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RNI No.:DELENG/2010/34144 ` 20
the inbound business magazine
A DDP Publication
Volume XI Issue 4 October-November 2020 34 pages
‘Exhibitions
impact
purchase
decisions’
Building
‘Brand India’
Getting back
quite ‘M!CE’ly
contents Winter 2020
Publisher & Editor
SanJeet
Senior Correspondent
Neha Rawat
desk editor
Smita Kulshreshth
5 Design
mot Raashi Ajmani Girdhar
Building 'Brand India'
Advertising
Nikhil jeet
6 10 Gaganpreet Kaur
Meetu Malhotra
Rakesh Kashyap
+91 9650399910
Advertisement Designers
Vikas Mandotia
Nitin Kumar
cover story interview
'Getting back quite 'M!CE'ly Innovative solutions Production Manager
Anil Kharbanda
12 14 Circulation Manager
Ashok Rana
MUMBAI: Advertising
Harshal Ashar
Priyanshu Wankhade
events interview Picture on the cover:
Courtesy:
A unique M!CE event 'A growing business' AccorHotels
DDP Publications Private Limited Tel: +91-22-22070129, 22070130 Similarly, opinions/views expressed by any party in Editorial enquiries and enquiries concerning the reproduction The publisher reserves the rights to refuse, withdraw, amend or
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M CEtalk October-November 2020 3
news
news
‘Wedding At Pride’ is an initiative
where memories will be created with
grandeur and care. Pride Hotels has set the stage for
weddings by offering venues located across India.
The Leela Group debut in Jaipur
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has
The new
announced the signing of a management DoubleTree by
agreement with Tulsi
Palace Resorts Group
Hilton Jaipur Amer
to expand its portfolio with its prime
to Jaipur in Rajasthan. location, plenty of
The existing hotel in
Jaipur, will undergo open-air venues
enhancements both and indoor spaces,
in the product & its
service offerings .
is perfect for your
next leisure travel
or planning your
dream wedding.
jüSTa Mukteshwar opens
jüSTa Hotels and Resorts has expanded its luxury, leisure,
and wellness offerings with jüSTa Dignitii Retreat and Spa,
Mukteshwar from October 1, 2020. Meeting, conference,
weddings, and social event options are available at the spa
retreat. State-of-the-art board room for a small meeting to a
conference hall to hold a 100 pax gathering are available.
Increase in passenger traffic at CSMIA
The Restart Feedback survey conducted by Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in
September revealed a boost in passenger confidence
towards air travel. Between May to September, the
increase in the permitted flights per day has resulted in
an increase in passenger traffic at the airport.
Gartex
In conjunction with MEX Exhibitions, Messe
Frankfurt Trade Fairs India announced that Gartex
Texprocess Texprocess India will be the first textile sector
exhibition to take the hybrid route. Scheduled
India to take alongside Messe Frankfurt’s Screen Print India
fair after a hiatus of one year, the much-awaited
the hybrid Mumbai edition is set to bring industry players
face-to-face with new opportunities from March
route 18-20 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre.
4 M CEtalk October-November 2020
MOT
Building ‘Brand India’
MOT advocates that a stronger M!CE sector would mean a more competent tourism
industry, a goal that would only be achieved if both govt & stakeholders work together
Nisha Verma
events, backing it up with
delivering on promises. The
government has to back the
industry in bringing more
events and conventions. The
government and industry
must together build India as
a M!CE destination,” he said.
He added that the first
Prahlad Singh Patel step would be to tell the
world that India is ready to
welcome more events and
conventions. Verma said,
I believe that “We have to aggressively
M!CE can be the market India as a M!CE
biggest platform destination; our missions
abroad can be of great
to attract help. ICPB, as a nodal
international body, can play a key role
tourists and in securing support from
popularise India various ministries and
other organisations, both
for winning bids and for
subsequent successful
organisation of events. ICPB
P
rahlad Singh Patel, I believe that M!CE can needs to be developed as a
Minister of State be the biggest platform to single window for meeting
(I/C), Tourism and attract international tourists such needs.” He added
Culture, has said that M!CE and popularise India,” the that simultaneously, the
helps create an ideal image Minister said in his address country needs to prepare
of the country and also at the 13th Conventions India destinations for holding
benefits all stakeholders Conclave (CIC) by India conventions and events, and
while providing employment Convention Promotion meet the needs of visitors.
at various levels. The Bureau (ICPB).
government has made some “M!CE is a very dynamic
changes to conferences Sharing a similar view, industry and therefore, in
owing to the new SOPs, Rakesh Verma, Joint Rakesh Verma order to stay in competition,
which include a reduced Secretary, MOT and it must constantly evolve
delegate limit from 500 to Chairman, ICPB, claimed and innovate. Digitalisation
250 and instead of allowance that growth of the M!CE is a major challenge, and
for one night, an allowance industry is crucial for the We have to we must stay ahead,” he
of two nights has been growth of many other market India asserted, adding, “Having
made – a benefit that can be segments of the economy. “It a stronger ICPB and good
availed by guests. impacts tourism, hospitality, as a M!CE M!CE destinations are a
event management and destination; our few suggestions that have
“The industry should look at a host of other people in missions abroad found place in our new
conferences and events not the supply chain. India tourism policy. Soon, we
only for corporates, but also has great potential for
can be of will formalise these policy
for lawyers and doctors. We M!CE, the challenge lies great help initiatives which will give
can provide a platform to in building a strong ‘Brand fillip to our efforts to
explore such opportunities. India’ for conventions and strengthen the sector."
