Sarawak Collaborates with ICCA on Association Impact Masterclass and is the Exclusive Seed Grant Contributor for this First Legacy Impact Certification Programme

By | 2023

The Association Impact Masterclass was cocreated by BE Sarawak with ICCA and the GainingEdge and Meet4Impact. For this first legacy impact certification programme, Business Events Sarawak is the exclusive seed grant contributor.

“The Sarawak Government envisions Sarawak as the legacy capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo. We see the importance of business events and its legacy in materialising our 10-year policy, the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030,” said Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy State Secretary of Sarawak and Deputy Chairman of BESarawak, at the 62nd ICCA Congress seed fund announcement.

Meanwhile, Amelia Roziman, chief executive officer of BESarawak commented: “Being the exclusive contributor will definitely help us to position Sarawak better. However, what is important is growing the human capital with highly qualified legacy impact association members. ICCA has been supporting our efforts to change the narrative of business events for the past 6 years. Our long-term collaboration is with associations who are vital stakeholders with a pivotal role in developing our key economic sectors in Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.”

Genting Singapore Limited Q3FY2023 Quarterly Business Overview

By | 2023

Genting Singapore Limited has released its Q3FY2023 business overview of the company and its subsidiaries.

The Board of Directors of Genting Singapore Limited is pleased, to announce that it has approved a total investment of around S$6.8 billion. The investment will firmly anchor Resorts World Singapore as the most sought-after tourism destination and, to be funded through internal resources.

At the same time, the company has received the Singapore’s government provisional permission with the construction of its Waterfront development with construction set to commence in 2024.

The Waterfront development comprises approximately 700 hotel keys and experiential lifestyle content in a captivating blend of biophilic architecture that is designed by award winning firm Benoy. Coupled with a striking new waterfront sculpture designed by Heatherwick Studio, it will transform Singapore’s skyline and form a monumental gateway to RWS and the new Greater Southern Waterfront precinct.

While the transformation of the company’s other developments such as the Forum, Minion Land in Universal Studios Singapore and the Singapore Oceanarium, are progressing well and expected to soft open in early 2025.

Artist impression of the resort by Resorts World Singapore.

Trip.com Group Empowers the Travel Industry with Transformative AI Innovation

By | 2023

Trip.com Group’s AI travel assistant, TripGenie, stands out as a transformative innovation tailored to crafting itineraries and enhancing travel bookings within the all-in-one Trip.com Group app. Since its launch earlier this year and subsequent July upgrade, TripGenie has produced remarkable results.

Notable achievements include doubling the order conversion rate and improving user retention rates, resulting in enhanced user engagement and overall service effectiveness.

TripGenie’s recommendation capability for complex queries, combined with highly accurate compressive search, allows a user to find what they are looking for quickly and with great accuracy, providing a superior experience for Trip.com users.

At the same time, TripGenie has redefined the user experience by excelling in travel and itinerary planning, including multi-destination planning, a soon-to-deploy feature. TripGenie also provides quick inspiration for the uninspired traveller, creating personalised editable itineraries in under a minute.

While advanced itinerary themes cater to various travel types, combining text and voice commands for a seamless user experience. Aside from English, users may also access these commands in traditional and simplified Chinese, Cantonese, Korean, and Japanese.

Trip.com Group envisions TripGenie at the forefront of the AI travel evolution with plans, to roll out, itinerary sharing features and increased personalisation options such as upvoting and liking; TripGenie will enhance collaborative travel planning for a more personalised experience.

“Our AI expertise empowers the travel industry by transforming the way travellers plan and book their trip with AI-tailored travel solutions like TripGenie, we enhance engagement, accuracy, and personalisation in the travel experience,” said James Liang, co-founder and chairman of Trip.com Group at ITB Asia 2023 in Singapore.

He further added: “I think the name, “TripGenie” is quite suitable for our mission, for our goal is to help the customer plan the perfect trip like a genie. In this new era of travel, we are optimistic, forging ahead to enrich their travel experiences with AI and pursue the perfect trip for a better world.”  

Trip.com Group, a global leader in online travel services, took centre stage at ITB Asia in Singapore, highlighting the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reshaping the travel industry. James Liang, co-founder and chairman of Trip.com Group, delivered a keynote, emphasising the Group’s commitment to elevating customer experiences through AI-driven innovation.

ICCA Introduces New and Exciting Unique Business Opportunity

By | 2023

As part of ICCA’s ongoing digital transformation, it has now extended its Business Intelligence portfolio to include previously untapped and potential huge sector the Government Meetings or GM.

