For MICE professionals, a great deal goes into the planning and execution of a successful event, and the team behind Singapore MICE Forum 2025 certainly pulled it off.

But what is unique to the event’s third live run in the post-COVID period is that this was no longer just a MICE event, but a business event geared towards MICE professionals, one that would help broaden their perspectives and, in turn, lead to the evolution of the way events are done in Singapore and beyond.

SMF 2025 co-chair Adeline Lim shared: “Bringing in professionals from fields outside of the MICE experience was intentional. We’d like people to come and hear the insights shared from the outside. What they do next with the information they received during the forum is entirely up to them.”

Indeed, there is a great deal that MICE professionals could pick up from fields as diverse as sport and sports coverage, even heading straight to food and beverage and hospitality, many of which have interacted with or required the services of events experts.

As the event has drawn to a close, we at Travel Daily Media share with you, our readers, the various key concepts presented throughout the course of SMF 2025.

Lessons from the field

Broaden your horizons and keep an open mind

The beauty of this year’s SMF was how the majority of panellists weren’t from the MICE sector, but came instead from fields as far off as haute couture and comedy productions in order to show professionals a different way of doing things.

Keeping an open mind also means becoming flexible, thus becoming more capable of dealing with evolving situations, especially given the uncertainty of today’s world.

Flexible thinking also trains individuals and organisations to think fast on their feet, especially necessary in the event that they encounter situations wherein they need to come up with solutions on the fly.

While the brand is important, the people behind the brand are more important

When it comes to events, building a recognisable brand that works is the key to ensure audience recall, as well as longevity.

Think about it: the Oscars are one, the Olympics are another; in the contemporary context, we also have the likes of Paris Fashion Week and San Diego Comic-Con.

But people tend to forget that these events weren’t exactly a flash in the pan: they were built up over time by people who dedicated themselves to make them work.

So, why not humanise a brand to make it more approachable, relatable, and memorable?

MICE professionals can make this possible by sharing behind-the-scenes looks at their events on social media or build excitement up prior to an event with talking heads teasing the insights they intend to share onstage.

This enables core audiences to appreciate the amount of effort that goes into bringing an event to life on top of building brand image and recall.

Leverage the power of technology

Love it or hate it, artificial intelligence (AI) is most probably here to stay; so why not get some good use out of it in the context of MICE?

AI’s applications for events are manifold: while admittedly imperfect, the technology can be used to transcribe oral interviews and panel discussions which, at the end of the event, may be condensed into an official summary for dissemination to participants via the official event website or social media accounts.

At major international events like the Macau International Travel Expo and ITB China earlier this year, AI was also put to work for automatic translation: an especially useful addition given the global audience in attendance, many of whom had little to no understanding of the local lingua franca.

Likewise, we are already seeing the extensive use of QR codes for fielding questions for speakers, holding polls throughout the duration of a session and revealing results as they come in, and getting post-event feedback from participants.

Hardware matters when it comes to connectivity

The necessary equipment for staging events now goes beyond microphones, projectors, sound systems, and lighting.

Aside from projection screens on which to flash a speaker’s presentation, today’s events go the extra mile and offer live broadcast studios for podcasters and content creators, enabling them to share their experiences from the floor to their followers in real time.

This aspect was an offshoot of the pandemic and led to the development of hybrid events, further expanding the scope of MICE in the post-pandemic era as they bring events to those who may not be able to attend in person.

On a more mundane level, placing tablets with pre-installed applications or relevant content for the use of event participants also helps in boosting onsite interactivity.

Make the most of your online presence

I have personally noticed, particularly among corporate events in Asia, that related social media accounts tend to seem underutilised.

Most of the time, social media tends to be used for pre-event marketing; hype-building, so to speak.

However, MICE professionals should not discount the ability of their socials to amplify the total impact of their event.

Thanks to app functions like Instagram Live and Facebook Live, organisers have the ability to bring a wider audience base to where the action is currently happening.

At the same time, recordings posted after an event (even immediately after a session) can boost follower engagement on so many different levels, depending on whether these are full-length video footage or more easily digestible snippets or reels.

