Press Room

HVS will once again host the conference scheduled to be held on February 10 to 11 in Colombo. It will be co-hosted by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

The conference will focus on a broad range of topics presented through a number of seminars and panel discussions. It will commence with the global leaders panel,where global industry leaders will discuss and deliberate on how the international hotel community views Sri Lanka as an investment destination.

While the conference program, will feature focused discussion panels such as:

The View from the Top:Creating Meaningful Partnerships, discussing the key success factors that have contributed to meaningful partnerships between Sri Lankan owners and developers and the international hospitality players;Investing in the Region: Challenges and Opportunities, which will bring to fore the potential opportunities for investment,the nature of challenges faced as well as, the incentives available for hospitality development in the region; Is the ‘Emerald Isle’ ready for the Uber Luxe? – panelists sharing their thoughts on the maturity of the market to see influx of high-end luxury brands and scope for luxury travel and; A special feature panel on the Maldives – In Focus Maldives: Unique Learnings from a Unique Destination.

For more information, please visit www.THINCSriLanka.com

Drinking of tea has become a social event and a delightful way to spend an afternoon with friends. The chef of the Saujana Resort and his team prepare delectable English scones and pastries, sandwiches and Malaysian tea sweats and cakes from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

Afternoon tea is a ‘must do’ for those who visit The Club on Saturdays and Sundays.

Menu for Traditional Afternoon Tea

Fresh Strawberries with Chantilly Cream
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Smoked Salmon Roll with Dill Cream Cheese
Smoked Turkey Ham with Tarragon Dijonnaise Finger Sandwich
Free Range Egg Salad Croissant
Vegetable Quiche
Beef Mince Pie

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Freshly Baked Butterless Raisin Scones
House Made Strawberry Jam & Chantilly Cream

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Kiwi Lamington & Mascarpone
Baked Meringue Cheesecake
Chefs Chocolate Mud Cake
French Madeleine’s Biscuits
Fruit Jelly and Custard

An assortment of Malaysian tea sweats and cakes.

An afternoon tea hosted by Michelle Gregory, Marketing Communications Manager of Saujana Resort (right).

The selection of tea available at The Club are Jing Chamomile, Jing Darjeeling, Jing English Breakfast, Jing Lemongrass, Jing Mint and Jasmine.

The Kuala Lumpur Tourism Bureau Located in a Heritage Building at Lot 11 of Jalan Tangsi

Built in 1903, Lot 11 is one of the finest old buildings in the city.  It was originally a series of shop lots, and was an extension to the Lot 10 mansion of Mr Lok Chow Kit, a wealthy tin miner and municipal councillor of Kuala Lumpur.  Designed by an Anglo-Indian architect, A.K. Musdeen, the properties were then sold to a European investor in 1908.  Renovation started the same year, and the buildings were converted into the Empire Hotel, which lasted for almost three decades. It was renamed Peninsular Hotel right after World War II until around the 1950s.  The building, was then, occupied by the Malaysian Institute of Architects, and in 2012, Lot 10 was gazetted by the National Heritage of Malaysia. Meanwhile Lot 11, most part of it, was badly burnt and in ruins after a masive fire, was refurbished while retaining the original facade. Today it houses the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Bureau.

Official Launch of the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Bureau on November 11, 2015

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall has revamped its Tourism Unit to form the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Bureau (KLTB) – a much stronger and capable organisation that will, focus on sustainable development of tourism in the city. KLTB is headed by Noraza Yusof, the general manager with a dedicated marketing and promotion team. While the bureau, will be guided by an advisory board of 15 members appointed by the mayor, who are industry experts from several key sectors of the city.

Julia Douglas, Managing Editor of MICE in Asia with Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Founder and Group CEO of AirAsia Bhd.

Luncheon Hosted by the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Bureau

A three-course meal was prepared by the outdoor catering of Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

The Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia organised a media trip for 40 journalists from the ASEAN member countries, to explore Jakarta, Mt. Bromo in Malang, Banyuwangi of eastern Java, and Bali from October 11 to 21. This was with the purpose of promoting Indonesia, and to increase the number of tourist arrivals from Southeast Asia into the country.

Journalists who participated in the media trip were from; Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Over a period of 10 days, the journalists had the opportunity to experience the art, culture, food, sights and sounds of Indonesia.The trip covered visits to museums and ancient temples; places of interests; the scaling of one of Indonesia’s highest mountains – Mt Bromo; and witnessing a local carnival event; visit the monkey forest in Bali; white water rafting at Ayung River; and a trip to the Ubud Art Market.

MICE in Asia would like to thank the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia for inviting our writer for the media trip of Jakarta, Bromo, Banyuwangi and Bali.

Tour of Malang Located about 90 kilometres South of Surabaya

Malang is considered to be one of the most attractive hill towns in Java. The cool climate in this town, is a respite for many Indonesians, with many hill resorts and natural hot springs. It also has some interesting places to visit,  among which is the Museum Satwa, Taman Safari and the Museum Angkut.

Set Off for Bromo and Scale the Volcanic Mountain

Many local people and tourists, have trekked the mystical Mt. Bromo to watch the sunrise from the crest of the volcano. To reach it is by a pony ride from the village of Mgadisari, and then on foot, with a 250-step climb to reach the rim of the volcano. Volcanic sulfur fumes and smoke still emanate from the depths of Mt. Bromo.