ICCA has traditionally focused on association meetings since the association community brings revenue, commerce and change into cities, regions, and countries across the world.

Utilising this specialist data requires a particular kind of expertise, something ICCA has mastered over 60years and by applying its analytical expertise to the sphere of governmental meetings; it will bring new and exciting business opportunities directly to its members. This development makes the ICCA value proposition stronger than ever.

“We believe government meeting needs allay to our members’ expertise and creates a win-win situation for all stakeholders. I look forward to ICCA GM driving both business success and the establishment of partnerships that are conducive and long-term,” said ICCA’s chief executive officer, Mr. Senthil Gopinath.

Governmental meetings have been categorised as high net worth and ICCA’s GM database, will be progressive at the outset as it tests, and populate the database with its members’ data.

After testing, it is projected to grow sizably and occupy a significant part of ICCA’s ever evolving portfolio.

 

 

 

Thailand Wins 23 bids for International Conferences

By | 2023

In a performance update, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau has announced that Thailand has won a total of 23 bids for international conferences from October 2022 to September 2023. These are for events that will take place up to 2028.

The largest among the wins is the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, to be held in Bangkok of which 12,000 delegates are expected.

Two are notable conferences for being the first to be staged in Southeast Asia – the FIFA Congress 2024 and World Diabetes Congress 2025. The FIFA Congress is expected to attract 2,000 delegates from 211 countries and the World Diabetes Congress, 10,000 delegates.

Also noteworthy here is that 14 of the 23 wins, are for medical conferences. They include; the International Society on Thrombosis and Homeostasis Congress 2024, with 8,000 delegates and World Congress on Pain 2026 some 5,000 delegates.

TCEB’s bid strategy, responsible for the production of the bid book, publicity, and securing the backing of the relevant government ministry, is through TCEB’s One Ministry, One Convention (OMOC) programme.

The OMOC programme allows TCEB to tap on the resources and support of a particular government ministry. It was instrumental in securing the Annual Meetings of IMF and WBG, the FIFA Congress and three global medical conferences,

Marrakesh to Host m&i Fest a Brand New MICE Event

By | 2023

The m&i Fest is the latest events industry festival format created by Worldwide Events, of a large scale gathering where buyers and suppliers in the MICE industry, can do business combining meeting, networking and exhibition with its successful long-running m&I Forums.

While the programme for the event is based along three core pillars of ‘Develop, Discover and Celebrate’. 

It will be held in Marrakesh from March 17 to 21 in 2024. This brand new event format offers a unique experience for buyers and suppliers, with enhanced destination time and opportunities for meaningful connections and face time.

Around 240 buyers and 230 suppliers are estimated to attend with m&I Fest expected, to be the must attend event of 2024, and a landmark event for the MICE industry.

In the mornings there are 1-2-1 meetings where buyers and suppliers will have opportunities to create and develop great relationships. For the first time there will be dedicated branded areas giving businesses and destinations enhanced visibility and a unique platform to showcase their services.

In the afternoon attendees choose their own pathway, creating shared experiences between buyers and suppliers with the time to explore the destination and discover exclusive venues.

Evenings are all about networking in style, with exquisite local cuisine, and high-octane events giving more opportunity for buyers and suppliers to connect in a setting that is more relaxed.

Morocco has long been established as a global MICE destination, and over four days, attendees at m&i Fest will discover stunning venues around Marrakesh, as well as experiencing the top highlights of the destination.

m&i Fest will take place at Palais des Congrès Marrakech: Marrakesh’s largest venue, with accommodation at the Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech a a 5-star luxury hotel located just a few minutes away from the Medina, and only a 15-minute drive from the airport.

For more information visit www.mi-forums.com/mi-fest or email hello@miforums.com

The Right Person at the Right Time – PATA Welcomes Noor Ahmad Hamid as New Chief Executive Officer

By | 2023

Mr. Hamid’s appointment will be for a three-year term and takes effect October 1 this year.  A Malaysian citizen, Mr. Hamid, 60, has had a distinguished 35 year career in travel and tourism, including the last 13 years in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition sector.

He was inducted into the Events Industry Council Hall of Leaders in 2022. The most prestigious award in the global business events industry and the only Asian recipient alongside distinguished professionals from America and Europe.

In 2018, he received the China MICE Leaders Award from Meetings and Conventions China for his contributions to the Asia Pacific region.

As the new chief executive officer, his inaugural engagement will be the prestigious PATA Travel Mart, scheduled from October 4 to 6 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India.

He looks forward to connecting with host destination officials and members, chapter and youth leaders, exhibitors and buyers, partners, members of the media, and the entire travel and tourism community.

