https://www.scmp.com/rss/15121/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com About 8,000 visitors from around the world were expected to flock to the tranquil Hong Kong island of Tap Mun (Grass Island) on Friday for a once-a-decade seaborne parade celebrating the Taoist festival known as Tai Ping Ching Chiu. An elaborate flotilla in the waters off Sai Kung will carry three statues of Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea in Chinese folklore, from Tap Mun past Yim Tin to the island of Kat O, marking the climax of six days of festivities celebrating the traditions of Tanka and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3007616/8000-set-hit-hong-kongs-tranquil-tap-mun-island-sai-kung?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3007616/8000-set-hit-hong-kongs-tranquil-tap-mun-island-sai-kung?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Apr 2019 23:00:12 +0000 In a city home to thousands of high-rises, buzzing streets and luxurious shopping malls, there is a celebration that reminds Hong Kong of its humble past as a fishing village. The Tai Ping Ching Chiu, also known as Da Jiu, is a colourful Taoist festival celebrated annually in different parts of Hong Kong each year. The most famous is the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, held yearly on the island complete with its own bun scrambling competition. But other rural villages celebrate the occasion less... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3006943/hong-kongs-hakka-and-tanka-villagers-unite-tap-mun-island?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3006943/hong-kongs-hakka-and-tanka-villagers-unite-tap-mun-island?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Apr 2019 03:00:09 +0000 Father Lancelote Rodrigues 1923-2013 Friends and colleagues from all walks of life packed Macau Cathedral yesterday to bid farewell to one of the city's most beloved religious figures, Father Lancelote M. Rodrigues, who diedJune 17. He was 89. A household name in Macau for his dedication to philanthropy throughout his life, the Catholic priest had been ill in hospital for six months. The cause of death was determined to be heart and lung failure. Optimistic, caring and humanistic in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1266884/reverend-lancelote-m-rodrigues-macau-dead-89?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1266884/reverend-lancelote-m-rodrigues-macau-dead-89?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Jun 2013 16:00:00 +0000 New technologies are giving birth to a new generation of televisions, still considered to be an integral part of every stylish home. In addition to great resolution, televisions today work seamlessly with technology and the internet to bring the whole family together to get both entertainment and information from the comfort of a sofa. Apart from basic functions, new models can perform like a computer, or tablet, to go online, install apps and select online TV shows directly via apps. This... https://www.scmp.com/article/1008354/stay-smart?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1008354/stay-smart?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Aug 2012 16:00:00 +0000 A 22km stretch of coastline along Haitang Bay is set to be the next battlefield for top-tier hotels in Sanya. This piece of real estate is poised to become a high-end leisure and resort area. The first wave of new hotels began operations last year when Doubletree Resort by Hilton Hotel, Conrad Sanya and Renaissance Sanya Resort & Spa opened their doors. In the coming few years, Haitang Bay will have the highest concentration of new top-tier resorts in southern Hainan, with more than 38 local and... https://www.scmp.com/article/1004365/lines-are-drawn-battle-coast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1004365/lines-are-drawn-battle-coast?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Sanya's hospitality sector has had a relatively quiet few months, with hotels in Yalong Bay and downtown reacting to a number of key issues. Mark Holmes, general manager of the Park Hyatt, which is under construction, has been keeping his ear to the ground. 'Business is slower than in previous years, but there are a number of factors such as an increase in supply, especially with Haitang Bay's new hotels, the strong Chinese currency making other international cities more attractive, and the... https://www.scmp.com/article/1004367/visitor-numbers-hit-diverse-factors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1004367/visitor-numbers-hit-diverse-factors?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Riding on its economic growth, Ningbo is drawing more local and international corporations to the city, stimulating demand for hotels and serviced suites. The pace of growth for international hotels was nearly dormant in 2010 and last year, but seven new hotels with 3,000 rooms are opening this year. These include the Westin Ningbo, opened in January, and the Pan Pacific, InterContinental, Howard Johnson and Park Hyatt, which will open later this year. The 310-room Westin Ningbo is located in... https://www.scmp.com/article/1001701/more-rooms-expansion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1001701/more-rooms-expansion?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000 No luxury home is complete without the family's favourite artworks. But buying a painting is not just about appreciation, it also has the potential to be a lucrative investment. Record sales have raised awareness of Chinese artists such as Zhang Xiaogang, whose painting Forever Lasting Love sold for HK$79 million in Sotheby's last year. Lotus and Mandarin Ducks, by the legendary Zhang Daqian, which had been estimated at HK$20 million, sold for HK$191 million, while an abstract piece by Zao... https://www.scmp.com/article/999318/creative-ambitions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/999318/creative-ambitions?