ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2011 TRAVEX Promises To Be A Sell-Out Event

pressrelease@mice-contact.com — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:59:00 +0200

To date, exhibitors have snapped up more booths than initially expected. This 2011 ASEAN leisure travel trade event showcasing the largest contingent of ASEAN destination products and services will also feature a larger show with 25% more booths space than last year.

More than 70% of the 450 available booth space has already been secured by some 240 exhibiting companies from across the 10 ASEAN countries - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Buyer registrations have also been overwhelming with more than 600 applications received from across the world. Only 400 of the best buyers will be selected to attend the event under a privileged hosting programme.

With regards to the buoyant interest for ATF 2011, Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, Cambodia and Permanent Vice-Chairman of ATF 2011 Organizing Committee explains, “Improving market optimism aside, a significant part of this year’s interest also has to do with the appeal of Cambodia as a destination. International delegates are motivated to experience the country’s rich cultural, natural and historical heritage.”

Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia believes that the country will be represented at the event in a big way this 2011. More than 800 participants from across Cambodia’s tourism industry gathered for the ATF 2011 event preview at Nagaworld in Phnom Penh on 31 August 2010. The purpose of the preview was to promote, increase awareness and encourage all Cambodian tourism stakeholders to participate at the upcoming ATF 2011. The event preview was presided by His Excellency Dr. Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers and Chairman of ATF 2011 Organizing Committee. The guest list included the country’s movers and shakers such as top government officials from the various ministries and heads of foreign missions. A large number of hotel owners and general managers were also present.

Host country, Kingdom of Cambodia, began its marketing efforts to tantalise the industry’s travel professionals at the last ATF 2010 closing ceremony by pulling out all stops to deliver a sumptuous and entertaining evening complete with a gastronomic and cultural showcase. Delegates enjoyed a sneak preview of what they can look forward to at ATF 2011 in Phnom Penh.

Scheduled from 19 to 21 January 2011, the three-day ATF 2011 TRAVEX will be held at Phnom Penh’s Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center located along the Bassac River. Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia will host the event’s Opening and Closing Ceremony, which promises to be even more spectacular than its 2010 preview. Delegates will also be thrilled to network in the company of their fellow industry colleagues and wind down at the end of a business work day at not two but three late night social events organised by Nagaworld, Fairmont/Raffles/Swissotel/TTG Asia and Pattaya City/Sofitel/TTG Asia respectively.

More information on the event’s programme will be made available in the upcoming months. Registrations for exhibitors, buyers and media are still open online at www.atfcambodia.com. More information on ATF 2011 can also be found at the event website.

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PATA Singapore Chapter offers prizes for productivity

pressrelease@mice-contact.com — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 10:58:00 +0200

The Singapore Chapter is asking that contestants recount their most impactful productivity story and the winner will receive around US$11,000. The competition is open to all Singapore organisations in the travel-and-tourism industry. Entries must be submitted by September 30^th, 2010.

Five finalists will be selected to go on to the next round where they will work with a dedicated video production company to turn their contribution into a motivating short video. The videos will be made available online and voted for by the travel-and-tourism industry.

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Amadeus launches a fully customisable car rental booking engine for online players

pressrelease@mice-contact.com — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 10:54:00 +0200

Cars Plus XML business logic streamlines the messages from Amadeus Web Services, making it easier for online players to offer a comprehensive range of functionalities to their customers including: map display, matrix view and point of reference searches.

Launch partner Transhotel, a global consolidator of hotels and services for the travel agency community, chose Amadeus Cars to integrate a new cars module on their web portal, “with Amadeus Car Plus technology, we were able to implement exciting functionalities and easily customise the booking flow so that it fits transparently with our own ‘look and feel’. The Amadeus XML technology also integrates perfectly with our existing IT infrastructure including back office, payment solution and mark-up functionality,’’ commented Javier Sancho, Transhotel’s Contracting & Product Director. “After testing the new product in the Spanish market, the application will be available for all the travel agents that work with Transhotel worldwide”.

Amadeus Cars Plus is a multi-channel solution, which is already available for traditional travel agencies using Amadeus Selling Platform and now for online players and airlines via the e-Retail XML set of messages.

“As a technology partner for the travel industry, it is important for Amadeus to provide online players with a portfolio of solutions that meet their requirements in terms of development cost, flexibility and time to market” comments Jérôme Vanazzi, Director of Amadeus Cars. “And in the car arena, Amadeus Cars Plus XML answers the needs of online players who want to offer the latest functionalities, which can be fully integrated into their web application with minimum time and effort.

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CIBTM Celebrates Another Record Year

pressrelease@mice-contact.com — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:56:00 +0200

Increased numbers of exhibitors, representing 26 countries, the largest ever Hosted Buyer Programme and number of trade visitors, helped set the trend for growth and secure the future of CIBTM which took place in Beijing this week.

Shane Jameson, Director of Sales for Jebel Ali International Hotels Dubai, supported the BTA's vision. "CIBTM takes place in the most prolifically fast moving market in the world. We are here for the long term - 150% - we will not survive as a destination without business from China and CIBTM will help us deliver it."

On closing, indications are that the total number of Hosted Buyers and trade visitors increased by 16% on 2009. The official figures are subject to an independent official audit.

Sean Mahoney, Global Vice President of Corporate & Incentive Sales for Silversea Cruises said: "We are big fans of the RTE portfolio of meetings events and attend them all. What appeals to us about CIBTM is that everyone here sees the potential in this market. We are building brand awareness, finding potential partners, and as China is the No 1 market in Asia for us, we have a serious strategy for our business here."

"Incentive and corporate groups from China are very interested in London for pre-Olympics, not only to see the infrastructure and stadiums but to also experience some sporting activities for themselves. The interest from Hosted Buyers at CIBTM has been very good. It’s our first year, but we are here to stay", commented Kyle de Klerk, Business Development Manager for Chelsea Football Club part of the Visit London stand.

The thirst for knowledge and education about the MICE industry continued this year with some 20 speakers, of which nearly half were international, to help satisfy the demand for information on the meetings and incentive industry. Attendees to the 17 sessions were up over 30%.

Hosted Buyer Lai Ying, Manager of Zhejiang China International Travel Service said: "It's my first time here. The dedicated three day business platform taught me a lot about running a MICE business. The two seminars held in the morning impressed me and helped widen my knowledge. I would like to return next year."

Shawn Pisani MIH: Director Industry Relations EMEA, Helms Briscoe commented: "We are new to the China market and are attending to establish business networks with Chinese counterparts. Today I had good talks with local companies such as Regalia Hotel Group and Gloria Hotels & Resorts to name but a few."

The 4th China and Asia Meetings Industry Research Report, which was launched at the show, demonstrated that the meetings business in China and Asia is growing and that there has been a significant increase in the number of events held and a wider range of industry sectors are generating meetings and events.

Zhu Qian, Marketing Centre Director, Naning China International Travel Service Co. Ltd commented: "The educational seminars were excellent. They provided a lot of insightful information and I learned a lot. It is very useful indeed and I recommend it to my peers. Thank you CIBTM."

Exhibition Manager Jeffrey Xu comments: “The meetings industry in China is now really beginning to take shape. We are delighted with the response and feedback at this year's show. In 2009 we launched China Meetings Week and this has clearly increased the profile of the show dramatically, resulting in larger numbers of corporate Chinese buyers - key to the development of the show and its exhibitors.”

Dates for CIBTM 2011 are 30th August - 1st September at the China National Convention Centre, (CNCC) Beijing.

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IMPACT hotel 70% complete - The Bt2 billion project is to open January 2011

pressrelease@mice-contact.com — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The hotel will be under management of Accor under Novotel brand, named Novotel IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. Paul Kanjanapas, managing director of IMPACT Exhibition Management, which manages IMPACT Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center, informed that 70% of the construction of the Bt2 billion IMPACT hotel, the first four-star hotel of IMPACT Muang Thong Thani has progressed.

The 10-storey building structure finished since late May, ahead of schedule. This month, outside building decoration and interior work can begin.

First building will be covered with glass sheets; then, interior works will start from September and complete in October, expectedly. After that, electrical system is to be installed. The period of October to December will be a time to check all systems and touch-up works gearing up to the official launch.

IMPACT hotel is 10-storey high featuring 380 guest rooms—276 Standard Rooms, 46 Deluxe Standard Rooms, 40 Premium Rooms, 4 Handicapped Rooms, 10 Honeymoon Suites A and 4 Honeymoon Suites B. Originally there was a Royal Suite in the plan on 10th floor but is cancelled and replace it with a club lounge for VIP guests.

Mr. Paul added that besides the completion of the building, mockup of Standard and Premium rooms are also finished. Currently IMPACT is preparing to sign the memorandum of understanding or MOU with Accor, the management of Novotel brand to operate the hotel under the name of Novotel Bangkok IMPACT-Muang Thong Thani.

Mr. Paul confirms the construction is running smoothly under the good hands of professional engineering firms: Bouygues Thai Ltd., responsible for construction; Pacific Architecture and Planning, responsible for interior works and G-Tech, electric system. All works including system tests should be complete as scheduled to officially open the hotel in January next year.

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Face to Face Meetings empower our World

pressrelease@mice-contact.com — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:03:00 +0200

Taking place at The LaLit Ashok, Bangalore, India, from August 27-28, the Conclave attracted over 250 delegates representing both international and national buyers as well as ICPB members, and was inaugurated by Mr. G. Janardhana Reddy, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka.

This inaugural session was followed by a seminal and conceptual Keynote Presentation by Mr. Philippe Fournier, President, IAPCO, on “Conferences in the Knowledge Economy: Face to Face Meetings are changing and empowering our World”. It was a great honour for Mr. Shyam Nagpal, Hony. Secretary ICPB and India’s first Alumni of IAPCO, to introduce Philippe Fournier, informing the audience of IAPCO’s position as the most pioneering and prominent Association in the world of PCOs, with over 100 members from 37 countries.

Philippe Fournier began the presentation with the strategic statement: “We are a global world, which means global meetings! Meetings have been a solution over the centuries and today’s globalisation can only enhance the need to meet, not, as a perceived advantage of social communication, detract. When people meet, things happen, things change, things improve and economy rises. Face to face meetings power the economy. We are now in a knowledge-based economy. Without learning from experience, without face-to-face interaction, without networking in real time with our peers, individuals, institutions, disciplines, we lose the ability to increase that essential knowledge. Without knowledge, our financial economy cannot improve.

“But do not be mistaken. Social Communication is an essential asset to the new type of meetings that are developing today. On-line activities can feed the meeting before, during and after the event, fuelling the ever-increasing knowledge economy. The new meeting formats are live, they are virtual, they are hybrid! Hybrid events are a mix of devices, applications, digital media and websites. Utilising SMS, social media, pod/webcasts, micro blogs, YouTube, smart phones – and today is just the beginning. It is high-tech. And the knowledge economy uses high-tech as a weapon, a tool that helps to develop meetings by maximising face to face interactions.

“Conferences in our knowledge based economy have a key role to play.”

The Conclave was attended by high ranking dignitaries from the Government of India, State Governments and business tourism industry, represented by Mr. G. Janardhana Reddy, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka, Mr. S. V. Ranganath, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, Mr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Additional Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Chairman, ICPB, Mr. Viswanatha Reddy, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, Mr. Vipul Mittra, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Gujarat, along with the Office Bearers of ICPB, Mr. Rajeev Kohli, Vice Chairman, ICPB, Mr. Shyam Nagpal, Hony. Secretary, ICPB, and Mr. Chander Mansharamani, Hony. Treasurer, ICPB.

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Proposed Slate of 2011 PCMA New Board Officers and Directors

pressrelease@mice-contact.com — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:24:00 +0200

After careful deliberation, the committee offers the following slate of candidates for leadership positions on the 2011 PCMA Board of Directors.

According to the PCMA Bylaws, this official announcement of the proposed slate is to be sent to the membership by Oct. 1. The nominating process, according to the Bylaws (Article XII, Section 1(d)), allows for additional nominations for any officer or director position by members who submit a petition.

The petition is required to be signed by 5% of the members from the respective membership category appropriate to that position, and submitted to the President and CEO no later than the close of business Nov. 1, 2010. If you are interested in submitting a petition, please contact Deborah Sexton, President and CEO, at 312.423.7262 or deborah.sexton@pcma.org for petition details and procedures.

Unless there are additional petition nominations from the membership, the following officers and directors will be deemed elected and will take office immediately following the 55th PCMA annual meeting, Convening Leaders in Las Vegas, NV, on Jan. 12, 2011.

Convening Leaders takes place January 9-12, 2011 in Las Vegas.PCMA's 2011 slate of officers, serving one-year terms, includes:

• Chairman: Susan R. Katz, Director of Corporate Events and Travel, True Value Company

• Immediate Past Chair: Kati S. Quigley, CMP, Director, Event Marketing, Microsoft Corp.

• Chair-Elect: Kent E. Allaway, CEM, CMP, Vice President, Meetings and Trade Shows, Produce Marketing Association

• Secretary-Treasurer: Johnnie C. White, CMP, Executive Director, Meetings and Educational Services, Cardiovascular Research Foundation

New nominees to PCMA's Board of Directors, serving three-year terms, include:

• Laurie Fitzgerald, CMP, Senior Meeting Manager, Allstate Insurance Company

• Christine M. Klein, CMP, Executive Director, Women's Dematologic Society

• Raymond J. Kopcinski, CMP, Director of Meeting Services, Million Dollar Round Table

• William F. Reed, CMP, Senior Vice President, Experient Inc.

• Ben Goedegebuure, Director of Sales, Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre

• James E. Rooney, Executive Director, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority

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Dusit International GREEN MEETINGS Initiative

pressrelease@mice-contact.com — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:10:00 +0200

The programme embraces a wide range of environmental initiatives to contribute to saving energy and natural resources:

Meeting room refreshment water is presented in pitchers with glasses and no plastic bottles
Set air-conditioning to 24°C minimum
Energy efficient light bulbs and reduction of unnecessary lighting
Recycle points available in meeting rooms for glass, paper, plastic & aluminum items
Recycled paper note pads available on request
Energy saving menus
Boxed lunch containers made of recycled content
Locally sourced and seasonal menu items plus organic options
Group Purchasing protocols to promote Green Credentials
Eco-friendly cleaning products used in hotel and meeting facilities
EarthCheck certification for all properties

“Concerns for the environment have adapted lifestyles, the way we do business and the way our clients do business. As such, expectations and choices of MICE destinations and experiences have also evolved. Meeting Planners have altered their behaviour by choosing or partnering with hotels that share the same environmental values to reduce their carbon footprint. At the same time, they also look for venues that combine sustainability with unique and exceptional experiences,” said Mr. Simon Burgess, Global Director of Sales, Dusit International.
“According to the MICE Report on Green Meeting by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (January 2010), MICE industry operators are now seeking ways to minimise operational costs while satisfying the market needs and maintaining event vitality. Many organisations are growing increasingly aware of the environmental consequences of their activities. In adopting a green concept, many MICE operators are applying a Reduce, Re-use and Recycle element to their operations. In addition to introducing measures to reduce the carbon footprint, we are also looking at measures to contribute to the well-being of the communities in which we operate,” said Mr. Burgess.
In addition, Dusit International’s hotels and resorts in Thailand, Philippines, Dubai and Cairo are undertaking the EarthCheck programme to become green certified hotels by 2011.

The EarthCheck programme is widely regarded as the world’s most scientifically rigorous, that measures key environmental indicators such as energy and water consumption, and total waste production as well as community commitment. Using the EarthCheck tool, Dusit hotels commit to benchmarking local environmental and social issues, including biodiversity conservation, environmental investment and enhanced community socio-economic benefits. More information on the EarthCheck programme can be found on www.earthcheck.org, or visit www.dusit.com/csr

For further information on Dusit’s Green Credentials for Meeting Planners,
visit www.dusit.com/greenmeetings

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Maastricht & surrounding area very satisfied with participation STB Marketplace

info@maastrichtconventionbureau.com — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0200

“The fair was organised in a very professional fashion and visitors came with very specific questions to our booth. Many planners were pleasantly surprised that we, together with our partners Maastricht Tourist Office, Hostellerie La Butte aux Bois, Restaurant Château Neercanne, Kruisherenhotel and Château St. Gerlach, were the only Dutch participant.

But they all thought us to be very right: we are located só close to Germany, and our beautiful region offers só many possibilities for business meetings! When you think of it, some German cities, such as Berlin, are located much further away for most trade show visitors.

This is something they all realised thanks to us being there. Next year we will definitely participate again, not just this one, but two STB Marketplaces! We hope that we will be able to make even more partners enthusiastic to participate, so we can represent Maastricht & surrounding area with an even larger delegation!

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King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center at Re-launched under Hilton Hotels & Resorts Brandmanagement

pressrelease@mice-contact.com — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Hilton Worldwide has commenced management of Jordan’s Dead Sea King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre, one of the largest convention centre’s in the Middle East region. The reflagged convention centre will now operate under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand.

With almost 5,000 m2 of meeting space and 23,000 m2 of build-up area spread over 25 conference and meeting rooms and three floors, King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre is one of the largest in the region. It can accommodate approximately 5000 guests.

Hilton Worldwide manages the Convention Centre through an agreement with Dead Sea Resorts PSC Company. The Convention Centre is adjacent to the 285-room Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa that is currently under development and is scheduled to open in Q4 2014.

“This partnership will leverage the Hilton brand’s global expertise and innovative leadership in meetings and large scale events for the benefit of the region as Jordan continues its growth in this segment. Hilton is the leader in global hospitality and we are excited to expand our portfolio in this market,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand.

As part of Jordan’s strategy to capture MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions) business, the convention centre has hosted and will host international conferences such as the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2007, 2009 and May 2011, the International Monetary Fund, as well as local and regional conferences, workshops and exhibitions. With fully-equipped conference and meeting halls that vary in size and capacity, the centre is able to accommodate numerous events with different capacity requirements simultaneously.

KHBTCC has dedicated itself to achieve, encourage and set a local and regional benchmark for excellence in managing and attracting significant international, regional and local conventions, trade-shows, educational, cultural and social functions as well as other events to its world-class facilities, while maximizing the benefits for the Jordanian economy and local businesses.

KHBTCC will further strengthen the Hilton portfolio in Jordan, becoming the first project managed by the Hilton brand in Jordan, as one of five other new developments for Hilton Worldwide in the country. KHBTCC will join three new Hilton brand hotels in Aqaba, Amman and Dead Sea areas as well as the first Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Aqaba.

“Jordan is a key development market for us in our regional development strategy. As an upscale resort and therapeutic area, the Dead Sea is an ideal location to increase our presence in the Jordanian Kingdom where modernization meets with a rich history. KHBTCC will benefit from a swift opening, with the full support of the Hilton sales and marketing engines as well as the support of the KHBTCC former General Manager, Naif Zureikat, who will stay on to manage the convention centre,” said Jean-Paul Herzog, President, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East and Africa.

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Daily Industry News from MICE-Contact.com
One of the most popular online Media and PR Magazine dedicated to the Global Meetings Industry!

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mice-contact.com/sites/submit-releases/submit-form.html

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Recent News Releases from MICE-Contact.com

ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2011 TRAVEX Promises To Be A Sell-Out Event

PATA Singapore Chapter offers prizes for productivity

Amadeus launches a fully customisable car rental booking engine for online players

CIBTM Celebrates Another Record Year

IMPACT hotel 70% complete - The Bt2 billion project is to open January 2011

Face to Face Meetings empower our World

Proposed Slate of 2011 PCMA New Board Officers and Directors

Dusit International GREEN MEETINGS Initiative

Maastricht & surrounding area very satisfied with participation STB Marketplace

King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center at Re-launched under Hilton Hotels & Resorts Brandmanagement