Topic: Bulletin

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REGION WATCH

ASIA

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.

The guide can be found here.

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:

The map is available here.

TOURISM SECTOR RECOVERY

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:

1. Put Safety First
2. Promote Domestic Tourism
3. Adopt a Phased Approach for Reopening to International Travel
4. Improve Destination Management and Market Segmentation
5. Revise the Current Approach to Marketing and Promotion
6. Build a Supportive Business Environment
7. Invest in Human Resources – Managing Talent During and After COVID-19

Download a copy of the White Paper here.

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.

The tracker is available here.

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For more articles/news, please visit News & Resources.

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.

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REGION WATCH

ASIA

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.

Download a copy here.

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For more articles/news, please visit News & Resources.

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.

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REGION WATCH

ASIA

Singapore’s “Safe Business Event” framework
Source: Edited excerpt from Biz Events Asia
Date: 22 July 2020
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has developed a risk management framework for business events of up to 50 attendees, based on strict safe management measures. The framework covers 5 major outcomes:

1. Infection control measures for every stage of an event attendee’s journey (pre- to post-event)
2. Limits on crowd density
3. Limits on close contacts between individuals
4. Ensuring a safe and clean environment
5. Preparing for emergencies relating to COVID-19

Two hybrid events, scheduled for August and September, will serve as pilots for the framework.

Penang’s new guidelines for business events
Source: Edited excerpt from Biz Events Asia
Date: 22 July 2020
Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) has launched the first edition of “Next Normal Guidelines for Business Events Penang”, a comprehensive document detailing the new standards of organising business events in this Malaysian state. The guidelines were created by a task force of 29 industry partners to ensure all facets of planning business events are considered. PCEB also unveiled new souvenirs for Business Events Penang: Penang Turtle Cares signature batik turtles wearing ‘N95 respiratory masks’ as a safety measure.

“Meet in Malaysia” campaign
Source: Edited excerpt from Mix Meetings and TTG MICE
Date: 28 July 2020
Malaysia’s Convention Bureau (MyCEB) has launched the Meet in Malaysia campaign, which runs until December 2021 and includes two initiatives:

1. “Let’s Meet Tomorrow” designed to help the industry prepare for international business events to be organised in Malaysia once borders re-open;
2. “Let’s Meet Locally” that centres on domestic events.

Malaysia’s industry associations “BE Ready” initiative
Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES
Date: 28 July 2020
The Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS), in collaboration with the Business Events Council Malaysia (BECM), have jointly launched their ‘BE-READY’ initiative. This is designed to showcase the industry’s safe execution of events in line with their Business Events (BE) Guidelines, which have been developed in accordance with the approved Malaysian National Security Council (MKN) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

China’s SPA Plan
Source: Edited excerpt from ITCM China Daily 2020
Date: 5 Aug 2020
To guide companies and their staff towards new standards of operations, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Commercial Sub-council has espoused Surviving/Service, Preparation and Actualisation (SPA) – a plan to enable MICE enterprises to survive and find opportunities in the current crisis.

The Sub-council had pushed for new industry standards due to the rise of contactless delivery services in the region. Within 26 days, it launched a set of association standards, and in some 100 days, it achieved global standardisation by the International Organization for Standardization.

Macau’s Health and Safety practices
Source: Edited excerpt from ITCM China Daily 2020
Date: 5 Aug 2020
The Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) is working to put in place health and safety practices before the industry reopens and also, that technology for hybrid events are set to be introduced.

Financial and other forms of support were also being reviewed to aid recovery.

AUSTRALIA

Business Events Australia wooing the Chinese market
Source: Edited excerpt from BEN
Date: 28 July 2020
Business Events Australia has announced the development of a We Chat mini program to provide a platform for organizers in China to save, download and share information about Australia’s business events offering. The existing platform at businessevents.australia.cn will retain a role in facilitating initial research and planning, but will aim to drive traffic to the WeChat account.

Australia keeps connections
Source:  Edited excerpt from meetingnewz
Date: 20 July 2020
To keep event planners dreaming whilst travel is restricted, Tourism Australia has pulled together six ways to soak up Australia from the comfort of their lounge rooms. Whether it is to read a book, watch a film, or tune in to a podcast, Tourism Australia wants its audience to be enticed to travel to Australia when the time is right.

EUROPE

Scotland’s 10 M Euros recovery package
Source: Edited excerpt from M & IT
Date: 29 July 2020
The Scottish government has allocated a funding package of 10 million euros to help the business events sector recover for the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will provide direct support to event organisers as well as to supply chain firms facing hardship, to help keep them in business while restrictions on events are still in place. It will also look to increase community engagement and support adaptations to event delivery to enable a safe restart.

Belgium launches safe meetings toolkit
Source: Edited excerpt from Northstar Meetings Group
Date: 17 July 2020
VisitFlanders Convention Bureau and EventFlanders, in collaboration with the Alliance of Belgian Event Federations, the Expertise Centre for Public Impact KdG and the government of Belgium, has developed three web-based tools to help in organization of business events that are compliant with the government’s health-safety measures. The tools are available in four languages and include:

1. The COVID Event Risk Model
2. The Covid Event Protocol
3. The Guidebook to Corona Prevention for Venues

Meet brUSsels’ 2 M Euros recovery package – B2B
Source: Edited excerpt from Global Travel Media
Date: 27 July 2020
Visit Brussels has launched a call for projects aimed at providing financial support to B2B event organisers (at least 200 participants, 2 days, one overnight stay in Brussels) by granting them a subsidy of their event venue. The total budget is 2 million euros, with a maximum of 50,000 euros per eligible event and 50% of the maximum room rental amount.