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Serviced apartments in Chengdu are welcoming more international players. In 2007, the Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu entered the market with 26 serviced residences. Since then, international operators have provided more modern and stylish options. The Oakwood Residence Funder Chengdu held a soft opening in May last year and has now completed all its 237 apartments and facilities. 'There has been a tremendous increase in demand for serviced apartments because travellers now place more emphasis on... https://www.scmp.com/article/999136/warm-welcome-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/999136/warm-welcome-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Chengdu, the economic hub of southwest China, has rallied with a strong economy since the tragic earthquake that struck Sichuan four years ago. The hotel boom continues and, as at the end of last year, there were about 16,000 four- and five-star bedrooms available in the city. According to the latest CB Richard Ellis report, international hotel brands will add thousands of rooms to the city's supply by 2015. William Hall, general manager of Crowne Plaza Chengdu City Centre, says the new hotels... https://www.scmp.com/article/999137/boom-inn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/999137/boom-inn?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong's efforts to attract new visitors to the city have been given a massive shot in the arm by the government's decision to extend the Mega Events Fund for a further five years with an injection of HK$150 million. Established in 2009, the fund was initially set for three years to sponsor events staged by local non-profit organisations. These included the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival and the Hong Kong Open golf tournament. Anthony Lau, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board... https://www.scmp.com/article/998459/time-cash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/998459/time-cash?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000 EXCITING YEAR AHEAD Macau is anticipating an exciting year as the long-awaited Sands Cotai Central, which will have 6,000 hotel rooms and 10,000 square metres of meeting facilities, nears completion. The area will open in phases from this month, starting with the 636-room Conrad Hotel and the 1,224-room Holiday Inn. Macao Economic Services director Sou Tim-peng expects this year to be an eventful one for the conventions and exhibitions sector. 'Local event [organisers] will be encouraged to... https://www.scmp.com/article/998463/booming-sector?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/998463/booming-sector?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000 FLYING VISIT Event Exide Dealers' Conference 2011. Objectives To build relationships and increase motivation for 1,450 participants from India. Measures Make use of air capacity between Hong Kong and India, flying in participants from across India using 12 airlines. Logistics were made easier by accommodating the whole group in one pace, the Panda Hotel in Tsuen Wan. The four-day multidestination programme included an excursion to Macau. Challenges Short lead time as the event was decided only... https://www.scmp.com/article/998453/team-spirit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/998453/team-spirit?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000 No luxury home is complete without your favourite seasonal flowers. Spring is in the air and it's time to brighten your home with orchids. With improvements in breeding techniques, the supply of Asia's famous flower has increased as they become more affordable than before. Orchids come in two categories. The Chinese orchid is a species from southern China that looks like a bunch of grass in the non-flowering season, and then there's the Western orchid. There is a myth that growing this... https://www.scmp.com/article/998076/flower-power?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/998076/flower-power?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Luxury houses have been one of the best-performing categories in the property market's revival this year. Midland Realty says in the first 20 days of this month, there were 101 transactions of first- or second-hand houses valued at more than HK$10 million apiece, the highest monthly figure since June last year. The strong sales were due to the launch of major projects such as Park Island by Sun Hung Kai Properties; but it was a new project in Fanling, The Green by China Overseas Land and... https://www.scmp.com/article/997070/rural-beauty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/997070/rural-beauty?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Xiamen will welcome an additional 1,000 rooms, mostly in luxury international hotel chains, this year. The 297-room Pullman Xiamen Powerlong opened on January 18. Located in the central business district (CBD) at the fringe of Bailuzhou Park and Lake Yundang, it is near the famous 'cafe street', restaurants, bars and nightspots. Next to open will be the 304-room Westin Xiamen on April 18. Positioned as a business hotel, it expects to get business mainly from international and national... https://www.scmp.com/article/996838/luxury-chains-eager-claim-share-spoils?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/996838/luxury-chains-eager-claim-share-spoils?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Xiamen, a long-established base for tourism and exports, has seen an influx of new hotels in recent years, nearly doubling the supply of hotel rooms, and more are expected to enter the market in the next few years. 