In an effort to keep mice.net readers abreast of what’s happening in the region we provide a snapshot of some of the more recent developments over the following pages. And stay tuned for more updates throughout the year.
One of Asia’s best destinations for events is said to be the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, which is proving incredibly popular with high-profile meetings. Some of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s most recent convention wins and events are certainly testament to its growing popularity. Some of these include:
• 6th World Chambers Congress from June 3 to 6, 2009 for 1000 delegates. KL will be the first city in South East Asia to host a major International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) event. From the last congress in 2005, held in South Africa, it saw participation from chamber leaders and executives from more than 90 countries. Istanbul is to host to this year’s congress from July 4 to 6, 2007.
• 9th ECR Asia Conference from November 14 to 15, 2006 (400 delegates). The centre was selected as the venue for this premier event which was attended by 400 delegates representing all aspects of the retail distribution chain. They discussed the latest technology and trends impacting this industry in the Asian region.
• 6th Asian & Oceanian Epilepsy Congress - November 16 to 19, 2006. More than 70 regional and international speakers were present at the 6th Asian & Oceanian Epilepsy Congress. Organised by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), their main agenda was to discuss a range of scientific and clinical topics that are highly relevant to epilepsy practices in the Asian and Oceanian region.
• The Offshore Asia Conference & Exhibition from January 16 to 18, 2007 attracted more than 2200 delegates (three times more than the attendance in 2005). Highlighting the latest developments in offshore exploration and development, the 2008 exhibition at the centre is expected to be twice the size of 2007.
In other news, in January 2007, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre became the first convention centre in Malaysia to be accredited the internationally acclaimed Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification award, an internationally recognised food safety assurance management system. This is in recognition of the centre’s adherence to the highest level of hygiene and safety standards in the convention centre industry. The strict guidelines demanded by HACCP provide an added level of assurance for clients planning their events at the centre.
Rendezvous Hotels & Resorts International (Rendezvous) has been appointed to manage Kuala Lumpur’s newest four-star deluxe hotel. The development of the Jalan Cangkat Thambi Dollah Hotel, to be named Rendezvous Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, will be completed and open in 2009. The hotel is a new and exciting commitment by Rendezvous to the future long-term growth of corporate tourism and the hospitality industry in Malaysia. Tourism in Malaysia is expected to grow by an average 15 per cent per annum, with corporate travel in particular expected to generate more business in and around Kuala Lumpur’s city centre.
Rendezvous Hotel, Kuala Lumpur is well-located in the centre of the city, commonly referred to as “The Golden Triangle”, which boasts the city’s major shopping centres, trendiest nightspots, and also houses the key financial and business office centres. Rendezvous Hotel, Kuala Lumpur will consist of two adjoining towers. The hotel tower will offer 388 rooms on 26 floors with three additional floors devoted to hotel facilities and commercial spaces such as a recreation and spa area with pool, gym, spa, steam and sauna rooms; a restaurant and bar; business centre and a conference centre with meeting and seminar rooms. The adjoining tower of 26 levels of residential apartments will have its own entrance, parking, lobby, health and services facilities and will be partly sold and partly leased.
Rendezvous’ chief executive, Alan Featherby, says, “Rendezvous’ entry into Kuala Lumpur will further increase the Rendezvous group’s presence within Asia and form a strong alliance with our established hotel in Singapore.”
“There are no upcoming four or five-star hotels within the vicinity in the foreseeable future but a continual upward progression in the Malaysian Tourism market is forecast. We are confident that Rendezvous Hotel, Kuala Lumpur will contribute strongly to the group’s profitability.”
An acclaimed five-star luxury hotel, Marina Mandarin Singapore managed by Meritus Hotels & Resorts is the only member of The Leading Hotels of the World in Singapore.
Enjoying an excellent location in the heart of the city, the hotel offers a breathtaking view of Marina Bay and the financial district with convenient access to Marina Square shopping mall.
Adjacent to Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre and opposite The Esplanade, Singapore’s performing arts centre, the hotel is 20 minutes away from the Singapore Expo and Singapore Changi Airport.
Boasting extensive meeting facilities that spell stylish versatility and welcomed convenience, whether it is for a large-scale forum or private cocktail function, the property’s professional convention services team will ensure that attention is paid to even the finest detail.
Following a recent S$25 million remodelling exercise, the hotel’s 575 well-appointed guest rooms and suites include the elegant Meritus Club with its contemporary décor and tasteful artwork by local and Asian artists.
In addition, be thoroughly pampered by a host of amenities such as gastronomic dining options, comprehensive spa, 24-hour fitness and pool facilities, and a 24-hour executive centre.
Imbued with a philosophy of providing Asian grace, warmth and care in an atmosphere of relaxed elegance, rest assured that your every stay will be one of limitless experience.
Amari Orchid Resort & Tower is poised to launch the soon-to-be opened five-star luxury Ocean Tower. Throwing its doors wide open, the first guests will be welcomed mid year, to experience a new era of luxurious accommodation in Pattaya, right on the Beach Road.
At the cutting edge of style and elegance, all 297 guest rooms are embraced by the ocean view of Pattaya Bay. All rooms come complete with oversized bathrooms in a striking new open-plan concept and offer private balconies.
The Ocean Tower boasts the ultimate in comfort with splendid Ocean Deluxe, as well as Executive Ocean Deluxe rooms and suites including the Horizon Club Executive Floors, offering 49 spacious and sleek executive rooms and 10 exceptionally-designed suites.
Total relaxation and pampering abound at Sivara Spa. Exceptional dining can be experienced at Essence all-day dining restaurant and a wealth of exclusivity and cool at ICE Bar, where to lounge is to indulge.
Whether business, leisure or a smattering of both, Ocean Tower is the obvious choice in Pattaya, located on the Northern Beach Road.
For further information visit www.amari.com.
The Singapore Zoo and Night Safari has further expanded its dining and event options for the convention and incentive market. Combining dining and wildlife appreciation, the attractions offer unique packages such as Breakfast-in-the-Wild, Jungle Luncheon, Tropical Tea and Dinner Safari.
The Singapore Zoo provides a wide selection of incentive and corporate venues. At the Treetops Trails, Elephants of Asia, Hamadryas Baboons or at the Tiger Trek, guests can choose to sip cocktails near the playful primates, the majestic elephants or the endangered white tigers.
For outdoor settings, events can be held at Pavilion-By-The-Lake, Reservoir Picnic Site and Garden Pavilion. For air-conditioned comfort, guests can go to Forest Fare or Forest Lodge.
Two latest additions to the Singapore Zoo are the Australian Outback and Palm Park. Opened in March 2006, the Australian Outback is located next to the pristine waters of the Seletar Reservoir. There, guests can enjoy the rugged beauty of “Down Under” and view a varied collection of Australia’s indigenous animals.
The Palm Park is a wonderful getaway from mundane city dining. This venue caters to small cocktails of 50 to lavish dinners for 800.
And since November 2006, visitors to the Night Safari can enjoy a new dining experience at the Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant. Newly furbished with a rustic and rainforest theme, this restaurant evokes a kampong (traditional village) feel among diners and presents an array of food from all over Asian countries. Diners can opt for al fresco or indoor dining, buffet or a la-carte.
Wyndham Hotel Group, a member of the Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN) family of hospitality companies, recently announced it will launch the Wyndham® brand in China during the fourth quarter of 2007 with the opening of a newly constructed, 550-room, 26-floor luxury hotel that it will manage in Xiamen, Fujian Province.
The Wyndham Xiamen hotel will feature three full-service restaurants, a 300-square-metre lounge, fitness room, sauna, pool and 1500 square metres of meeting space including a 1000 square-metre ballroom, boardroom and additional function rooms.
Yan Wen Liang, principal owner of He Ping Li Hotel Company, recently signed a 10-year agreement with Wyndham Hotel Group to manage the property.
