Global convention industry consulting firm, GainingEdge, has launched a new internal unit, GainingEdge Analysis & Research (GEAR), with a mission to expand and improve the quality of research available to international convention destinations. GEAR will focus on issues of destination competitiveness, new forms of market intelligence and new insights into the dynamics of the global meetings industry.
GainingEdge CEO, Jon Sivertson, said the vision for GEAR is to fill a research gap in relation to both the convention industry and the association community.
“Our industry has never really had a dedicated research unit” Sivertson said. “We were struck by the lack of real quantitative analysis available to support quality decision-making processes. We want GEAR to make a real difference for both the meetings industry and associations. We want GEAR to be the go-to when people are focused on facts-based decision making.”
Long-time GainingEdge consultant, Milos Milovanovic, has been tapped to head-up GEAR. He said GEAR came out of a journey that began in 2018 with the publishing of the first annual International Convention Destination Competitive Index, the 3rd edition of which was released in December 2020. He said GEAR’s next contribution will be “cutting edge” research into the “intellectual capital” of convention destinations around the world.
“I think our next report will have a big impact on destinations and how they go about pursuing international conventions,” he said. “We’ve done a deep dive on the leadership of 3,500 international associations and developed a database of association board members and the cities where they live. From this research, we will be helping cities to understand how well they are doing in terms of the number of their local leaders who are active members in governing bodies of international associations.
Milovanovic said the upcoming report would help cities understand how well they are leveraging their influencers to secure conventions.
“We want to help them in their recovery strategies as they pursue future growth” He said. “Intellectual capital is a main driver of how conventions decide where to meet. We want to help destinations to understand how well they are harnessing that intellectual capital and to find quick pathways to the people they need to engage in the process of securing conventions.”
GainingEdge is a global specialist consulting firm advising the tourism and business events industry and associations since 2004. It provides a data-driven approach to market synthesis and on strategic recommendations that are specific, practical, and actionable.
GainingEdge has offices in Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Paris, The Hague, Johannesburg, Dubai, and Vancouver.
– ENDS –
For further information contact: Jon Sivertson, CEO Phone: +1 604 360 4633 (Canada) Email: jon@gainingedge.com
GainingEdge, has launched a new internal unit, GainingEdge Analysis & Research (GEAR), with a mission to expand and improve the quality of research available to international convention destinations.
Thailand’s strategies to boost International Exhibitions Source: Edited excerpt from Travel Daily News Date: 20 January 2021 Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) aims to be more segmented in its international exhibition promotion in 2021 giving high priority to 12 key industries to strengthen national development and put emphasis on the Asian market.
Asia-centric approach to increase online and offline trade shows to maintain Thailand’s position as a centre of international exhibitions in Asia.
Attracting new shows and clustering events, such as conventions and festivals whose content is aligned with the shows
Creating opportunities in potential regions, for example, Thailand LOG-IN Events planned for Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Collaborating with government agencies to promote large-scale trade shows and conventions under “One Ministry, One Expo” concept.
Promoting innovation and technology to enhance visitors’ experience through an online platform, create business opportunities, and lower physical touching points at the shows.
Hong Kong adapts online-offline program for business events in Q1 and Q2 of 2021 Source: Edited excerpt from CIM Date: 12 January 2021 The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will reconfigure its industry trade fairs and conferences in the first half of 2021 as part of its ongoing efforts to find ways to help Hong Kong companies continue doing business during the pandemic. In addition to enhancing its hybrid model that combines online fairs with physical fairs and symposiums, the HKTDC will also organise new local exhibitions and hold a number of its key international conferences online, including those targeting the finance, creative and marketing sectors.
Penang Convention Bureau hosts virtual roadshow Source: Edited excerpt from Impact News Date: 25 January 2021 Malaysia’s Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) recently conducted its 4th Annual Penang Roadshow in India for travel agents in 4 prominent cities of Kochi, Chennai, New Delhi and Mumbai. This year’s show was carried out fully virtually followed by a Penang Night special dinner hosted for the Indian travel agents. The virtual show had a total of 25 registered sellers from Penang and the larger Malaysia travel and business events industry, and welcomed more than 200 buyers in total.
AUSTRALIA
Tasmania’s COVID-19 Safe Events Framework Source: Edited excerpt from CIM and Business Tasmania Date: 12 January 2021 The Tasmanian Government has launched A Framework for COVID-19 Safe Events and Activities in Tasmania to support event organisers to plan and hold larger-scale COVID-19 safe events from December 2020. Depending on the risk profile of the event, it will be classed as Level 1, 2 or 3, and different controls will apply depending on the level. The Framework applies to gatherings that exceed the ordinary gathering limits.
New South Wales unveils Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 Source: Edited excerpt from CIM Date: 19 January 2021 New South Wales has outlined a strategy to host more major events as it looks to transform the state into the largest tourism hub in the Asia-Pacific. The Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 aims to aid recovery and turbocharge visitor economy growth through securing world-class events, boosting regional visitation and building new tourism icons and visitor experiences for the future. Developed by Destination NSW the strategy will also focus on the day trip market, worth an estimated AUD 10 billion (USD 7.7 billion) by 2030, and grow opportunities in regional NSW, with the aim of returning visitation to pre-pandemic levels by 2024. The Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 can be found here.
EUROPE
Germany launches Response Room Source: Edited excerpt from German CVB Date: 14 January 2021 The German Convention Bureau (GCB) launched its open innovation platform “Response Room”, initiated in cooperation with PCMA and the IMEX Group. The platform offers a global, interdisciplinary forum to innovate business events. The partners are looking to build a global community of meeting planners, organisers, suppliers, and event participants to jointly develop new solutions and innovative business models.
Scotland’s USD 7.27 million Pivotal Event Businesses Fund Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES and VisitScotland Date: 20 January 2021 At the end of last year, the Scottish government announced that the business events sector was to receive £6 million (USD 7.27 million) from the £104.3 million (USD 126.48 million) Scottish Government package for tourism and hospitality businesses across the country. The Pivotal Event Businesses Fund, to be delivered through VisitScotland, will be prioritised towards those businesses that can evidence and demonstrate they play a pivotal role across the events industry in Scotland and are in financial difficulty as a direct result of COVID-19.
Austria’s USD 364.8 million meetings protection plan Source: Edited excerpt from M & IT and Vienna CVB Date: 14 January 2021 Under an approved EUR 300 million (USD 364.8 million) protective shield, the Austrian government will cover financial damage resulting from events being cancelled or restricted due to COVID-19. The Austrian guarantee of liability gives event planners planning security. Starting January 18, 2021, applications can be submitted via the Austrian Hotel and Tourism Bank (ÖHT). The first eligible event date is March 1, 2021. Applications can be submitted through June 15, 2021.
Our summary of how destinations are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. We hope this bulletin will help you in planning your own mitigation and recovery strategies.
PRESS RELEASE Global convention industry consulting firm, GainingEdge, has released its third annual Competitive Index of international convention destinations. The 2020 edition extends the listing to the world’s top 101 cities – those which have hosted 87 or more international conventions over the past three years as reported by the International Congress & Convention Association… Continue reading 2020 Competitive Index Offers Advanced Tools for Destination Competitive Analysis
GainingEdge has released its third annual Competitive Index of international convention destinations. The 2020 edition extends the listing to the world’s top 101 cities – those which have hosted 87 or more international conventions over the past three years as reported by the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA).
Singapore’s roadmap for the business events industry Source: Edited excerpt from MICENET and Visit Singapore Date: 9 October 2020 Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) together with Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Enterprise Singapore (ESG) have launched the Events Industry Resilience Roadmap (IRR), which provides guidance on safety measures and best practices in line with the gradual resumption of business events. It presents three strategic objectives:
Helping the industry to implement best-in-class standards under STB’s Safe Business Events Framework;
Creating agile business models with a focus on hybridisation;
Developing pathways for professional development in the new way forward.
The IRR also includes guidelines on SG SafeEvent Standard which is a mark of assurance that an event meets the requirements for safety, compliance and wellbeing in a COVID world.
Singapore rolls out pre-event testing Source: Edited excerpt from M & C Asia Date: 21 October 2020 To speed up the return of large-scale business events in Singapore, the Minister of Health announced a pilot program for pre-event COVID-19 testing where attendees of selected events will be tested either at the event venue or a separate testing facility. Only participants who test negative will be allowed into the event.
Japan to host virtual fam trips Source: Edited excerpt from Mix Meetings Date: 15 October 2020 Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) is offering an online fam trip as part of its convention bureau’s hosted buyer programme. Meet Japan, being held fully virtually from January 26 to February 4, 2021 is designed to help international associations and PCOs learn more about the country’s convention cities and to connect with local meeting professionals. Attendees will choose 2 out of 4 cities to virtually visit.
Kobe announces support packages for hybrid events Source: Edited excerpt from CIM Unity and Meet in Kobe Date: 28 October 2020 At the annual “Meet in Kobe” meeting which was held as a hybrid event this year, Kobe Convention Bureau announced its new support package for hybrid meetings held in Kobe starting October. The support package includes organizational support and financial support of up to 5 million JPY (US$ 47,795) for international conventions and up to 2 million JPY (US$ 19,118) for domestic conventions.
Hong Kong launches hygiene framework for the business events and tourism Source: Edited excerpt from M & C Asia Date: 9 October 2020 Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in partnership with the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA) has rolled out a set of standardised hygiene protocols for tourism and business events-related businesses in an effort to restore confidence among travellers. The protocol will roll out in two phases and is similar to Singapore Tourist Board’s SG Clean Initiative.
Thailand unveils operational plan for FY2021 Source: Edited excerpt from Travel Daily News Date: 15 October 2020 Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has revealed its operation plan for the fiscal year 2021, focused on recovery for Thailand’s business events industry and strengthening the industry’s fundamentals for sustainability. Guided by the concept “New Normal MICE – Sustainable Growth”, the plan comprises four strategies:
Promoting domestic MICE
Attracting international events
Implementing innovation
Developing a robust MICE ecosystem
TCEB has allocated 10-million baht (US$ 321,027) in its budget for the first quarter of the FY2021 (October – December) towards the promotional campaign “Thailand: A Safer Place for Meetings”. The campaign aimed at encouraging the public and private sectors to use business events activities as a means to distribute income to local communities.
Thailand’s continued focus on innovation Source: Edited excerpt from Travel Daily News Date: 27 October 2020 Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has launched the third edition of ‘Thailand MICE Startup’. The competition, aimed at boosting Thailand’s post-COVID-19 competitiveness, pairs start-ups or tech entrepreneurs with business event entrepreneurs to compete for the best innovation for the business events industry. So far, there are 23 applicants who are required to form a team to develop innovations or solutions that can address the pain points faced by business events entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The competitors are required to partner with a business events entrepreneur to ensure the practicalities of the innovations.
AUSTRALIA
Tourism Australia inspires event planners with 8D Source: Edited excerpt from M & C Asia Date: 14 October 2020 Tourism Australia has launched an 8D immersive campaign featuring six videos highlighting some of Australia’s most iconic spots, in a move to inspire event planners for future business events. Unlike other destination marketing campaigns by tourism bodies worldwide, Tourism Australia is the first to use 8D audio to deliver the sound engineering treatment so listeners experience a three-dimensional effect via their headsets.
Planners can find the six Audio Escape videos via the Business Events Australia website.
Tasmania’s support package for the business events sector Source: Edited excerpt from CIM Date: 19 October 2020 Tasmania has announced grants from AU$ 5,000 (US$ 3,517) to AU$ 100,000 (US$ 70,340) to support local small businesses that provide critical event support infrastructure and other services that are essential to the running of events.
Sydney launches new brand campaign for the business events sector Source: Edited excerpt from CIM Date: 27 October 2020 Business Events Sydney (BESydney), backed by the New South Wales Government and the tourism industry, has launched the “It’s got to be Sydney” campaign to position Sydney as the number one Australian destination for business visitors – and focuses on the domestic market to ensure Sydney is the top pick as businesses plan upcoming busines events. The campaign is filled with optimism for a new COVID-19 safe future and connects planners and suppliers via a dedicated microsite.
EUROPE
UK launches “Events. Reimagined” campaign Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES Date: 29 October 2020 VisitBritain have launched the new international recovery campaign, ‘Events. Reimagined’, as part of their international hosted buyer partnership with The Meetings Show. The new ‘Reimagine’ campaign is to help buyers creatively reimagine the future of events in the UK, and take this opportunity to reboot, refresh and reimagine their future business events.
Austria’s EUR 300 million (US$ 350.4 million) support package Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES and Pro Media news Date: 15 October 2020 The Austrian parliament recently agreed on a EUR 300 million (US$ 350.4 million) financial support package for business events organisers. If an event is subject to restrictions or is cancelled, the organiser’s liability will be limited by the Federal government. This also applies to organizers from other EU countries who hold their event in Austria.
Our summary of how destinations are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. We hope this bulletin will help you in planning your own mitigation and recovery strategies.
Hong Kong launches USD131 million subsidy scheme for business events Source: Edited excerpt from CIM and TTG MICE Date: 29 September 2020 On October 3, the Hong Kong Government launched the Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme worth HKD1,020 million (USD131 million) to help ease financial burdens on the local convention and exhibition industry and help it attract domestic and overseas exhibitors, buyers and conference delegates to Hong Kong. The Subsidy Scheme offers to cover a 100 per cent venue rental cost for organisers of exhibitions and international conventions held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo.
Hong Kong focuses on regional source markets Source: Edited excerpt from M & C Asia Date: 16 September 2020 Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is working on re-engaging and attracting event planners from regional source markets as well as having discussions with other destinations on forming travel bubbles, lending confidence to the business events sector’s recovery. HKTB is also working on Open House Hong Kong – a co-platform between the government and trade partners serving to inform international visitors and planners of the destination’s COVID-19 safe status, together with a host of attractive offerings and experiences.
AUSTRALIA
Shoalhaven’s AUD170,000 support package Source: Edited excerpt from CIM Date: 25 September 2020 Business events in Shoalhaven which have been postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19 have been given grants worth a total AUD170,000 (USD121,714) to help them in recovery. The funds are from the AUD10 million (USD7.2 million) Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants program, which was set up to support events of all types in fire-affected regions.
EUROPE
Poland’s “Safe MICE Venue” certification Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES and Poland Convention Bureau Date: 24 September 2020 During Meeting Week Poland, Polish Tourism Organisation and Poland Convention Bureau launched the “Safe MICE venue” programme intended to provide business travellers, meetings and events customers and professional congress organisers with access to information about venues capable of delivering services in accordance with regulations of Chief Sanitary Inspectorate and Ministry of Development.
GLOBAL RECOVERY RESOURCE
AIPC, UFI and ICCA release second Good Practice Guide Source: Edited excerpt from TTG MICE and MeetExpo Date: 16 September 2020 AIPC, the International Association of Convention Centres; ICCA, the International Convention and Congress Association; and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, have joined forces to release Good Practice Guide: Addressing COVID-19 Requirements for Re-Opening Business Events – Version 2. The Guide, focused on the reopening for phase, builds on the first report published in May and includes 12 mini case-studies and learnings from business events which successfully too place during July and August 2020 around the world.
Air Canada offers free COVID-19 insurance for international travel Source: Edited excerpt from ETurbo News Date: 18 September 2020 Air Canada announced that it is including complimentary COVID-19 emergency medical & quarantine insurance for Canadian residents booking round-trip international flights. The coverage, available for new bookings made in Canada from September 17 until October 31, 2020, inclusive, provides emergency medical and quarantine insurance designed to give customers added confidence when booking flights and travelling abroad.
Our summary of how destinations are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. We hope this bulletin will help you in planning your own mitigation and recovery strategies.
Korea’s business events association partners with PCMA on training Source: Edited excerpt from AMI Magazine Date: 25 August 2020 PCMA and the Korea MICE Association have announced a two-year strategic agreement, aimed at equipping their members for life after COVID-19. A key component of the partnership will focus on the delivery of PCMA’s Digital Event Strategist (DES) course in Korea as well as other training programs to help meeting professionals adapt to the new business environment.
Penang’s digital marketing support for the business events industry Source: Edited excerpt from M & C Asia Date: 1 September 2020 Other than the Privilege Penang enhanced support program which was launched in June, the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) has provided social media support for Penang hotels to promote their offerings during and after Malaysia’s lockdown.
Seoul hosts virtual fam for business events media Source: Edited excerpt from TTGmice Date: 14 September 2020 Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) hosted its first virtual media familiarisation programme for journalists specialising in business events on September 17 and 18. The virtual fam comprised of five ‘venues’, each representing the varied charms of Seoul – a conference hall where journalists can access educational sessions; a virtual Seoul promotional booth; a lounge area for network opportunities; workshop; and a virtual theatre to watch business events-related city showcases.
AUSTRALASIA
Perth’s convention bureau to fund delegates at domestic events Source: Edited excerpt from TTGmice and AMI Magazine Date: 24 August 2020 Business Events Perth has unveiled a new funding initiative to encourage organisations to hold business events locally. Funding of up to AUD30 (USD21.50) a delegate is available, with total funding support determined by the event duration and number of delegates attending the event in-person. The State Government has also launched a AUD5.5 billion (USD4.01 billion) WA Recovery Plan to help Western Australia emerge from COVID-19, which includes AUD150 million (USD109.5 million) to support the tourism industry.
Australian government program to fund up to 50% of business events costs Source: Edited excerpt from Business Events News Date: 11 September 2020 Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison announced AUD50 million (USD36.6 million) in support for Australia’s business events industry. The new Australian Business Events Grants Program will see organisers of meetings, conventions, incentive and exhibitions able to apply for upfront grants to cover up to 50% of their costs (between AUD10,000 {USD7,320} and AUD250,000 {USD183,039}). The funding is part of the Government’s AUD1 billion (USD731.98 million) COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund which supports sectors severely impacted by the pandemic.
New Zealand’s Regional Events Fund Source: Edited excerpt from TTGmice Date: 11 September 2020 The New Zealand government has announced a support package of NZD50 million (USD33.3 million) to promote domestic tourism through business events. The injection will go to nine major regional groups across the country via the Regional Events Fund. The fund is an addition to the government’s previously announced Domestic Events Fund, in which 20 of the 200 events receiving support were conferences and business events.
Business Events Sydney launches online foresight series Source: Edited excerpt from micenet and BESydney Date: 15 September 2020 BESydney has released an online initiative entitled “Anticipating Tomorrow: Global Insights Series” which brings together leading researchers, business pioneers, groundbreakers and Government to share expert insights from around the globe. The series connects information, ideas and people, including the role that global conferences can play in helping Australia build back stronger and prosper again.
Canberra employs use of “Smart Badge” for business events safety Source: Edited excerpt from HQ – The Association Magazine Date: 9 September 2020 Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Chief Minister confirmed support for the delivery of new contact tracing and social distancing technology, Smart Badge, to help Canberra attract new business events to the region in the current environment. The funding is part of ACT Government’s new Tourism and Hospitality Package. The wearable ‘badge’ – worn as a watch, lanyard or helmet clip – is registered to the wearer by a QR code and maps their location within the set area of an event. The Smart Badge technology will be available free-of-charge to meeting planners with a confirmed event in Canberra.
EUROPE
Slovenia’s “Safe and Healthy Meetings & Events” certification Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES Date: 26 August 2020 In an effort to bring back live events and help restart the meetings industry, Slovenia has launched a standardisation process for event organisers and venues in Slovenia. The “Safe and Healthy Meetings & Events” certification issued by the Slovenian Convention Bureau in cooperation with the National Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia, is based on a comprehensive guide that includes measures and recommendations for reducing health risks connected to the spread of COVID-19. To qualify for the certificate, organizations have to comply with 65 different measures in order to guarantee maximum safety of attendees.
Dublin’s recovery plan Source: Edited excerpt from HQ – The Association Magazine Date: 7 September 2020 Dublin’s plan for future events will focus on association conferences and the support they offer to them directly, to their PCOs, the conference ambassador and most importantly how they can help build legacy from their events.
NewcastleGateshead convention bureau launches social media campaign Source: Edited excerpt from Exhibition News Date: 1 September 2020 Venues, hotels, and event service providers from across North East England have come together to launch a new campaign, #ItsTyneToMeetAgain, to help support the recovery of the business events industry within the region. Organized by NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, the grassroots social media led campaign focuses on employees in the sector creating video and photography via their smartphones to promote events spaces, the staff working there and the measures they have taken to ensure staff and visitor safety.
