Competition is intensifying in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) sector, which is drawing greater numbers of business travellers.
Major hotels in cities across Asia have dominated the market, as they are conveniently located and well-equipped. Nevertheless, a new breed of hospitality provider has emerged.
Upscale boutique resorts are taking on the big guns with their army of staff, including top chefs, 24-hour butlers, drivers, concierges, and conference and business facilities.
High-end business travellers are increasingly turning away from central city locations and taking their associates to places that are relaxing and picturesque.
These private holiday venues tend be in locations that are hard to get to, but well worth the travel time.
Some are located in places such as Molori Great Barrier Reef, in Port Douglas, Australia; Dolphin Island in Fiji; and Luna2 Private Hotel and Villa Sungai in Bali. Once there, resorts are able to offer a high degree of privacy and exclusiveness for events, together with attentive and personal services.
It's a progressive step away from service-swish five-star hotels, whose global familiarity to the amenities and brand affiliation has kept frequent business and MICE travellers checking in for years. Yet, for seasoned business travellers, the routine has no doubt become stale.