November - MICE TALK

Transcription

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Volume VI Issue 11 November 2015 64 pages
A DDP Publication
Coastal Connections: PHILIPPINES • GOA
kochi • puerto Rico • DUBAI • NEW york
editorial
Publisher & Editor
SanJeet
Editor-in-Chief
Deepa Sethi
Editor-in-Chief
Deepa Sethi
Desk Editor
Ambica Gulati
Dear Reader,
assistant editor
As the world becomes increasingly tech savvy, so does the
meetings industry. There are meeting apps galore but the
important thing is to use them not just to look good but to
actually gain an advantage from them. Our expert, Darren
Edwards, tells us how!
Vaishali Dar
Design
Raashi Ajmani Girdhar
Communication being the fundamental basis for the meetings
industry, we spoke to our life experts, Brig.Trigunesh Mukherjee
and Shital Kakkar Mehra, about this. And voila! They both came
back with the same response: Learn to listen… Listen, Absorb
and then Speak. How many of us actually do that? Read their
suggestions on the art of listening. And, if you have questions
for things that confuse you please do write in to us, we’ll get
you the answers and the solutions.
Simran Kaur
Faisal H. Bhat
Advertising
Gunjan Sabikhi
Anand Dutt
Aarti Nagrath
Karishma Khanna
Gaganpreet Kaur
It is becoming increasingly important for the corporate staff
to create a healthy work-life balance. Vigorous physical
and mental daily activities should be combined with social
networking and relaxing meditation to maintain a supportive
working relationship. The Ministry of Tourism (MOT),
Government of India, has created a Medical and Wellness
Tourism Board to create synergy between the tourism industry
and the healthcare sector. For our cover story, our reporter gets
into conversation with the wellness industry experts and Suman
Billa, Joint Secretary, MOT and Chairman, India Convention
Promotion Bureau (ICPB), about the steps being taken to bring
this to the forefront.
Advertisement Designer
With winter at our doorstep, we went coastal this time for
MICE. We have covered venues, hotels and things to do in New
York, Dubai, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Goa and Kochi.
Circulation Manager
Enjoy reading and keep our communication going…
We’re listening!
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MICEtalk November 2015
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contents
november 2015
14
20
highlights...
8
Facts
News from the world of MICE
Cover Story
14 Reinvigorate the corporate way
Country Talk
20 Puerto Rico: Connect on an
island
City Talk
26 Let’s meet in Dubai
26
6
state
30 Goa: Golden sands & colourful
meetings
Over
Please send in your suggestions and
feedback to [email protected]
600,000 è
You can also read MICEtalk online on
Readers
www.micetalk.com
30
36
34
32
38
Regular
hotel
32 Le Meridien Kochi
tourism company
34 Business bells in the Big Apple
policy
36 Event friendly Delhi
event
38 Connections Meetings 2015
Etiquette Talk
Shital Kakkar Mehra
46 gives seven conversation
winning tips
48
52
Expert Talk
Brig. Trigunesh
Mukherjee, AVSM,
on the fine art of
listening
tech Expert
Darren Edwards
on engaging the
audience
technology
50 Xing ExpoManager
Event Exhibitors’ Portal
Cover Photo:
Le Meridien Kochi
7
facts
facts
Travel Industry Exhibition
to launch shows in
Sydney and Melbourne
Food & Hotel
Show New Delhi
from Nov 3-5
n The Food & Hotel Show New Delhi
will be held from November 3-5, 2015,
at Pragati Maidan, Delhi. Its organisers,
DMG Events Hospitality portfolio,
announced that the long-standing brand
will expand into India in 2016.
n The organiser of The Travel Industry Exhibition has announced
that it will launch a multi-event campaign for 2016 in both Sydney
and Melbourne. The show will expand its reach by opening a second
exhibition in Melbourne, as travel exhibitors and visitors based
interstate expressed their interest in participating in Melbourne, in
addition to Sydney. The Melbourne edition is set to take place at
Peninsula, Docklands on 11-12 July 2016, while the Sydney Travel
Industry Exhibition will be held the following week on 18-19 July
2016 at Luna Park.
Kerala: MICE
destination for
Japanese CEOs
n In its efforts to grab a major share
of the global multi-billion-dollar MICE
tourism industry, Kerala Tourism will
promote the state as a destination for
conferences and meetings of Japanese
corporate leaders. Japanese companies
regularly send their senior executives
abroad for meetings and conferences.
The Kerala government had slashed
the luxury tax on auditoriums and
convention centres having rents above `20,000 from 20 per cent to 10 per cent
in the budget last year to attract MICE
tourism in the state.
Tourism Minister, Philippines to
inaugurate PATA New Frontiers Forum
n Hon. Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr., Secretary,
Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT),
will deliver the address on ‘Successful
Destination Marketing Campaign – Trend
in this Digital Economy’ during the PATA
New Tourism Frontiers Forum 2015 from
November 25-27 at the Oriental Hotel in Legazpi, Albay, Philippines. The
event is being hosted by the Provincial Government of Albay in partnership
with the Department of Tourism, Philippines.
8
facts
‘Make in India’ at IITF 2015
ACE of M.I.C.E. Exhibition 2016
n The India International Trade Fair (IITF)
n The third edition of ACE of M.I.C.E. Exhibition will take place at
2015, to be held from November 14-27 at
Pragati Maidan in Delhi, offers a platform to
young start-up entrepreneurs to showcase
their products and concepts. The theme this
year is ‘Make in India’. According to India
Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) CMD
L.G. Goyal, 54 stalls in an area of 486sqm
will be provided a discount of 50 per cent so
that first-time entrepreneurs can showcase
their innovative ideas. The focus State is
Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand and Goa are
the partner states.
the Istanbul Congress Center (ICC) and the Lutfi Kirdar Congress
Center on 16-18 March 2016. The three-day show will have prescheduled B2B meetings with local and international hosted buyers,
seminars, networking parties and the ACE of M.I.C.E. Awards
Ceremony will be held on March 17, 2016.
New convention business wins for BCEC
n Following the
G20 year, the
Brisbane Convention
and Exhibition
Centre (BCEC)
has confirmed new
business wins with
a value of $153m to
Brisbane’s economy.
The 2014/15
financial year saw
147 convention bid wins for BCEC representing a 35 per cent increase in the
number of wins over the previous period. The healthcare, medical, scientific
and education sectors dominate these convention wins. Scientists, medical
researchers and healthcare professionals will be among the 75,000 delegates
and international speakers travelling to Brisbane, generating 282,000 room
nights for the city’s hotels over the waves of upcoming conferences.
WTM London unveils World
Travel Leaders programme
n Organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions is to host
two World Travel Leaders sessions at the next
edition of WTM London. This global event will
see key influential figures from the travel sector
debate on key issues affecting the trade. Now
in its 36th year, WTM London will take place
from 2-5 November at ExCeL London.
TAT Mumbai’s third edition luxury road show
draws regional TAT office participation
n In keeping with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s
global focus on quality versus absolute numbers,
TAT Mumbai tied up with Thailand’s standalone and
chain hotels for the event titled ‘Amazing Thailand
Luxurious Pleasure Roadshow’. Participants included
top-end hotels and inked special deals. Three regional
offices showcased the new areas to agents and media.
9
facts
facts
App for railway tickets
n Railway Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu has launched an Unreserved
Ticket Service (UTS) mobile application. He said, “Following the Prime
Minister’s Digital India vision, we have come up with the UTS that will
greatly reduce pressure on ticket windows and is more convenient for
passengers. Ticket Vending Machines will also be available that will be
operated by currency, coin or card.” Created by the Centre for Railway
Information Systems (CRIS), the UTS service is available for Central
(Mumbai), Western (Mumbai) and Northern Railway (Delhi). The Minister
also unveiled the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) for iOS through
which passengers can find out live train status.
4th edition of Wedding
Fraternity Meet 2015
n The Wedding Fraternity Meet (WFM), a Ferns N Petals annual property, is
a tailor-made platform created for the wedding industry. The Indian wedding
industry exchanged ideas, talked about innovations, creativity, floral solutions
and unique concepts in the wedding arena. Daniel Ost, International Floral
Designer; Aditya Motwane, Founder & Director, Motwane Entertainment &
Weddings; Navin Ansal, Business Head, RGAW, Casa Paradox and many more
attended the show.
Complimentary in-room
‘handy’ smartphone
by Anantara
n Innovating hotel stays and Bangkok
discovery, Anantara Siam Bangkok
Hotel and Anantara Riverside Bangkok
Resort now offer a complimentary
smartphone called ‘handy’ in all
guest rooms. They are the first hotels
in Thailand to offer such a service.
The handy device is preloaded with
destination specific features to offer
a superior guest experience and
interactive travel solutions.
Travelport Hotelzon
launches mobile app
for business travellers
n
Travelport
Hotelzon, a hotel
distribution
technology provider
for the B2B travel
industry, has
released a mobile app designed to help
both travel agents and business travellers.
The app is a mobile version of the
popular hotelzon.com site. Key features
include:
• Over 250,000 hotels worldwide
• Best available rates, including privately
negotiated corporate rates
• Integrated traveller profiles
• Fast and secure hotel booking
functionality
10
facts
facts
Crowne Plaza
opens in Jaipur
n
IHG has opened its 10th
Crowne Plaza property in India.
Ideally located in close proximity
to the airpor in the business hub
of Sitapura, it is a green building
which incorporates several
sustainable features.
IHG Business
Rewards: up to
75,000 bonus points
n
In the spirit of championing those
that book on the behalf of others
and to coincide with the six-month
anniversary of the launch of IHG
Business Rewards, members can
earn up to 75,000 bonus IHG
Rewards Club points when booking
accommodation, meetings and events,
as well as social bookings for others
until 30 November 2015 (for events
and stays until 1 January 2016). IHG
Business Rewards members must
register for the promotion, immediately
earning 500 bonus points.
Radisson Blu Hotel
Sydney unveils redesign
n
As part of the first phase of an AUD $12 million redesign, Radisson Blu Hotel
Sydney has unveiled modernised meeting rooms and a function space. The next
stage will see a complete refurbishment of all 336 guestrooms and 28 suites.
Como the Treasury
in Perth
n Como the Treasury is a new 48-room
high-end hotel in Perth’s Cathedral Square.
Located in the heart of Perth, the hotel
encompasses the old state buildings of the
Treasury, GPO and Land Titles and offers
grand, modern guest rooms, a spa and
eight different food and beverage offerings.
12
cover story
Reinvigorate the
Corporate Way
Creating a healthy work-life balance is essential for business travellers. Physical activity,
meditation and building a social network helps in increasing job satisfaction, maintaining
supportive working relationships and strengthening employee loyalty.
Vaishali Dar
wellness talk
MICEtalk conducted a poll on how corporate wellness tourism is becoming important for
MICE movements. The poll had three parameters and the results are:
As a standalone getaway
As an extension to a
conference?