M CEtalk October-November 2020 5
cover story
Getting back
quite ‘M CE’ly
Industry experts share their views with Charmaine Fernz on the how
the pandemic has changed the M!CE business & what lies ahead
Courtesy: AccorHotels
6 M CEtalk October-November 2020
cover story
A
ccording to Global These were substantial industry witnessed training
Opportunity numbers which were and development, launch of
Analysis and completely wiped away in products, or even knowledge
Industry Forecast, the last eight months. Robust upgradation happening to
the global M!CE industry was growth plans came to a a large extent on Zoom and
pegged at US$805 billion in standstill when India like the tech platforms. This may have
2017, and is projected to reach whole world was engulfed in been a boon to the technology
US$1,439.3 billion in 2025, the pandemic. Amit Saroj, industry but pertaining to
registering a CAGR of 7.6 per Chief Creative Officer and the tourism industry, it was
cent from 2018 to 2025. CEO, Indiattitude puts the restricted to only training and
Going by earlier statistics, situation in perspective. developing its stakeholders.” Jyoti Mayal
the year 2020 began on a “The pandemic has had a
very optimistic note, least major impact making most Thinking out of the box
to everyone’s dismay a total companies rethink their The lockdown though
washout. As Jyoti Mayal, business models for survival. preventive had its impact on The Indian
President of TAAI and Vice It has not been easy to survive every individual and industry. wedding industry
Chairperson of FAITH, says, the impact of negligible The concepts of sanitation, is the second-
“The Indian M!CE market revenue and unfortunately, social distancing and wearing
was worth as much as US$2 some players had to shut a mask were ingrained in every
largest in the
billion, with growth marked shop. In my view, revenue loss individual psyche. However, world with a total
at eight per cent per annum. guesstimate is about 95 per looking at this adversity in value estimated
an optimistic light, Rohit
The potential for growth was
huge, even though many Indian
cent over the last six months
including support services,” Chopra, Regional Director
at US$50 billion
business houses prefer foreign he adds. – Sales & Distribution, India
Courtesy: AccorHotels
locales. The Indian wedding Bustling events came to a
industry, part of M!CE, is the
second-largest in the world
standstill with technology
being the only saviour.
QUICK BYTE The crisis has made
with a total value estimated at Industries had to abide by most companies rethink their
US$50 billion. More than 10 new norms such as social business models for survival
million weddings take place in distancing, sanitisation,
India each year; the value of the hygiene factors and a very
sector could well be over INR prevalent fear psychosis. As & South Asia, Accor, says,
100,000 crore, with growth Guldeep Sahni, MD, Weldon “The hospitality industry
rates topping 30 per cent.” Tours & Travels, says, “The is operating in a ‘new now’.
M CEtalk October-November 2020 7
XXXxx
Courtesy: AccorHotels
Social distancing is the norm
with an increased emphasis QUICK BYTE The ‘phygital’
on health and safety, resulting
in contactless services as the hybrid model will become a
foundation for operations. rising trend in M!CE events
For M!CE this translates into
virtual events and weddings shifts, while some changes aimed at bringing back trust
as the way forward, ensuring may be temporary, there and confidence among our
maximum social distancing is will also be some permanent customers. In addition, we
maintained and no buffets or new variations in business have also reached out to our
Amit Saroj
minimal buffet set-ups are models. The fear of the virus existing customer base and
in effect.” has already brought in a lot corporates, providing them
of digital innovations which with surety as to why it’s safer
Revenue loss Elaborating further Mayal
adds, “An industry cannot
will continue to grow in times to travel via air. Subsequently,
we are slowly seeing
to come. Incentive travel will
guesstimate is take-off where engagements be largely domestic in nature, confidence coming back as
about 95 per and physical meetings of keeping safety and restrictions more and more customers are
cent over the people are at the heart. But, as in mind. As an airline, we flying every day.”
we embrace the new normal, are enhancing our domestic
last six months it would be prudent to find network as well as offering Sharing his views from a
including practices that can work within charter options to cater to all hospitality perspective,
support services given guidelines; rather than such needs.” Chopra says, “Undoubtedly,
endlessly waiting for times to every industry has been
get better. M!CE travellers will The industry voice impacted by the pandemic.
attach greater importance to Every industry has faced the However, weddings have been
hygiene and lead time for event brunt of the pandemic with resilient, with continuous
organisation will be shortened. tourism suffering a major demand. At several of Accor’s
bolt. As we access how is the hotels, we witnessed a rise
The first stage of recovery will industry emerging towards in demand for curated &
witness smaller M!CE groups normalcy, we understand how virtual weddings. We are
constitute a larger ratio in some verticals are coping with also expecting an increase in
the industry due operational the change. bookings of small meeting
constraints. The ‘phygital’ rooms. We have undertaken
hybrid model will become a Explaining the impact on the multiple initiatives to bring
rising trend in M!CE events, airline industry, Kumar says, back M!CE segment patrons.
integrating digital and physical “As we all know, the airline
Guldeep Sahni
interfaces. Convention and industry as a whole had a We have implemented our
exhibition venue providers will huge impact, leave apart any cleanliness and prevention
have to put in place additional specific segments. Of course, label, ALLSAFE at all our
Travel for M!CE disinfecting equipment and all M!CE movements were properties. In addition, across
have heightened screening cancelled and are still going our properties, we have altered
events will now arrangements to ensure public to take some time before we our meeting room capacity and
be restricted health safety.” start seeing large M!CE groups re-arranged furniture to ensure
to short-haul coming back. On our part, minimum one metre distance
travel both From an airline perspective,
Sanjay Kumar, Chief
we have worked very closely
with various stakeholders
between each participant to
be compliant with govt norms.
within India and Strategy and Revenue Officer, and government authorities Our hotels have also organised
internationally IndiGo explains it will be in order to follow standard a circulation path (one-way
no different. “The M!CE protocols post-resumption of traffic) to access and exit the
industry will witness various flights. All new protocols are meeting rooms. We have also
8 M CEtalk October-November 2020
cover story
initiated the ‘Welcome Back ease of business. Vocal for more in-person events will be
Program’ where we partner Local should certainly be possible and backlog will create
with airlines to reignite trust our motto." a growth opportunity.