Wyndham Hotel Group president and chief executive officer, Steven A. Rudnitsky, said the introduction of the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand in China fulfils a key corporate objective to begin developing the brand in Asia.
“Our upscale Wyndham brand will ensure that we are represented in China’s major segments along with our upper-midscale Ramada® hotels, upscale Days Inn® and Howard Johnson® hotels and upper-economy Super 8® brand,” he said.
“With 84 hotels representing nearly 14,500 rooms under four brands, Wyndham Hotel Group already is one of the largest US-based hotel companies in China.”
The Wyndham Xiamen hotel will be the group’s first fully managed property in the Asia Pacific region. Mr Rudnitsky said Wyndham Hotel Group’s approach to developing hotels in China varies by brand including a joint-venture partnership to provide management services, master franchising and direct franchising.
“This flagship opportunity is a testament to the strength of the Wyndham brand and our management expertise. We anticipate strong growth of the Wyndham brand in China. Our overall strategy is to identify and pursue flagship Wyndham hotel properties in key international and gateway cities.”
While the Wyndham brand is positioned in North America as an upscale product, the Wyndham Xiamen and other Wyndham hotels developed in China will be built to luxury standards.
Visit www.wyndhamworldwide.com for further details.
Rejuvenation, stress control and weight management take on new meaning at Thailand’s luxurious Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai with the introduction of three exclusive wellness packages designed to pamper and produce results.
Guests seeking lifestyle changes and relaxation are now able to do so within an inspirational resort environment, surrounded by lush gardens and a rich cultural heritage. On arrival guests will spend time with the resort’s renowned ayurvedic specialists who will provide an in-depth personalised health assessment followed by a tailor-made regime suited to each individual’s specific needs.
Each package is based on a minimum of four consecutive nights beginning at USD1400 per couple per night, and USD850 per night for single guests and includes: accommodation, round trip airport transfers, daily personalised menus at designated restaurants, prescribed therapeutic head and body treatments by a resident health specialist, back and foot therapies, wellness education, lifestyle recommendations, daily physical and spiritual activities and complimentary use of the steam and chromo bath and fitness facilities.
“We are delighted to be able to offer this new range of wellness programs, which will allow guests the opportunity to experience therapeutic lifestyle enhancement and total relaxation in the comfort and privacy of one of the world’s foremost resorts,” said Mark Bradford, general manager.
This spectacular resort is set amidst 60 acres of green, natural surroundings. The result is some of the world’s most magnificent accommodation; restaurants praised for their authenticity and leisure facilities that provide an insightful cultural experience. The soul of the resort is Dheva Spa and Holistic Centre, a wondrous space dedicated to relaxation and true healing under the guidance of ayurvedic doctors.
Rates for the unique “Weight Management”, “Stress Management” and “Rejuvenation” programs are valid until October 31, 2007 and are inclusive of service and tax. For reservations please call the resort direct at +66 53 888 888 ext. 8929 or book on line at www.mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai.
“Vietnam - a new tiger in Asia” has been subject of international media over the last few months. For many years in a row, the country has been the second fastest growing economy in Asia, after China. In 2006, Vietnam accomplished a number of great achievements, successfully hosting the APEC Summit and having the PNTR approved by the US Congress. Its economy reached a tremendous GDP growth of 8.2 per cent, and also attracted as much as USD 10.2 billion of FDI, a major increase of 47 per cent compared to 2005.
Being not only a highly potential market for foreign investment, Vietnam is also an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world. According to Vietnam’s Administration of Tourism (VNAT) report, 3.6 million international tourists came to visit Vietnam in 2006.
Getting to Vietnam is relatively simple with Vietnam Airlines. The national carrier, established in 1993, has marked a significant advance to become a major airline in Asia. Vietnam Airlines offers an extensive network and high-frequencied schedule. The airline is also the unique legacy carrier offering non-stop flights from Europe and Australia to Vietnam.
Visit www.vietnamairlines.com.vn for further details.
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