'The past two years were very successful for Xiamen's hotel industry. Occupancy and average room rates were growing 10 to 15 per cent each year,' says Achim Brueckner, general manager of Crowne Plaza Paragon Xiamen. 'This year is difficult to forecast [because of] the global economic... https://www.scmp.com/article/996839/hospitable-place-new-arrivals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/996839/hospitable-place-new-arrivals?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:00:00 +0000 A year after the implementation of the special stamp duty (SSD) on residential properties at the point of resale, Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah says the property market may have achieved a 'soft landing'. Though second-hand deals are slow, quality new projects are selling well, such as The Wings in Tseung Kwan O by Sun Hung Kai Properties, and Festival City in Tai Wai by Cheung Kong. Speaking in the Legislative Council, Tsang does not want to see home prices fall sharply. He says:... https://www.scmp.com/article/987188/soft-landing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/987188/soft-landing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Confronted with the sovereign debt crisis in Europe and the lacklustre state of the United States economy, the local property market is also going through a challenging period, although some experts suggest it provides a buying opportunity, especially for high-end properties. Quoting government figures, Midland Realty says the total number of property registrations in Hong Kong last month was 6,579, down 10 per cent from August. Registrations in the primary residential market plummeted 74 per... https://www.scmp.com/article/981788/buy-luxury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/981788/buy-luxury?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Supply of most types of properties in Hong Kong is failing to match growing demand. Serviced apartments are no exception. Top-end suppliers such as Signature Homes are often fully booked, while the occupancy rate for the entire sector was more than 90 per cent in the second quarter of this year. Rents for hotel-like and apartment-like residences rose 2.5 per cent and 1.7 per cent respectively in the quarter. 'Rents have increased by at least 30-50 per cent in the past five or six years,... https://www.scmp.com/article/979127/room-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/979127/room-more?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Industry experts estimate there are about 9,000 serviced apartment units scattered around town. A booming market, high land prices and a scarcity of land in central areas are driving new and existing operators into secondary locations. Those apartments include Manhattan Heights in Kennedy Town and CHI Residence in Yau Ma Tei and Jordan. Ovolo Group, which has 245 apartments in its six Hong Kong Island properties, ventured into Kowloon for the first time with the launch in May of new premises... https://www.scmp.com/article/979126/big-move?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/979126/big-move?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000 The success of hosting Universiade 2011 last month has made Shenzhen more MICE-friendly. Prior to the event, the government invested millions of dollars to give a facelift to the city and its infrastructure. Three new metro lines were launched with direct connections to key entry points, while new or upgraded sports venues can be used for MICE events in the future. The University Games, the largest sports event held in Shenzhen, also benefited the city's major hotels as many were... https://www.scmp.com/article/978942/sporting-chance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/978942/sporting-chance?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Event CSR (corporate social responsibility) Encounter - an event for 60 participants, organised by Teambuilding Asia for Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong on July 15. Objectives Promoting team collaboration, shared goals and time management, charity, community and CSR focus on the environment, and improving working relationships. Measures Amazing Race-style adventure hunt with a CSR twist. The objectives were achieved through challenges to intrigue participants into becoming members of a global... https://www.scmp.com/article/978925/adventure-hunt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/978925/adventure-hunt?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000 MICE arrivals in Hong Kong will grow an estimated 12 per cent this year following a 10.3 per cent growth in overnight arrivals to 725,779 from the sector in the first six months of the year. According to Anthony Lau, executive director of Hong Kong Tourism Board, overnight MICE arrivals will continue to grow in the second half of this year. He says the staging of large-scale conventions and exhibitions will help this upward trend. 'Sustained growth of the mainland economy and stronger... https://www.scmp.com/article/978941/boom-times?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/978941/boom-times?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Event AmCham 2011 Ball 'Moonlight Masquerade' took place on April 20 with 376 attending, managed by CiEvents. Objectives To create a memorable atmosphere of elegance, mystery and reflection; ensure the d?cor complemented the venue - Four Seasons Ballroom; achieve consistency across theming and d?cor; and ensure flawless execution and service. Measures These included dancers and an aerial artist to create a wow factor. By using the ceiling lighting system, a moonlight blue glow was created. ... https://www.scmp.com/article/978927/moonlight-glow?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/978927/moonlight-glow?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000 While international hotel chains court the lucrative MICE market with versatile initiatives and branded images, mid-size hotels in Hong Kong are meeting the challenge by offering alternative cost-effective choices. Sino Group of Hotels manages four properties in Hong Kong - The Royal Pacific Hotel & Towers, City Garden, Island Pacific and Hong Kong Gold Coast, which focuses on 'meetings and incentives' due to limited function spaces. Since opening in 1995, the Gold Coast remains a popular... https://www.scmp.com/article/978945/grand-ambition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/978945/grand-ambition?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Yuen Long has evolved from a small market town on the northwest alluvial plains to a modern, well-connected, self-contained mini metropolis. In the process, it has spawned some 600 restaurants. The choices on offer range from chains to boutique restaurants, and include local and international delicacies. But there is also a big emphasis on traditional cuisine. Some of its older restaurants make Yuen Long worth a visit. The large and recently renovated Tai Wing Wah has been a Yuen Long... https://www.scmp.com/article/975272/life-alluvial-plains-gives-rise-unique-coastal-cuisine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/975272/life-alluvial-plains-gives-rise-unique-coastal-cuisine?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Event Hong Kong Disneyland Resort hosted a media event to launch its year-long fifth anniversary celebrations. Over the course of three days, from January 21, more than 800 journalists from 10 countries and regions were entertained. About 200 trade and industry partners, and 100 dignitaries and guests were also invited. Objectives The event's two primary goals were to reinforce the Disney brand and to help the media showcase to their readers and viewers all the enhancements that have come to... https://www.scmp.com/article/964230/media-have-ball?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/964230/media-have-ball?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Event A German multinational in the manufacturing industry hosted a sales conference in Macau to mark its 100th anniversary, targeting leading partners on the mainland, where it has five plants. The event was attended by 270 people from 220 partners on the mainland, and 50 of its own top managers. It was handled by DOC DMC Macau. Objectives To stage an event reflecting the company's values -reliability, quality and innovation. It was an exceptional conference, well-planned and... https://www.scmp.com/article/964227/german-hospitality?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/964227/german-hospitality?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:00:00 +0000 With the growth of MICE business, more destinations in Asia are vying for lucrative dollars. While Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand are likely to remain Asia's top destinations, some cities have attracted growing interest. These include Seoul in South Korea, Hanoi in Vietnam and China's Hainan Island. Of the three, Seoul has taken an aggressive approach as the Korea National Tourism Organization and Seoul Tourism Organisation have tried to attract international events. Seoul has five... https://www.scmp.com/article/964239/fresh-faces?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/964239/fresh-faces?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:00:00 +0000 For the past two years, mortgage interest rates have remained at ultra-low levels, but some analysts anticipate an upward trend later this year. In fact, a few leading lenders have recently readjusted their mortgage rates, suggesting the interest rate cycle may have turned. Market leaders HSBC and Bank of China (BOC) recently raised their borrowing costs for the Hong Kong Interbank Offer Rate (Hibor). BOC raised its rates from 0.8 per cent to 0.9 per cent, capping it at 1.2 per cent, with... https://www.scmp.com/article/741877/interesting-times?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/741877/interesting-times?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:00:00 +0000 Visitors spending a weekend or more in Macau have never had a greater choice of places to stay - whether five-star hotels or quiet out-of-the way pousadas. Hotel rooms and occupancy rates have risen from last year, largely thanks to the casino resort operators. The 213-room Mandarin Oriental was one of two prime hotels to open this year. 'We offer an oasis in this busy city, yet are connected to the best in entertainment and shopping via One Central,' says general manager Martin Schnider, of... https://www.scmp.com/article/730041/hospitality-sector-cashes-its-chips?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/730041/hospitality-sector-cashes-its-chips?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Asia's top ocular event, the 18th Hong Kong Optical Fair, will see buyers and exhibitors from around the world gather at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from today until Friday. Organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), more than 580 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions will take part, a record for the event. Seven pavilions have been erected representing the mainland, Germany, Japan, South... https://www.scmp.com/article/729307/eye-catching-fair-attracts-record-turnout?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/729307/eye-catching-fair-attracts-record-turnout?