Germany categorizes tradeshow attendance as “essential travel” Source: Edited excerpt from UFI LinkedIn page Date: 1 September 2020 The German Ministry of Interior, has categorised entering the country to attend a trade show as “essential travel”, a move that demonstrates the critical role exhibitions play in economic recovery post-COVID. Trade fair participants from all countries can enter Germany to attend trade shows, subject to them having valid visas where needed.
MIDDLE EAST
Abu Dhabi successfully delivers COVID-free sanctuary Source: Edited excerpt from CIM Date: 31 August 2020 In a recent event at the Emirate, Abu Dhabi created a world-class ‘safe zone’ for approximately 2,500 people over five weeks on Yas Island, which was locked off and completely secluded from the rest of the Emirate for the five-week period. In line with the principles of the “Go Safe” certification programme, the health and safety procedures undertaken by event staff were extensive and included COVID-19 testing every 72hrs and 14-day isolation periods. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) plans to evolve this concept for the return of tourism and other events in the coming months.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Convention centers in Las Vegas, Florida and Chicago receive GBAC Star accreditation Source: Edited excerpt from NorthStar Meetings Group Date: 10 September 2020 The Global BioRisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of the worldwide cleaning-industry association ISSA, has unveiled a new certification to help the meetings industry rebound from the coronavirus crisis. More than 3,000 facilities in 66 countries are seeking GBAC Star accreditation. This includes convention centres, hotels, convention and visitor bureaus, and even airlines and airports.
Facilities will gain accreditation when they show they are implementing the industry’s highest standards of cleaning for COVID-19, and are safe to welcome guests and hold events. The program is backed by 10 industry organizations, including the International Association of Venue Managers, International Facility Management Association, International Association of Exhibitions and Events, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association and the Go LIVE Together Coalition.
GLOBAL RECOVERY RESOURCE
COVID-19 impact map Source: Edited excerpt from TTGmice Date: 2 September 2020 International SOS has launched a new map representing the impact of Covid-19 on health, security and logistics for domestic operations, aimed at helping multinational organisations navigate the pandemic. The COVID-19 Impact Map complements International SOS’ suite of risk analysis maps, including Security, Medical and Road Safety.
The scales in the map represent the following business operations impacts due to Covid-19:
Myanmar’s white paper on the priorities for restarting tourism Source: Edited excerpt from TravelDaily News Date: 31 August 2020 Myanmar Tourism Marketing (MTM) with the support of the Development Partners Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business, Hanns Seidel Foundation and Myanmar Responsible Tourism Institute, has released a White Paper that is intended to provide guidelines and principles for the recovery of the tourism sector. The White Paper outlines seven recommendations:
Put Safety First
Promote Domestic Tourism
Adopt a Phased Approach for Reopening to International Travel
Improve Destination Management and Market Segmentation
Revise the Current Approach to Marketing and Promotion
Build a Supportive Business Environment
Invest in Human Resources – Managing Talent During and After COVID-19
UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker Source: Edited Excerpt from UNWTO Date: 16 September 2020 World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has developed the first comprehensive tourism recovery tracker worldwide, monitoring a number of relevant indicators throughout the recovery of tourism.
Our summary of how destinations are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. We hope this bulletin will help you in planning your own mitigation and recovery strategies.
Version 2 AIPC, the International Association of Convention Centres; ICCA, the International Convention and Congress Association; and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, have joined forces to release Good Practice Guide: Addressing COVID-19 Requirements for Re-Opening Business Events – Version 2. The Guide, focused on the reopening for phase, builds on the first report published… Continue reading Addressing COVID-19 Requirements for Re-Opening Business Events
Myanmar Tourism Marketing (MTM) with the support of the Development Partners Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business, Hanns Seidel Foundation and Myanmar Responsible Tourism Institute, has released a White Paper that is intended to provide guidelines and principles for the recovery of the tourism sector. The White Paper outlines seven recommendations: Put Safety First Promote Domestic… Continue reading Tourism and COVID-19 in Myanmar: Priorities for Restarting Tourism
Japan’s business events sector makes up for the Olympics Source: Edited excerpt from Mix Meetings Date: 4 August 2020 J-Team is organising an event that brings together business events organizations in Japan to show the country’s readiness to welcome back events as soon as global logistics make that possible. Sixteen organisations have agreed to take part in a 60km-plus Great Tokyo Odyssey to help fill the void left by the postponement of the Tokyo Summer Olympics. Also known as Not the Tokyo Marathon (#NTTM), the event is scheduled for September 6, the original date of the 2020 Paralympic Marathon.
Sarawak’s digital marketing strategy Source: Edited excerpt from TTG MICE Date: 17 August 2020 Business Events Sarawak has unveiled several marketing videos to instill confidence in event organizers, by showcasing business events that have already taken place in Sarawak in abidance with the guidelines and SOPs set by the government. These videos will be uploaded on social media platforms and promoted through related business events digital media platforms.
AUSTRALIA
New Zealand NZD50 million (USD33 million) business events support package Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES Date: 19 August 2020 The Minister of Tourism announced that more than NZD300 million (USD196 million) funding has been approved to protect strategic tourism businesses, drive domestic tourism through regional events and lift digital capability in the tourism industry. The package includes:
Over NZD230 million (USD150 million) in grants and loans for 126 strategic tourism businesses, that could help protect the jobs of around 3,000 people directly employed in the industry.
NZD50 million (USD33 million) for a Regional Events Fund.
NZD20 million (USD13 million) inbound tour operator loan scheme.
NZD10 million (USD 6.5 million) to lift digital capability in the sector.
Gold Coast’s support package Source: Edited excerpt from Business Events Gold Coast Date: 5 August 2020 Destination Gold Coast in Australia, is now offering a cash incentive to support business events on the Gold Coast. Business events, confirmed by 31 December 2020, will be eligible to apply for cash incentives based on delegate numbers:
100+ delegates – AUD25,000 (USD17,878)
200+ delegates – AUD50,000 (USD35,756)
500+ delegates – AUD100,000 (USD71,513)
AFRICA
South Africa business events association tests the waters with a hybrid event Source: Edited excerpt from Business Events Africa Date: 13 August 2020 South African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) hosted “The Proof of Concept” event to evaluate the feasibility of additional COVID-19 requirements. In successfully delivering the event, SAACI hopes to encourage further activation of the business events and exhibition sector.
The event was held in five different venues around South Africa, with 50 people in each venue, in line with the government regulations, thus enabling a total of 250 people to attend in-person. An additional 305 attendees tuned in online.
EUROPE
Brussels’ venue rental subsidy fund Source: Edited excerpt from CMW – Conference & Meetings World Date: 27 July 2020
visit.brussels recently launched €2 million (USD2.3 million) fund to encourage organisers to choose Brussels as a destination for future events, offering financial support to B2B event organisers for events with at least 200 participants, and an overnight stay in Brussels. The support is in the form of a subsidy which must be injected into the rental payment of the event venue, whether it takes place now or in the future. Up to €50,000 (USD58,000) is available per eligible event.
The Netherlands’ COVID-19 Reopening Protocol Source: Edited excerpt from NL Netherlands website The Protocol contains guidelines for meeting and convention organizers, suppliers, and delegates of meetings, conventions and events taking place in the Netherlands. Business events include trade shows and corporate events. In putting together these guidelines, NBTC Holland Marketing (NBTC) obtained information from the Dutch government, the National Institute for Public Health & the Environment (RIVM), (strategic) partners and other suppliers as well as via desk research.
MIDDLE EAST
MOUs to formalise and reinforce partnerships to bring more business events to Dubai Source: Edited excerpt from HQ magazine Date: 10 Aug 2020 Dubai Business Events has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with public and private organisations in an effort to formalize and reinforce collaborations that are set to attract more business events to Dubai. These include Dubai Customs, Arab Association of Petroleum Professionals, Emirates Nursing Association and Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Meanwhile, the Roads Transport Authority, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, and RIT University renewed their MOUs.
GLOBAL RECOVERY
PCMA’s COVID-19 Recovery Dashboard Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES Date: 6 August 2020 On July 7-15, PCMA conducted a survey focusing exclusively on the APAC region. 531 event industry professionals — 342 planners and 189 suppliers responded to questions about what they have experienced since the pandemic began and where they see the recovery headed.
Our summary of how destinations are responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. We hope this bulletin will help you in planning your own mitigation and recovery strategies.