Brussels’ 1.5 M Euros support package – B2C
Source: Edited excerpt from Visit Brussels
In addition, Visit Brussels has allocated 1.5 million euros to support B2C events in Brussels in the procurement of protective and hygiene equipment, tools for flow/visitor management, circulation and counting, security costs (guards, stewards, etc.) and costs relating to the implementation of touchless solutions. The grant will be made according to the following breakdown:

• Maximum 10,000 euros for events hosting up to 200 people
• Maximum 17,500 euros for events hosting up to 500 people
• Maximum 25,000 euros for events hosting more than 500 people

UK’s COVID-19 safety labels
Source: Edited excerpt from M & IT
Date: 22 July 2020
Lack of standardised Covid-19 safety procedures from the UK government has led to many UK industry associations producing their own safety guidelines. Meetpie has compiled a list of safety accreditations from across the UK’s event industry, including:

• AIM Secure
• Safe,Clean and Legal
• We’re Good to Go
• COVID-19 Confident
• Reopen with confidence

AFRICA

Business events to lead recovery of South Africa’s tourism sector
Source: Edited excerpt from Voyages Afriq
Date: 24 July 2020
The South African Minister of Tourism among other priority areas singled out the business events sector as an area which will quicken the recovery. Mrs. Kubayi-Ngubane noted that South Africa will aggressively bid to host large international events in anticipation of the opening of the borders so that upon opening, they can immediately drive up demand for their supply market and also build confidence that South Africa is safe and open for business.

GLOBAL RECOVERY

EIC’s “Meeting and Event Design Accepted Practices” guide
Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES
Date: 24 July 2020
The Events Industry Council (EIC) has issued the Meeting and Event Design Accepted Practices Guide that provides customisable tools to help the business events industry professionals for the COVID-19 period. The guide provides:

• A meeting and event decision grid
• Guidelines and a code of conduct for pre-event, post-event and onsite
• Meeting and event success metrics (pre- and post-vaccine)
• Attendee communication considerations
• Resource guide

PCMA’s “Business Events Compass” report
Source: Edited excerpt from M & C Asia
Date: 24 July 2020
The inaugural PCMA Events Compass report, which provides research-based insights on geographic and industry sector business events recovery, reveals that:

• APAC is leading the road in recovery of the business events industry largely due to reopening plans in Japan and China, and a decisive pandemic response in countries like New Zealand and Australia.
• Best case economic recovery scenario (virus contained) for business events is currently estimated to be Q3-2021.

An executive summary of Business Events Compass is free for PCMA members, however a subscription to the full service and inaugural report, including updates through December 2020, is available for US$495 for members ($895 for non-members).

JMIC releases ‘The JMIC Global Manifesto’
Source: Edited excerpt from NORTHSTAR meetings group
Date: 20 July 2020
The Joint Meetings Industry Council has released a Meetings Industry Manifesto, which makes the case for why conventions, trade shows and other business events are key to driving a global economic recovery. This manifesto is developed as a resource for industry professionals to advocate for the safe reopening of business events in their respective communities. The manifesto concludes with 10 “critical success” points that meeting professionals can follow to advocate for their industry on a local and regional level. 

Download the full manifesto here.

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For more articles/news, please visit News & Resources.

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.

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REGION WATCH

ASIA

Sarawak’s new incentives for the industry
Source: Edited excerpt from M&C Asia
Date: 14 July 2020
Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) has unveiled the Tribe Legacy campaign which includes a trio of new initiatives to kickstart the business events industry. Event organizers can tap into incentives such as the BESLegacy Reward program and BESTribe Reward program. Tribe Legacy will aid in training and upskilling local industry players.

BESarawak will also launch Tribe Digital Xchange, a virtual roadshow and B2B platform for industry partners to present their latest products and services.

Thailand’s DMCs team up
Source: Edited excerpt from TTGMICE and Mix Meetings
Date: 16 July 2020
The DMC community in Thailand has come together to formulate and implement a set of standards entitled Thailand Hygiene Plus Initiative (THPI), to get the message that Thailand is safe to visit. The standards cover six areas and include, but are not limited to, those to be certified by the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA).

Collaboration from Tokyo’s industry stakeholders
Source: Edited excerpt from Mix Meetings
Date: 7 July 2020
TOKYO Convention Bureau has united the Japanese capital’s business events stakeholders in establishing “new normal” guidelines and assuring overseas clients that the city is safe for international conferences and corporate events. The stakeholders have also created initiatives to show that Tokyo is a “flexible” city for business events. Strong restrictions on entering Japan from abroad are still in effect, but travellers from Vietnam were permitted to enter from the beginning of July. Talks are underway to extend entry to travellers from Thailand, Australia and New Zealand.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand’s $10 million domestic events support package
Source: Edited excerpt from MICENET
Date: 3 July 2020
New Zealand’s government has allocated a $10 million fund for the domestic sector after dialogue with the local events sector. The Domestic Events Fund is designed to support events that provide the greatest flow-on benefit to regional economies and to stave off the loss of such critical events.

Queensland’s “Good to Go” safety mark
Source: Edited excerpt from CIM
Date: 10 July 2020
Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) has specified criteria for businesses on how to be COVID-Safe. Businesses that meet the requirements can display a Good to Go ‘stamp’ in their marketing. Developed by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and approved by the state’s Chief Health Officer, the Queensland Industry Plan for Tourism and Accommodation and the Queensland Industry Framework for Events outline COVID-Safe practices and recommendations that allow tourism businesses and event organisers to maintain safety and operate viably.