in guests by inviting them to
showcase all safety measures going beyond Another factor to watch out
adopted by the hotels the normal will be customer behaviour,
across brands." As the adage goes ‘Change as the shift from in-person to
is the only constant’, this is virtual was easy, but getting
Sharing her views from an true for the tourism industry back to in-person, with cost
industry association’s point in India, including M!CE. advantages for virtual may be
Rohit Chopra
Weddings have
been resilient,
with continuous
demand. We saw
a rise in demand
for virtual
weddings
Courtesy: AccorHotels
Sanjay Kumar
challenging.” Chopra explains,
QUICK BYTE The key factor in 2021 “Trust is the new currency
but the key factor in 2021
will be contactless experiences will remain hygiene & safety We are
when it comes to events assurance with contactless slowly seeing
experiences in conducting confidence
of view, Mayal adds, “The Little did one expect that the events. We have seen green
M!CE industry entails many turn of a new decade would shoots in a few industries
coming back as
aspects of stakeholders. Every shake things up so drastically. such as pharmaceuticals, more & more
stakeholder is being educated However, looking ahead with electronics, automobile, sports, customers are
on the new norms. We have optimism, Sahni says, “There movie production houses and
been continuously in dialogue will be demand for smaller social events and can expect
flying every day
with various ministries for group events. Travel for M!CE them to drive M!CE demand
not just supporting the entire events will now be restricted to in 2021."
industry monetarily by offering short-haul travel both within
reliefs and rebates but also India and internationally. “The new India (post
pushed the government to In my view, revival will only COVID era) will be a
open businesses, hotels, happen by the end of 2021 or more responsible tourism
convention centres, even if it beginning of 2022.” destination. The emerging
is with limited presence. Only M!CE tourism trends
if the country opens will the Sharing a slightly different include one that promotes
confidence and demand be point of view, Saroj says, “We sustainability in travel,
generated. Most importantly, are already in the recovery tourism and M!CE. One that
FAITH and TAAI have phase and by April 2021, we works for promoting local
suggested lower taxes to lure should be expecting a growth communities and builds
more M!CE in India and for phase. This is simply because engagement,”concludes Mayal.
M CEtalk October-November 2020 9
interview
Innovative solutions
It’s important to show flexibility in terms of contracting & create unique experiences
for guests, says Puneet Dhawan, Senior VP Operations, Accor India & South Asia
Nisha Verma
F
or Accor, India remains it was again to be agile and new norms. While these guests
a crucial market, and reacting fast on the ground can be catered at any Novotel,
hence it continues to to limit the impact of the we can virtually provide
focus on expansion in the crisis. As things are opening the same food and wedding
country, while making sure up gradually, we are working experience in the living room
that it sails though the distress on various initiatives in terms of any of the relatives or
COVID-19 has caused to of limited contact and use friends of the hosts in a city
the tourism and hospitality technology wherever possible, which has a Novotel property.
industry. Puneet Dhawan yet maintain that warm
believes that it’s important to smile, which is the essence of This would allow them to
focus on the wellbeing of their hospitality," says Dhawan. watch and be part of the
employees and the guests. celebration from their house
He thinks that there won’t via any virtual platform while
Puneet Dhawan Dhawan claims that the be a permanent paradigm experiencing similar food
impact of the pandemic on the shift in the new now. “We offerings,” he says.
industry has been brutal for all are still in the business of
stakeholders. “From our end, hospitality, creating unique He insists that it’s important
experiences and offering for hotels to show flexibility
personalised service. While in terms of contracting,
there is less contact, but number of guests, and create
QUICK BYTE At every ibis we that doesn’t take away our unique experiences to let
offer a great opportunity to cater responsibility of providing
service in terms of innovation
guests have these celebrations.
“Interestingly, we found a
weddings of up to 100 guests and creativity. A crisis brings huge market for events in ibis
about many changes as well as also. Owing to the smaller
opportunities," he shares. size of the weddings, we have
excellent restaurant space with
"Whether it comes to Spice 18, present at every ibis
ancillary revenues coming property, and we have smaller
up with vacation packages or banquet space as well, offering
staycations; or how the F&B a great opportunity to cater
teams have adapted to creating smaller weddings of up to 100
bespoke delivery services; guests,” adds Dhawan.
chefs are doing online cooking
courses; and how we are In fact, at Pullman New
adapting to the new norms for Delhi Aerocity, they have
wedding business – there is a done a permanent set up for
lot happening while offering a events. Shedding light on the
safe and hygienic environment same, Dhawan says, “It’s all
for both our employees and about partnerships. We are
our guests,” he says. partnering with key organisers
in various cities. Pullman New
For M!CE and wedding Delhi Aerocity took the lead,
business, Accor is coming up but in Hyderabad also we are
with new solutions. “We have looking at new ideas and new
20 Novotel properties and concepts with the Novotel
one of the ideas that came Hyderabad Convention Centre
from the hotel GMs, which and Novotel Hyderabad
we are executing very soon, is Airport. They have expansive
that one can have a wedding space, both indoor & outdoor.
event at one of the Novotel We must continue to adapt &
properties, now with around provide experiences at various
100 guests under the levels for all our guests.”
10 M CEtalk October-November 2020survey
‘Exhibitions impact
purchase decisions’
According to a study conducted by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India, 88 per cent
respondents relied on exhibitions to help them with their purchase decisions
business & purchase behaviour
June 2020 september 2020
Cash flow 47.50% Cash flow 28.57%
Company policy 16.67% Company policy 18.37%
I will wait for exhibitions to open 15.42% I will wait for exhibitions to open 26.02%
I cannot find the right suppliers 20.82% I cannot find the right suppliers 26.22%
I cannot import at the moment 0% I cannot import at the moment 13.78%
I cannot find stocks 6.25% I cannot find stocks 13.72%
Others 15.83% Others 5.61%
A
s India moves towards a climate and the state of mind of the fairs allow them to touch and feel
gradual removal of the most senior buyers at Messe Frankfurt the product as well as to build a
lockdown, businesses are India trade fairs during this period. relationship with the seller which are
showing strong resilience in the face key factors for making an effective
of crisis as they begin to re-start The key objective of the ‘Senior purchasing decision.