Trip to Banyuwangi on the Eastern Tip of Java also Known as the “Sunrise of Jaya”

This destination is situated in an area of natural beauty, and its people have strong cultural ties with tradition. Banyuwangi is home to the “Diamond Triangle” which incorporates three world class sites; the sulphur spewing Ijen volcano, Sukamade beach with its turtle hatchery, and the Alas Purwo National Park.

Beach Retreat at Pulau Merah

A Carnival and Wedding Event

Two-Day Stay at Ubud in Bali

A guided tour of the Blanco Renaissance Museum which is an unofficial landmark in Ubud,  that was formerly the private house and studio of the late flamboyant Philippine-born maestro, Don Antonio Blanco.  It has paintings, collages and images of illustrated poetry with lithographic artworks of his favourite subject – Balinese women.

Situated on the island of Langkawi in the Andaman Sea, the “tropical paradise” has always been considered as the most popular tourist destination of Malaysia, located in the north-west of the country, off the state of Kedah. Now the island is looking at making a foot hold in business tourism, with a new venue that has just recently opened – ready to compete in the international MICE arena.

Langkawi International Convention Centre or better known as LICC, with an area of 5,685 square feet (528.154 square metres), is said to be the largest purpose built venue on Langkawi. It has a grand ballroom of 17,868 square feet (1,660 square metres) in size, with a seating capacity up to 1,200. The centre was built within 11 months in time for hosting the ASEAN Summit in April 2015.

As the only most complete convention centre on the island, the venue can accommodate international conferences, global summits or any small local events. Among its meeting facilities, LICC has also the only VIP holding room in Malaysia with permanent set-up. LICC is managed by a team of professionals from the Starwood Hotels and Resort. It is owned by Garuda Suci Sdn Bhd and integrated Nautical Resort Sdn Bhd.

In 2007, UNESCO declared the 10,000 hectares of land which make up Langkawi and its 99 islands a Geopark.

LICC Officially launched by Michael Schlueter, Managing Director at a Ceremony in the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur

The highly anticipated Chengdu International Tourism Expo (CITE) 2015 is fast approaching in a month’s time, and will be held from December 3 to 5 at the Century City New International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organised by Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd (CEMS) Singapore and CEMS (Beijing) Conference & Exhibition Co., Ltd supported by the Sichuan Provincial Tourism Administration, the Chengdu Municipal Tourism Administration and Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Exposition; CITE 2015 is expected to span over 10,000 square meters and attract over 300 exhibitors from 30 countries, as well as 4,000 trade professionals.

Several travel agencies and national tourism organisations from Europe, Africa and Latin America, have expressed their interest to be a part of CITE 2015. In the domestic section, provinces such as Beijing, Chengdu, Tibet, Yunnan Lijiang, Dali and Mongolia will also be showcasing their tourism resources at the show.

CITE 2015 will serve as a one-stop international networking hub for professionals in the travel and tourism industry. This year, CITE 2015 will feature stage performances and destination presentation sessions from more than 10 exhibitors. There will the 2016 tourism in spring in Sichuan by the Sichuan Provincial Tourism Administration, as well as various promotional activities and presentation sessions for trade and public visitors by tuniu.com.

A fast-developing city, Chengdu is ranked the 10th most developed tourism city in China in 2014. Its airport, the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, is one of the top 40 busiest airports in the world. Out of the 280 urban centres in China, Chengdu is one of the preferred cities for investment, and is named the fourth most livable city in China.

For more information on CITE 2015, please visit www.sc-cite.com.

MICE in Asia is the media partner of CITE 2015.

The restaurant specialises in Chinese Malaysian cuisine with a Cantones twist.  Located at the Saujana Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, the outlet is currently offering diners a special set menu: Weekday Special Set Menu; Weekday Set Lunch; Quick Weekday Dim Sum Set Lunch; and Daily Dim Sum Special.

MICE in Asia’s managing editor and photo journalist together with other members of the media, had the opportunity to sample the restaurant’s special seven-course menu prepared by its executive Chinese chef, Sam Lu. The evening’s sumptious dinner showcased:

Beijing Duck with Taiwanese Sandwich

Hot and Spicy Szechuan Soup with Seafood

Sweet and Sour White Tuna Fish on Ice

Deep Fried Bonless Chicken with Oatmeal and Thai Mayo Sauce

Stir Fried Hong Kong Kai Lan with Crispy Enoki Mushroom

Osmanthus Sweet Olive Lemongrass Jelly

Julia Douglas, Managing Editor of MICE in Asia with Ti Chen’s Executive Chinese Chef, Sam Lu.

To make a reservation at Ti Chen, please go to www.shr.my or email dine@thesaujana.com

For the first time 17 university student teams from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand will gather at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on November 12 to pitch their idea of a novel event, and why their city, should be the ideal international platform for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions.

They will be participating in the AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge 2015, which is organised by the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA). The federation represents the MICE industry in Asia with 28 MICE association members and 98 corporate members in 17 cities.

“The debut of AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge 2015, is an international challenge for all students majoring in MICE or business events, business management, hospitality and tourism related fields. We aim to provide an international platform for students in Asia, to develop their creativity and present fresh and unique ideas for the MICE industry,” said Walter Yeh, the President of AFECA.

They will have only six minutes to present and showcase their novel MICE event to the panel of judges. The champion team will receive USD 3,000, a champion trophy and certificates awarded to all the winning team members.