10%
Quarterly
20%
No
37.5%
No
62.5%
Yes
40%
Annually
80%
Yes
14
How often do these
programmes happen?
50%
Half Yearly
cover story
INDUSTRY talk
Veterans speak on how wellness at the workplace
is an important factor. Excerpts:
Suman Billa
Joint Secretary,
Ministry of Tourism
Government of India
Suman Billa, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism,
Government of India speaks to Ahana Gurung
about how the Medical and Wellness Tourism
Board in India will create synergy between tourism
and the healthcare sector. Excerpts:
Medical and Wellness Tourism Board:
We need to seize and drive the agenda. The Chairman
of the board is the Minister and we will have five
professionals from the medical world on it. I will be
the secretary to the chairman. We are hoping to get
a significant number of ideas to push this. Typically,
we call for the private trade and ask their opinion but
we want to institutionalise these ideas. Take ideas,
discuss them and make them a fulcrum for moving the
decision forward.
Benefits to tour operators:
Tour operators can avail marketing development
assistance from the board. These include four trips
a year and up to `2.5 lakh for promotions. Since the
board has just been formed, an agenda needs to be
decided to move forward.
Building MICE infrastructure:
We need to build MICE because group movements
can play a vital role for number jumps. All MICE
destinations should have their own board. If you get
some of the biggest conferences in India, the country
will get known for these.
Vidhi Chhariya
Lead Teacher
Awaken Inner Buddha
Awaken Inner Buddha is an organisation
which understands the needs of a
corporate lifestyle. A 90-minute destress yoga and 30 minutes of Buddhist
meditation can create different brain
activity, remove fatigue, fear, stress and
suffering. Such activities help in yogic
calm and health is what helps tired
minds. Weekend retreats, team building
meditation off sites for delegates help
them focus on learning and adopting a
healthy routine.
15
cover story
Wellness is linked
to greater
productivity and
a reduction of long
term healthcare
costs. It helps
combat stress
Sonu Shah
Sikender Yadav
CEO
Ecom Mechanics
It is important because
generally all big
conferences are quite
hectic and adding wellness
into those hectic sessions
can help people
de-stress. In turn these
will make them more
productive and ready for
the next session.
Our team building activities
in Aquaventure Waterpark
like ‘Spy on the Lost City’,
‘Surf n Turf Relay Races’
engage corporates and agents.
They can interact, enjoy and
discover sports activities. There
is a great demand for fresh and
healthy culinary options, diet
restrictions and vegetarian catering, especially
for Indian groups. There are treatments and
group exercise activities to combat stress,
wellness treatments at ShuiQi Spa and Fitness,
invigorating rise and shine yoga by the beach.
Amit Aggarwal
Rashmi Pisal
Wellness is not just about physical
fitness. Depression and stress,
in particular, are proving to be
major sources of lost productivity.
Employers are realising this as a
strategic imperative. An organised,
employer-sponsored programme
that is designed to support
employees as they adopt and sustain
behaviours that reduce health risks,
improve quality of life and enhance
personal effectiveness, benefits the
organisation’s bottom line.
Studies show that nearly 50 per
cent of an organisation’s profits
are consumed by employee
healthcare costs and such
employees are shown to be 18 per
cent less productive. Wellness
is linked to greater productivity
and a reduction of long term
healthcare costs. Lifestyle
modification is increasing
productivity by two-folds.
Managing Partner
Wish Bone India
16
Sales Manager, MICE
Atlantis The Palm
Dubai
Associate Director MICE &
Leisure Travel
Harvey India Holidays
Usha Brockmann
Director of Communications
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
Special activities for delegates include tai-chi
classes which are stretching exercises which
can be done during or post conferences. The
therapies are developed in consultation with
specialists in traditional Chinese medicine
and master aroma therapists. They include
a relaxing hands-on massage ritual that
combines the powerful effects of Oriental
median massage with the therapeutic
benefits of essential oils. Jet lag treatment
quickly adjusts delegates to new time zones.
Complimentary essential oils or shower
travel kits are sometimes offered as an
incentive programme.
xxxxxXX
Rajat Awasthi
Manager – Leisure & MICE
FCm MICE
This is an emerging concept in corporate
houses to reap benefits of a healthier
lifestyle. Incorporating this into travel
helps in designing a new environment
bring a fresh perspective while adding to
health enhancement. I was part of a seven
nights trip to New Zealand that involved
wellness activities. It helped us bond,
balance and refresh our thought processes
and renew our energy levels.
Ma Naina
Head of Publications
and Media Relations
Osho World Foundation
Sandip Kotak
All Osho meditation
techniques are
participative and
not like board room
meetings. Dynamic
meditation is a onehour meditation to
increase awareness
for the modern day
traveller to help throw out his emotions and reach
silence. Corporations invite experts to help their
employees go within and be more relaxed and silent.
Wellness is talked about a lot but the
initiatives are in the nascent stage. There
are a few instances of corporates asking
for meditation sessions. A focused
and happy mind can do wonders and
enhance the performance of managers.
It is an important tool to deal with the
daily stress executives face, given the
pace of the current world. Multi-tasking
has become a trend and this has a high
burn out rate. A ‘corporate wellness’
programme helps in tackling this issue.
Deputy General Manager – M.I.C.E.
Tamarind Global
17
cover story
Vandna Aadesh
Faculty
Art of Living
APEX Program
Ticking deadlines, high targets, roundthe-clock travel exposes corporates to
stress and fatigue. This jet setting not
only takes a toll on their health but also
has a huge impact on their performance
at work. The ‘APEX’ programmes
for corporates with practical tools to
alleviate stress, enhance awareness and
alertness and helps create a dynamic
workplace. A three-day programme for
25 executives has smaller modules on
the power of breath and its ability to
raise self-awareness and bring about a
deep change in behaviour.
Sanjay Sharma
Area General Manager
The Westin Gurgaon and The Westin Sohna
Corporate wellness will go a long way.
The Westin Wellness Escapes is designed
with interactive workshops, fitness classes,
healthy cooking courses, panel discussions,
seminars and other wellness activities for
after work relaxation, late Sunday checkout,
changes in lighting, and casual weekend look
of hotel associates.
Rajendra Menon
General Manager, Goa Resort & Casino
The Zuri White Sands
We have an expansive range of wellness
programmes like The Incredible Race which
is an ideal activity to spark off teamwork,
resourcefulness, competition and fun for
a fantastic experience. A celebrity Zumba
instructor fuses international rhythms
with easy-to-follow dance moves, yoga at
the beach, marathon, meditation, cooking
classes demo with healthy recipes. Team
tournaments help build a healthy team.
18
xxxxxXX
Pankaj Mathur
General Manager
The Suryaa
New Delhi
For delegates on the move, we
offer yoga sessions, kickboxing,
weight training, TRX and CrossFit.
We try to incorporate different
forms of physical exercise that are
interesting and fun such as salsa
and belly dancing classes.
Birgit Holms
General Manager
Dusit Devarana New Delhi
Healthy cooking courses,
spa treatments, facials are
some wellness activities
We have sessions for body and mind, a fitness
centre, a yoga pavilion and a 102mt-long
outdoor pool. We grow our fruits and vegetables
organically. We offer ayurvedic treatments,
therapies, hamam, wraps, scrubs and facials to
detox. The essentials for success are eat your
breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and
dinner like a slave. We have introduced Aqua
Yoga, diet in accordance to one’s body ‘doshas’
and an outdoor activity titled Segway Polo.
Rakesh Walia
General Manager – Domestic Sales
BLK Super Speciality Hospital
We have initiated various services in the corporate
sector like health checks, talks for creating
awareness such as the challenges and opportunities
for integrated occupational health, safety and
environment for sustainable business. The key to
having a successful corporate wellness programme
is encouraging overall wellbeing. This decreases
employee turnover.
Sumeet Taneja
Sarat Valsraj
For jet setters who flit through time zones, we
have a jet lag alleviation treatment called Jagr. The
experience has been carefully selected to initiate
physical, mental and spiritual equilibrium. From
a pillow menu to ease tension to bath salts for
relaxation, we offer a right mix of activities for the
corporate traveller. Buddhist Peace Food recreates a
synergy of mind, body and intellect. We are geared
to face neo-age consumers. Hence it is necessary to
keep up with the latest fads and trends followed by
leading corporate honchos and executives in terms
of well-being. This creates experiences in sync with
their needs.
A range of ayurveda
and western
treatments like
Nirvana, Maya Spa
essentials, Cloud 9
treatment, and Maya
Spa Sensation besides
body treatments like scrubs, wraps
are on offer. We have a stress relieving
programme which includes ayurvedic
massage, shirodhara, thala pothichil
and more.
General Manager
Vivanta by Taj – Gurgaon, NCR
General Manager
The Zuri Kumarakom
Kerala
19
country
pr
uerto
ico:
Connect on
an island
Puerto Rico in the Caribbean offers
a state-of-the-art convention centre,
a wide variety of hotels, strong
infrastructure and unique attractions.
W
ith more than 1.3 million
square feet of meeting space
and over 14,500 guest rooms
throughout the island, a
world-class convention centre, an increasing
range of accommodation options, a menu of
social media offerings and a growing list of
awards and accolades, Puerto Rico continues
to offer meeting planners a wide variety of
meeting and event options, from city-wides
to luxury CEO board meetings while ensuring
a distinctive and memorable experience.
Puerto Rico can accommodate large groups
in a wide variety of hotels, including many
new built ones from some of the top global
brands. It houses a large and technically
advanced convention centre. The offerings of
food, culture and activities make Puerto Rico
a memorable experience.
Puerto Rico has been on an upward trend
20
of increasing the marketplace product to
accommodate large city-wide conventions,
as well as adding new luxury properties
to address that growing market. It has
been adding new properties, services and
amenities that are of great benefit to meeting
and convention groups, in addition to new
and more frequent airlift and the expansion
of the Convention Center district.
Puerto Rico Convention
Center District
The Puerto Rico Convention Center, which
celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2015, has
unveiled a new solar energy array that is one
of the largest green initiatives of its kind on
the island. The largest convention center in
the Caribbean has been fitted with 5MW
of PV across 17,764 panels over the car
parking and 2,139 panels on the main roof
of the building. The 5MW plant will generate
xxxxxXX
21
country
around 8,000MWh of electricity annually.
Puerto Rico
houses a large
and technically
advanced
convention centre.
The offerings
of food, culture
and activities
make Puerto Rico
a memorable
experience
22
Plans to link the Puerto Rico Convention
Center district to Old San Juan are under
way. The Paseo Puerta de Tierra project is
a $29 million investment in a boardwalk
linking historic Old San Juan with other
popular tourism areas nearby that would
give pedestrians and cyclists safer and easier
access to the Convention Center District.
The first phase of the project is expected to
be completed in late 2015.
ACCOMMODATION
Old San Juan
Hotel El Convento, the historic FourDiamond property and former Carmelite
Convent situated in the heart of Old San
Juan, recently completed a $300,000 update
of Salon Paoli, one of the hotel’s venues for
hosting intimate ceremonies and receptions
for up to 80 people.
The Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino
invested over $4 million in an extensive
renovation of its facilities that includes total
rooms renovations, corridors, key public
areas, the Palio Restaurant, as well as building
exteriors and incorporating new technology.
Hyatt House San Juan has become Puerto
Rico’s first extended stay hotel and is the
brand’s first Hyatt House hotel outside of
continental United States. The 126-room
hotel offers the convenience of hotel living
with the comforts of home, with studio and
one-bedroom suites, featuring panoramic
views of the Atlantic Ocean and the San
country
Caribbean conventions
Milton Segarra, President & CEO of Meet Puerto Rico, says that delegates want to experience the
destination beyond the meeting room.
Milton Segarra
President & CEO of Meet
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico continues to position itself
as an ideal destination for meetings and
conventions, offering a state-of-the-art
convention centre, a wide variety of
hotels, strong infrastructure and unique
attractions with the added advantage
that we are on a tropical island in the
Caribbean. In addition, during July, Meet
Puerto Rico secured 10 new bookings.
These groups are slated for the end of
2015, 2016 and 2017. Groups and events
range from multinational companies
to medical, educational conferences
and sporting events, among others.
Upcoming groups include:
• Destination Marketing Association
International (DMAI) CEO Forum in
February 2016
• ExperientTop Producers Meetings in
May 2016
• HPN Global Top Producers Meeting in
May 2016
• Latin American & Caribbean Air
Transport Association ALTA in May
2016
The experiences these groups take
away from their visit to Puerto Rico
are vital to the ongoing positioning
of the destination. One of the trends
that continues is that in this segment
the meetings and conventions
delegates want to experience
the destination beyond the
meeting room.
Juan Bay. The hotel is part of the Puerto Rico
Convention Center District.
its 10 meeting areas and the hotel’s façade, as
part of a $23 million renovation.
Best Western Plus Condado Palm Inn &
Suites features 151 rooms, of which 33 are
suites featuring a kitchenette.
The 260-room Courtyard by Marriott Isla
Verde just finalised a $10 million investment
to bring the resort in line with today’s
business trends. Guest rooms and the lobby
have been updated. Other touches include a
new main entrance, a resurfaced pool area
and an oceanfront boardwalk.
The 917-room Caribe Hilton has just
renovated their signature Caribar–a
destination bar and lounge that blends Puerto
Rico’s culinary influences with the resort’s
heritage to deliver some of the most creative
craft cocktails on the island. All guest rooms in
the main building, Garden Wing & Villas, will
be upgraded, including Wi-Fi enhancement.
The 398-room InterContinental San Juan
Resort & Casino did a massive remodeling
of its public areas, including the lobby, bar,
AIRPORTS & AIRLIFT
Puerto Rico continues to serve as the
Caribbean region’s leader in airlift with over
2,000 weekly non-stop and direct flights
from mainland US, Canada, Latin America,
Europe and the Caribbean. Recent airport
announcements and increased air service
updates include:
23
country
HIGHLIGHTS
The Puerto Rico Convention Center
• Puerto Rico is a great destination
for meetings of all sizes. With the
largest Conference Center in the
Caribbean and most technically
advanced, the centre celebrates its
10th anniversary.
• The centre has unveiled a new
solar energy array that is one of the
largest green initiatives of its kind
on the island.
Paseo Puerta de
Tierra project is a
$29 million
investment in a
boardwalk linking
Old San Juan with
popular areas that
will give pedestrians
easier access to the
convention center
The Luis Muñoz Marin International
Airport, managed by Aerostar Airport
Holdings, has pumped in $750 million for
revamping the facility. New airport amenities
include new retail outlets, food and beverage
establishments, as well as other services and
car rental facilities. Aerostar plans to invest
another $200 million in improvements.
Sun Country Airlines has a non-stop
service between Ft. Myers Southwest Florida
International Airport (RSW) and San Juan
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
(SJU), with two weekly flights. In January
2016, during the height of the tourism high
season, Sun Country will add a third weekly
flight to San Juan.
Volaris, a Mexican low-cost airline based in
24
• The largest convention center in
the Caribbean has been fitted with
5MW of PV across 17,764 panels
over car parking and 2,139 panels
on the main roof of the building.
• The 5MW plant will generate
around 8,000MWh of electricity
annually.
Mexico City, serves Cancún-San Juan nonstop. Volaris is Mexico’s second largest airline.
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA is the third
largest low-cost carrier in Europe, the
second-largest airline in Scandinavia, and
the ninth-largest airline in Europe in terms of
passenger numbers. Norwegian will operate
to SJU on a seasonal basis from November
2015 to March 2016.
city
let’s meet in
dubai
26
The city is driving international
business events and advancing
the position of the emirate as a
leading business event destination.
xxxxxXX
RECENT EVENT
6,000 members of the worldwide
Chinese insurance and financial
industry attended the 2015
International Dragon Award (IDA)
from 22-25 August 2015 at the
Dubai World Trade Centre.
CONVENTION FACILITIES
Dubai Business Events (DBE)–the official convention bureau
aims to further develop and increase Dubai’s share of the
international business events market to boost knowledge
creation, economic development and help in job creation.
DBE’s main goal, as a division of the Department of Tourism
and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), is to establish the
emirate as a premier business events destination.
All stakeholders recognise the importance and opportunities
related to the business events sector and Dubai Business
Events’ role is to lead, support and manage a cooperative
strategy that involves public and private stakeholders across
tourism, hospitality, academic and business sectors. This helps
in assisting organisers of international meetings, incentives,
congresses and exhibitions plan and manage every aspect of
their event.
Indian MICE
Dubai is a popular hub for Indian businesses. Dubai
welcomes large numbers of Indian delegates for regional and
international exhibitions such as Gulfood which is the world’s
largest exhibition in the food and hospitality sector, GITEX is
the largest ICT exhibition of the region and Arabian Travel
Market (ATM) where, last year, more than 50 participants
from India highlighted the country’s diverse heritage, cultural
and wellness tourism offer.
As India and Dubai enjoy historic and deep-rooted trade
relations, many Indian trade bodies operate in the emirate.
Even more strategic is the creation of the Dubai Association
Centre (DAC) in cooperation with the Dubai World Trade
Centre and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The centre, which licenses non-profit professional and
trade associations, seeks to promote Dubai as an attractive
location for international associations to establish regional
headquarters. This will help drive the next stage in the
emirate’s development. The promotion refers to Dubai
having the world’s busiest airport for international travel and
its connection to over 260 destinations, over 94,000 hotel
rooms-a number set to increase by 25 per cent by 2016-over
5,300 restaurants, high level of safety and thus a high-quality
product that provides value for the money.
CONVENTION CENTRE
Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre
(DICEC) is part of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
complex which offers over 90,000m² of event space. DWTC
27
city
In 2014, the Dubai International Airport served
over 70 million people, flying them to over 260
destinations across six continents
India: a top source market
Steen Jakobsen
Director
Dubai Business Events
Steen Jakobsen, Director
for Dubai Business Events
(DBE)–the official convention
bureau–is responsible for driving
international business events to
Dubai and advancing the position
of the emirate as a leading
business event destination.
“Dubai is the business events and
trade hub for the MENA region
with 50 per cent of the region’s
business events taking place
in the city. At DBE, we want to
leverage this status, improve
our business tourism offer, grow
existing shows into mega shows,
create new shows in identified
sector gaps and grow Dubai as
a centre for major conventions.
Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020
strategy is to welcome 20
million visitors a year by 2020,
doubling the number received in
2012. Our aim is to continue to
empower Dubai’s reputation as a
hub for all forms of international
events.”
28
With a year-on-year increase of
25 per cent in 2015 for the period
of January to June in Dubai, DBE
is working towards conventional
efforts such as professional
familiarisation trips within Dubai,
international promotional tours and
leveraging the newly developed
Dubai brand.
is a fully integrated venue with
restaurants, coffee shops, food outlets,
ATMs, a business centre, a post office
and shops. It hosts more than 500
events across international trade fairs,
mega consumer shows, meetings and
congresses with over 2.4 million annual
visitors from 160 global markets.
From the landmark Sheikh Rashid
Tower, to the region’s largest purposebuilt complex, DWTC has created
pioneering networking platforms for
regional and global markets to grow.
DWTC provides a vast range of services
including the provision of furniture,
carpets and drapes to decorate the
halls, in addition to state-of-theart communication and AV-systems
designed to deliver high-quality sound
and visuals. A fully integrated Wi-Fi
system is provided to all delegates.
HOTELS
Dubai has an eclectic range of places
to stay, accommodating all budget
types. With over 94,000 keys at more
than 667 hotels and hotel apartment
establishments currently available and
around 15,000-25,000 keys expected
by 2017, there is something to satisfy
everyone’s travel budget.
The city offers a range of value brands
such as ibis, Premier Inn, Holiday Inn
Express and Novotel, while luxury
five-star brands include the likes of
Conrad, Jumeirah, Sofitel, Kempinski,
Shangri-La and JW Marriott. Hotels
in Dubai are located in various key
locations such as along Sheikh Zayed
Road, Jumeirah Beach, Palm Jumeirah,
Dubai International Financial Centre
(DIFC), Business Bay and Deira.
There are currently almost 6,000 hotel
rooms within walking distance of the
Dubai International Convention and
Exhibition Centre and there is direct
metro access along the Sheikh Zayed
Road, where over 25,000 guestrooms in
all categories are available.
AFTER WORK
There are hot air balloon rides over the
desert, seaplanes and skydiving over
the Palm, desert safari dinners and
falconry demonstrations. Also popular
are afternoons spent at the Al Fahidi
Historical District in Old Dubai and the
Dubai Creek.
DBE is able to provide extended
support financially for events that are
looking at Dubai for multi-year plans or
agreements.
state
Goa:
Golden sands &
colourful meetings
Nikhil Desai, Managing Director, Goa Tourism
Development Corporation speaks on how Goa is an ideal
location for MICE but there is still a dearth of 1,000 plus
capacity convention facilities.
How has Goa evolved as a MICE
destination?
Nikhil Desai
Managing Director
Goa Tourism Development
Corporation
30
Goa has gradually become a hot and happening
destination for conventions and conferences in
the corporate sector. Many like to take advantage
of Goa as a tourist spot and plan business
cum pleasure packages. During the last three
to four years, corporate houses in India and a
couple of international business kingpins have
held conventions and conferences in the state.
The demand for organising such conventions,
conferences and exhibitions is growing. Many
corporate houses hold their events at luxury
resorts-starred hotels that have facilities in place.
Good air, rail and road connectivity to Goa is
also another advantage that this state has for
MICE, in addition to accommodation facilities,
professional EMAs and the food and cultural
extravaganza that goes along with it. All tourism
projects follow green standards which include
rain water harvesting, solid waste management
and ban on the use of plastics.
After the Convention
While conferences take place
during the day, there are post
conference activities such as sightseeing, adventure activities and a
vibrant nightlife. All the hotels have
good facilities and entertainment
and many even offer excellent
packages and discounts.
What is the government doing to promote
MICE and how?
Goa is an ideal location for MICE activities
but currently there is a dearth of 1,000 plus
capacity convention facilities. The GTDC has
commenced the process for the construction of
a state-of-the-art convention cum expo centre
with hotel facilities attached in Farmagudi,
Ponda Taluka. This is in an area of 1,25,400 sqm
area on PPP/Joint Venture basis where land
will be offered to private investors for 60 years.
It will be located 25km from Panjim city,
15km from Karmali railway station and 36km
from Dabolim Airport. This will be a flagship
project for the state of Goa and will have a first
mover advantage.
Tell us about the convention facilities in
Goa at present.
We can accommodate 1,050 pax in a convention
facility at Kala Academy, Panaji. We have
facility for holding medium sized exhibitions
xxxxxXX
at the newly constructed `82 crore
multipurpose stadium at Goa
University Taleigao plateau, named
after Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee,
called the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee
Indoor Stadium, with an approximate
seating capacity of 4,000. In addition
to this, Grand Hyatt located in
Bambolim offers good options for small
conventions. Goa has a wide range
of hotels and luxury resorts for MICE
activities like Cidade de Goa, Marriott,
Vivanta by Taj, The Lalit, Radisson Blu,
Grand Mercure, Alila Diwa and more.
Most of them have around 400 to 500
seating capacity and are well connected
with the airport.
What are the issues and challenges
in MICE industry?
The industry is undergoing rapid
growth with six metros and four
MASTER IN MICE
• Goa has become the tourist spot offering business cum pleasure packages.
• Good air, rail and road connectivity.
• Construction of Convention cum Expo Centre with hotel facilities in Farmagudi, Ponda Taluka.
• Convention facility at Kala Academy, Panaji.
• The newly built `82 crore multipurpose stadium at Goa University Taleigao plateau called Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium has an approximate seating capacity
of 4,000.
locations in the country that account
for 70 per cent of all the conventions
organised in the country. Goa also
needs to be part of the growing
industry. It has the potential to offer all
the facilities for hosting such activities
in the state. It is also a technology
friendly tourism state. There is no
doubt that once we have the convention
facilities, Goa will become an important
destination for MICE not only in India
but for international conventions too.
How do the conventions give
support for enhancing events?
Conventions add more impetus to
events as these bring in high-end
visitors looking to spend quality time.
Goa has an attractive portfolio of
activities that makes it a destination for
conferences, packaged with tourism
activities and events.
31
hotel
Le Meridien Kochi
Creating An Experience
Green initiatives and large spaces mark the conferencing facilities at this Kochi hotel.
L
e Meridien Kochi has a
contemporary style with
modern amenities, 223
guest rooms and 13 banquet
halls. It boasts of a picturesque locale
overlooking the serene backwaters and
manicured gardens. The hotel is located
34km from the Cochin International
Airport and 5km from the Ernakulam
Railway Station. The International
Convention Centre combines spaces
that expand ideas with an endless choice
of creative experiences.
Le Méridien Kochi’s function spaces
allow endless creative experiences to
reveal inspiration, encourage interaction
and inspire innovation. It offers a range
of 12 conference, banqueting and event
venues, accommodating up to 2,500
guests and supported by state-of-the-art
audio-visual equipment and wireless
high speed internet access.
The meeting spaces at the international
convention centre vary widely in
dimension and location, providing
abundant flexibility. The 60,000sqft
of air-conditioned indoor space
comprises distinctive rooms with a
fresh contemporary look. Conference
facilities meet specifications for
corporate gatherings, exhibitions,
product launches, dealer meets, formal
board meetings, press conferences,
weddings and concerts. Three outdoor
venues highlight the surrounding
tropical paradise.
MICE offerings
Starwood has great initiatives in terms
of MVP (Most Valuable Promotions)
tailor-made promotions with global
customer insights, designed for
maximum benefit to B2B MICE
Customers. Apart from Le Meridien
Kochi, Starwood also promotes SPG
highlights
• A range of 12 conferences, banqueting and event venues
• Accommodate up to 2,500 guests
• State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment
• Wireless high speed internet access
Leadership is about making others better as a
result of your presence and making sure that impact
lasts in your absence
Monica Suri,
General Manager
Le Meridien Kochi
32
Pro, through which the guest booking
MICE can avail star points which can
be redeemed globally in Starwood
properties and with exclusive global
airlines partners. There are options for
thematic F&B a part of which guests can
relive local art and culture.
USP of the hotel
The USP of Le Meridien Kochi is
its limitless space and its classical
architecture immersed in local art and
culture. The property is spread over
18 acres with 70 per cent of it being
landscaped gardens. Le Meridien Kochi
can hold conferences up to 2,500 and
conventions up to 8,000 as well.
More to see
Local sightseeing includes historic areas
such as Fort Cochin (St Francis Church)
and Mattancherry (Dutch Palace, Jewish
Synagogue, Jewish Quarter). Shopping
comprises handmade gold jewellery,
cotton and silk textiles, spices, antiques
and handicrafts.
Day trips can be organised to places
close by such as Athirappilly Falls,
Cherai Beach, Alleppey, Kuttanad and
xxxxxXX
Kumarakom (famed for its backwaters).
Overnight packages are available for
touring Munnar. Luxury houseboat
programmes, day tours and overnight
tour packages can be organised too.
Green Standards
Starwood Hotels and Resorts always
reiterate the importance of green
initiatives, be it Sustainable Meetings
with minimum usage of plastic, solar
panels, rain water harvesting, or
producing organic manure from solid
waste to maintaining our gardens.
The property won the award from the
Pollution Control Board for practicing
green initiatives, especially energy
saving using energy saving designs
like dual flushing, auto flushing,
CFL and LED lamps and 600 watt
induction dishes.
Relaxing it out
Le Revive is an authentic ayurvedic
spa offering a variety of services to
refresh the mind and mend the body.
The 5,000-year-old healing system is
eating in
Latest Recipe: True to its
name, Latest Recipe serves
seasonal specialities and local and
international dishes that change
daily. Chefs unlock the tastes of
salt, sugar, vinegar, spices, and
chocolate. The Sunday brunch
offers an extensive selection.
Ember - Museum Restaurant:
A delectable journey down the
a holistic, natural therapy that aims to
restore the wellbeing of the individual
through a series of personalised
treatments and medicines.
The fitness centre on the top floor
has a view of the backwaters. Qualified
instructors plan customised
fitness programmes. The state-ofthe-art gym is equipped with a steam
room and sauna. The three-tier
outdoor swimming pool has a separate
ancient culinary heritage of India
recreating the aromas of long
forgotten recipes and re-creating
the India that was.
Longitude 76: By day, Longitude
76 draws in guests with the rich
aroma of fresh-brewed illy coffee.
By night, it is a sophisticated
whisky and wine bar that also
serves illy-based cocktails.
whirlpool, jacuzzi and children’s
pool. Also available are outdoor
sports facilities such as a jogging
track, water sports, sunset cruises
and fishing. The art gallery, library,
travel desk and beauty salon help a
guest unwind.
Food & Beverage
The hotel has an all-day dining, nightspot,
international cuisine and a cosy bar, all
complementing the different moods.
33
tourism company
Business
bells in the
Big Apple
New York City is a tourism hub which is constantly reinventing, says Christopher
Heywood, Senior Vice President, Global Communications, NYC & Company.
What new initiatives have been
taken to promote New York?
It’s been a transforming time for New
York with an unprecedented number
of new openings in the city this
year–One World Observatory, The
Whitney Museum of American Art,
The Ellis Island National Museum of
Immigration and the promotion of five
boroughs through NYCGO Insider
Guides are a few attractions. With
1,02,000 hotel rooms, about 30 per cent
of hotel development is taking place in
On the web
This spring, NYC & Company
is showcasing a new “Free
in NYC” guide, nycgo.com/
free, highlighting the best free
activities of New York City.
the boroughs beyond Manhattan—the
Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten
Island—where rates tend to be lower.
The Javits Convention Center is the
Agents can take up online training sessions for product
knowledge and once the training is complete, the agent becomes
an NYC specialist
34
second largest green roof centre with
a modest expansion and column-free
space located next to High Line. Visitors
can traverse the entire length (1.45
miles) by walking 22 city blocks. The
New York Hilton Midtown, Sheraton
New York Times Square Hotel and
NYC & Company bring you NY5000,
an incomparable convention complex
offering 5,000 guest rooms, 100 meeting
rooms and a total of 2,25,000sqft of
meeting space. NY5000 promises
impeccable service and customised
meetings and conventions.
Manhattan Hudson Yards, a private
real estate development, is expected
to open in 2016. The site will include
more than 17 million sqft of commercial
tourism company
highlights
• Broadway show followed by a
drinks reception or Q&A session
with the stars of the show
• Private events at NYC’s most
notable landmarks or overlooking
the Manhattan skyline from one
of the boroughs
Christopher Heywood
Senior Vice President
Global Communications
NYC & Company.
•Customised behind-the-scenes
experiences at world-famous
cultural institutions such as
Lincoln Center and the Museum
of Modern Art
•Private boutique shopping
tours in NYC’s world-famous
department stores, the boutiques
of SoHo, or designer showrooms
in the Garment District
•Food tasting tours around diverse
NYC neighbourhoods such as the
Lower East Side, Chelsea Market
or Arthur Avenue
•Private VIP tours at famous sports
arenas with a chance to spend
time on the court or field with
the players
generated $61.3 billion in economic
activity. This year, the City is expected
to welcome 58.1 million visitors. For
business conferences, we ensure that
the agents are aware of the product
and packages for which we provide
online training sessions with real time
information. Once that training is
complete the agent becomes a NYC
specialist. There have been several
meetings planned in Chennai, Mumbai
and Delhi with travel training academy–
tour operator training programmes.
Post the programmes, the agents are
eligible to discounts when they travel
to NYC. We also have a representation
with airline agents where the highest
booker gets to travel to NYC.
Which MICE facilities would
motivate Indian groups to visit NY?
Apart from the assistance given in
site inspections, event planning and
sourcing hotel rooms, and review of
RFPs to ensure best valued proposal
for the project, Indian groups are
connected to NYC & Co member
•Endless options of cuisine with
over 24,000 restaurants, including
variety of vegetarian and Jain
friendly Indian cuisine options
•Mobile application and hubs
where travellers can get real time
information about the city, make
phone calls and get wi-fi zones
businesses—approximately 2,000
strong—that provide a broad range of
venues, products and services for your
meeting or event and allow us to create
unique experiences for clients. Jackson
Heights, Queens offers a variety of
Indian vegetarian cuisines restaurants.
Will NYC step up marketing
initiatives in the Indian market?
and residential space, 100 shops
and boutiques, 20 restaurants, 5,000
residences, cultural space, 14 acres of
public open space and a 150-room luxury
hotel. Planners are should consider the
first quarter and NYC & Co can navigate
venue selection, house selection and
connectivity within the city.
How do you plan to increase
tourism from the Indian markets?
We are meeting travel agents in India
and bringing the latest updates with
skilled training sessions for their teams
along with Indiva Marketing. In 2014,
New York City welcomed a record
56.4 million visitors, whose activities
With a seven years presence in India,
we are committed to the Indian market
and are looking at promotional efforts
through social media, press, websites
and apps. We have initiated efforts in
product training in the tier II market
with presentations and education
seminars. We are always looking to
speak to the young market and repeat
travel to NY City. NYC Insider Guides
and our local mobile app are best for
dining deals and local travel attractions.
35
event policy
Event
Friendly
Relaxed event licensing norms in Delhi yield a
win-win situation for the events and experiential
marketing industry. Sabbas Joseph, FounderDirector, Wizcraft International and President,
EEMA discusses the initiative.
Vaishali Dar
As EEMA pushed for single window
licensing process for events in Delhi, the
Delhi Government has issued a tender for
the empanelment of event agencies. How
does this step benefit the industry?
Sabbas Joseph
Founder-Director
Wizcraft International and
President, EEMA
The current
size of the event
industry would
be anything in
the vicinity of
`5,000 cr and it
is growing by at
least around
15-20 per cent
every year
36
Single window clearance brings in a high level
of predictability into the life of event organisers
and will also increase productivity. It’s online
and you can provide all the information and
get responses without the officer concerned
having discretionary powers. This ensures that
the decision and approval are free of corruption
and smooth. The step to empanel pre-approved
agencies for assignments will ensure that quality
events are done by professionals, rather than an
exhibition of personal choices that are mediocre
in execution. EEMA agencies will be delighted to
participate in the initiative and ensure that the
empanelment process is transparent. This can set
a perfect example of how governments can work
with the event industry.
What is the next step after this clearance?
Venues should be provided with pre-approved
licenses to notify the government departments.
Also, we should initiate events and media
education programmes certified by universities
in various states. This can turn out to be an
opportunity for young graduates seeking
occupation in the events industry. The state
governments should implement a policy
for major events boards which can approve
signature events and work with entrepreneurs
to create intellectual properties that are
tourism-based. These can actually be catalysts
for the tourism events economy and become
employment and revenue generators. It would
boost the local economy and activate local
investments in India.
How many venues come under the
clearance system? How many are under
consideration?
Currently for Delhi, around 70-80 venues have
been given pre-approved licenses now and I
think by the time the initiative reaches fruition,
this number should be more than double.
So there is a lot of hope and considerable
opportunity for such projects.
Is India’s events industry disorganised and
lacking in professional training?
No I don’t think so, but the environment that
we operate in is the biggest impediment. We
don’t have recognised universities, trainers or
programmes for employment.
Please share the key strengths and
challenges of the industry.
It is an innovative industry led by entrepreneurs
for whom nothing is impossible. The challenges
are that of the environment – be it government
licensing, taxation, lack of infrastructure and
public policy that does not embrace the idea
of event management. It requires a thought
process that integrates events as part of the
event policy
communication and marketing industry.
People need to see entertainment
and live events as an economy and
employment driver.
Which factors help in the growth
of the events industry?
Clarity of laws, education and
skills development, availability of
infrastructure, structured financing
options and partnerships with various
industries can help the industry
grow. The rationalisation of taxes like
entertainment taxes that consumers pay
should be abolished.
Do you plan to take the single
window licensing process to other
states in India?
We’ve already begun working on other
states. The Government of Maharashtra
has already issued its policy statement
with the consent of Chief Minister
Devendra Fadnavis.
Will the introduction of GST have a
significant impact?
This is grey area for us because in many
ways the government and the policy
makers themselves are undecided about
how they would like to progress. But a
unified tax regime should be useful for
the industry.
Popular destinations
outbound MICE
Istanbul, Dubai, Europe, Italy Inbound MICE
Udaipur, Jaipur, Cochin, Goa
Wedding destinations
Europe is ranked the highest
and most desirable by clients
for weddings. Destination
wedding are coupled with
a uniqueness, heritage,
leisure, scenic sites and also
convenience of travel.
What is the current size of the event
industry in India?
The current size of the event industry
would be anything in the vicinity
of `5,000 cr and it is growing by at least
around 15-20 per cent every year. The
overall size of the event industry, if we
are to add the unorganised weddings
and social events business, international
business that is being done by the
companies, the billing of vendors and
sub-vendors would be `15,000 cr. If you
add everything that is included from
hotels and restaurants and event venues,
banquet rentals, F&B and air tickets
being utilised and the various pieces
of related infrastructure and related
businesses this `15,000 cr could look
like a `75, 000 cr or may be
`100, 000 cr. Such is the influence,
power and potential of the event
industry.
I think it’s something that both
governments and key stakeholders
should acknowledge, understand and
respond to in an appropriate manner.
How important is a PPP model to
develop the MICE industry?
An innovative PPP model that
brings audiences to India is needed.
Conferences with a global character
and government participation are a
few of the important aspects. To make
government a part of convention,
facilitating of exhibitions immediately
increases the opportunities of
doing business which makes it
attractive for investors as well
as business people.
Do you get special support from
airlines for large groups?
Yes, it’s a business idea and airlines are
very hungry and very aggressive and
want to grab the opportunity.
37
event
Connections
Meetings 2015
Next Gen
factors
Connections Meetings is the first fully designed
event for the meetings industry based on getting
participants, buyers and suppliers alike to live
new group experiences together, based on the
meeting design principles. MICEtalk interviews
Micaela Giacobbe, Head of Connections Events
to know more.
What is the focus of Connections
Meetings 2015?
This is the next generation Human 2 Human
B2B event in the meetings industry. The
programme is a networking exercise between
participants over lunches, dinners, group
experiences and learning experiences.
Is there a unique and uncommon
experience for meeting planners?
Micaela Giacobbe
Head of Connections Events
38
The basic notion is simple--according to
Nobel Laureate Eric Kandel, people don’t
remember anything without emotions. That
is how our brain is wired. When designing a
programme that has business networking as
its main objective, the guiding principle is that
participants should be brought into a situation
where they can share a positive, pleasant
emotional experience. Having a pleasant
experience together and going beyond mere
eating and (especially drinking) means that
people measure each other’s reactions under
non-standard circumstances. As a result, they
are much more likely to develop mutual trust.
Will this revolutionise the meetings?
The one-to-one meeting consists of 40 minutes
where the buyer and supplier get to talk about
event
Calendar
• Connections Luxury
2015:
28-31 October: NUO Hotel,
Beijing, China
• Connections Meetings
2015:
9-12 December: Hilton
Doubletree and Conrad
Algarve, Portugal
• Connections Luxury
2016:
3-6 April: Rocco Forte Verdura
Resort, Sicily, Italy
19-22 June: Dream Resort
and Spa, Phuket, Thailand
16-19 October: Grand Hyatt,
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Connections Meetings
2016:
19-22 September: Quito,
Ecuador
11-14 December: Malaga,
Spain
meetings industry how B2B events
can be smart, well-designed and more
humane in order to create strong bonds
between suppliers and buyers for
greater business outcomes.
Tell us about the profile of the
exhibitors at the show.
their business needs and solutions (this
could happen at a table or on a bench)
and to share together a memorable
experience on a one-to-one basis. This
breaks barriers and opens doors for
business to be discussed naturally.
Does networking really work in a
casual set up?
The buyers attending this event are
really hard to access because they
simply don´t see the value in the
existing conservative B2B networking
programmes. We want to show the
What’s different
Meetings whilst walking
through the centre of Lisbon
or at the famous Museu de
la Cerveja (Beer Museum) in
Lisbon; B2B and knowledge
sessions on a three-hour
train ride from Lisbon to
Faro; Meetings while netting
Portuguese fishing nets in the
Algarve. They could also be
doing Cork art and more.
We don’t call them exhibitors because
there are no stands at these next
generation events. The suppliers at
Connections are senior representatives
of MICE suppliers such as CVBs, DMCs
and hotels. What is unique about them
is that they are humans and are looking
to meet in humane ways. This change
of mindset will generate more efficient
ways of doing business as a whole.
Is technology needed for promoting
the industry?
Technology can enhance the human
to human factor and we will be working
with Meetabout which provides an easy
to use networking platform through
human to human experiences and Feefo,
an immediate feedback engine,
to measure the emotions of the
delegates. Such technologies fit the
design of the programme.
39
event
phitex 2015
Connecting
the industry
Raymund Glen A Agustin – Chief Tourism
Operations Officer, Market Development Group–
Russia, India & the Middle East, Philippine Department
Of Tourism, talks about encouraging the participants
to promote competitive tourism packages.
40
T
he Department of Tourism, Philippines,
and the Tourism Promotions Board
(TPB), organised the 14th Philippines.
Travel Exchange (PHITEX 2015) in Manila.
What was the focus of PHITEX 2015?
The theme of PHITEX 2015 ‘360degrees’
signifies and encompasses all aspects in shaping
a culture of excellence in the Philippines
tourism industry including education and
knowledge, networking and business, creativity,
passion and innovation as well as great
products and services. As such, all activities
within and component parts of PHITEX 2015
are focused on enhancing the above. One
of the major components of PHITEX 2015
was the MICECON or Meetings, Incentives
event
UNIQUENESS
of PHITEX 2015
• MICECON was made a
component of the PHITEX
• The Travel Exchange or business
to business meetings (B2B) were
opened to MICE organisers.
• The venue is a new exhibition
hall, the new Marriott Ballroom,
inaugurated by the 2015 PHITEX.
• All meals and functions were
themed.
MICECON
focused on
enhancing the
readiness of
the industry
in making
Philippines
a MICE
destination
(Incentive Travel), Conferences, Exhibitions
(or Events) Convention. MICECON focused
on enhancing the readiness of the industry in
making Philippines a MICE destination.
Has there been growth in the number
of buyers, sellers and visitors in the last
one year?
Yes. MICECON 2015 saw 219 delegates;
PHITEX Travex Approved Sellers were
172 participants from 118 companies
and PHITEX Travex Buyers were 114
representing 23 countries.
How big is the space and what are the
facilities there?
The venue for the MICECON and TRAVEX
was the Marriott Grand Ballroom. The main
function room comprised 3,000 sqm of pillar
less venue that had seating for 2,500 people.
How important is technology for
this industry?
It is one of the most important aspects for
promoting the industry. Technology and its
use in travel promotions were discussed in
depth. The main idea is to understand new
trends and their relation to new apps and
technology. This was discussed during the
workshops.
How has the participation been from
India?
Nine Indian buyers attended PHITEX 2015.
41
exhibition
ibtm world
Graeme Barnett
Senior Exhibition Director
ibtm world
Bullish in
Barcelona
The Hosted Buyer Programme connects the global meetings community.
T
he reason why Hosted Buyers,
exhibitors and trade visitors
attend each year is to source
new business and to research
the industry. Each year the exhibition
unites a global community of 3,000
suppliers and 9,750 meetings and event
planners in Barcelona. This Hosted
Buyer Programme is the catalyst for over
78,000 face-to-face meetings.
All the education unfolded on
the show floor in the newly created
ACS
Knowledge
Village
which
comprised four purpose built and
themed theatres. This provided a single
‘learning hub’. The annual Trends
Watch report by Dr Rob Davidson was
the real barometer for the industry,
identifying the key indicators of the
sector’s health, including attendance,
Highlights (nov 17-19)
• Over 15,500 professionals, 85
nationalities and 3,000 global
leading brands showcased.
• The look and feel of the Hosted
Buyers zone enhanced following
user testing feedback and
follows the portfolio website
and registration pages.
• New destinations and CVB’s
include Ministry of Tourism
of the Republic of Bulgaria;
Secretaria Nacional de Turismo
de Paraguay; Commune di
Napoli; Ministere de l’Economie
Direction Generale du Tourisme,
Luxemburg; Ibiza Convention
Bureau and more.
budgets, exhibitors and revenues.
The Knowledge Programme motivates
the industry with sessions to challenge
existing thought models and raise the
bar on organising and planning
events and conferences around the
globe. Several topical themes include:
Connections Mean Everything, Putting
Meeting Design into Practice, Tools
for Planner Productivity, Industry
Engagement,
Inspiration
from
Outside, and Innovative Events and
Leading Lights for Leading Events.
A dedicated area was kept for Top 10
Innovators, chosen out of 60 applicants
by an independent panel of judges. The
accepted Hosted Buyer applications
of corporate meeting planners who
attended for the first time had average
meetings budgets of $10.1 million each.
agent
Inspiring
Destinations
Amit Aggarwal
Managing Partner
Wish Bone India
Wish Bone India specialises in bespoke travel to unique locations with customised
programmes. Amit Aggarwal, Managing Partner, Wish Bone India on personalised and
seamless customer service.
What is the USP of Wish Bone?
Since 2006, Wish Bone India (WBI)
has become a front runner in the
meeting and event planning industry.
We deliver personalised and seamless
customer service, providing a powerful
partnership as per a client’s planning
requirements. We provide a solid
infrastructure, long-term vendor
relationships and leading technology.
What are the new happenings in
the industry?
• Singapore
• Dubai
• Pattaya, Bangkok
• Kuala Lumpur
• HongKong, China
• London
MICE is contributing to outbound
travel, incentive trips have seen a
phenomenal growth. Destinations with
nightlife, casinos and beaches are the
most popular. Another preference is
‘destination weddings’.
• New York, Las Vegas
Anything for MICE agents that you
wish to share.
• Oman
The MICE market is facing a paradigm
shift, requiring the need to reshape
which brings with it challenges and
opportunities. The rise of the middle
class means more consumption and
more marketing investment from the
corporations selling products. This
44
Top destinatioNS
during 2015
Emerging Destinations
gaining popularity in 2016
• Morocco
• Australia
• CIS countries
• Istanbul
• Athens
• Sri Lanka
translates into an explosion in the
number of events taking place. The
new generation wants to co-create the
content and is more interactive. New
formats and concepts are growing and
these will affect venues and organisers.
Hybrid and online meetings are here
to stay (inexpensive, larger audiences,
linked with social media strategies,
longer event life than traditional ones,
easy tracking, friendly to new generations
and providing a new revenue channel).
More online events, however, mean less
attendees flying into a destination.
What factors decide the top
destinations for 2015-16?
Many factors, such as high disposable
income, affordable air travel, greater
connectivity with a number of airlines
operating to India, many direct flights
and India’s large diaspora. However,
Indian outbound market is sensitive to
the currency variation and that remains
one of the key factors. Thus, short-haul
destinations will continue to be more
popular amongst Indian travellers as they
offer more scope of ‘value for money’,
against the spend for the product.
etiquette talk
7
Conversation
Winners
The art of balance between listening and
speaking helps in right communication.
S
triking a fine balance between listening and
speaking is the key to good conversation skills
that helps build rapport, attracts buy-ins,
helps get your point across and can be leveraged
to get desired results. Outlined below is a list of
conversation winners that can come to your aid:
lFocus
Shital Kakkar Mehra
Practitioner of Corporate
Etiquette and International
Protocol in India
on being understood: If people
frequently tell you “I don’t understand…” step
back and evaluate your speaking skills. Do you
dictate, sound patronising or talk too fast?
Practice speaking slower, calibrating your style
and vocabulary to suit your audience. Remember,
it is not just what you say but how you say it that
also matters.
lExhibit
good listening skills: Most people don’t
focus well on listening; instead they just wait to
speak. By displaying good listening skills, you
build trust and show interest. Asking relevant
questions, using positive gestures (eye contact,
nodding, smiling) and picking up the thread of
the conversation, shows you are ‘really’ engaged
and empathetic.
lFollow
a two-way dialogue: Conversation, like
a game of tennis, is a two-way process. Use it to
extract others’ opinions and not just as a tool for
telling them yours. View pauses and short silences
as time to think and respond.
lInclude
everyone: Extroverts have a natural flair
for conducting conversations but the real skill
lies in including the quieter ones, who may be
struggling to get their point across but do have
valuable views to contribute.
lDisagree gracefully: Respect the fact that people
have differing opinions which makes conversation
interesting and lively. Instead of launching on a
single-minded mission to prove yourself correct,
when faced with a challenge to your opinion,
accept gracefully saying, “It is possible to have
differing views on this subject, and you may be
right. My personal view is…”
lChanging
tracks: Use tact to change the subject,
which at times may be needed to retain focus or to
deflect to neutral territory. Steer smartly during a
break in the conversation but if the break doesn’t
come, interject saying “Tell me more about…” or
“Going back to…”
lResist
the urge to be a ‘know-all’: Despite all
your success and depth of knowledge, accept the
fact that you cannot have all the answers. So, wait
for people to ask for your advice.
In short, get others to speak, practice active
listening, know what to say and how to say it and
most importantly, when to say nothing.
Use tact to change the subject, which at times may be
needed to retain focus or to deflect to neutral territory
46
expert talk
The
fine art of
Listening
The golden key to effective communication and good performance.
could think of many management book answers, but
said, “I am a very good listener”. The wise old man
nodded and said that it was a very important quality.
Beaver said, “I always wait for the other person to
finish”. The wise Chief replied, “Ah! That does not
make you a good listener”. Once someone has finished
speaking there is silence when both the speaker and
the listener actually absorb what has been said. A
really good listener knows when to break this moment
of silence. [That moment I told myself “Idiot! you
have been teaching communication for so long”] Very
many of us think about our response while the other
person is speaking. So, often we miss out critical
issues and plant seeds of mis-communication.
Finding Meaning in Saying
Looking Around
Communication is critical in our lives, more so
in organisations. The more effective we are at
communicating, the better we perform. The subject
has been covered widely and each book or person
promises to improve our communication quicker.
One has to actually work very hard to achieve effective
communication. The focus of this article will be on the
absolute fundamental of communication – listening.
How Do I Listen More Effectively
Here’s a short list of reasons (excuses really):
• Too busy to listen to everything.
• I can do a few things at the same time.
• I know what he/she will say.
• I know the subject better.
• Look at his/her background.
• I don’t need to listen always.
• Not my area.
The start point is genuine intent – not as easy as it
appears because we are so full of ourselves (thanks to
all the jargon passed on by management institutions
and self-help books) that we find it very difficult to
make space for others. Some that helped me are:
• Closing my eyes and listening (not hearing) and
noting down. I found friends to do this exercise
with me and discovered how much each one had
missed. Done regularly, one became better.
• Avoid predicting.
• Completely avoid distractions.
• Play it back – it is a good idea to share what you
have understood, with the person.
• Develop the ‘habit’.
• Being secure with proper self-esteem.
Storytime
Wind up
A little story I once read changed my approach to
communication and forced me to focus on listening
– everything else follows. An Indian (in the book, a
Red Indian) Chief was walking in the forest with his
grandson (Beaver, for us), who was doing very well in
a factory in the city. The granddad talked about how
proud the tribe was about Beaver’s achievements. The
Chief asked, “What is so unique about you?” Beaver
While enabling people to develop keen listening
skills I often say that you are a good listener if you
can hear a leaf drop through the air and hit the
ground. Go on – test yourself. Enjoy listening.
Note: I have to admit a lot of reading, listening and
discussion are at the back of my mind so it is difficult
to acknowledge every bit I have learnt. So if something
seems familiar, you may have read it too.
Why Don’t We Listen Effectively?
48
Meanings are not in words, they are in people–
another critical learning if one wants to be a good
communicator. Let’s take a simple statement (could
be a newspaper heading): Nut, Screws and Bolts:
Depending on the person seeing this (or hearing this),
the meaning will take different hues. Therefore, when
we listen we must try to listen to the “whole”.
expert talk
Find out what is
critical to each of the
bosses. While you
always want to do the
best in your job it is
important to let your
bosses know what all
you do and what you
are really good at
How do I manage
Q: multiple
bosses?
A:
This is pretty common these days with attempts to open up
organisations. My first suggestion is ‘accept’ the situation–it is
unlikely to change soon. Please find out what is critical to each of the
bosses. If need be, have individual conversations. While you always
want to do the best in your job, it is important to let your bosses
know what all you do and what you are really good at (for each boss).
This way, expectations from you will be more realistic. Also, it would
be good to find out the unique competence and skills of each boss so
that you can keep learning. This is always appreciated by any boss.
However, do keep a track of who handle/s your assessment review.
boss is perpetually finding fault–it is a habit. But I like my job. How to
Q: My
handle this situation in office?
A:
You find yourself in an intriguing situation. I am so glad you like your job–that is very
important. If it is possible for you to get the boss to have a proper conversation to
understand how he is affecting your performance, it would be the best. After all, your
performance reflects on his performance. Let him/her know that you wish to do your
best because you enjoy performing well and like working. Ask for ‘help’ from your boss in
terms of written guidelines to avoid ‘errors’. Hopefully, a few such initiatives will modify
the attitude of the boss–he/she may even start appreciating. You could also try and find
some common ground–food, cricket, homoeopathy. Always be helpful to be on the same
page somewhere. Please remember your boss has a boss too who is aware of what is
going on–so please trust the system.
about the author
Brig. Trigunesh Mukherjee
AVSM
Co-Founder of Exper Executive
Education and Inme Learning
Do write in with your views and feedback. And if you have any queries or feel any limitations in your own journey, please
write in to the Q&A column, care of the Editor at [email protected] and our expert will be happy to respond. MICEtalk November 2015
49
technology
Event Exhibitors’
Portal
Xing ExpoManager reduces the administrative burden for trade
fairs and allows smooth ticket management for the trade fair
visitor groups via a separate administration area.
How does the Xing ExpoManager
work? What are the benefits of
this platform?
Xing ExpoManager enables fair organisers
to give their exhibitors access to a personal
registration area, or to integrate this area
directly into their own portal. From this area,
exhibitors can create, edit and cancel passes
for their booth staff as well as automatically
generate promotional codes and (free)
Michael Gzuk
Head of Marketing
Xing Events
Highlights
Based on their Xing network,
participants are also shown why
a particular visit, for example to
a convention, would make sense
for them — perhaps because it
corresponds to their job profile,
former colleagues are present
there or maybe just because it’s
taking place in the same city.
We offer many features, which
ease the workload for event
organisers, so they can focus on
what matters most: the event.
tickets for their customers. By means of
transparent and clear participant lists, not
to mention diverse options for exporting
data, exhibitors are always able to keep an
eye on which customers have redeemed
their vouchers. Xing ExpoManager reduces
the administrative burden for trade fairs
and allows smooth ticket management for
the various trade fair visitor groups via a
separate administration area.
technology
Has digitalisation redefined the
operational model of event companies?
Digitalisation is a challenge that event
managers are facing. This manifests itself
throughout event management via platforms
for targeted and measurable reach extension,
online ticketing and the use of mobile apps at
the event itself. However, digitalisation also
enables organisers to manage their events
through an online platform that eases the
administration and organisation of the event
and attendee management. For the organiser,
this means not only less workload but also
more possibilities for reach extension. Telling
from these aspects, digitisation definitely has
a great impact on the operational model of
event companies.
Does the events industry need
more in terms of products, technology
and companies?
The event industry is constantly developing
which requires an ongoing expansion of
products and technologies. It is necessary to
adjust the products to the needs of organisers
and customers to create a successful and
positively perceived event experience. Xing
ExpoManager combines custom-tailored
solutions for fair organisers, exhibitors and
their customers. The development of our
products therefore has a high priority for us
and should be considered an important factor
in the events industry.
How do you plan to market this product?
Is this in India yet?
With Xing ExpoManager, we offer fair
organisers a modern solution to create
a unique trade fair experience for their
exhibitors and attendees. Especially organisers
of trade fairs and congresses benefit from
this solution since they are now able to give
exhibitors access to an own area for managing
their tickets. As a digital solution for managing
and organising trade fairs, Xing ExpoManager
provides a full-service-solution for fair
organisers, giving them an opportunity to
coordinate their trade fair through just one
platform. This not only facilitates the usual
administrative work but also offers them tailormade solutions in terms of reach extension and
attendee management.
Xing ExpoManager is available in four
languages–German, English, French and
Spanish–so it can be used in India. Fair
organisers, exhibitors and their customers can
choose a language with which they are most
comfortable once they have logged in. With
our international support team we guarantee
our customers competent assistance when
organising a trade fair.
In terms of marketing, we concentrate on our
main markets which are Germany, Austria,
Switzerland, France and England. Xing
ExpoManager was created and developed by
Xing Events GmbH, so we own and market
the product.
Anything else you would like to share?
With Xing Events’ help, organisers have sold
and billed eight million tickets globally for
more than 210,000 professional events. The
event management software for online event
registration and ticketing enables members to
make a quick and safe purchase of tickets and
guarantees smooth entry to the event. Based
on their Xing network, participants are also
shown why a particular visit, for example to
a convention, would make sense for them—
perhaps because it corresponds to their job
profile, or former colleagues are present there
or maybe just because it’s taking place in the
same city. We offer many features, which ease
the workload for event organisers, so they can
focus on what matters most: the event.
With Xing
Events’ help,
organisers have
sold and billed
8 million tickets
globally for more
than 210,000
professional
events. The event
management
software for
online event
registration and
ticketing enables
members to
make a quick
and safe
purchase of
tickets and
guarantees
smooth entry to
the event
51
tech expert
Engaging your
event Participants
Deploy Audience Response System, allowing real-time
active participation.
Darren Edwards is the
founder of Invisage
Creative Services in
Australia. With more than
22 years of experience
in the meetings and
events industry, Darren
continues to explore and
develop creative design
and innovative technology
products for the benefit of
the global event industry
Contact: [email protected]
E
vent managers have always realised the
value of building an event around an
audience and their needs. An audience
is integral to the success of any event.
Imagine how engaging your event will be when
you transform your audience into participants
through real-time crowd-sourcing.
Thanks to a host of amazing event tech tools,
events can now leverage the power of crowdsourcing before, during and after the event
in order to increase engagement, knowledge
learning and networking.
Audience Response Systems (ARS) platforms
represent simple and powerful tools to
52
MICEtalk September
November 2015
2015
transform your audience into participants by
allowing them to co-create the event in realtime via active and reactive participation. But
don’t just do it for the sake of keeping up with
technology. You must have a plan in place to
guarantee success.
I have witnessed the deployment of ARS at
events for the sake of the technology but
without proper planning all event participants
simply resorted to the ‘old way of doing things’
and the platform provided no engagement
or benefit to the event. While most of the
platforms on the market are super-easy to use,
it is essential to plan in advance how you intend
to incorporate ARS platform into the structure
tech expert
of your event. Once the structure
is decided, it can make the process
smoother. Here are five steps that will
assist you in making the most of ARS at
your next event.
1. Plan Ahead
Don’t use event technology for the
sake of using it. Plan in advance how
you want to integrate ARS into your
event and how you will encourage
your participants, speakers and their
audience to use it. It’s really important
to select the right session formats
when implementing an ARS platform
so it actually enhances the overall
experience. Among many use cases,
audience response systems work
particularly well with the following four
session formats.
Keynote Presentations
and Conference Sessions
l Q&A
gives your event participants
a voice by allowing them to
ask questions in real-time
during a session.
l Polling
allows participants to
respond to poll questions and view
the results in real-time on their own
device or up on the big screen.
l Session
Evaluations makes it
easy for participants to provide
real-time feedback, resulting in
higher response rates and more
accurate data than standard
post-event surveys.
Panel Discussions
l ARS
platform works as an efficient
backchannel for questions from
participants, allowing moderators
to incorporate the best questions
into discussions and steer the
conversation in the direction
that participants want it to go.
Audience question voting also
ensures that the most sought
after answers are addressed.
Q&A following
presentations
l Everyone
dreads that moment when
the moderator asks “Do you have
any questions?” and everyone sits
there looking around the room for
the few people brave enough to put
up their hand. Q&A platform allows
you to make a smooth transition
between the presentation and Q&A
time. Presenters can gather the best
questions before the Q&A session
starts and use their time efficiently
addressing the questions that their
audience is most interested in.
Corporate and Sales
Presentations
l There
is nothing more rewarding
than gathering instant feedback on
your strategy or pitch from your
audience. Expressing an opinion in
live polls allows attendees to provide
valuable feedback to sales teams and
companies.
2.Get technically ready
As well as selecting the right sessions
for ARS deployment you also need to
ensure that you install any necessary
technical equipment. ARS platforms
are most effective when questions and
poll results are displayed live on the big
screen for all to see. The audience feels
compelled to ask more questions when
they see them popping up on the screen.
You may require the following
technical equipment:
a) A computer or iPad with an internet
connection where you will moderate
questions and push polls
b) A projector connected to the
computer or a hard wire connection to
your audio visual support teams system
c) A screen or a wall where you’ll be
projecting the questions and polls to
the audience
Moderators play a crucial role when it comes to introducing
the ARS platform to the audience and using it effectively
3. Encourage presenters and moderators to use it
Once you have determined the sessions
where you plan to deploy an ARS
platform, make sure you send a short
introduction email to moderators,
presenters and speakers. Let them
know that they can acquire valuable
insights by utilising the system and
gather questions before their Q&A
session. I recommend a short online
training session or video so that
everyone understands the system.
4. Brief moderators
Moderators play a crucial role when it
comes to introducing the ARS platform
and using it effectively. Make sure that
you brief them about how you wish the
platform to be utilised. At every session
ask them to introduce the platform,
explain how they access the platform
and when the audience is expected
to join in the conversation. Provide
moderators with a device (preferably
a tablet) from which they can read the
incoming questions and also see the
poll results.
5. Introduce it
to the audience
As most of ARS platforms are webbased, you need to make sure that the
audience is connected to the internet.
When introducing the platform at the
beginning of your sessions, be sure
to remind your participants of the
name of the event’s Wi-Fi network
and password so they can log in. I
recommend running through a live
demo with your audience in the first
session so that they are all familiar with
the technology. Get them to vote in a
simple warm-up poll and ask questions
that you can moderate and respond to.
This ensures that attendees understand
how to use the platform and provides
a valuable live scenario to iron out
the wrinkles. Remind your attendees
repeatedly that they can ask questions
and vote in polls to enjoy the potential
of the audience response system.
Used correctly, ARS platforms can
make your next event better, more
enjoyable and more insightful. Gather
real-time feedback, measurable ROI,
maximise participant engagement,
improve the learning environment and
add a little fun to your next event.
53
family album
Entrepreneur of The Year
was awarded to Aparna Basu Mallik of Club 7
Holidays
West India Travel Awards
honours achievers
Best Airline
was awarded to SpiceJet
The second edition of the West India Travel
Awards celebrated the achievements of the
people in the travel and tourism industry.
H
eld on October 14, 2015 at the Grand Mercure
Goa Shrem Resort, the West India Travel Awards
felicitated the hard work of those behind the success
of the travel and tourism industry. The awards
were graced by Dilip Parulekar, Minister for Women & Child
Development, Tourism, Ports, Protocol, Government of Goa,
and Nikhil Desai, Managing Director, Goa Tourism Development
Corporation, along with other distinguished personalities from
the tourism industry.
The awards were presented to achievers from different segments
of the industry such as Aviation, Domestic and International
Tourism Boards, Hotels and Resorts, Travel Agents, Tour
Operators and Technology. The Gallery of Legends award went
to Kesari Raoji Patil, while Nitan Chhatwal received the DDP
Trailblazer award. Urrshila Kerkar won the DDP Game Changer
award and Ruchir Bang won the Face of the Future award. Arjun
Sharma won the Tourism Ambassador award, Aparna Basu
Mallik won the Entrepreneur of The Year award and SpiceJet
won the award for Best Airline.
Best Luxury MICE & Wedding Hotel
was awarded to Sayaji Indore
Best NTO
was awarded to Department of Tourism Philippines
The winners of the awards were chosen by a fair and unbiased
selection process that comprised both online voting and judging
by a jury panel which consisted of travel industry luminaries.