operations slowly. Assessing the Management Survey’ was to gauge
impact of the pandemic on industries, the business and purchase behaviour While there has been a strong shift
the biggest challenge businesses will amidst the pandemic that has affected with regards to the purchasing
face is business continuity as several businesses of Messe Frankfurt behaviour from June (53 per cent)
industries are reeling under the effects India stakeholders and the cross- to September (63 per cent) with a
of a disrupted sourcing & supply chain. collaboration that Messe Frankfurt rise of 10 per cent in purchasing
India can enable through its virtual activity, most buyers cannot find right
The Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India tools through emphasis on sourcing suppliers while others cannot find
study shares that those who held off alternatives or the need and intention stocks (12.97 per cent), cannot import
purchases do so no longer due to cash to visit exhibitions for trading. (13.81 per cent), as per company
flow issues – a prime consequence of policies (20.08 per cent), or would like
the pandemic in the earlier months, but The study covered a wide range of to wait for exhibitions (24.27 per cent).
rather because they can't find the right industry sectors from the automotive,
suppliers (35.56 per cent). textiles, building technologies and Even as other sourcing alternatives
consumer goods, showing that such as online events, webinars
A market survey of more than 1,000 88 per cent respondents relied on and WhatsApp are picking up,
professionals from across the country exhibitions to help them with their 59 per cent buyers are finding
was conducted in June & September purchase decisions. Over 90 per it difficult to make purchasing
2020 to examine the shifting business cent respondents affirmed that trade decisions during COVID-19. As
purchasing activity has increased
across the board, willingness to attend
exhibitions also saw an increase with
QUICK BYTE Over 90% respondents affirmed respondents looking at visiting the
that trade fairs allow them to feel the product next exhibition "as soon as possible"
registering the highest increase of 10
as well as to build a relationship with the seller percentage points.
M CEtalk October-November 2020 11events
A unique M CE event
Rishiraj Singh Anand, Joint Managing Director, Jagsons Travels and GPS, shares insights
on how to make a hybrid event during COVID-times successful
Manas Dwivedi
A
s they say, nothing one of our largest corporate it was possible. In remote
comes easy, you events that, almost 1,000 locations, we went in for
have to think out delegates from across India popular local options. At
of the box and make things participated where delegates the end, the client was really
work for yourself, such were located in remote happy with our efforts and
has been Rishiraj Singh places as well, starting from execution since they never
Anand’s belief and hard the metros on the way up thought that something like
work which showcased there to tier-II, III and IV as well. this can be done,” he shared.
is plenty of opportunity We had delegates located
to do business in the at the branch offices of the With this unique initiative,
M!CE industry despite the corporate at these remote Singh feels they have set the
pandemic. Sharing the idea locations. We did conduct a tone for restarting business
and success story of the full day corporate event with in the corporate sector.
Rishiraj Singh Anand, activity, which also indicates lot of activities for them.” “With growing technology,
early signs of revival for I feel hybrid events are
business, Singh explains, Not only just activities, going to be the future.
“The corporate travel the team also organised We are working on more
technologically advanced,
events and giving these
ideas to the clients as well,
so that we can do more of
such events,” he said.
“Corporate events can still
take place, they need not
be with physical presence
at the venue. It can be done
as a hybrid event as well.
We are working on more
technologically advanced
events and giving these
suggestions and ideas to the
clients as well, so that we
can do more of such events.
QUICK BYTE This unique initiative Also in comparison to a
larger event, if you look at
has set the tone for restarting the logistics and the finance
business in the corporate sector part, these events work out
much more economical
than physical events for the
movement, has taken a big meals for delegates in a clients and for the corporate
hit, but since September, we unique way. “Apart from as well. Clients with a
These events have kind of seen a growth
in movement. People are
all this, we also arranged
three time meals (breakfast,
smaller budget can opt for
these hybrid events. This
work out much not traveling for business, lunch and dinner) as well is going to be the future.
more economical taking flights or spending on as the evening high tea to I don't say that the onsite
than physical hotels, so we had to come up be delivered in each of the events won't happen, that
with unique ideas using the branches across India. For industry will stay as it is
events for the technology and introduce this, we did a unique tie-up because the human touch is
clients & for the the hybrid model of events with Zomato to source food always required, but this is
corporate as well to to do business, virtually for us from nationalised and going to be the new category
or through different other international food chains of events in the corporate
means. We recently hosted like Marriot, where ever world,” Singh concluded.
12 M CEtalk October-November 2020quickbytes
xxxxxXX
Luxury & M CE
decoded
The panel discussion on the sidelines of UNITE
2020 analysed the Indian luxury and M!CE Mahendra Vakharia
Managing Director
outbound market Pathfinders Holidays
Hazel Jain
If you want to deal with the Indian market, you need
to have a lot of patience and be aware of the nuances of
our culture and our way of life. One segment which is very
important and is fast catching up is luxury. The outbound
traveller from India is also spending a huge amount of
money – especially on shopping. Sometimes, shopping
Nagsri Prasad Sashidhar takes over the total budget of the trip.
Chief Happiness Officer
NAGSRI
Luxury is very innate to the Indian community. It
resonates with our culture, our heritage and even when
we take a holiday, because we know how to appreciate and
enjoy luxury. We as agents need to decide whether we talk
about experiences or we talk about hotels or we talk about a
combination of both. But, do not short-change the Indian
clientele; instead, marry the right product to the
right client. Loveleen Multani Arun
Founder & Director
Panache World
There are a lot of myths surrounding this market.
But, it is a very rewarding market once you get through
this love-hate courtship that happens in the beginning.
Get over this initial hurdle. India has a lot of people, and
the good part is that a lot of them still book through travel
agents. Approach the market slowly and steadily. Do your
SanJeet research and find a good partner in India.
Managing Director
DDP Publications
India is a unique market. Just because we speak
English does not mean that we do business the English
way. Many countries live within India; we have so many
different cultures and it changes every 200 kms. Who is going to
guide the suppliers? When it comes to M!CE, this becomes
important especially for dealer conferences. Also, Indians
are late starters and they don’t book holidays like other
markets do. Tanuja Pandey
Founder Director
MICE Online (MOL)
India is the second largest M!CE source market from
Asia. The biggest challenge for the hotels and the suppliers
who are catering to the Indian market is how to identify the
right partner. We all talk about big groups from India, but that’s
not going to happen for the next one-and-a-half years. Also,
it is going to be a mix of online and offline.
M CEtalk October-November 2020 13interview
‘A growing business’
The big fat weddings are now substituted by highly experiential ones, says Vikram Lalvani,
Chief of Sales, Revenue and Destinations, Sterling Holiday Resorts
Smita Kulshreshth
What trends are you seeing locales, rich local culture for and Guruvayur. They are at
for destination weddings in unique themes and cuisines, a drivable distance from key
India amid the pandemic? and the exotic charm as cities & towns. Additionally,
Destination weddings are most of these destinations several wedding parties are
emerging as a trend amid are still unexplored. Sterling booking out the entire resort
the pandemic because a understood the growing need & conducting ceremonies,
lot of new-age millennial to have an effortless end- such is the case in Anaikatti,
couples value experiences to-end wedding planning Thekkady and Corbett.
over luxury. The new sense and execution, interweaving
of luxury is in discovering the destination’s ethos with As of now, are clients
something unique and that of the celebrations and looking at more cost-
memorable, while the creating a unique experience effective weddings?
quality of service and with lifelong memories. People are now looking
facilities remain spot on. Vikram Lalvani forward to discovering and
With a limited number of Which are your most experiencing their functions
guests, couples are now popular hotels/resorts for differently. We believe, the
really focused on making destination weddings? cap limit gives the families
the entire wedding an Some of the popular resorts a chance to explore more
experience in itself that they that have received a number of the destination, cuisines,
can share with close family of inquiries for destination thematic set ups – indoor
and loved ones; as a trend, weddings are in Mussourie, and outdoor venues, enjoy
this is expected to continue Puri, Palavelli Godavari in the wedding ceremonies at
and even gain mileage in the Andhra Pradesh, Jaipur, a leisurely pace instead of
years to come. For Sterling, Lonavala, Kodaikanal, rushing through, and with
weddings is a growing Ooty Elk Hill and Fern Hill, their near and dear ones. As
business segment that is Darjeeling, Gangtok, Goa a wedding is mostly a once
almost doubling every year. in a life-time affair, families
are more than willing to
What is your USP when enjoy minimalistic weddings
it comes to organising
destination weddings?
QUICK BYTE Families are keen to with maximum memories
At Sterling our resorts enjoy minimalistic weddings with and the big fat weddings are
now substituted by highly
are blessed with stunning maximum memories experiential ones.
14 M CEtalk October-November 2020inbound
movements in India Hotel Association of India (HAI) The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
has appointed Charulata Sukhija has appointed Anupriya Ghosh as
as Deputy Secretary-General of the Senior Director Revenue Strategy.
Association. Her appointment is She brings with her over a decade of
in line with HAI’s overall strategic focused revenue management strategy
restructuring to strengthen the experience. Prior joining to The Leela she
HAI secretariat in its effort to aid has worked with brands including Taj
the survival of the hotel industry Hotels, Starwood Hotels and Marriott
in India. Sukhija has been part of International in India. In her new role,
the hospitality sector since 1985, Ghosh will be responsible for building &
and started her career at the India driving the overall revenue management
Charulata Sukhija Tourism Development Corporation Anupriya Ghosh strategy. She will work closely with all
Deputy Secretary-General She joined HAI in 2008 and was Senior Director, The Leela hotel revenue managers and guide them
Hotel Association of India holding the position of Director. Palaces, Hotels and Resorts in driving the corporate revenue strategy.
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Rajat Tuli has been appointed as
Resorts has announced the General Manager at DoubleTree
appointment of Reuben Kataria by Hilton Gurgaon. He brings with
as the General Manager of him over two decades of industry
the upcoming The Leela Hotel experience having worked in several
and Residences Bhartiya City well-known brands such as Hilton,
Bengaluru. With more than two Taj, Marriott, ITC, and Radisson
decades of experience in managing amongst others. From 2008 to 2015
hotel operations for both business he worked with Hilton India, across
hotels and resorts, Kataria brings a number of their hotels. During this
with him the ideal skillset required period with Hilton, a few notable
Reuben Kataria to help open, launch and Rajat Tuli positions he served were as the
GM, The Leela Hotel and position the hotel in a highly General Manager Commercial Director, F&B Director
Residences Bhartiya City competitive market. DoubleTree by Hilton Gurgaon and as an Executive Chef.
Neha Chhabra has been appointed Radhika Dewan has been appointed
as the General Manager of as the Director of Sales & Marketing
Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru at Renaissance Bengaluru Race
Hebbal. With over 18 years in Course Hotel. Dewan’s core
the hospitality industry, she has responsibilities at the hotel will
worked with both, The Oberoi include planning and implementing
Group and Marriott International. the hotel’s sales and marketing
Chhabra has been a pivotal team strategy, maximising the hotel’s
player with ideating and launching revenues, exploring business
new F&B concepts, driving revenue opportunities through events, setting
and meeting guest satisfaction. annual budgets, forecasting, analysing
Neha Chhabra Her previous position was at the Radhika Dewan revenue reports and strategy amongst
GM, Courtyard by Marriott JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar as the DSM,Renaissance Bengaluru others. She brings with her over 13
Bengaluru Hebbal Director of Operations. Race Course Hotel years of experience.
Sayaji Hotel Indore has appointed Lords Hotels and Resorts has
Sudeep Mukherjee as the new appointed Vijayender Nath as the
Market Director of Sales – Indore. Operations Manager of Mourya Lords
Mukherjee brings with him Inn at Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh. He
over 12 years of rich and varied comes with a rich experience of over
experience in sales and marketing. 32 years in Operations, specialising in
He has strong sales and revenue front office and revenue management
management skills and a thorough with Oberoi and Trident group to
knowledge of the hospitality mention a few. His last assignment
market. Prior to this, he has worked was with Daiwik Hotel, Shirdi –
with reputed brands such as Maharashtra as Operations Manager.