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:00:00 +0000 The 2nd Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair (HKIMDSF), at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from today to Friday, will showcase new products, with educational seminars and networking opportunities for buyers and sellers. Co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the fair debuted last year to serve the needs of those in the medical device business.... https://www.scmp.com/article/729308/exhibitors-display-array-products?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/729308/exhibitors-display-array-products?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Taking a cruise is no longer confined to pleasure seeking, as travellers eye new opportunities to learn and experience something unique. As a result, operators are taking their floating hotels to the next level by introducing versatile and experiential programmes. Crystal Cruises' Experiences of Discovery has hosted such events as wine and food festivals, with guest chefs and sommeliers, to golf cruises with celebrity pros, great destination courses and instruction. The Emerging... https://www.scmp.com/article/728712/learn-your-leisure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/728712/learn-your-leisure?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:00:00 +0000 From the glitzy shows at the City of Dreams and Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel to swish nightclubs and eateries, Macau is nurturing its own style. Balancing the glamour of the Cotai Strip is the appeal of old Macau, the centre of which is preserved as a Unesco World Heritage Site, and concerts and festivals. There's something for everyone - that's Macau's style. More than five million Hongkongers visited Macau in the first eight months of this year, and total visitor numbers reached 16.7... https://www.scmp.com/article/728187/surprises-greet-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/728187/surprises-greet-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:00:00 +0000 The choice of Hong Kong hotels continues to grow with new brands taking their place amid Kowloon's skyline including the world's highest hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, opening in November. Across on Hong Kong Island, the 432-room L'hotel Island (pictured this page) is opening its doors in Aberdeen. The 312-room Ritz-Carlton will occupy the 102nd to 118th floors of the International Commerce Centre in West Kowloon, above Kowloon MTR station and the Elements shopping centre. Others joining... https://www.scmp.com/article/725590/skys-limit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725590/skys-limit?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong's meetings and events sector is on the road to recovery with the number of overnight Mice visitors surging 29.7 per cent to 657,951 for the first half of the year. Visitors from South and Southeast Asia showed the highest growth (55 per cent), followed by the Americas (37.7 per cent), the mainland (27.8 per cent) and north Asia (25.8 per cent). Gilly Wong, Mice and cruise general manager at Meeting and Exhibition Hong Kong (MEHK), attributes this to a better economic climate,... https://www.scmp.com/article/725587/expanding-horizons?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725587/expanding-horizons?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Big events can lift a country as a delegate destination to new heights - as the 2008 Beijing Olympics showed. Now, the mainland is drawing on the six-month World Expo 2010 in Shanghai to raise that profile even higher. One of the strategies being adopted is to treat the expo as the voice of tourism and build a new image for Shanghai. 'The event has given birth to new Mice sites, as well as luxury hotels such as Peace Hotel by Fairmont, and the makeover of our transportation infrastructure,' ... https://www.scmp.com/article/725595/expo-raises-great-expectations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725595/expo-raises-great-expectations?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Australia is becoming a major player in the Asia-Pacific Mice scene, with overall business arrivals accounting for about 13 per cent of visitors. The competitive edge is being maintained with an A$8.1 billion (HK$58.3 billion) investment in infrastructure, including renovations and new accommodation, venues, convention centres and incentive experiences. Tourism Australia has formed its Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) to work together as Team Australia to book more international Mice events.... https://www.scmp.com/article/725574/australia-means-business?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725574/australia-means-business?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Around this time last year, Thailand stood proud as a globally preferred destination for Mice. Its economy was on the mend and its tourism chiefs had plenty to smile about. All that changed drastically when red-shirted protesters took to the streets of Bangkok between March and May this year, paralysing the tourism and Mice industry. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) put the loss of revenue, from an estimated 73,000 fewer Mice visitors, at more than US$93.8 million... https://www.scmp.com/article/725557/back-road-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725557/back-road-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Taiwan might have been a little late on the scene - with Mice initiatives not getting under way until 2005 - but what a difference five years make. The island hosted 91 international conferences last year, landing it in 32nd place in the International Congress and Conference Association world rankings in its report last year, up three places from the previous year. Taipei hosted 64 conferences to rank it seventh among Asian cities, bypassing Shanghai and Tokyo. The successful hosting of the... https://www.scmp.com/article/725579/making-lost-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725579/making-lost-time?