Also, while they may be temporary, short-form stories posted on social media also give viewers the opportunity to be at an event if only for a fleeting moment; add a poll related to the content, and the event’s engagement stands to grow at a significant rate.

On to the next one…

The post-mortem of any event is the time when both organisers and suppliers can look back and see the minutiae, so to speak, of what just came to pass.

This part of the event brings up participant feedback, and this should always be interpreted in a positive light; a challenge, to be exact, to make the next event better.

Indeed, as the organisers of SMF 2025 put it: the feedback, the notes, and the learnings are all there; what you as organisers, suppliers, or even participants do with all that is entirely up to you.

 

 

 

 

With 2026 looming on the horizon, we’ve taken a look back at the year that’s drawing to a close and looking towards what may come next.

For us who cover the fields of travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation, that means keeping an eye out for both upcoming trends and individuals who are bound to set the world on fire with fresh ideas that will shake up conventional thinking, ushering in better ways of showing travellers the world around them.

In this particular feature, we present three individuals with the potential to drive the industry’s evolution, along with three trends we see taking centre stage in the year to come.

Three faces to watch in 2026

Beatrice Leong (right) prepares to lead her masterclass on inclusive events at BE @ Penang 2025

Malaysia: Beatrice Leong, gender and accessibility advocate

We had both the honour and the privilege of meeting Beatrice Leong at the recently concluded BE @ Penang 2025 in Malaysia where she made a strong case for accessibility in travel and tourism, particularly where MICE is concerned.

As an advocate for gender equality and accessibility for all, Leong famously said: “Activist is just a fancy word for people who like to scold governments.”

In her case, though, scolding governments has yielded great results: Leong’s intrepid drive and that of other accessibility advocates has gone a long way with regard to making travel and hospitality in Malaysia more inclusive.

She has not been afraid to ask the difficult questions and is quite upfront with suggestions on how spaces can be made more accessible for those who perceive or experience the world differently from others, not only on a physical level, but on a neuro-psychological level, as well.

With regard to living design, in particular, she asked of her audience: “Accessibility is actually about how usable is your space, how usable is your product, your service design. How kind are you in dealing with people who have anxiety, who are probably facing depression, but still need to go out to buy groceries? These things require clarity of information. How are you conveying the architecture of information?”

Leong believes that, while full accessibility for all might not really be possible, humans need accessibility all the time; that, in turn needs adjustment on the part of hospitality providers, airlines, and facility managers, along with a greater understanding and patience with travellers who see or experience the world differently from everyone else.

Hers is a voice we look forward to hearing, especially given the increasing emphasis on accessibility the world over.

Miguel Cabel Moreno dishes up helpings of his Amor del Mar seafood speciality at a four-hands dinner at Crimson Boracay

Philippines: Miguel Cabel Moreno, Michelin-lauded chef and culinary heritage advocate

In a recent interview held in the wake of From Shore to South, a four-hands dinner collaboration at Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay, Filipino chef and culinary advocate Miguel Cabel Moreno told us about the woman who approached him just minutes after he received two Michelin Bib Gourmand nods for his restaurants Palm Grill and Cabel.

As Cabel Moreno recalls: “She went and told me ‘I would actually prefer to receive your award than a Michelin Star.’ When I asked her why, she explained that it was an award given by the people rather than the critics.”

To say that Cabel Moreno’s food is a love letter to the people who love to eat would be seriously underplaying the importance of his work to the people of Southern Mindanao, a region that has been bypassed all too frequently by Philippine tourism officials who prefer to tout the colonial treasures of Luzon and the Visayas.

Indeed, promoting the cuisine and heritage of such a far-flung and criminally underrated (and, indeed, oft maligned) destination has been an uphill climb for the chef.

As he put it: “I used to tell potential diners: ‘Look, Mindanao food is Filipino food. It’s as good as the usual Filipino flair that you enjoy; just give it a try.’ So, that has been a constant struggle. Despite our meager marketing efforts, presence, and all that, I’m grateful that we were able to stay. And the coming of the Michelin Guide validated all that hard work for us; it helped pave the way for my restaurants. Speaking on my restaurant’s behalf, it opened so many doors for Filipinos to finally get to try it because an entity as huge as Michelin Guide validated and recognized us for what we do. Because of that, it opened people’s eyes, and now they want to try it.”

As of press time, Cabel Moreno is poised to open a new branch for Palm Grill at Tambayan, the new food hall at Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 3.

Likewise, his children’s books Migoy: The Tausug Boy and The Tale of Putli Mandi, written in English, Filipino, and the chef’s native dialect Bahasa Sug, have gone a long way in presenting the culture of Southern Mindanao to youngsters of the northern and central parts of the country, as well as the rest of the world as these were featured at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair.

Dr Bona Nahyun Lee (centre) listens as a guide explains the history of Penang’s George Town district

South Korea: Dr Bona Nahyun Lee, best-selling author and tech evangelist

The beauty of contemporary technology lies in the way it makes things easier for people, regardless of what industry they may belong to.

Such is the case with the MICE sector, a field whose professionals too often end up burnt out as they need to deal with the tedium of planning and coordination well before the actual event goes live.

But for BornTiger chief executive and tech evangelist Dr Bona Nahyun Lee, contemporary technologies go a long way towards making things easier and more efficient for events professionals.

During her talk The AI-powered Future of Business Events, Lee pointed out the growing variety of tools available for handling everything from planning to actual showrunning.

Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular, takes much of the stress out of the equation, seeing how it enables professionals to create whole presentations with just a few keywords, prepare actual event sequences, and even simulate venues in use to give all stakeholders a comprehensive preview of their endeavour, enabling them to make the necessary adjustments well beforehand.

At present, most of Lee’s books are in Korean, but we look forward to the day when her wisdom on innovation and automation makes it to a wider global audience.

Three trends to keep an eye on in 2026

Regenerative and rehabilitative tourism beyond Asia

One of the major talks during the 2025 PATA Destination Marketing Forum in Thailand was a presentation on Doi Tung, a sustainable destination in the north of the country which was, alas, a hotbed for criminal activity in the notorious heyday of the Golden Triangle.

Decades on, however, Doi Tung has more than cleaned up its act, as it now serves as a cultural hub that offers some of the best coffee, tea, and even macadamia nuts on the continent.

That being said, Doi Tung’s story should serve as an example and inspiration to other nations when it comes to transforming areas with a less than desirable reputation into places that offer lessons from their history along with specialities endemic to the region.

In doing so, governments can support communities through what is known as regenerative tourism and essentially bring hope to areas with a dark past and offer a way towards a brighter future.

We have seen such transformations in battle-torn areas like many parts of Japan, as well as the Philippine islands of Bataan and Corregidor; after all, anyone who fails to hear the tales of the past or heed their lessons is bound to make the same tragic mistakes.

Immersive learning experiences for the next generation of travel and tourism professionals

MICE isn’t just a way by which industries can gather their best and brightest under a single roof, but these events also serve as a learning experience for the next generation of professionals.

We saw this first-hand at BE @ Penang and at PDMF2025 when whole contingents of students and their mentors made their way over to listen to the industry’s foremost minds to gain greater knowledge.

Having been an academic myself, I cannot state enough on how exposure to actual industry professionals and experiences helps round out an individual’s education: they get to see life in the real world, see the current pros at work, and gain a greater understanding of the careers they face when schooldays end.

Also, I’ve come to the conclusion that the ideas offered by students however shyly do have a great deal of merit: it takes someone who has not yet been jaded by the rigours and stresses of the profession to come up with fresh ideas or new ways to approach old issues, bringing these closer to resolution.

Time to rethink MICE

MICE has evolved significantly throughout this year, and the inclusion of dedicated Experience Zones at events like ITB Asia have opened the eyes of many event organisers to various possibilities.

With technology changing at such a rapid clip, particularly interactive programming, MICE professionals need to sit down and consider where they may best intrgrate these innovations in their events.

Indeed, rather than just hopping from one booth or pavilion to another whilst pressing flesh or gathering brochures, interactive technologies help participants get a greater understanding of the event or of recent innovations, thus encouraging them to delve deeper and learn more.

Likewise, thanks to the introduction of hybrid events, nascent and current technologies make it possible for those overseas to get in on the action without needing to actually be on site.

While this may seem awkward, it does give the illusion of actually being there without building an environmentally unsound carbon footprint, thus also earning points for sustainability.

We’ve much to think about for the coming year, but one thing is certain: with travel and tourism evolving so rapidly, the best thing we can do is sit back, relax, and just be there for the ride into parts unknown.

 

Collinson International has expanded its network of airport lounges and travel experiences in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region by 21 percent over the past 24 months, responding to a surge in regional travel.

From January to November 2025, international visits to APAC airport experiences increased by 18 percent compared to the previous year, with APAC travellers accounting for nearly 70 percent of these visits.

The expansion includes new lounges such as the Cafe Sky Library in Sapporo, Japan, and the Coral Lounge at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya, Japan.

In Southeast Asia, recent additions include the ASG Sky Lounge at Noi Bai International Airport in Vietnam and the Blue Sky Premier Lounge at Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Indonesia.

As a result, Priority Pass members can now access over 770 lounges and travel experiences in APAC, part of a global network of more than 1,800.

Riding the crest of a regional wave

Todd Handcock, Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific Executive Chair at Collinson International, highlighted the region’s strong travel momentum, driven by consumer demand and improved infrastructure.

Handcock said: “As the region establishes itself as a powerhouse of global tourism, we remain focused on expanding and diversifying our network of airport lounges and travel experiences.”

Collinson International also introduced TrvlWell, a digital travel wellness companion, and expanded wellness offerings, including collaborations with Natureland Spa in Singapore.

Priority Pass members enjoy exclusive benefits such as complimentary golf simulator experiences and special cocktail offerings, enhancing their travel journeys.
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Trip.com Group has launched Trip Community, a new travel content ecosystem designed to enhance travel planning by connecting content, commerce, and creators.

This initiative, announced on 18 December 2025, builds on a series of creator engagements held throughout the year in locations such as Sanya and Istanbul.

These events invited leading creators to explore new product capabilities and contribute to the growth of Trip.com’s global creator network.

What exactly is Trip Community?

Trip Community integrates several key innovations, including TripMoments, a user-generated platform for sharing travel insights; Influencer 4 Biz, a hub connecting creators with travel brands; and TripPlanner, an AI-powered travel planning tool.

Other features include TripPulse for discovering trending destinations, TripEvents for curating global activities, and Local Guides for providing verified travel tips.

Schubert Lou, CEO of Trip Community, emphasised the importance of creators, stating, “At Trip Community, we see creators not just as partners but as the essential source of our ecosystem.”

Made for moments

Since its launch in 2019, TripMoments has attracted over 25 million users globally, with creator participation rising significantly in 2025.

Influencer 4 Biz has facilitated a nearly 80% month-on-month growth in commercial matches between creators and merchants.

Today, the platform now connects over 500,000 travel brands with more than 10,000 qualified creators.

To further support creators, Trip.com Group has established a CNY 100 million (US$14 million) incentive pool, offering rewards and commissions to expand their reach.

Looking ahead, Trip.com Group plans to expand its incentive measures to Europe in 2026, beginning with Italy, France, and Spain.

The company aims to deepen the role of content in connecting travellers worldwide, marking a significant milestone in its strategy to build a global creator-powered travel ecosystem.
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Amanpulo, the exclusive resort on Pamalican Island in the Philippines, is set to captivate visitors with a series of new offerings as the peak travel season begins.

Accessible only by Aman’s private plane, the resort has enhanced its facilities with a new Grand Beach Pool Casita, spa upgrades, and kitesurfing activities, promising an unforgettable experience for guests.

The Grand Beach Pool Casita, nestled in a serene garden, offers direct beach access and features a private plunge pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, and modern Filipino-inspired interiors.

The casita spans 257 square metres and includes a private butler service, ensuring a luxurious stay.

The Aman Spa has also seen significant enhancements, including a new Pilates Reformer Studio and state-of-the-art Strength and Cardio Studios.

Exquisite offers

From 15 January to 1 March 2026, the resort will host the Fitness Restart Programme, featuring cold immersion sessions and personal training.

From 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2026, Amanpulo’s lagoon becomes a kitesurfing haven with the return of the Amihan wind.

The resort offers a three-day introductory kitesurfing course, “First Flight,” led by experts Jing Tabangay and Warner Janoya.

Additionally, two new Axopar speedboats, Amihan and Pawikan, have been introduced for exploring the coral reef and enjoying sunset cruises.

With new flights from Clark International Airport, Amanpulo is now more accessible to guests across Asia, enhancing its appeal as a premier destination.
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The Honggutan Hong Kong Cultural and Tourism Promotion Conference, held on 16 December 2025, aimed to strengthen cultural and tourism ties between Nanchang and Hong Kong.

Organised by the Nanchang Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, and the People’s Government of Honggutan District, the event highlighted the region’s cultural heritage and modern attractions.

Zhang Lianbo, Deputy Head of Honggutan District, emphasised the district’s ambition to become an internationally recognised cultural and tourism destination.

He stated, “This Hong Kong promotion serves as an important opportunity to deepen cooperation between the two places’ cultural and tourism industries.”

Meanwhile, Xin Congjin, Chairman of the Hong Kong China Tourism Association, praised Nanchang’s vibrant cultural and tourism resources, expressing a commitment to fostering bilateral cooperation.

Where cultural heritage takes centre stage

The conference featured immersive cultural performances, including the dance “Dreaming Back to Hongzhou” and the song “Yingshanhong,” which captivated the audience with Honggutan’s cultural allure.

The event also presented Honggutan’s attractions through three thematic chapters: Ancient Heritage, Red Heritage, and Golden Modernity.

Visitors were enticed with exclusive promotions, such as 79 percent off at Nanchang Sunac Land and 30 percent discounts at the Nanchang Star Ferris Wheel and VR park; these offers aimed to enhance the travel experience for Hong Kong tourists.

The event concluded with the signing of a cooperation agreement between key cultural and tourism enterprises from both regions, setting the stage for increased tourism exchanges.

Looking forward, Honggutan plans to further optimise its cultural and tourism offerings and deepen collaboration with Hong Kong, inviting more visitors to explore its scenic and historical sites.
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Vietjet has achieved two significant milestones at Long Thanh International Airport, which is set to become Vietnam’s largest airport once fully operational.

The airline celebrated the topping-out of its international-standard aircraft maintenance facility and launched its inaugural flight to the airport.

These developments underscore Vietjet’s commitment to enhancing aviation infrastructure for improved regional and global connectivity.

The hangar project, initiated on 19 August 2025, forms part of the Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Centre at Long Thanh.

Spanning 8.4 hectares with an investment of up to $100 million (US$100 million), the facility includes Hangars No. 3 and No. 4.

Designed by UK-based Mace and France’s Apave, the hangars feature an ultra-long-span steel structure meeting global aviation standards.

Upon completion, they will accommodate six narrow-body and two wide-body aircraft, or up to ten narrow-body aircraft simultaneously.

Right on schedule

Despite challenging construction conditions, the project was completed on schedule, showcasing Vietjet’s execution capability and international collaboration.

The facility aims to bolster domestic maintenance capacity, reduce reliance on foreign technical services, and create high-quality jobs in Vietnam and beyond.

Coinciding with the hangar’s completion, Vietjet operated its inaugural flight VJ038 from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Long Thanh using an Airbus A321neo.

This move highlights Vietjet’s long-term vision and commitment to sustainable investment in Vietnam’s aviation sector.
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Park Hyatt Bangkok has announced a new partnership with the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) to promote Thai contemporary art and cultural education.

This collaboration, beginning on 20 December 2025, will feature a series of programmes that align with Park Hyatt’s core values of Art & Design, