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Tourism development and culture office of Penang organised a travel mart from July 4 to 6 to showcase travel products from the island to international buyers. It was an engaging platform of business-to-business exchange and an occasion to network and discover the local travel and MICE trade. Managed together with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, approximately 170 buyers who were fully hosted attended the event negotiating with 85 sellers from the various areas of the travel industry ranging from hotels, airlines, food and beverage outlets, culture and heritage centres.

This show will eventually be noted in the calendar as an annual event to be held on the island which can open the opportunity for Penang to promote business and investment in its tourism sector.

Media and hosted buyers greeted by a lion dance at dinner held in a heritage nyonya and baba house converted into a restaurant.

Business-to-business meeting.A fam tour of Penang with a break at the island’s esplanade.

Intensive buyer acquisition efforts for IT&CMA and CTW 2012 has attracted close to 800 applications from MICE buyers and corporate travel managers across the world, including new markets such as Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, Israel, Lebanon, Mexico and Tanzania. The event also has a reported a 50 percent surge in registrations from Australian buyers.

Noteworthy among the interested buyers this year are American Express, HelmsBriscoe, HPN Global, MCI Group, MMCO World and Thomas Cook Business Incentives.

The 2012 event aims for a 55 percent of Asia-based buyers and 45 percent of international buyers. This aggregate 10 percent shift in focus from last year’s 50/50 split is due to the volatility of the business environment in the United Kingdom and United States. The hosting committee expects a possible reduction in the purchasing power of buyers from these countries, and predicts that Asian buyers will be able to utilise IT&CMA’s three business days to realise business with shorter lead times.

This year, the Corporate Travel World (CTW) conference programme plans to woo influential travel managers with its quality content and networking opportunities. Said Mr. Darren Ng – Managing Director of TTG Asia Media: “We have introduced a number of initiatives to capitalise on the increased interest in CTW 2012. With the support of our partners, we have introduced a specially tailored conference package which will include air fare, accommodation and conference registration fees for the delegates.”

CTW’s increasing popularity and market value is evident through an emerging trend of large multinationals nominating more than one of their travel professionals to attend. Leading organisations like Accenture (Japan, Malaysia, Australia, India and Singapore) Shneider (Indonesia and Singapore), General Electric (Singapore, Malaysia and Italy), Bosch (Asia), MSD Merck (Indonesia and Singapore), are examples of this trend.

Initiatives to engage a fresh pool of corporate travel managers have been stepped up through extensive acquisition of databases from partners, associations, confirmed exhibitors, and strong referrals from sources such as media affiliates and focus groups comprising leading travel managers and decision makers in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Also the event will focus on drawing corporate participation from new markets that have high potential to procure corporate events in Asia. Participation from these countries including China, Hong Kong, Philippines and Australia, will allow participants the opportunity for balanced exposure and knowledge sharing.

Mr. Thongchai Sridama, member of the Board of Directors and Acting President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) said, “Thailand is a destination teeming with choices, and we are geared up for all delegates to experience Thailand’s MICE potential and unique products. International buyers, corporate travel managers and media can join our post-show tours for experiential interaction with our brand new destination offerings that can be tailored to suit every requirement. Delegates can now plan their itineraries according to the newly released post-show programmes.”

TCEB has revealed this year’s post-show tour destinations to be Chiang Rai, Krabi and Pattaya. From October 5 to 7, MICE buyers and corporate travel managers will have a chance to visit these popular destinations. The pre-show city tours, which have also been announced, display some of the experience-based highlights that TCEB has planned this year, such as the opportunity to take a Thai cooking class. This novel approach, coupled with the chance to see famous landmarks in and around Bangkok, is expected to drive interest in the tours.

This year marked the 18th Inter-Hash run and about 4,800 participants descended on the city of Magelang for the twice yearly meet. Magelang is one of six cities in Central Java and is home to two world famous ancient sites – the Buddhist ninth century temple Borobudur and Prambanan, a Hindu temple of the tenth century.

On the first night, Harriers and Harriets from Hash Houses of about 45 countries, gathered at the campound of the Prambanan temple for the opening ceremony of the Inter-Hash. Festivities began with traditional dance performance and speeches by the Governor of Central Java and Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy. The evening also coincided with the launching of ‘Visit Central Java 2013’.

Next day, the Inter-Hash began with a start-walk of 3.42 kilometres which was headed by the President of Indonesia, Bapak Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and he was accompanied by the First Lady of Indonesia, Ibu Ani Yudhoyono followed by other Hashers.

The overall run of the event, covered 17 routes of natural terrain of villages in Magelang which was rather challenging. It included a walk along the narrow stream of a river, climb a mountain which is said to resemble a reclining Buddha and passing through rice fields which has a breathtaking backdrop of the Borobudur Temple.

Located in the central island of Java, Jogjakarta is the cradle of civilisation of Indonesia, and is renowned for its classical Javanese culture and fine art such as batik, dance, drama, music, poetry and puppetry. This city produced the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan of the 9th century. It was also the seat of power of the Mataram Kingdom during the 16th and 17th century when it flourished as a city of the Javanese people.

Some 10 journalists from local and international media were invited by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative of Indonesia to visit Jogjakarta and the nearby town of Magelang, which recently hosted the Inter-Hash 2012. Places of interests that were covered during the trip of Jogja (as the city is fondly know), were the Borobudur and Prambanan temples, the Sultan’s palace at Keraton, the Taming Sari water castle of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta, the ruins of Kraton Ratu Boko and shopping at the popular Malioboro road. We also had the opportunity to watch the dance-drama of the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana and Sita which was performed in the Javanese version at Purawisata out-door theatre.

A thriving city of 500,000 people which consists of a majority, who are of Javanese origin, is also a melting pot of different Indonesian cultures. Jogjakarta is a major tourism destination in Indonesia, largely due to its historical sites of temples. The city is a centre of art and education, offers some good shopping and has a wide range of tourist facilities. Over the years, Jogja has continued to produce philosophers, thinkers, master painters and craftsmen.

MICE in Asia would like to thank, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia for the familiarisation tour of Jogjakarta, and invitation to attend the Inter-Hash 2012 at Borobudur in Mageleng. Special thanks to Ibu Budihardjanti, Bapak Vicky, Bapak Sukamto and Bapak Koko. Also to journalists Ida Gani, Diajeng Galuh Shyta, Didik Budiarto, Tri Wibowo and Uematsu Ryosuke for the friendship we have established with one another.

The magnificent Buddhist temple, Borobudur of the nineth century.

A visit to the  Sultanate of Yogyakarta’s Keraton Palace located in the city centre. Sultan Hamengkubuwono  I ruled Yogyakarta since 1749.

The musical pavilion of the Palace with daily dance performance.

Front entrance of the Keraton Palace called alun-alun utara. The Palace is now a living museum.

Taming Sari Water Castle of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta and bathing complex.

Ruins of Kraton Ratu Boko located on a plateau is the palace of King Boko which was mentioned in the folklore of Loro Jonggrang an area outside of Jojjakarta.

The organiser has appointed five leading hotels in the National Capital Region of Delhi as official hospitality partners for the MICE and luxury travel event’s inaugural year. The hotels will provide more than 400 rooms as accommodation for international hosted buyers and media attending the event. These hotels are Hilton Hotel New Delhi, Doubletree by Hilton New Delhi, Fraser Suites New Delhi, Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort Greater Noida and Radisson Blu Hotel Greater Noida.

IT&CM India is an international MICE business, education and networking event that advance the opportunities of “Promoting India to the World and the World to India”. It is the first in the IT&CM series of events that also offers international and leading India exhibitors and buyers in the industry a dedicated avenue to showcase and procure luxury travel. In addition to the proven IT&CM programme formula comprising of structured business appointments, exhibition showcase, seminar sessions, official networking functions and tours, delegates to the three-day event will also receive access to India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB)’s Conventions India Conclave (CIC) and other partnering events that promise to enhance their investment at IT&CM India.

To date the event, has already attracted registration from some 330 international and Indian buyers, and close to 90 international and Indian media. The interest in the event is attributed to the growing focus on India as a MICE destination, as well as the line-up of exhibitors that has signed on to be part of the event’s maiden showcase. The exhibitors include Abercrombie and Kent, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Creative Travel, Egypt Tourism Office, Grand Mirage Resort, Hotel Properties Limited, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong, Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) and Tourism of Cambodia.

At the same time, IT&CM India plans to deliver high on the education front. It will be held in conjunction with India Convention Promotion Bureau’s (ICPB) 7th Conventions India Conclave. Reputed international certification courses to will be offered to participants, such as the Fundamentals of Business Travel Management CourseTM by Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and the Professional Association Executive (PAE) Course, a competency course for association of professionals which features course contents by the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) and the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE).

www.itcmindia.com

A Fashion Fantasy Bash in Parnership with Asahi and Mercedes-Benz

STYLO International presented a couture fashion show with a circus theme. Where was it held, at the compound of the Carlsberg Brewery in Shah Alam in Malaysia which was converted into Hogwart’s school? A celebration and spectacle where carnival meets fashion and the ringmaster, stilt walkers, clowns, jugglers took centre stage. Not your usual bright, colourful circus but, a dark, freaky, demented twist to fashion with large doses of humour. The evening evoked a sensation of Harry Potter’s world, where the hunters are sometimes the hunted and the watchers are often the watched.

On display throughout the night is the sleek Mercedes SLK 200 – very much desired by many. Mercedes-Benz joined forces to support STYLO’s world fashion series to promote emerging fashion talents internationally. It is done through STYLO’s worldwide fashion influence and extensive network.

Circus couture with a Harry Porter theme.

A host of international performing artists are set to hit Kuala Lumpur for the upcoming STYLO Fashion Grand Prix 2012 with the theme ‘Fashion Fantasies’. Led by its presenter Mercedes-Benz Malaysia with sponsors from Carlsberg Brewery, Visa International , F&F, Panasonic Malaysia, Proctor and Gamble, Hilton Kuala Lumpur and in partnership with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, several fashion events are organised heading towards the 14th Malaysian PETRONAS Formula 1 Grand Prix (racing days March 23- 25).

STYLO’s fantasy theme is intriguing combining the concept of fashion and circus. A small team from the Cirque du Soleil is flown in to Kuala Lumpur for a performance, as well as a 10-member circus-based performing arts contingent from London of aerialists, stilt walkers, fire-eaters, free-runner, pole dancers and break dancers will contribute to the festivities.

An agreement signed between Nancy Yeoh, CEO of STYLO International and Roland Folger, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

Left with Noraza Yusof, Head of Tourism Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Nancy Yeoh, CEO of STYLO International.

The two events were held at Manado’s brand new Golden Kawanua Exhibition Hall. Close to 1,000 exhibitors occupied more than 450 exhibiting booths, representing a diverse range of ASEAN destination, travel products and services suppliers.

ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is a cooperative regional effort to promote the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as one tourist destination. The ATF TRAVEX is considered to be the longest-running annual ASEAN leisure travel trade event which showcases the largest contingent of ASEAN sellers. This annual event involves all the tourism industry sectors of the 10 ASEAN member nations: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Each year the hosting of ATF rotates among the member countries and Vientiane, the capital of Laos will have the opportunity to host the next event in 2013.

One-to-one interview with Ibu Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Republic of Indonesia.

Left, Nia Niscaya, Director of International Tourism, Indonesia and other officials .

Right at the press conference by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy.

TRAVEX 2012 at the Golden Kwanua Exhibition Hall.

The Minister of Tourism Malaysia, Datuk Ng Yen Yen, meeting the media at the Novotel Convention Centre in Manado

Ending the luncheon hosted by country Malaysia at the ATF with a dance routine headed by the Tourism Minister.

Tourism Malaysia officials with the Manado Brass Band.

This April from 17 to 19, the IT&CM China 2012 will be held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. Exhibitors and buyers can once again expect to conduct business and network with industry players in China.

IT&CM China has since 2007 established itself, as China’s leading professional meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions business and networking event. It brings together not only Chinese, but International MICE exhibitors and buyers – all in one dynamic marketplace. It’s for people in the MICE industry to explore new and exciting business opportunities, as well as strengthen existing partnerships.

The 3-day event will be organised along structured business appointments, exhibition showcase, seminar sessions, official networking functions and tours.

This is a new and exciting tourist hub for art, fashion and authentic Malaysian food. It was officially opened on Dec 23 last year by the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail. Earmarked under the Kuala Lumpur beautification project, the task was awarded to Trend Matrix Enterprises to develop the abandoned space into what is now a popular one-stop destination for tourists and KLites.

The 416m-walk is located along a small strip of land that links Jalan P Ramlee to the connecting road between Jalan Pinang and Jalan Perak surrounded by high-rise commercial offices, residential buildings and hotels. Conveniently located in Kuala Lumpur’s golden triangle it is close to, and within an easy walking distance of around 10 minutes from the iconic KL Petronas twin towers and the KLCC Convention centre.

The KL CityWalk is definitely the place to be with its food and beverage outlets, art gallery and boutiques – tourist friendly with an information booth and airline ticketing offce. It’s also located close to several hotels in the city.