EUROPE

European convention bureaux launch a joint website
Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRESS
Date: 30 June 2020
The Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe launched its new website to provide customers, suppliers and partners with useful resources as well as direct channels of communication to its 28 members from all over Europe.

Germany’s new marketing strategy
Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRESS
Date: 10 July 2020
During their first ever hybrid AGM, the German Convention Bureau presented its post-corona recovery concept and new marketing strategy “At the heart of future events – meetings made in Germany 2021+”. The strategy outlines the recovery phases as:

Phase 1: Exchange of information, analysing the situation and the current organization of face-to-face and hybrid events in compliance with hygiene and security measures with a focus on the domestic market.

Phase 2: Increase in personal meetings, growth in attendee figures at face-to-face events and the gradual expansion of activities in European and overseas markets.

Phase 3: Combination of analogue, hybrid and virtual formats.

GLOBAL RECOVERY

PATA’s recovery planner
Source: Edited excerpt from TTG Asia
Date: 29 June 2020
As part of their Crisis Resource Center (CRC), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has launched a recovery planner, which is a digital resource that destinations can use to create personalised, five-phased COVID-19 tourism recovery plans.

Global trade shows collaborate
Source: Edited excerpt from Boardroom
Date: 2 July 2020
JMIC, together with AIME, IBTM, IMEX and Meetings Africa, have released a 2-part webinar showcasing the industry speaking with one voice. All the major trade shows for our industry, leaders of associations and leading experts in the sector united to put together a joint message – to governments, decision makers, stakeholders – about the role business events have to play in the economic recovery post COVID-19.

IACC recovery protocols for venues
Source: Edited excerpt from Meetings Net
Date: 15 July 2020
IACC (formerly known by its full name the International Association of Conference Centers) has released the “Critical Pathway for Reopening Meeting, Conference, and Training Spaces” report, a detailed blueprint of protocols and tactics that meeting venues can use to ensure cleanliness and social distancing. This 52-page report is free for IACC members.

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For more articles/news, please visit News & Resources.

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.

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REGION WATCH

ASIA

Collaboration in South East Asia
Source: Edited excerpt from TTG MICE
Date: 15 June 2020
Business events associations in South-east Asia: Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, have come together to spur the recovery of the region’s meetings and events sector through ongoing talks with a focus on sharing protocols for the safe reopening of events, exchanging advocacy tactics, and building resilience in South-east Asia.

Short term business trips between Thailand and five key markets under discussion
Source: Edited excerpt from Mix Meetings
Date: 30 June 2020
Hong Kong and Thailand hope to have a bilateral agreement in July to create a travel bubble between the two destinations. Other short-term business travellers allowed into Thailand can potentially include those mainland China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore.

Thailand’s “Ease Up” grant
Source: Edited excerpt from CIM
Date: 16 June 2020
Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has unveiled “EASE UP”, a new collaborative financial grant that gives event organizers access to USD $500,000 financial support and an equivalent value in complimentary products and services from participating partners. The grant is part of a new campaign called I M PEOPLE FOCUSED.

Thailand’s Covid-19 resource center and framework
Source: Edited excerpt from TTG MICE
Date: 15 June 2020
Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has launched a real-time news service dedicated to business events during the Covid-19 pandemic and created a framework entitled Exhibition New Norm Standard Operation Procedures. The website includes government insight and measures on the status of the Covid-19 infection in Thailand and worldwide, as well as online resources for organisers and visitors.

Singapore’s Operational Handbook for the Industry
Source: Edited excerpt from Mix Meetings  and M & C Asia
Date: 17 June 2020
Singapore Association for Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) has joined forces with Singapore Tourism Board and Enterprise Singapore to work on an Industry Resilience Roadmap (IRR) that will serve as an “operational handbook” as business events begin in stages. The IRR focuses on three strategic objectives:

1. Safe and sustainable operating environment
2. Strengthen enterprise capabilities to innovate and scale-up
3. Build a strong and vibrant industry to drive future change

AKEI offers USD $200k support for exhibitions
Source: Edited excerpt from AKEI
Date: 23 June 2020
The Association of Korea Exhibition Industry (AKEI) will provide show organizers with the cost of COVID19 prevention activities to cover consumables such as masks, hand sanitizers and plastic gloves, renting equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, and disinfection costs. The total budget is about USD $200,000 and more than 50 shows are expected to receive this quarantine support. To be eligible, the show must be at least 2,000sqm and have been held since last May or is scheduled to be held in South Korea. An organizer can get support up to 2 exhibitions and up to 5 million KRW (USD $4,200) per show.

AUSTRALIA

Australia’s AUD $1.5 million restart package
Source: Edited excerpt from CIM
Date: 19 June 2020
Business Events Australia has launched the Business Events Boost Program that includes a new AUD $1.5 million (USD $1.03 million) program to help the domestic business events sector get back on its feet in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis. The Australian Federal Government has also put aside AUD $75 million (USD $51.8 million) in grants to provide capital to help event businesses. Event organisers will be able to apply for grants of between AUD $75,000 (USD $51,900) to AUD $2 million (USD $1.4 million) to put on events as part of a broader AUD $250 million (USD $173 million) rescue package for the arts sector.

Melbourne Convention Bureau seeking AUD $60 million in recovery funding
Source: Edited excerpt from The Age, Melbourne
Date: 4 July 2020
A tourism taskforce for Victoria has proposed a AUD $1.3 B (USD $910 million) visitor industry recovery plan to the State government.  The proposed package would include AUD $15 million (USD $10 million) in additional annual funding for the convention bureau over four years as well as funding for product innovation (“game changing infrastructure development”), airline service incentives and tourism promotion.

EUROPE

Estonia’s free transport for international conference delegates
Source: Edited excerpt from M & C Asia
Date: 16 June 2020
Estonia’s capital, the city of Tallinn has introduced a new scheme where delegates to international conferences in the city can now ride the capital’s buses, trolleys and trams for free. Event organisers who apply through the city’s Transport Department will receive QR code tickets which can be sent to delegates before their arrival. The tickets are valid for the entire period of the delegate’s official stay.

Slovenia’s virtual adventure
Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES
Date: 22 June 2020
Slovenia Meetings team organized a 1-hour online experience on 2 July, featuring the main meetings destinations and venues in three geographical and three climate regions.

UK-wide “We’re Good to Go” certification
Source: Edited excerpt from Visit Britain
Date: 25 June 2020
The United Kingdom has launched a ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry standard and consumer mark to help businesses across the sector demonstrate that they are adhering to the respective Government and public health guidance, have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and check they have the required processes in place.

Berlin’s 10 million euros restart package
Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES
Date: 28 June 2020
The Senate of Berlin has approved a new congress fund to help the city and the Berlin Convention Office of Visit Berlin to attract new events to the city. The focus will particularly be on events in the areas of digitalization, mobility and the health care industry. The congress fund initially comprises of 10 million euros (USD $11.2 million) as well as other support measures.

CANADA

Canada CAD $30 million support package for DMOs
Source: Edited excerpt from Canadian Meetings & Events Expo
Date: 1 June 2020
The Federal government of Canada announced that it is investing CAD $30 million (USD $22.1 million) into the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) to provide financial relief to destination marketing organizations across southern Ontario that have experienced revenue shortfalls.

MIDDLE EAST

Dubai Tourism’s cooperation with Dubai Customs
Source: Edited excerpt from M & C Asia
Date: 16 June 2020
Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) and Dubai Customs have signed a MoU to work as a team in making annual plans to specify the objectives and activities in attracting more business events to the emirate. The two will organize joint business events and Dubai Customs will become a member organisation of Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme.

Abu Dhabi’s Safety Certification
Source: Edited excerpt from CIM
Date: 22 June 2020
Abu Dhabi has launched a new Go Safe Certification that aims to enforce global standards of safety and cleanliness at hotels, attractions, and venues across the emirate, leading to the reopening of the properties after they receive clearance and certification from Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi.

GLOBAL RECOVERY PROTOCOLS

IELA onsite covid-19 protocol
Source: Edited excerpt from TTG MICE
Date: 29 June 2020
The International Exhibition Logistics Association (IELA) has released a step-by-step practical guide and safety recommendations for the exhibition logistics industry during the current pandemic. Entitled IELA On-Site Covid-19 Protocol, the guide recommends the measures and behaviour to adopt in an on-site work situation specific to the exhibition logistics environment, as economies restart around the world.

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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.

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REGION WATCH

ASIA

Enhancements to Singapore’s fortitude budget
Source: Edited excerpt from Meetings & Conventions Asia
Date: 30 May 2020
Singapore Tourist Board (STB) has outlined schemes that business events professionals can tap into during this time including the Job Support Scheme (JSS), income tax deferment, SkillsFuture Study Award, income reliefs and cash grants.

Seoul identifies conference safe zones
Source: Edited excerpt from Mix Meetings
Date: 2 June 2020
Seoul Convention Bureau has announced the PLUS SEOUL Infection-free Zone and Reassuring Package aimed at enabling face-to-face meetings under stricter health precautions. The bureau also seeks to encourage more digital innovations in the business events sector.

Thailand’s hygiene guidelines
Source: Edited excerpt from CIM
Date: 4 June 2020
Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched the “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration: SHA” certification aimed at boosting business confidence and alleviating concern over health and safety matters.

Osaka’s guidelines for the business events industry
Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES
Date: 11 June 2020
Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau has released the “Guidelines for MICE Event Organizers for Infectious Disease Control” meant to mitigate infection risk and provide recommendations on operations management.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Australia’s restart chart
Source: Edited excerpt from The Nibbler
Date: 28 May 2020
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Restart Taskforce have approved a timetable for business events, venues and attractions, and domestic and international travel. The proposed timetable details that the gradual return of business events in Australia will begin in July with events of fewer than 100 patrons, and business events with more than 100 attendees would begin to return in September.

New Zealand’s ‘Voluntary Covid Code’
Source: Edited excerpt from New Zealand Major Events
Date: 9 June 2020
The New Zealand business events industry in consultation with New Zealand Major Events at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, has developed the Events Sector Voluntary Code. The code outlines what the business events sector can do to safely deliver events by following best practice expectations, based on the Ministry of Health’s guidance to reduce COVID-19 related risks.

Collaboration between Australia and New Zealand
Source: Edited excerpt from Conventions and Incentives New Zealand
Date: 10 June 2020
The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) and Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) have announced a joint agreement aimed at:

• Facilitating maximum benefits for both markets
• Unified voice when advocating for change
• Boosting customer and industry confidence in Australia and New Zealand as Safe Markets.

Melbourne launches Delegate Digital Site
Source: Edited excerpt from Mix Meetings
Date: 11 June 2020
Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has unveiled a new destination marketing site to help organisers show the attractions of the city and the surrounding state of Victoria. The Delegate Digital Site includes resources to virtually explore the destination, key travel information, itinerary ideas and special offers from MCB partners.

EUROPE

Study on the impact of COVID-19 on Europe’s convention market
Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES
Date: 29 May 2020
The Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe has released the results of a study on “The Impact of Coronavirus on Europe’s Convention Sector”. The analysis, prepared by Tourism Economics, outlines three scenarios to reflect the possible range of outcomes from this crisis:

1. Baseline scenario
2. Upside scenario
3. Downside scenario

GLOBAL RECOVERY PROTOCOLS

Third guide by G3 Partners AIPC, ICCA and UFI
Source: Edited excerpt from the World Tourism and Travel Council
Date: 29 May 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 released the third global guide in a series of COVID-19 related guides.

The “Good Practice Guide: Addressing COVID-19 Requirements for Re-Opening Business Events” identifies and promotes globally emerging standards, protocols, and good practices.

‘Safe Travels’ global safety stamp of approval
Source: Edited excerpt from the AIPC
Date: 29 May 2020
The World Tourism and Travel Council has designed a stamp that will allow travellers to recognise governments and companies around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’. 80 destinations have embraced the global protocols.

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For more articles/news, please visit News & Resources.

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.

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REGION WATCH

ASIA

Busan’s business events recovery strategy
Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES
Date: 18 May 2020
The Busan Tourism Organization has developed a three-step plan to be implemented in 2020:

1. Increase promotions and build trust
2. Business events industry benefits
3. Global Campaigns

Singapore focused on virtual meetings development
Source: Edited excerpt from TTGMICE
Date: 25 May 2020
The Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau has provided a subsidy of up to 90 per cent for training programmes in virtual meetings development.

Hong Kong’s business events recovery plans
Source: Edited excerpt from Meetings & Conventions Asia
Date: 26 May 2020
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced recovery plans including:

• An online business matching platform to match Hong Kong’s business events stakeholders with potential buyers.
• Using funds to bid for major exhibitions and conventions
• Incentives for trade partners joining HKTB delegations to overseas trade shows
• Image rebuilding
• The Meet On @ Hong Kong Campaign

Korea to provide increased subsidies for rescheduled conventions
Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES
Date: 26 May 2020
The Korea MICE Bureau (KMB) will provide increased subsidies for international conventions originally scheduled to be held in Korea in 2020 but have had to reschedule due to COVID-19 (if a new hosting date is confirmed to fall before June 2021). KMB will also provide COVID-19 safety equipment at no extra cost for international conventions held in Korea through the end of 2020.

AUSTRALIA

Australia’s lost business report
Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES
Date: 27 May 2020
To measure business confidence in recovering from the crisis and rebuilding, the Business Events Council of Australia conducted a lost business report, measuring the impact of the pandemic on the Australian meetings industry in terms of lost revenue.

EUROPE

Poland online site inspection
Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES
Date: 14 May 2020
The Poland Convention Bureau has launched the first edition of a comprehensive online guide for meeting planners which allows event organisers to interactively and individually explore the many congress, conference and event facilities Poland has to offer.

Britain to showcase business events virtually
Source: Edited excerpt from Business Events News
Date: 19 May 2020
Visit Britain, in partnership with MeetEngland, VisitScotland Business Events, Meet in Wales, Tourism Northern Ireland and London Convention Bureau has organized MeetGB Virtual. Happening in June, the two-day virtual exhibition in June that will feature more than 60 suppliers, with buyers invited to attend 10 pre-scheduled online meetings.

#EstoniaIsOpen campaign
Source: Edited excerpt from KONGRES
Date: 20 May 2020
The Estonia Convention Bureau (ECB) has launched an online social media campaign featuring creative photos and videos of ECB’s 36 members. The campaign will showcase new ideas and innovative solutions for maintaining safe hosting practices, as well as encourage bookings for later periods when more travel possibilities return.

TOURISM RECOVERY EFFORTS

Japan’s US$12.5 billion stimulus package
Source: Edited excerpt from TTGAsia
Date: 26 May 2020
The Japanese government has unfolded a plan to stimulate domestic tourism by offering financial aid of 1.35 trillion yen (US$12.5 billion) for residents to travel when the coronavirus subsides. This will be run through the Japan Tourism Agency.

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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.

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DIFFERENTIATING BUSINESS EVENTS FROM MASS GATHERINGS

Source: Edited excerpt from Exhibition World
Date: 7 May 2020
The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) and the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) says it is important the government understands the business events industry can operate under a controlled set of ‘bio-safe’ principles and should not be subject to mass gathering restrictions.

Source: Edited excerpt from CIM
Date: 15 May 2020
Conventions & Incentives New Zealand echoes this sentiment. The New Zealand Government has confirmed ticketed large events, including domestic business events and conferences can now go ahead with a 100-person limit. The events must adhere to a one-metre distancing requirement and use contact tracing.

Source: Edited excerpt from TTGMICE
Date: 11 May 2020
The same scenario is playing out in Malaysia where its Business Events Council Malaysia (BECM) is appealing for a clear distinction between business events and mass gatherings so the sector can establish a restart date. The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) is pushing for 500 people as the maximum limit for business events, raising the limit of 250 which the National Security Council was considering.

REGION WATCH

ASIA

Thailand prioritizes Hygiene and Safety
Source: Edited excerpt from Meetings & Conventions Asia
Date: 30 April 2020
Under the “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration” campaign, qualified tourism businesses who exceed minimum standards set by the Public Health Ministry will be able to display a safety certificate logo.

Source: Edited excerpt from TTGMICE
Date: 18 May 2020
In the meantime, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), in partnership with business events stakeholders in Thailand, have launched MICE Venue Hygiene Guidelines comprising five key measures.

Thailand provides grants for business events venues
Source: Edited excerpt from The Nibbler
Date: 30 April 2020
TCEB has also implemented the ‘COVID-19 Free Meetings’ project, providing grants of 30,000 Thai baht (USD $1,465) to eligible MICE venues for upgrades to health and safety standards. The TCEB forecasts the project will be able to support up to 216 business event venues nationwide.

