in the international business events industry Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, took the coveted title of World’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre 2023 at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony held in Dubai.

MITEC also holds the distinction of being Malaysia’s only such venue to win both the WTA World and WTA Asia Awards for Leading Meetings and Conference Centre in the same year.

“This remarkable achievement reflects how MITEC is setting the global benchmark in the sector, as well as the strength of the Malaysian business events industry. The commitment of the entire MITEC team serves as an inspiration to us all,” said Mr. Graham E. Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards.

According to Ms. Mala Dorasamy, MITEC’s chief executive officer the achievement, is a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of every staff member of the MITEC team, members of the board, clients, service providers and stakeholders.

MITEC is considered to be Malaysia’s largest trade and exhibition centre with 52,000 square metres of exhibition and convention space. This year has been the busiest year for the centre from its stint, as Malaysia’s first mega vaccination centre in 2021 to its reopening in 2022 hosting, over 160 events with more than three million visitors in 2023.

At the same time, MITEC has contributed an estimated RM1 billion in economic impact to Malaysia, as well as generate employment opportunities across various sectors.

The hosting of diverse events at the centre, has led, to a surge in demand for skilled professionals, creating jobs in event management, hospitality, logistics and supporting sectors.

This year too, MITEC has generated 550,000 casual work hours and RM7.2 million in wages towards the gig economy sector benefitting mainly university students who are able to gain first experience in event management.

Trip.com Group Forms Partnership with China International Culture Association

By | 2023

A three-year Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by Trip.com with the China International Culture Association to promote inbound tourism.

China International Culture Association and Trip.com Group have signed a strategic framework agreement to implement the ‘Nihao! China’ program, which includes filming and producing global promotional videos and the ‘Nihao! China’ digital communication campaign.

The ‘Nihao! China’ campaign, launched by China International Culture Association, aims to foster and promote cultural exchanges and establish friendships between China and visitors from around the world.

Several measures to boost tourism were recently announced by the Chinese State Council on September 27, including optimising visa and customs clearance policies, increasing international flight capacity and routes to key destinations, and improving inbound tourism products and information services for foreign visitors. This strong alliance, with updated travel policies, is expected to further promote the high-quality internationalisation of China’s inbound tourism.

As the official partner, Trip.com Group and China International Culture Association will promote the Nihao! China campaign on its platforms across various markets. The Group will further curate engaging content to showcase specific offerings and services, and position China as a unique and welcoming destination rich in history and cultural heritage.

In addition, Trip.com Group will also collaborate with Chinese cultural centres, tourism boards and other organisations to promote and showcase the unique attractions, experiences, and beauty of China.

Over the next three years, Trip.com Group plans to invest in platform technology, marketing and promotion, and product integration to accelerate the development of inbound tourism in China.

 

 

 

 

 

Inbound Travellers to China are on the Increase as Stated by Trip.com

By | 2023

According to Trip.com Group’s data, the top ten sources of inbound travellers to China are South Korea, the United States of America, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Canada, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Germany.  The first ten months of 2023 saw, four-digit growth in visitor numbers when compared with the same period in 2022. This equates to more than 60 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

Following the opening of China’s borders earlier this year, there has been a consistent increase in the number of China-related bookings made via Trip.com Group’s platforms.

Trip.com data saw a significant increase in booking numbers. In October 2023, there was a 98 percent year-on-year surge in inbound flight bookings, while September and August saw an increase of 58 percent and 89 percent.

The top ten most popular cities for inbound travellers saw Shenzhen and Shanghai toppling the list alongside other destinations such as Guangzhou, Beijing, Zhuhai, Hangzhou, Foshan, Xiamen, Zhongshan, and Chengdu.  Seven out of ten hotel bookings made by inbound tourists are for Shenzhen, while two Shanghai hotels rank second and third in the most booked hotel list.

Trip.com stated, the demand for travel to China, is expected to rise. This is credited to the efforts made by the government and the industry to facilitate travel to the country. The government has simplified the visa application process for tourists from several countries and has also, since November 1, removed the requirement for inbound arrivals to fill in the entry health declaration card.

Data collected by Trip.com shows that global search results for inbound travel to China have significantly improved in the third quarter by nearly 40 percent compared to the second quarter.

Trip.com recently launched the China Travel Guide, a comprehensive guide which includes travel-related information such as hotel reservations, travel advice, transport options, payment methods, insights into popular destinations enabling international visitors to better explore the beauty of China.

Since its launch in September, the guide, has already served nearly 100,000 overseas visitors.