February 2025

The expansion of the ICCASkills programme in the African region supports ICCA’s global capacity-building that brings together industry providers and local authorities. Kigali, the capital city of Rawanda will be the hub for ICCAskills programme in Africa.

Having the programme in Rawanda underscores the country’s commitment to develop talent and strengthen its position as a business events destination in Africa.

Seen here is Ms. Janet Karemera, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Convention Bureau with Mr. Senthil Gopinath, Chief Executive Officer, ICCA.

In partnership with Rwanda Convention Bureau and Rwanda Events Group Ltd, ICCA will offer two ICCASkills classes in 2025.

ICCASkills is a globally recognised certification programme created by ICCA and industry experts, designed to elevate the skills and expertise of business events professionals. The programme is not only interactive, but also engage in real-world perspective bridging theory and practice with hands-on professional development.

While Rwanda is a hub for professional development in Africa making it, an ideal location for the ICCASkills initiative for upskilling and developing the regional workforce for the business events industry.

The airline has been named the exclusive founding travel partner of Kai Tak Sports Park in line with the airline’s commitment in promoting mega events in its home city.

“As the exclusive founding travel partner of Kai Tak Sports Park is a testament to Cathay’s evolution from an airline to the leading premium travel lifestyle brand we are today,” said Ms. Lavinia Lau, Cathay’s chief customer and commercial officer.

Through this strategic partnership, Cathay and Kai Tak Sports Park will introduce, the first aviation-themed immersive experience in the Greater Bay Area with the Cathay-branded West Bridge, which connects the Sung Wong Toi MTR station with Kai Tak Stadium, to engage the Hong Kong community in rekindling people’s collective memory of the airline’s journey from its roots, and World Flyer.

Kai Tak Sports Park is poised to become the largest integrated sports and entertainment landmark in Hong Kong. Cathay on the other hand, will work in close collaboration to support the sports park in delivering world-class sporting, cultural and entertainment experiences to a global audience.

At the same time, Cathay will be supporting the highly anticipated rugby tournament, the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens which will take place at Kai Tak Sports Park from March 28 to 30 this year. The event sets the stage for an exciting world-class sporting and cultural experiences that will, showcase the sports park state-of-the-art facilities solidifying Hong Kong’s position as a vibrant hub for global mega-events.

Mr. John Sharkey, KTSP’s Chief Executive Officer  and Ms. Lavinia Lau , Cathay’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer launches the exclusive travel founding partnership.