Penang’s three-year rejuvenation plan
Source: Edited excerpt from TTGMICE
Date: 18 May 2020
The Penang state government and Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) are jointly developing a three-year business events rejuvenation plan that will start from next year. The initial focus will be on building and attracting more national meetings and business events, before targeting South-east Asia, Asia Pacific and finally, the global meetings and incentives industry.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

COVIDSafe Australia’s three-step recovery plan
Source: Edited excerpt from TTGMICE
Date: 11 May 2020
The COVIDSafe Australia plan outlines steps to gradually remove baseline restrictions and reopen the economy.  Phase three, described as the ‘new normal’, will come into effect in July and will allow gatherings of up to 100 people, including business events. However, international travel and mass gatherings over 100 people will remain restricted.

EUROPE

European Cities Marketing Launches Recovery Guide
Source: Edited excerpt from European Cities Marketing
Date: 29 April 2020
European Cities Marketing, in partnership with TOPOSOPHY, has published “The DMMO Covid-19 Continuity Checklist – An ECM Guide for Sustainable Recovery”.
The Continuity Checklist is presented in three stages: response, recovery and resilience.           

TOURISM RECOVERY EFFORTS          

Australia’s Live from Aus Initiative
Source: Edited excerpt from Meeting Newz
Date: 10 May 2020
Tourism Australia has invited event planners around the globe to enjoy 24 hours of inspiration, education and entertainment with a curated program of live virtual travel experiences on the weekend of May 16 and 17. This was aimed at keeping event planners inspired and engaged for when it is safe to send groups to Australia again.

Singapore’s recovery framework
Source: Edited excerpt from TTGAsia
Date: 11 May 2020
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has developed a new framework featuring new platforms for easier digitisation and potentially faster recovery. Under the three-step framework coined “Learn Test Build”, companies can learn to identify gaps and opportunities in their business models through the STB Tech College, as well as a new self-diagnostic tool, the Tourism Transformation Index (TXI).

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For more articles/news, please visit News & Resources.

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.

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RECOVERY TIMELINE?

When will meetings resume?
Source: Edited excerpt from Northstar Meetings Group
Date: 22 April 2020
Check out Northstar Meetings Group’s latest Pulse survey on the “Future of Meetings and Events in the era of COVID-19”:

• Planners are still working
• Getting back to business
• Majority of events have been rescheduled
• Large events will lag behind
• Harder to reach out to meeting suppliers

Planners expect full industry recovery by Q2 2021 in MPI survey
Source: Edited excerpt from M&IT Magazine
Date: 22 April 2020
Recovery, staffing and destinations are the three topics of a survey by the Meeting Professionals International (MPI). The survey examines the near-future business landscape as the industry moves closer to a post-COVID-19 world.

Outlook and Recovery Timeline
Source: Excerpt from Event Manager Blog
Date: 23 April 2020
Event Manager Blog have created a chart that has a scientific basis for the constant, daily research of analysis within and outside the industry:

UK gearing up for September
Source: Edited excerpt from Exhibitor Online
Date: 24 April 2020
Event planners and venue teams broadly agree that September is expected to be the most significant month when it comes to recovery in both enquiry and booking levels.

Thailand eyes second half of 2020
Source: Edited excerpt from Meetings & Conventions Asia
Date: 28 April 2020
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is planning to kickstart its business events sector recovery from the second half of the year, with industry leaders cautiously optimistic that the earliest return to business will be in Q4. TCEB’s SVP, strategic marketing and business development, Ms Nichapa Yoswee, believes that Asia will be the first region to recover and is planning for Thailand to welcome business events from the second half of the year.

Insights from the incentive travel industry
Source: Edited excerpt from Incentive Research Foundation
Date: 24 April 2020
The Incentive Research Foundation fielded a survey and more than 250 incentive providers, both third parties and corporate end users, responded with insights:

• Budgets staying intact
• Alternative means of recognizing winners

HYGIENE IS TRENDING

“Singapore Clean” cleanliness audit
Source: Edited excerpt from Skift
Date: 13 April 2020
Cleanliness has become one of the three most important factors in the road to recovery and in the future. Singapore has launched a scheme to audit hotels nationwide and give them a clean bill of health if they meet seven criteria. A “SG Clean” stamp will give locals and visitors peace of mind.

HotelPlanner, which provides group hotel rates to any type of groups, believes that cleaning and disinfectant policies and procedures will become a legal contract item.

Western Australia prepares free hygiene training
Source: Edited excerpt from CIM Business Events
Date: 30 April 2020
Venues in Western Australia will have to undergo new online Covid-19 training before they are allowed to reopen. Around 70,000 people hospitality workers are expected to complete the free Covid-19 hygiene training course, which is being funded by the WA Government. The course will comprise two tiers, with all staff to complete the first stage and managers and supervisors required to complete the second, more advanced program. The course would take 45 minutes to an hour to complete the training, covering everything from social distancing to food handling and hygiene.

Azerbaijan’s health and safety campaign
Source: Edited excerpt from Meetings International
Date: 27 April 2020
THE Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB), together with the State Tourism Agency (STA) of the Republic of Azerbaijan and in cooperation with Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AQTA), has announced the launch of a health, safety and hygiene program called SAHMAN (Sanitation and Hygiene Methods and Norms).“SAHMAN” means “immaculateness” in Azerbaijani.

REGION WATCH

ASIA

Thailand’s support for its exhibition industry
Source: Edited excerpt from Exhibition World
Date: 21 April 2020
Thailand has introduced a support package for exhibition organisers and industry stakeholders. More than US$3.03bn has been approved to help companies in Thailand combat the temporary suspension of business brought about by Covid-19.

Complementing the wider government relief plan is TCEB’s own support package, ‘Thailand Extra Exhibition Plus’ which provides support for exhibition stakeholders to sustain core tradeshows in Thailand. The measures announced form part of a comprehensive set of measures to accompany the USD1m for immediate term relief for the exhibition sector and the US$14m first phase of Thailand’s industry recovery plan.

How Hong Kong is spending its US$52 M in recovery promotion
Source: Edited excerpt from TTGAsia
Date: 27 April 2020
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) previously announced a planned HK$400 million to support promotions by the trade. HKTB executive director Dane Cheng said a three-phase plan has been devised to reinvigorate Hong Kong tourism. The exact timeline depended on the development of the pandemic:

Phase 1 (Now) – Resilience – HKTB is preparing a recovery plan for Hong Kong tourism.
Phase 2 – Recovery – When the pandemic shows signs of abating, the HKTB will focus on the local market to promote a “positive ambience in Hong Kong” by encouraging locals to rediscover different neighbourhoods and community cultures in order to send a positive message to visitors and restore their confidence in the city. Meanwhile, the HKTB will launch tactical promotions with the trade in selected markets based on the developments of individual markets to stimulate people’s interest to visit Hong Kong.
Phase 3 – Relaunch – Mega events and a new tourism brand campaign will be launched to rebuild Hong Kong’s tourism image.

Singapore launching phase 2 of US$14 M marketing programme
Source: Edited excerpt from Meetings & Conventions Asia
Date: 24 April 2020
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will launch the second phase of its Marketing Partnership Programme to include the rest of the MICE sector in early May. Under this $20 million (US$14.02 million) programme, STB will support part of the marketing costs, and award additional funding to companies that work with other tourism stakeholders to create value-added experiences to visitors.

MEET Taiwan using tech to facilitate business during the pandemic
Source: Edited excerpt from Meetings & Conventions Asia
Date: 21 April 2020
Taiwan has launched online and virtual 3D exhibitions for trade partners around the world, enabling visitors to view products and shop directly online. In addition, Taiwantrade.com offers customized online sourcing services via its Meet Supplier Online service.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Visit Auckland waiting for the right time
Source: Edited excerpt from VisitAuckland YouTube Page
Date: 9 April 2020
In a breathtaking video showcasing captivating scenery of the landscape, the people and cuisine, using their native names, VisitAuckland encourages people to sit at a distance, stand as one. “When the time is right, we welcome you. But for now, listen. Papatūānuku (our earth mother) is breathing.”

Australia’s revises its Business Events Advance Program
Source: Edited excerpt from CIM Business Events
Date: 27 April 2020
Business Events Australia has revamped its Advance Program for financial year FY20/21. Changes include greater access for smaller projects by lowering the minimum amount requested for each project to $10,000; offering two rounds of applications each year; and streamlining the application process.

EUROPE

Scotland will wait
Source: Edited excerpt from VisitScotland Business Events LinkedIn Page
Date: 17 April 2020
VisitScotland Business Events has shared an encouraging video reminding the industry that what they all do is important. The video features several industry stakeholders from across Scotland saying in solidarity that “Scotland Will Wait”.

Germany launches #MeetGermanyFromHome
Source: Edited excerpt from Kongres Magazine
Date: 16 April 2020
The German Convention Bureau (GCB) has launched its new #MeetGermanyFromHome campaign. The bi-lingual English and German social media campaign enables cities, venues, hotels and other meeting and event suppliers to share updates, news and new initiatives on Twitter and Instagram, with a focus on offers for the second half of 2020 and for 2021.

INDUSTRY POST-COVID

Expected norm for Post-Coronavirus Events
Source: Excerpt from Event Manager Blog
Date: 21 April 2020

• Insurance – coverage for cancellation of event, delegates and staff that may contract the virus.
• Social Distancing
• Thermal Scanning
• Sanitation and Disinfection
• Triage and Handling of Those Who Show Symptoms
• Vulnerable population management

Reinventing the Association Wheel
Source: Edited excerpt from Boardroom Magazine
Date: 24 April 2020

1. Hyper-personalized advertising which is based on a model of delivering advertisements purely relevant to the recent behaviours, requests and permissions of a specific individual. The benefit for members in this model is that they receive highly relevant information tailored to meet their exact current needs.
2. Being a trusted independent crowdsource enabler that connects researchers, media, government agencies and other data collectors with verified industry professionals.
3. Associations becoming the go-to source that can secure a percentage of human assurance in any content produced by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Hong Kong reinventing itself
Source: Edited excerpt from Skift
Date: 27 April 2020
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is engaging its stakeholders to review and rethink Hong Kong’s position in the global tourism market and elevate service standards. HKTB foresees a new tourism landscape post-pandemic – hygiene standards will be the top priority; short breaks and wellness-themed trips will be popular.

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For more articles/news, please visit News & Resources.

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.

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REGIONS

ASIA

Thailand focuses on supporting business events entrepreneurs
Source: Edited excerpt from Thailand Conventions & Exhibition Bureau
The Thailand Conventions and Exhibitions Bureau (TCEB) has launched the “Virtual Meeting Space” (VMS) project, providing support for business events entrepreneurs to keep their business alive by running events online, and re-skilling or up-skilling their manpower using virtual resources. TCEB’s other project, “COVID-19 Free Meetings,” will help venues upgrade their safety and health standards in the face of new requirements.

China eyes hybrid events
Source: Edited excerpt from MixMeetings
Date: 16 April 2020
Chinese organisers are considering creating events that are a hybrid of physical gatherings combined with the digital sphere, or “phys-gital”. It is expected that the “new normal” will be the rise of hybrid events combining digital video-conferencing and exhibitions using virtual-reality technology, with delegates still gathering at venues.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Events Grant Fund for the South Australian tourism sector
Source: Edited excerpt from South Australia Tourism Commission
Date: 3 April 2020
The South Australian Government has announced a AUD$5.7 million (US$ 3.6 million) funding package to support the tourism and events sector. The package includes a new Regional Events Grant Fund, which aims to provide financial support for small to medium regional event organisers who have experienced financial loss due to the forced cancellation or postponement of an event.

New Zealand launches “BE Reconnected”
Source: Edited excerpt from MICEBTN
Date: 6 April 2020
Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) has launched a new event, BE Reconnected, for December 2020. BE Reconnected will focus on re-engaging and reconnecting industry relationships to help kick start business recovery. This event will replace this multi-day Meetings Exhibition which was due to be held in April this year.

EUROPE

Monaco waiving cancellation fees in its “postpone not cancel” effort
Source: Edited excerpt from Business Events News
Date: 14 April 2020
Monaco Convention Bureau is working with key suppliers to offer, wherever possible, the waiver of contractual cancellation fees and postpone deposits for upcoming events which are affected by COVID-19. The policy has also been extended by most Monaco hotels for individual and group reservations. Organisers of regular Monaco conferences and meetings are being offered new dates and the most suitable solutions.

AFRICA

Kenya prepares a 12-month Activation plan during and post COVID-19
Source: Edited excerpt from VoyagesAfriq
Date: 13 April 2020
The Kenya National Convention Bureau (KNCB) believes that there is opportunity to examine how ready the industry is in response to crisis situations, and jointly plan with industry members for  recovery and building a robust and sustainable business events sector by:-

• Building a united public and private sector stakeholder and supplier community
• Improving market intelligence
• Adding to the sales pipeline
• Building a credible brand for launch to the global marketplace
• Engineering efficient processes to achieve faster business growth in the future
• Generating local community understanding, support and engagement in the sector

TOURISM RECOVERY

Singapore providing free on-line training to local suppliers as part of post COVID-19 recovery efforts
Source: Edited excerpt from Singapore Tourism Board LinkedIn Page
Date: 10 April 2020
The Singapore Marketing College, a free online learning platform of Singapore Tourism Board, covers modules such as Brand, Strategic Planning and Activation Planning, and is offered free so the industry can upskill in preparation for the post COVID-19 recovery.

UNWTO COVID-19 tourism recovery recommendations
Source: Edited excerpt from UNWTO
Date: 14 April 2020
These recommendations from the United Nations World Tourism Organization are divided into three key areas:

I) Managing the crisis and mitigating the impact
1. Incentivise job retention, sustain the self-employed and protect the most vulnerable groups
2. Support companies’ liquidity
3. Review taxes, charges, levies and regulations impacting transport and tourism
4. Ensure consumer protection and confidence
5. Promote skills development, especially digital skills
6. Include tourism in national, regional and global economic emergency packages
7. Create crisis management mechanisms and strategies

II) Providing stimulus and accelerating recovery
1. Provide financial stimulus for tourism investment and operations
2. Review taxes, charges and regulations impacting travel and tourism
3. Advance travel facilitation
4. Promote new jobs and skills development, particularly digital ones
5. Mainstream environmental sustainability in stimulus and recovery packages
6. Understand the market and act quickly to restore confidence and stimulate demand
7. Boost marketing, events and meetings
8. Invest in partnerships
9. Mainstream tourism in national, regional and international recovery programmes and in Development Assistance

III) Preparing for the future
1. Diversify markets, products and services
2. Invest in market intelligence systems and digital transformation
3. Reinforce tourism governance at all levels
4. Prepare for crisis, build resilience and ensure tourism is part of national emergency mechanism and systems
5. Invest in human capital and talent development
6. Place sustainable tourism firmly on the national agenda
7. Transition to the circular economy and embrace the SDGs

TOURISM CAMPAIGNS DURING COVID-19

Tourism Australia offers virtual backdrops for Zoom meetings
Source: Edited excerpt from Tourism Australia
Date: 9 April 2020
While the coronavirus pandemic continues, and social distancing measures are in place, many people are now working from home and video conferencing has become the new norm. To inspire would-be travellers around the world, Tourism Australia has made 13 stunning Australian landscapes available for use as virtual backdrops during Zoom meetings.

New Keeping Vanuatu Beautiful campaign
Source: Edited excerpt from AdNews
Date: 3 April 2020
The Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) has launched a global campaign ‘We’ll Keep it Beautiful for You.’ This campaign, aimed at keeping Vanuatu top-of-mind, promises that the locals will keep Vanuatu beautiful for visitors until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. As part of the campaign, the VTO will also share a range of #VanuatuMoments featuring locals helping to keep Vanuatu beautiful, on its Facebook and Instagram channels.

Visit Abu Dhabi encourages time for reflection
Source: Video excerpt from Visit Abu Dhabi Instagram Page
Date: 27 March 2020
In a video on their Instagram page, Visit Abu Dhabi gives a message of using this time of silence, not for sadness but for reflection. “The world will return and Adu Dhabi will be waiting with open arms. We’ll be waiting for you #InAbuDhabi. Till we meet again, #StayHome, #StaySafe but #StayCurious

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For more articles/news, please visit News & Resources.

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.