The total scores of the judges and the number of votes received
by each nominee determined the final scores of the winners.
And the winners of the West India Travel Awards are…
Best Destination Marketing Campaign
was awarded to South Africa Tourism
family album
Best Beach Destination
was awarded to Goa Tourism Development
Corporation
Best Sports Tourism Company
was awarded to Sports Konnect
Best City Hotel
was awarded to Novotel Pune
Best MICE Operator
was awarded to Club 7 Holidays
Best All Inclusive Hotel
was awarded to Heritage Village Club Goa
Best Luxury Camp
was awarded to The Ultimate Travelling Camp
Best Business Hotel
was awarded to Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad City Centre
Best Corporate Incentive
Tour Operator
was awarded to Kesari Tours
Best Luxury Hotel
was awarded to JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai Sahar
Best Corporate Travel Practice
was awarded to Mahindra & Mahindra
Best Customised Tour Operator
Best Luxury Tour Operator
was awarded to Hither and Thither Tours and Travels was awarded to Meandering Vacations
Best Boutique Hotel
was awarded to Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa
Best Travel Show
was awarded to IITT- Mumbai
Best Gaming Destination
was awarded to Deltin Royale
55
family album
Vkonect opens the
‘world of luxury’
T
he two-day Vkonect Luxury was
held at The Westin, Gurgaon from
October 10-11. It included a networking
session between luxury buyers and
exhibitors followed by exclusive
business sessions in a tabletop and
round-robin format. The participants
included tourism boards of Canada,
56
The second edition of Vkonect
Luxury saw the participants of
25 Indian travel, luxury and
hospitality companies on a
B2B meetings platform.
Philippines, Germany, Reunion Island,
Munich, Scandinavia and Tirol–
Austria. Other partners were Starwood
Hotels & Resorts, Meritus Hotels &
Resorts, FRH Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis
(Starwood Hotels), Relais & Chateaux
Soneva Resorts, VIA Rail Canada, Air
Canada and more.
Punam Singh, Promoter and Director,
Vkonect Events, said, “Vkonect is a
thought process, honed over years after
attending industry events globally.
Leisure, MICE, Weddings, Wellness
and Spa Tourism come in all forms but
Luxury is the most inclusive, demanding
and profitable.”
calendar
december 2015
9
Connections Meetings Europe
DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon, Portugal
3
Chengdu International
Tourism Expo 2015
Chengdu, China
January 2016
18
Tourism Fiji 2016, B2B Roadshow
Delhi
3
B2B Workshop of European Quartet
(Czech, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia)
Delhi
february 2016
10
Austrian National Tourist Office
B2B roadshow
Ahmedabad
BIT
11
19
south african tourism
b2b roadshow
Delhi
FITUR
20
21
21
22
58
15
Madrid, Spain
Visit Abu Dhabi 2016 Abu Dhabi
Tourism & Culture Authority
Coimbatore
b2b roadshow
Pune
b2b roadshow
Mumbai
Milan, Italy
DOT Philippines
B2B Roadshow
Pune
TTE
24
Olympia, London
visa
Visa requirements
United States Of America
This is needed for Puerto Rico
þ Visa Notes and Fee:
Please Note: Applicants will have to follow simple
procedures as given below:
a) Click on the link: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ to fill
the online form.
b) Visit the website http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/
c) Create a user id and password by selecting the new user
option
d) Select option Schedule An Appointment and fill the
requisite details
e) Select Option Payment (Step 8)
If applicant selects the option for Axis & Citibank, a
CGI reference number and an acknowledgement in
the name of Stanley is generated. He has to take the
printout and mail it to us. After that we would be able
to submit the cash along with the printout at the above
mentioned banks.
þPassport: Original Passport with validity of minimum six
months and minimum two blank pages for visa stamp.
a) Copy of the first and last page of your current valid
passport. If you have any observations on your passport
please submit a copy of the observation page.
b) Attach all your old passports (if any).
þ Visa Application Form: One online DS-160 form duly
filled and signed.
þ Valid Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee receipt.
þ Please Note:
a) For US MRV if the total amounts in one MRV is
Rs 50,000 and above, then Pan Card copy of principal
applicant is required
þ Interview and Appointment: You must schedule two
appointments, one for the visa interview at the Embassy
or Consulate and one for the Offsite Facilitation Center.
a) You need to be present at the US Embassy or Consulate
where the Appointment for the Visa Interview is
scheduled.
b) You need to be present at the Offsite Facilitation
Center (OFC) for the second appointment. This
appointment will allow you to go to one of the five OFC
locations to have your fingerprints and photo taken.
This appointment must be at least one day before your
visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate.
þ Photo Specification: Two recent passport size
photographs with matt or semi-matt finish, 80% face
coverage, white background and without border (Size:
50mm x 50mm)
Please Note: Photograph should not be more than three
months old, scanned/stapled and should not be used in
any of the previous visas.
þ Covering Letter: Covering Letter from applicant on
business letter head mentioning name, designation,
passport number, purpose and duration of visit in brief.
The letter should be duly signed by authorised signatory
with company stamp and addressed to:
The Visa Officer, Embassy of United States of America,
New Delhi.
Please Note: Covering Letter on Letterhead if applicant is
Self Employed or on plain paper if Employed.
þ The sponsor has to furnish the following documents:
Invitation Letter:
a) Invitation Letter from inviter
b) Sponsorship letter from the sponsor stating the
declaration of support. (If applicable)
Proof of Sufficient funds
a) Financial documents of the inviter staying in America.
Identity Proof
a) Photocopies of relative’s proof of status, e.g. Green
card, valid visa etc.
þFinancials
a) Company and Personal ITR for three years.
b) Salary slip for the last six months.
60
visa
c) Original Company and Personal Bank Statement for last six
months mentioning the Bank’s name, Bank’s Telephone Number
clearly
d) Credit Card copy/Foreign Exchange endorsement
e) Company’s Balance Sheet
f ) Property papers/Fixed Deposits/Investments.
þ Proof of Occupation
a) Company Registration Certificate /Certificate of
Incorporation
b) Brief Company Profile
c) Articles of Memorandum (In case the applicant is
MD/Director)
d) Proof of Proprietorship /Partnership (In case applicant is
Proprietor /Partner in a firm)
e) Import / Export License (if applicable)
Employed:
a) Copy of Appointment letter/Leave certificate from the
Employer.
Student:
a) Leave Sanction Letter and id card copy from school
b) Parents have to provide ITR, Bank statement and NOC letter.
þ Airline Reservation: Ticket Itinerary
þ Hotel Booking: Hotel confirmation and Tour confirmation.
Please Note:
a) Personal appearance is Mandatory
þ Visa Fee: Normal `10,880
UAE
þPassport:
Copy of first and last page of passport with the validity
of minimum six months from the date of travel.
þ Photo Specification:
Copy of passport size photographs with 60%-80% face
coverage, light background and without border (Size:
35mm x 45mm).
Please Note:Photograph should not be more than
three months old, scanned/stapled and should not be
used in any of the previous visas.
þTicket:
Confirmed Return Air Ticket.
þ Visa can be applied online
þ Duration of Stay:
30 Days
þ Visa is valid for a period of 58 days from the date
of issue
þ Visa Fee-Tourist Visa:
`6,100 (Normal) and `7,530 (Express)
Source: Udaan
61
movements
In his new capacity, and as part of
the core Asia Pacific leadership team,
Neeraj Govil will be responsible for
creating and executing a strategic road
map that will focus on establishing
brand positioning and effectively
expanding market share of the
Marriott portfolio in South Asia. With
over 14 years in the hospitality sector,
Govil brings a wealth of international
experience and expertise spanning
across several disciplines. Prior to this,
Neeraj Govil Neeraj Govil was General Manager
Market Vice President, South Asia, at the Shanghai Marriott Hotel City
Marriott International Inc. Centre, China.
Ashwani K. Goela
General Manager
Crowne Plaza Jaipur
Ajay Thakur
Rooms Division Manager,
Humble UNA Smart, Amritsar
62
Ashwani Goela is now the General
Manager of Crowne Plaza Jaipur Tonk
Road hotel. His key role will include
overseeing the complete operations
and ensuring that the hotel is set up
for a successful launch. Goela comes
to the Tonk Road hotel from Crowne
Plaza Okhla, where he was working
as an Executive Assistant Manager.
Goela has industry knowledge in
the upscale and business travel
segments. He has also served in
hotels like Crowne Plaza Gurgaon,
Radisson Delhi, The Imperial and
Intercontinental The Grand.
Ajay joins Humble UNA Smart,
Amritsar, where he will be overseeing
the entire Rooms Division and
ensuring that the hotel attains desired
occupancy and ARR. Ajay comes to
Humble UNA Smart from Sterling
Holidays Munnar where he was
working as a Front Office Manager.
Ajay brings to Humble UNA Smart,
Amritsar a wealth of experience in
Room Division Management. He has
handled Housekeeping and Front
Office functions in various capacities
in the upscale and business travel
segments.
Sandipan Bose
General Manager
Golden Tulip Chattarpur
Richard Lyon
General Manager
One&Only Cape Town
Alice Lem Chu Hong
Deputy Director of Sales
Kuala Lumpur
Convention Centre
Sandipan Bose, in his new role as
General Manager, will be responsible
for overseeing the hotel’s operations,
maximising revenue generation,
training and leading a team of
department heads. Sandipan
Bose would grow the top-line and
capitalise on the many opportunities
that exist in a dynamic and rapidly
changing industry. His exhaustive
experience and leadership skills will
prove beneficial to the hotel and help
its evolution as one of the MICE and
wedding destinations in the country.
In his new role as General Manager,
One&Only Cape Town in South Africa,
Richard Lyon is responsible for the entire
operation of One&Only Cape Town and
its continued strategic development.
He will focus on mentorship and team
development. Lyon joins One&Only
with over 40 years experience in the
hospitality industry, including key
positions at Virgin Active, The Landings
in St. Lucia, Marriott International, as
well as his own hospitality consultancy
business. He started his career in the
Management Operations Training
Programme at the Savoy Hotel Group.
As Deputy Director of Sales at the
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Alice
will be responsible for maintaining
the financial and commercial viability
of the Centre’s five core business
segments. These include Conventions
and Conferences, Exhibitions, Meetings
& Events, Banqueting and Functions and
Entertainment. Her role also includes
identifying new areas for sales revenue,
looking at maximising venue occupancy
and yield from events. Along with all
this, Alice will also be managing the
Sales Team at KLCC.
Postal Reg. No. :DL(ND)-11/6150/2014-15-16
WPP No.:U(C)-305/2014-2016, Posting on 29th-30th of Advance Month
PSO, Market Road PO, New Delhi-110001, Date of Publication:22/10/2015
RNI No.:DELENG/2010/34144

November - MICE TALK

Transcription

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