Sudeep Mukherjee Crowne Plaza Kathmandu Soaltee, Vijayender Nath In his new role, Nath will ensure
Market Director of Sales – Grand Mercure Bangalore, Marriott Operations Manager Mourya Lords Inn continues to make a
Indore Hotels India, ITC Hotels Division, Mourya Lords Inn, Kurnool mark for itself in the state of
Sayaji Hotel Indore and many more. Andhra Pradesh.
M CEtalk October-November 2020 15RNI No.:DELENG/2010/34144 ` 20
the outbound business magazine
A DDP Publication
Volume XI Issue 4 October-November 2020
Virtual
Seoul
Platform for
M!CE events
Restarting
M!CE in Dubai
Korea all set for
Indian weddingscontents Winter 2020
22
NTO
Restarting M!CE in Dubai
23 24
EXPERT TALK 29
Shital Kakkar
Mehra shares tips
NTO Events
on building your
Korea all set for Virtual Seoul Platform personal brand
Indian weddings for M!CE events
26 27
counsellor 30
Shivani Misri
Sadhoo talks about
organising business
events amid the
pandemic
interview interview
Picture on
'Social distancing is key' ‘Flexible event solutions’ the cover: Freepik
M CEtalk October-November 2020 20international news
news
87% APAC travellers may change
the way they travel, while 60% of
them increasingly use the words ‘clean’ and
‘hygiene’ in their search, according to Booking.com.
ITB Berlin to be held virtually
from March 9-12, 2021 Hyatt’s first dual-branded project in Europe
ITB Berlin 2021 will take place as an entirely virtual
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Hyatt
event. ITB Berlin 2021 and the accompanying ITB
Place Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Hyatt House Paris
Berlin Convention will be open to trade visitors only.
Charles de Gaulle Airport. The openings mark the first Hyatt
The trade visitor days will take place from March
Place and Hyatt House dual-branded project in France. The
9-12, 2021, adding an extra day to the event. Among
hotels are located in Paris Nord 2 International Business Park.
other features, the virtual concept of ITB Berlin 2021
will include numerous live-streamed high-level panel
discussions, digital networking opportunities, an
intelligent matchmaking event & a virtual exhibition.. Korea MICE Expo returns as a hybrid event
Korea MICE Expo (KME), Korea’s largest trade show for
meeting professionals and incentive planners, returns this
year as a hybrid event for the first time, held offline at Songdo
Convensia, Incheon with a corresponding virtual event from
November 24-27, 2020. The event will provide a virtual
gathering space for over 3,000 M!CE industry professionals.
Thailand MICE United
At TCEB’s ‘Thailand MICE United’ event held in
Bangkok recently, a highlight was the launch of two
new M!CE cities – Songkhla and Nakhon Ratchasima.
Having met the criteria for infrastructure, accessibility,
range of delegate activities, and image, these two cities
are now top-tier destinations.
Business
“The business events sector has been one
of the hardest hit by the pandemic and the
Events Perth announcement of grants between $10,000 and
$250,000 to stimulate the sector is a significant
welcomes step on the road to recovery,” says Business Events
Perth Chief Executive Gareth Martin. Funding
$50 million will support exhibiting at events in 2021 and will
remain open until all funds are allocated or until
stimulus 30 June 2021, whichever is sooner.
21 M CEtalk October-November 2020NTO
As the city gathers
momentum with
the resumption
of meetings &
exhibitions, Dubai’s
Department of
Tourism and
Commerce
Marketing has
formed a Business
Events Stakeholders
Committee
MT Bureau
Restarting M CE in Dubai
H
is Excellency Helal competitive position as a supporting our stakeholders
Saeed Almarri, host city for international and ensuring Dubai leads
Director General business events. the global post-pandemic
of Dubai Tourism, chaired recovery. Business events
the committee’s inaugural His Excellency Helal play a critical role in driving
meeting on September 14 at Saeed Almarri said, “Dubai economic development
Dubai World Trade Centre, has steadily reopened key and knowledge growth
updating members on the economic sectors, building in Dubai and, with the
progress in reactivating the on the support that was city’s status as the Middle
sector in the aftermath of provided throughout the East’s undisputed hub for
the pandemic & facilitating Helal Saeed Almarri pandemic and the measures conferences, exhibitions
discussions around put in place to minimise its and meetings, the
opportunities & challenges. impact. In line with this, we resumption of activity here
have been working closely
Comprising key industry
We are working with industry stakeholders
will have an impact on the
wider region,” he added.
stakeholders, the closely with to ensure a framework is in
committee, which will meet stakeholders place to resume business Ajay Bhojwani, Managing
regularly throughout the
year, provides a platform
to ensure a events that can be best-in- Director, MCI Middle East,
class while at the same time shared, “As the economy
for two-way dialogue framework is in prioritising the health and continues to open, allowing
around the continuous place to resume safety of all participants.” the M!CE and live events
strategic and operational business events sector to resume activities,
development of Dubai’s “The formation of this it is imperative that the
committee underlines the events are conducted in the
collaborative approach we best possible manner with
have sought to take across compete health and safety
quick byte The resumption of all our activities and in regulations in place, and
business events in Dubai will have relation to all the tourism
sub-sectors and reinforces
which are followed by
every single stakeholder
an impact on the wider region our commitment to in the industry."
M CEtalk October-November 2020 22NTO
Korea all set for
Indian weddings
South Korea is ready to host weddings and
honeymooners from India, positioning Jeju Island as the
perfect destination for this
MT Bureau
K
orea Tourism remarks. To initiate Indian "Destination weddings have
Organization (KTO) destination weddings in been a very big industry
brought together Korea, KTO is focusing on in India for many years
representatives from Jeju small boutique and themed now, and Indians are
Tourism Organization, weddings along with pre and famous for leaving no stone
wedding planners, Korea post-wedding photoshoots unturned when it comes
DMCs as well as KTO at unique locations. The to a destination wedding.
in an in-depth virtual luxury honeymoon segment For South Korea, this
discussion on the potential in Korea is also a was its first step into this
for weddings, honeymoons prime audience. multibillion-dollar industry,"
Young-Geul Choi
and celebratory events in he added.
South Korea, particularly Young-Geul Choi, Deputy
Jeju Island. Director, Korea Tourism The webinar brought
Organization New Delhi together industry
The online event was office, said, “I was pleasantly stakeholders from both
attended by over 75 surprised with the positive
reputed wedding planners, response from the market
Now that we India and Korea where they
could discuss opportunities
wedding industry suppliers for weddings in Korea. have got the ball for collaboration.
and honeymoon holiday rolling, we will be
planners. Apart from
destination information,
Now that we have got the taking more steps From the Korean side
ball rolling, we will be taking along with Korea Tourism
all attendees also received more steps in developing in developing this Organization, the panel
Korean luxury cosmetic this market once actual market once comprised of Jeju Tourism
souvenirs to physically travel begins." travel begins Organization, the regional
experience Korea during tourism board of Jeju Island
this period when travel is and suppliers Jane DMC
not happening. Korea and Shanti Tour.
From the Indian side, the
Jong-Ho Choi, Minister, quick byte KTO is focusing on panel comprised of reputed
Embassy of Republic of
Korea in India, inaugurated themed weddings along with Indian wedding planning
companies Cosmic Light
the event with his welcome photoshoots at unique locations Events and Golden Aisle.
23 M CEtalk October-November 2020events
Virtual Seoul Platform
for M CE events
Seoul Convention Bureau has created a Virtual Seoul Platform as an essential source to be
used towards holding more M!CE events in the digital world
S
eoul Convention
Bureau (SCB)
has launched
an innovative M!CE
destination marketing
campaign in response to
the new era the industry is
facing. Instead of holding
the marketing activities
back, Seoul Convention
Bureau decided to take a big
step forward. It has created
a Virtual Seoul Platform as
an essential source to be
used towards holding more
M!CE events in the digital
world. This is the first
case in the world in which
a destination marketing
organisation is presenting surrounded by the city.
Technology The attractiveness of
a virtual platform upfront They each transform into a
in promoting the city as a conference hall, workshop
striking M!CE destination. rooms, a promotional Seoul’s M!CE industry is carefully
The Virtual Seoul Platform
booth, a VR theatre and a
lounge area.
extracted into well-made VR videos
is designed to accommodate
various types of M!CE Customising the venue to partner cities, Gangwon
events. It portrays the actual serve different functions and Gwangju, and an array
Seoul in simpler 3D graphics according to the specific of special tour videos with
showing close resemblance needs of an event an Honorary Seoul Tourism
in locating the venues and is manageable. Ambassador, Eunwoo Cha.
nature. The web-based The well-known Honorary
format allows the highest The attractiveness of Seoul’s Tourism Ambassador of
accessibility and a link is all M!CE industry is carefully Seoul – the most popular
you need to get in without extracted into well-made VR group in the world – BTS
going through downloading videos. There are 360˚ VR also welcomes the attendees
and installing a programme. videos on Seoul’s landmarks, with the official promotional
It works on mobile devices unique venues, teambuilding video on the billboard at
with recent internet web at the VR theatre and they the lobby.
browsers, such as Chrome, are filmed in the first-person
This is the first
Edge and Safari. point of view to present Jihyun Kim, a director at case in the
them as if one is taking a SCB mentions that the world in which
There are five venues
situated on the platform
virtual tour. Virtual Seoul Platform is
versatile. It has endless
a destination
representing different Riding a rickshaw to Hanok possibilities of being marketing
charms of Seoul – a village, taking a glimpse of a improved in the coming organisation
beautiful traditional palace, temple stay programme and years by adding more is presenting a
a modern cultural complex, taking a site inspection of a venues or programmes and
an all-time favourite classic cruise venue are some of the becoming a universal source virtual platform
landmark tower, artificial programmes on the list. The for organising and hosting
islands, and a green space tour is extended to Seoul’s M!CE events.
M CEtalk October-November 2020 24hotels
Luring the India market
After months of lockdown and travel bans, the world is gradually opening up. Thailand--
based hospitality group Cross Hotels & Resorts has also reopened a number of its properties
MT Bureau
T
hailand-based
hotel group, Cross
Hotels & Resorts
has opened a number of
its properties with strict
health and safety protocols
in place. From the time
of arrival of the guest at
the airport to the time of
departure, staff at Cross
properties follows the
guidelines religiously.
The group is offering flexible
incentives to Indian travel
agents. It has an extensive
portfolio of properties in
Thailand that include X2
Vibe Buriram Hotel, X2
Koh Samui – A Spa Retreat,
X2 Kui Buri Resort, Away
Chiang Mai Thapae Resort
– A Vegan Retreat, Away
Koh Kood Resort, X2 Vibe
Chiang Mai Decem Hotel,
X2 Vibe Pattaya Seaphere
and Oceanphere and X2
Vibe Phuket Patong 501-1,000 room nights get
among others. three per cent incentive. On
working with Indian travel QUICK BYTE X2 Vibe Phuket Patong
Katerawee Thepprachum, agents, Chayanisa Ruankew, is suitable for leisure, FIT and small
Director of Sales at Away General Manager, X2 Vibe M!CE groups
Chiang Mai Thapae Resort Chiang Mai Decem Hotel,
– A Vegan Retreat, says says, “If the agents book
that they have visible 15+1 rooms, they will need small M!CE groups with 60-
signage throughout the to pay only for 15 and the INCENTIVES 80 pax. “It is located close
hotel, reminding guests of remaining room will be to key tourist attractions, a
Most Cross Hotels
social distancing guidelines, complimentary.” large shopping mall, and the
could consider
personal hygiene and the providing incentives beach is only a two-minute
importance of personal Steve Lockhart, Cluster to agents based on walk away,” shares Ismet
protection equipment. The General Manager, X2 the number of room Isakovski, General Manager,
hotel is suitable for leisure Pattaya Oceanphere and X2 nights. For instance, X2 Vibe Phuket Patong.
FIT, family leisure groups as Vibe Pattaya Seaphere, adds, 501-1,000 room nights
well as business travellers, “X2 Vibe Pattaya Seaphere get 3% incentive. At Artana Komang, General
even buy-out groups looking is fit for small M!CE and X2 Vibe Chiang Mai Manager, X2 Bali Breakers
for a private arrangement. leisure groups. X2 Pattaya Decem Hotel, if the Resort, adds, “We love to
Oceanphere, on the other agents book 15+1 have all market segments
Based on static rate hand, is suitable for couples, rooms, they need to from India. We have rooms
offers, most Cross Hotels a leisure group of friends, pay only for 15 rooms and villas for the leisure
could consider providing and families.” guest, meeting rooms that
incentives to travel agents can fit up to 100 persons for
based on the number of X2 Vibe Phuket Patong is any M!CE request, and also
room nights. For instance, suitable for leisure, FIT and varied wedding venues."
25 M CEtalk October-November 2020interview
Shehara Rizly
‘Social distancing is key’
Caroline Thissen, Area Senior Director – Sales & Revenue Optimization, Africa & Middle
East, Radisson Group, shares with us the new normal for the M!CE industry
Shehara Rizly
What will the M!CE assured their delegates are in and conditions available in
industry look like in 2021? safe hands. all our hotels, these include;
We are expecting that as in case of cancellation, event
restrictions ease, we will Will the requirements of fees can be utilised for future
see demand resurface for clients change? events and you can reduce
face-to-face meetings. These With restrictions on the number of attendees by
will start on a small scale travel and the need to 10 per cent per day up to
and then increase to larger adapt, at Radisson Hotel arrival, free of charge.
meetings as we get to Q3/Q4 Group we have brought
of 2021. a solution to the market We have also relooked at
for Hybrid Meetings. Caroline Thissen all meeting room capacities
Will there be a new normal We have partnered with to ensure social distancing
for this segment? Zoom to provide a smooth and have loaded these on
Social distancing is going to experience for our clients’ online M&E portals. We
be key. Hotels will need to virtual and hybrid meetings have also introduced Hybrid
ensure they have checked and events. Specialist Rooms which combine the
new capacities for meeting in-house event teams will
rooms allowing for ample assist clients in delivering a
We have had facilities of a state-of-the-
art office with the comforts
space between delegates. At range of events from hybrid flexible terms and of a hotel room to create a
the Radisson Hotel Group multi-site meetings to conditions; in case productive, dedicated, and
we have developed a 10-
step safety protocol across
broadcasting events. of cancellation, quiet workspace for the
business traveller, leisure
all our hotels specifically Have you started event fees can be guest, and local day-guest
for meetings and events promoting M!CE events? utilised for alike. Hybrid Rooms offer
(M&E), these steps include; Throughout the crisis we future events easy connectivity to second
placing a ‘disinfect box’ in have had flexible M&E terms screen devices, video-
meeting rooms for used conferencing facilities,
stationery items, F&B safety wireless enabled keyboard,
procedures and of course mouse and loudspeaker,
social distancing. We have a Quick byte Hybrid Rooms combine printing services, stationery,
video that can be sent to our
clients so they can see the facilities of a state-of-the-art office access to on-site wellness
facilities, and many
new protocols and can rest with the comforts of a hotel room other benefits.
M CEtalk October-November 2020 26interview
‘Flexible event solutions’
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh in the Cambodian capital gives us the opportunity to raise our
flag in one of Asia’s most fascinating cities, says Herman Kemp, GM of the hotel
Smita Kulshreshth
Herman Kemp
Hyatt will be debuting
its first hotel, Hyatt
Regency Phnom Penh, in
the Cambodian capital in
the first quarter of 2021.
What does this mean for
the brand?
With its rich history
and dynamic future, the
Kingdom of Cambodia is
an ideal place to expand looking to try out new
the Hyatt Regency brand
and this debut represents
F&B experiences.
QUICK BYTE We aim to attract
an important milestone What kind of M!CE business travellers & Cambodians
in our global growth. facilities will Hyatt seeking new F&B experiences
With the ever-increasing Regency Phnom
desire for authentic travel Penh offer? different technology
experiences, Hyatt Regency There will be nine multi- M!CE FACIliTies options while also covering
Phnom Penh satisfies this functional meeting suites, At Hyatt Regency on-site attendees, such
urge while also giving us including the Regency Phnom Penh there will as room rates and F&B
the opportunity to raise our Ballroom, which can be nine multi-functional offerings, in order to make
flag in one of Asia’s most accommodate up to 490 meeting suites, the planning process as
fascinating cities. guests and is equipped with including the Regency smooth as possible.
the only built-in full-colour Ballroom, which can
Where is the property LED screen in the city. accommodate up Anything else you would
situated? What type of to 490 guests and is like to mention?
clientele are you Additionally, Hyatt’s new equipped with the only We delayed our opening
looking at? hybrid meetings packages built-in full-colour LED due to the impact the
Hyatt Regency Phnom will offer business travellers screen in the city pandemic has had on
Penh is located in the flexible event solutions Cambodia, affecting
heart of Phnom Penh’s during the pandemic and international travel and
(Cambodia) cultural and beyond. Hybrid meetings severely limiting the
business district of Doun packages use multiple number of business and
Penh – a 30-minute drive locations, either spread leisure travellers to Phnom
from the airport and within out through our hotel or Penh. This delay has
a short walking distance to across several properties, positively impacted us by
the Royal Palace, National to accommodate social allowing additional time to
Museum and the riverside. distancing and utilise put in enhanced hygiene
state-of-the-art technology and guest safety measures
The hotel aims to attract to combine virtual and from the start, ensuring
both business travellers in-person experiences. We that all our guests feel safe
and leisure guests as well as have several customisable when dining and staying
local Cambodians who are packages that include with us.
27 M CEtalk October-November 2020You can also read
