Asia Pacific Incentive and Meetings Event 2024 ignites connection and growth at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

The Asia Pacific Incentive and Meetings Event (AIME) made a triumphant return to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 19 to 21 February.

AIME 2024 marked a significant milestone, emerging as the largest in a decade. Drawing participants from over 33 countries, the event welcomed more than 600 buyers, 3500 visitor buyers, and featured 570+ exhibitors.

Talk2 Media & Events, in partnership with event owners, Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), put on a spectacular event held over three days.

Solidifying its status as the largest international meetings and events industry gathering in the Asia Pacific region, the conference presented a golden opportunity for MCEC to showcase its unique capabilities and reinforce its position as a premier international events venue.

Led by the popular Knowledge Program, themed The 4 Ps of Glocalisation: People, Planet, Purpose and Profit, was sponsored by Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. The future centre in Geelong is to be operated by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, current operators of MCEC.

AIME 2024 delivered a diverse entertainment program. Highlights included keynote speakers Adj. Professor, Deakin Business School, Lisa Ronson, and bestselling author, Sebastian Terry alongside an ICCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion panel, two-day tradeshow, and an abundance of networking opportunities.

This year’s theme perfectly aligned with MCEC’s commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and local community through our operations and events.

The event also presented an exciting opportunity to showcase the newly launched brand for Nyaal Banyul. Inspired by the name gifted by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Nyaal Banyul, meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’, showcased its new brandmark that draws upon layers of Country that unite to form an eye, symbolising enlightenment and perspective.

Unveiling a refreshed tradeshow stand design highlighting both venues, MCEC encouraged attendees to savour the best of Victoria through an interactive food and cocktail activation. Attendees were invited to experience native ingredients like lemon aspen, Davidson plum, and rosella. Expertly crafted, signature beverages added a flavourful and traditional touch to the overall experience.

Natalie O’Brien AM, Chief Executive of MCEC was proud to once again host AIME, showcasing not only the best of what MCEC has to offer but also the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

“AIME is a flagship event for the business events industry to come together, network, exchange ideas and forge partnerships. As Australia’s largest convention centre, MCEC is the perfect venue for an event of this scale and influence,” Ms O’Brien said.

“As operators of MCEC and the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, AIME is the perfect opportunity to showcase our expertise in creating innovative and memorable experiences for attendees,” she added.

Julia Swanson, Chief Executive of MCB said AIME is the leading trade event for the meetings and events industry in the Asia Pacific Region.

“AIME is the ideal platform for industry in our region to showcase their products and services to a highly targeted audience, create meaningful connections and drive commercial and social outcomes for all involved across the sector.”

AIME Event Director, Silke Calder reflected that the event was a fantastic three days of knowledge sharing, networking and business connecting people from across the world.

"A show of this scale would not be possible without our fantastic venue partner, and we thank MCEC for their support," Silke said.

Vietjet and Airbus announce the order for 20 widebody A330neo at Singapore Airshow

Vietjet and Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the order of 20 A330neo (A330-900) widebodies.

The new order marks one of the largest deals at the ongoing Singapore Airshow 2024 and Vietjet’s largest widebody purchase so far. The aircraft will be operated on the carrier’s growing long range network, as well as on high capacity regional services. They will replace the carrier’s current fleet of leased A330-300s, as well as enable network expansion.

Vietjet has been rapidly expanding, with one of its most notable expansions taking place in Australia in 2023. It entered the market in April of that year with its Sydney and Melbourne routes, and by the end of the year, it had added three more routes – Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth – with a total of 58 flights per week.

“We are excited to work with Vietjet on the next phase of the carrier's expansion,” said Christian Scherer, CEO of the Commercial Aircraft Business of Airbus. “The A330neo will enable the airline to achieve the lowest possible operating costs per seat and to continue to offer its customers the best possible value wherever they fly. It will also be the perfect complement to the A321XLRs already on order with the airline, as it spreads its wings to more far-flung destinations.”

Vietjet Chief Executive Officer Dinh Viet Phuong said: "The new A330neo aircraft is a strategic addition to comprehensively modernize Vietjet's fleet, enhancing operational capabilities to support our global flight network expansion plan. Its fuel-efficient new-generation design aligns with our sustainable development strategy and ESG goals, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. With the introduction of the A330neo, passengers can look forward to longer-range, well-equipped flights with excellent services at more competitive fares."

The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers passengers a unique passenger experience, high level of comfort, ambience, and design. This includes more individual space, enlarged overhead bins, a new lighting system and access to the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems.

Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 is capable of flying 7,200 nm/13,300 km non-stop. At the end of January 2024, the A330 Family had accumulated 1,771 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide.

With a fleet of over 105 aircraft and constantly growing passenger volume, Vietjet is actively expanding its intercontinental flight network, developing new and modern fleets in collaboration with global strategic partners such as Airbus.

Thailand allocates 50 million Baht in medical aid to assist foreign tourists in case of accidents

The Ministry of Tourism and Sport (MOTS), in collaboration with the National Institute of Emergency Medicine (NIEM) under the Ministry of Public Health, has announced the 50-million-Baht medical funding to assist foreign tourists in case of accidents while travelling in Thailand.

Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said “The Prime Minister and Finance Minister, H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, has approved the compensation payments for tourists in the case of accidents or loss. Thus, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has initiated the “Assistance

Scheme for Foreign Tourist Injury and Casualty” as part of our ongoing efforts to assure tourist safety and boost tourist confidence in Thailand.”

The 50 million Baht will be used to provide relief to foreign tourists on a case-by-case basis in the event of accidents, crimes, and other unfortunate events or disasters. But it must not be caused by tourists’ carelessness, intention to commit illegal acts or have circumstances that risk causing the incident.

Foreign tourists are eligible for coverage if they have valid passports and must be visiting Thailand between 1 January – 31 August 2024 with a tourist visa or for the purpose of tourism only.

The compensation rate in the case of death is up to 1 million Baht. In the case of permanent organ loss, loss of sight, or permanent disability, a payment of 300,000 Baht will be given. In the case of accident injuries, actual medical expenses will not exceed 500,000 Baht.

The MOTS has initiated the “Thailand Traveller Safety” (TTS) system via https://www.tts.go.th/where foreign tourists can register online for the protection and coverage. It is important to note that the scheme is available only for foreign tourists who have valid ‘non-work’ passports and a tourist visa. Citizens of countries and territories who may enter Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme must visit Thailand for tourism purposes only.

“As well as the MOTS, the TTS system can also be accessed by the Tourist Police and the NIEM for initial screening of tourists whether they are eligible to apply for relief. Data collection is done discreetly under Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act,” Mr. Mongkon Wimonrat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the MOTS, said.

Meanwhile, the NIEM has proposed the establishment of a Tourist Emergency Medical Assistance Centre (TEMAC). In case of accident or health emergency involving foreign tourists, the TEMAC can coordinate with the MOTS’s Tourist Assistance Center (TAC) or the Tourist Police Hotline 1155 or the NIEM Hotline 1669 to verify whether the tourists are eligible for compensation under the scheme and refer them to hospital for medical treatments.

Flt. Lt. Dr. Atchariya Pangma, Secretary-General of NIEM, said “By pooling our resources together to ensure tourists receive emergency medical services in time will help boost confidence among tourists regarding Thailand’s safety standards. The cooperation will also promote the efficiency and quality of our emergency medical systems for the maximum benefit of tourists.”

Meanwhile, the Tourist Police is operating the existing Command and Control Operation Centre (CCOC) and the Strong Tourism Community (STC) initiatives under the guidelines for implementing the Smart Safety Zone project and applying technology to maintain tourist safety.

“The Tourist Police is committed to helping create peace of mind for foreign tourists regarding safety. These include emphasising strict law enforcement, suppressing exploitation of tourists and solving the problem of fraud to boost tourist confidence in Thailand,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Pheuk-um, Commissioner of the Tourist Police, said.

To apply for the “Assistance Scheme for Foreign Tourist Injury and Casualty” project, tourists can submit their applications at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Provincial Tourism and Sports Office (nationwide), or the Tourist Assistance Centre at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport (24/7), or via email: touristcompensation@mots.go.th, or by sending by post to Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Download full details of the Assistance Scheme for Foreign Tourist Injury and Casualty.

This Week's IT&CM China Featured Exhibitor M+ Museum Limited

Welcome to M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture

Landmark architecture in Hong Kong

Located in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District on the Victoria Harbour waterfront, M+ is Asia’s first global contemporary art museum of visual culture. It is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic landmarks, both monumental in its architectural form and radically open in its position in the urban landscape.

Designed by Herzog & de Meuron in partnership with TFP Farrells and Arup, the building is composed of a podium and a slender tower that fuse into the shape of an upside-down ‘T’. The expansive podium cantilevers above ground and includes 17,000 sqm of exhibition space across 33 galleries, 3 cinema houses, the Mediatheque, Learning Hub, and Roof Garden that faces Victoria Harbour.