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 A leonine pride is evident as Singapore savours two new integrated resorts - Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World at Sentosa - that have lifted its tourism and Mice profile. Revenue from business travel and the Mice sector is a boon to Singapore's tourism receipts. But when it comes to competition, there is no likelihood of venues in the Lion City battling for decreasing slices of delegate markets as other resort destinations in Asia-Pacific look on. 'With both integrated resorts now open,... https://www.scmp.com/article/725599/seamless-experience?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725599/seamless-experience?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands have raised the stakes for the Mice industry in Asia-Pacific. Not only have the integrated resorts transformed Singapore, drawing more tourism and Mice arrivals - there is another trump card: political stability. The city has seen six straight months of record growth in visitor arrivals, according to the Singapore Tourism Board. More choices mean delegates at Resorts World Sentosa can visit the first Universal Studios in Southeast Asia and dine at... https://www.scmp.com/article/725598/vision-and-foresight-paying?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725598/vision-and-foresight-paying?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Hong Kong is tailoring competitive packages to woo event planners. The 'Hong Kong Rewards Privilege Programme' offers perks according to the size of the meetings group. Apart from shopping and dining offers, free programmes showcasing Chinese culture, such as face-changing, kung-fu shows, lion dances and fortune-telling, are also available for overseas groups. 'The core strengths of Hong Kong give us an edge over other tourism organisations,' says Gilly Wong, meetings and general manager... https://www.scmp.com/article/725594/tackling-competition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725594/tackling-competition?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Thai tourism chiefs will be hoping Bangkok's Impact Arena will help win back Mice delegates to the city following political unrest on the streets earlier this year. The exhibition and convention centre's Corporate Reward Programme allows clients to earn valuable redemption points that will help them reduce organising costs and enjoy various privileges, benefits and services. A four-star hotel is being built at the venue and is scheduled to be ready in the early part of next year. India and China... https://www.scmp.com/article/725581/onus-arena-make-impact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725581/onus-arena-make-impact?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Chances are that executives visiting Hong Kong as part of a delegation have been to the Pearl of the Orient before, and have had their fill of Fragrant Harbour junk trips and the nightly Symphony of Lights. So, when organising a break from networking, it's essential to offer a relaxing tour of the city that offers some fresh attractions. Michael Chiay, general manager of Ovation Hong Kong-Macau, offers his suggestions: Hip and happening Hong Kong: Cross Victoria Harbour by Star Ferry before... https://www.scmp.com/article/725580/dare-be-different-tours?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725580/dare-be-different-tours?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Details such as flowers, food, or even conference room decorations can determine whether an event planner stays loyal to a hotel or seeks another venue. When something goes wrong at an event, it's too late to make changes, so fine-tuning must be done during planning. Now, event planners are focusing on the green factor as they seek venues with techniques to reduce the cost and waste of resources such as paper. Event planners increasingly make their decisions online when previewing a... https://www.scmp.com/article/725584/perfecting-finer-points?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725584/perfecting-finer-points?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 Malaysia's pursuit of Mice business through the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has yielded improved rankings amid challenging economic conditions. Kuala Lumpur leapt five spots to 22nd place in the latest International Congress and Convention Association report after hosting 72 international meetings last year. MyCEB was established last year to strengthen its position globally for business events and to serve as a conduit for national product development. 'We will be... https://www.scmp.com/article/725564/capital-gains-thanks-cultural-events?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725564/capital-gains-thanks-cultural-events?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000 How is Venetian Macao planning to woo more event delegates with competition not only in Macau, but also from Singapore? Corporations and planners want to offer their delegates a fresh and memorable experience and, as Asia's largest integrated resort developer, we draw from Macau's culture, our infrastructure and people to create the experiences the market demands. CotaiJet recently launched a new route between Hong Kong International Airport and Taipa Ferry Terminal. We now have more than 100... https://www.scmp.com/article/725577/growing-every-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/725577/growing-every-day?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000