Left is Peter Semone, Chairman of PATA with Noor Ahmad Hamid, the new Chief Executive Officer of PATA.

Saudi Arabia and UNESCO Fund for Culture ‘Dive into Heritage’ Programme to Leverage on Digital Technology to Promote and Conserve World Heritage

By | 2023

At the extended 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and UNESCO organised a side event on the ‘Dive into Heritage’ initiative. This groundbreaking project will leverage digital technologies to explore and conserve UNESCO World Heritage sites and their related intangible heritage.

‘Dive into Heritage’ has been made possible through the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and has seen the team develop an online platform that will create unique ways to digitally experience World Heritage.

The platform harnesses the power of digital technology such as 3D models, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), interactive maps and geo location narratives to recreate a truly accurate and immersive digital viewing experience.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Funds-in-Trust for Culture at UNESCO was established in 2019, following a commitment of USD25 million from the government to fund UNESCO projects in support of strategy and actions for the preservation of heritage.

Phase I from 2022 to 2024 of the ‘Dive into Heritage’ initiative will see the development of a platform that allows people to digitally discover World Heritage sites in the Arab States region.

A full public release of the platform is planned by the end of Phase I in 2024, when other regions will benefit from the ‘Dive into Heritage’ programme.

“The endless potential uses of Artificial Intelligence will allow us to transform the way in which people can experience heritage,” said Mr. Ernesto Ottone, assistant director general for culture at UNESCO.

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre First venue in Malaysia Powered by Green Energy

By | 2023

The Centre will now subscribe to the use of renewable electricity supplied by the nation’s largest utility company, Tenaga Nasional Berhad known as TNB. It comes under the Green Electricity Tariff, an innovative and transformative programme launched by the Malaysian government.

The GET programme was created to empower electricity users across Malaysia, to reduce their carbon footprint in electricity consumption.

Through this initiative, the Centre can now power its facilities and events with renewable energy resources, sourced from solar power plants through Malaysia’s Large-Scale Solar (LSS) programme and TNB’s hydropower and renewable energy plants.

Currently, the Centre stands as the first business events venue in Malaysia to be approved for participation in this environmentally conscious initiative.

This subscription to GET marks a significant stride towards the Centre’s ambitious commitment to become a net-zero carbon venue by 2030.

Qatar Travel Mart 2023 Invites Visitors to Discover Places, People and Cultures

By | 2023

Positioned as the exclusive platform for Qatar’s travel and tourism industry, Qatar Travel Mart 2023 anticipates the participation of up to 200 exhibitors, and over 9,000 visitors from more than 60 countries.

Attendees can look forward to engaging in the event’s illustrious three-day international conference, global village, gala dinner and awards ceremony with business-to-business opportunities of the Hosted Buyers’ Program. There also media familiarisation trips and cultural tours of Qatar.

Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2023 is organised by NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conference under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

Qatar’s status as a flourishing tourism destination has been solidified with the recognition by The Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) – designating Doha as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023. This notable title is poised to draw innovative investment projects aimed at harnessing the potential of Qatar’s natural, cultural, and historical resources while also elevating human capital capabilities in the region.

While selecting Doha as the Arab Tourism Capital is a testament to Qatar’s progress; exemplified by its exceptional development, luxurious hotels, resorts, pristine beaches, vibrant entertainment hubs, and inviting public parks.

For those attending Qatar Travel Mart three days of international conference, will be able to look forward to a gathering of a diverse lineup of experts and industry leaders to share invaluable insights and best practices. The conference attracts senior-level executives and decision-makers from the tourism sector, including academics, researchers, policymakers, consultants, government officials, students, and professionals from complementary industries in the tourism sector.

The Hosted Buyer Program organised in collaboration with Qatar Tourism, offers exhibitors and visitors the opportunity to meet with over 100 international buyers. Through pre-arranged face-to-face meetings, participants can explore potential investments and forge joint ventures with tourism experts, paving the way for numerous fruitful business deals.

Highlight of the event is the prestigious QTM Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, celebrating excellence within the travel and tourism and hospitality industry – recognising and rewarding professional and corporate achievements.

The Global Village at QTM serves as a melting pot of diverse cultures, connecting different parts of the world under one roof, showcasing heritage, traditions, and philosophies. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in Qatar’s rich traditions and heritage through entertaining cultural tours, providing a deeper appreciation of the country’s unique offerings.

Qatar Travel Mart 2023 takes place from November, 20 to 22 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.

If  you would like to reserve exhibition space at QTM 2023 or for more information, please visit www.qtmqatar.com or call 00974 5514 1188.