Qatar Airways has issued a statement to reassure its clients that it will continue operations of more than 150 flights to over 70 cities. This makes it one of the few airlines with the greatest number of flights operating at this juncture.

Bangkok retains its status as Thailand’s top destination for MICE, as the Thai capital continues to re-invent itself as a cosmopolitan and activity-based centre for meetings and incentives.

After years of operating under the shadow of tourism savvy and well publicised Philippine destinations such as Manila and Cebu, Iloilo in Eastern Visayas, is raring to occupy a vantage spot on the international meetings stage.

Davao’s successful bid to host the prestigious MICECON (meetings, incentives, conferences, conventions, exhibitions, events conference) in September is proof of a destination in events’ ascendancy. For many years, this premier city on the island of Mindanao — the largest in the world in terms of total land area — was a hidden jewel in the ecological treasures of the Philippines, discovered when discriminating travelers saw more to Davao than what was recorded in their guidebooks.

In the highly-competitive industry of meetings and incentives, planners often face the challenge of sourcing for a unique venue that will serve as the bedrock of an unforgettable event experience for your participants.

HONG KONG – China is showing signs of recovery and businesses are returning to normal operations.

JAKARTA – Jakarta Hotels Association (JHA) is evaluating the current situation in Jakarta, and is in consultations with the local and central government to discuss a relief programme for the entire industry.

SINGAPORE – Staycation deals are drawing some traction in hotels such as Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa. Its most popular uptake has been its food and wellness-focused ‘Retreat To Sanctuary’ package, according to the resort’s assistant director of sales, Mr Jason Yap.

SINGAPORE – Local tour operators and heritage businesses in Singapore’s tourist precinct of Chinatown are fighting to regain a measure of normalcy and visitors through launching small-scale events.

USA - The coronavirus outbreak has had a major impact on the entire meetings industry already, forcing event organisers to cancel or postpone their conventions, trade shows and conferences.

Having well rested guests is now a serious priority for Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.

WORLDWIDE - Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has launched its Digital Wellness Escape, a luxurious retreat which encourages guests to escape from constant digital connectivity and to focus on their wellbeing.

LONDON – Following France’s lockdown since 17 March 2020, hotel occupancy has nosedived from 65.3% in February to just 3.3% this month as the number of Covid-19 cases grew.

SINGAPORE – Convention and exhibition organisers and suppliers are facing a dire situation in Singapore and may not last more than two months. More help is needed to tide them through this period, said the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS).