HASTINGS – After US$11.3 million and nearly six years of earthquake strengthening, Toitoi - Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre has reopened, with a special Grand Opening production happening this weekend from 7-8 March.

AUCKLAND – The delay to Park Hyatt Auckland’s opening will soon be over. It was originally scheduled to open in early 2019 but will now be open for bookings from June 2020.

SINGAPORE - The findings of a recent survey show that despite COVID-19 having an impact on businesses in the region, the American business community still retains strong confidence in Singapore.

JOHANNESBURG – ICCA and the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) have inked a partnership to step up knowledge sharing and cross-promotion of both associations.

SINGAPORE - Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) is increasing its efforts towards sustainability-themed events. It is actively looking into themed corporate events and customised tours where corporates can learn about its sustainable operations, given the growing interest from the MICE market.

The 24th annual MEETINGS 2020 returns to its host city, Auckland, from April 22-23 and will showcase over 190 exhibitors from New Zealand and more than 550 New Zealand, Australian and international buyers.

NEW YORK - As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to rise and global concern escalates, organisations are questioning the impact on their business — particularly in the meetings and travel realm.

MALDIVES - Located on a 1-km coral island called Kudavillingili, The Chedi Kudavillingili will open later this year. It is run by GHM which has opened resorts such as The Nam Hai in Vietnam, The Chedi Muscat in Oman and The Chedi Andermatt in Switzerland. Maldivian architecture anchors the resort’s overarching aesthetic appeal.

SINGAPORE - Millennium Hotels and Resorts Singapore (MHR) has launched ‘We clean. We care. We welcome’ – an initiative aimed at protecting the health and safety of guests and employees across its Singapore hotels.

BANGKOK – Sindhorn Midtown has opened doors in Bangkok’s Langsuan neighbourhood, providing a chic urban retreat in the city.

SINGAPORE – Buoyed by the inaugural success of M&C Asia Connections last August in Singapore, Northstar Meetings Group is launching its Japan edition from June 29-30, 2020 at Grand Prince Hotel, Kyoto.

DENMARK – Following Lindblad Expeditions’ rollout of its self-disinfecting fleet and the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, the company that created the disinfectant, ACT.Global, is receiving intense interest from governments and the marine and hospitality industry, said its Marine Segment VP, Mr Lars Bang Pedersen.

The growing social conscience among millennials and centennials is causing European meeting planners to take serious steps towards offering sustainability options in their marketing plans.

MELBOURNE – A strong showing of 2,500 trade visitors at trade show AIME in Melbourne showcased the industry’s resilience despite the dampened travel due to COVID-19.