3 exhibitions you can't miss this February

1) Special Exhibition “Madame Song: Pioneering Art and Fashion in China” 

Song Huai-Kuei in a Pierre Cardin evening dress
at Maxim’s Beijing, 1985. Photo: © Yonfan

(Located at the West Galleries on the 2nd floor)

This Special Exhibition brings to light Madame Song’s fascinating multiple identities and professional pursuits. It chronicles her life and practice from the 1950s to the early 2000s.

2) “Ay-O: Hong Hong Hong”

(Located at the Cissy Pui-Lai Pao and Shinichiro Watari Galleries on the 2nd floor)

The presentation features nearly fifty works by Ay-O, widely known as the “rainbow artist”, from the 1950s to the 2000s. This exhibition presents him as a unique artistic figure driven by unflagging humour, curiosity, and imagination.

3) New exhibition “Shanshui: Echoes and Signals”

(Located at the South Galleries on the 2nd floor)

The new thematic exhibition, drawn from the M+ Collections, explores the complex connections between landscape and humanity in our post-industrial and increasingly virtual world.

Learn More

Australia’s best beach activities (and where to do them)

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Home to more than 10,000 beaches, heading to the coast for a swim or surf is etched into Australia’s national identity. Beyond taking a dip (in the protected area between the red-and-yellow flags, of course), here are some of the other experiences and activities to enjoy at the beach during your visit down under.

Surfing

Surf culture is alive and well at beaches all over Australia, so you’ll see people catching waves from Bondi to Newcastle, Perth, Byron Bay and beyond.

As its name suggests, Surfers Paradise is a top place to hang ten in Queensland, as is the Noosa World Surfing Reserve where you’ll find world-class point breaks suited to both experienced and novice surfers. Want to surf while you’re in Sydney? Head to Manly, Bondi, Cronulla, Freshwater, Maroubra or Narrabeen. Down south in Victoria, the world’s best surfers carve up the powerful waves at Bells Beach during the annual Rip Curl Pro but if you’re not a confident surfer try the tamer swell at Torquay or Apollo Bay instead. In Western Australia, the Margaret River region reigns supreme when it comes to surf breaks, but there are surfable beaches in and around Fremantle, Kalbarri, Denmark, Esperance, Perth and Albany too.

Standup paddle boarding

Standup paddle boarding (or SUP, for short) has taken off in the last few years. While this pastime is popular all over Australia, there’s a few key destinations that are well-suited for a paddle.

If you find yourself in Byron Bay, Wategos Beach’s sheltered waters make it an ideal SUP spot. In Sydney, you can hire a board and sign up for lessons at Pittwater, Cronulla, Balmoral Beach and Avalon Beach. In Melbourne, St Kilda Beach or Mornington/Mount Martha are your places for SUP lessons and board hire, while the incredibly beautiful, protected beaches and bays of Tasmania’s photogenic Freycinet area are the perfect backdrop for a spot of paddle boarding. As expected, Perth has a bounty of beaches suitable for SUP adventures, with the calmer waters of South Beach ideal for beginners and Cottesloe Beach having something for paddleboard enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Beach volleyball

When travelling in Australia you’ll see people playing all sorts of games at the beach – from frisbee to beach cricket. You might also see locals serving, blocking and spiking on the sand during hotly contested games of beach volleyball.

Want to get in on the action? With plenty of soft sand and lots of year-round sunshine, the Gold Coast has a strong beach volleyball scene. In Sydney, Manly Beach has beach volleyball courts that you can use for free all year round – just BYO ball. If you’re in Perth, head to Scarborough Beach or City Beach where several volleyball courts can be booked for public use, and in Adelaide, Glenelg Beach has regular social beach volleyball sessions.

Snorkelling

Think you need to head out on a boat to experience sensational snorkelling? Think again, because there’s plenty of marine life to discover just metres from the shoreline.

Tucked around the corner from Sydney’s Clovelly Beach, you won’t want to miss exploring the clear, blue waters of Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail. If you’re lucky you might encounter one of the beloved blue groupers that frequent this marine sanctuary. In Western Australia, Rottnest Island and Exmouth have great beach snorkelling spots, while swimming out to check out Coogee Beach’s Omeo Wreck off the coast of Perth is an unforgettable experience. In Adelaide, you’ll be able to spot sea urchins, blue swimmer crabs and sea stars while snorkelling at Hallett Cove Beach and in Queensland, Amity Point is a serene spot on North Stradbroke Island.

Beach barbecuing

A beach swim is guaranteed to stoke your hunger, so it’s fortunate that free public gas barbecues run by the local council face many of Australia’s beaches. The art of the beach barbecue is pretty simple. Just buy some meat, fish or tofu to put on the barbie, add salads, bread rolls and a few cool drinks and sit back and soak up the Aussie beach atmosphere. If you’re planning to aim for the weekend or a public holiday, get there early to stake your claim on a picnic table and barbecue. Don’t forget to clean the hot plate and remove your rubbish before you leave (Australians take barbecue etiquette pretty seriously).

Kitesurfing

Nothing beats the thrill of getting some serious air while you’re at the beach. If you haven’t tried kitesurfing before, make Australia the place you give it a go.

Your best bet for taking kitesurfing lessons is at aquatic water sports hubs like Cairns, Margaret River and the Gold Coast. Sydney’s blustery Botany Bay is well-known for having consistently favourable winds for kite surfing, so it’s no surprise that kite surfing schools operate in this area. It’s not an easy sport to master, but learning the ropes is a memorable way to immerse yourself in Australia’s beach scene and come home with a new skill at the same time.

Sandboarding

A rare beach activity you don’t need to wear a bikini, wetsuit or boardshorts for, sandboarding is a fun experience worthwhile seeking out.

If you’re doing a road trip along the south coast of New South Wales, book a sandboarding session in the beachside holiday town of Port Stephens. In Western Australia, if you’ve booked a stay at Lancelin Lodge (or are happy to drive up from Perth), then sandboarding is an activity you won’t want to miss. Rent a sandboard for a few hours of fun gliding down the steep dunes that make Lancelin Australia's premier sandboarding destination. As these dunes are inland, this technically isn’t quite a beach activity, but there’s so much sand you’ll feel like you’re at the beach anyway!

Taking three for the sea

One impactful but dead-easy activity you can do at any beach in Australia (or the world) is what’s known as ‘taking three for the sea’. The brainchild of an Australian not-for-profit, Take 3 for the Seaencourages beachgoers to collect and dispose of just three pieces of rubbish while you’re at the beach. Apart from detracting from the beauty of the coast, ocean plastics cause major problems for turtles, dolphins, whales, seabirds and other marine life. So if you’re enjoying an Australian beach break, don’t forget to take a minute or two to give a little back and take three (or more) for the sea.
Words: Jo Stewart for YHA

TAT reaffirms support for WWF Thailand to urge tourists to “Travel Ivory Free”

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reaffirmed the continuous support for the World Wide Fund for Nature International or WWF Thailand’s ‘Travel Ivory Free’ campaign to urge tourists to travel responsibly and stop buying ivory products.

At WWF Thailand’s latest campaign launch to announce its ongoing efforts to change tourists’ buying behaviour and put an end to illegal ivory trade, key players in the travel and tourism industry as well as international organisations joined together to show their commitment to help spread the awareness and promote a more sustainable travel culture.

Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said “TAT has been a strong supporter since the campaign’s inception in 2018. Through our public relations efforts, we urge tourists to be a part of this awareness-raising initiative to help curtail demand for ivory products. Also, since 2020, we have been promoting the “Elephant Care Tourism” initiative to offer tourism that cares about Thai elephants”

WWF Thailand initiated the ‘Travel Ivory Free’ campaign after China banned its domestic ivory trade in December 2017.

A key element in this initiative is to publicise that it is illegal to buy ivory products and take them out of Thailand. Under Thailand’s Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act, B.E. 2562 (2019), any tourists caught with ivory items could face a potential penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment or fines of up to one million Baht or both.

According to findings by GlobeScan, Thailand remains one of the biggest illegal ivory destinations for diehard buyers. The results revealed that although some groups of tourists plan to purchase ivory as souvenirs or gifts ahead of their visit, a larger number were encouraged by tour guides while in Thailand.

Ms. Pimpavadee Phaholyothin, WWF Thailand’s Chief Executive Officer, said together with key players in the travel and tourism industry, WWF Thailand will continue to actively raise awareness to urge tourists to put an end to the illegal ivory trade and help spread the awareness by using #TravelIvoryFree via social media.

Tourists can engage with the “Travel Ivory Free” campaign at key tourist locations, such as, international airports and department stores in Thailand and join together to raise awareness and partake in responsible and sustainable tourism experiences while in Thailand.

Escape to the enchanting town of Sasayama in Hyogo Prefecture!

Sasayama Castle Town Hotel NIPPONIA

Certified among Japan's 100 beautiful historic towns and situated on the cusp between Hyogo and Kyoto Prefecture, Sasayama townscape and culture is heavily influenced by Kyoto since ancient times. 

Elevate your experience by staying at Sasayama Castle Town Hotel NIPPONIA's nine residential villas, where tradition meets luxury. 

Make sure to indulge in local delights like succulent tajima beef and matsutake mushrooms for an unforgettable culinary journey! 

You can access Sasayama Castle Town Hotel NIPPONIA by a 75 min train from Shin-Osaka station to Sasayama-Guchi Station. Then ride the 20 min Shinki Bus heading to Fukuzumi and alight at Sasayama Honmachi.
* Tags: #VisitJapanAU #DiscoverJapan #Resort #Hyogo
* Japan National Tourism Organization: https://www.facebook.com/VisitJapanAU

Thailand’s “Naga Fireballs” wins 1st runner-up in International Snow Sculpture Contest in Sapporo

This year, TAT sent the Thai team to present an ice figurine of Naga Fire phenomenon, one of the more mysterious of local festivals, to promote Thailand’s deep culture and artistic talent.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has congratulated the Thai ice sculpting team for being named the 1st runner-up for their rendition of “Naga Fireballs” at the 48th International Snow Sculpture Contest, which concludes today.

The ice figurine of Naga Fire phenomenon showcases a portion of Thai mythology and deep culture as well as artistic talent that form part of the TAT’s ongoing promotion of Thai soft powers and meaningful travel experiences in Thailand.

The International Snow Sculpture Contest, part of the 74th Sapporo Snow Festival, has returned for the first time this year, after three years of hiatus due to the pandemic. The competition saw nine participating teams, from USA (Hawaii and Portland), Indonesia, Poland, Singapore, Lithuania, Mongolia, South Korea, and Thailand.

This year, TAT has sent a team of veteran Thai ice sculptors, Kusol Bunkobsongserm, Amnoaysak Srisuk, and Kritsana Wongtes, who have entered the competition multiple times.

The team leveraged Thai mythology, beliefs and deep culture in their rendition of “The Naga Fireballs,” a 3m wide, 3m high and 3m in depth snow sculpture. It is created under the concept that the ‘Naga Fire phenomenon’ is the natural event based on religious beliefs when hundreds of fireballs rise out of Mekong River into the sky before disappearing. Locals believe that Naga, a sacred serpent of water and abundant, shoots the fireballs as offerings to Buddha.

This year marks Thailand 24th participation in the competition since 1991. In the last 23 entries, teams from Thailand have won the competition nine times, including twice three-consecutive-year winning in 2008-2010 and again in 2018-2020. The other three winning years were 2000 (first win for Thailand), 2013 and 2015.

The 74th Sapporo Snow Festival will be held until 11 February 2024 at three venues – Odori (main site), Susukino and Tsudome.

Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Niseko beckons adventurers and lovers of winter sports with its world-renowned powder snow!

Niseko

Providing a blend of traditional culture and contemporary luxury, this enchanting destination offers exhilarating slopes, hot springs, and delectable cuisine. 

Whether you're carving through the legendary powder or unwinding in a cozy onsen, Niseko promises an unforgettable alpine escape!

* Tags: #VisitJapanAU #visitJP_gofurther #Niseko #Skiing #Outdooractivities
* Japan National Tourism Organization: https://www.facebook.com/VisitJapanAU

TAT and Trip.com generate over 100M Baht in sales during Super World Tour livestream in Bangkok

The next live-streaming session is scheduled to be held in Phuket on 28 February 2024.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in partnership with Trip.com Group, generated over 100 million Baht in sales on a single day during the Thailand edition of the “Super World Tour BOSS LIVE” streaming event held in Bangkok on 31 January. The activity saw more than 20 million viewers.

The live-streaming event was conducted by Ms. Sun Tianxu, Vice President of Trip.com Group. Also present were Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor.

Targeting Chinese tourists under the “Thailand – A Must for Chinese” campaign, the event offered Thailand’s travel deals, including discounts on air tickets, special deals on accommodation, and tour packages. Key highlights were stunning Thai islands, unique traditions and cultural experiences, and delightful culinary journey.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said “The live-streaming project is expected to boost travel to Thailand among Chinese tourists and strengthen their confidence in Thailand. This will help generate tourism revenue and elevate the positive image of Thailand as a must-visit destination.”

The next live-streaming session is scheduled to be held in Phuket on 28 February 2024.

According to Trip.com Group, Thailand is a major destination for Chinese tourists in 2023, with Bangkok being Southeast Asia’s most popular destination. Phuket and Chiang Mai also ranked among the top 10, with bookings increased by 174% over 2022. All three cities are expected to continue be key destinations in 2024.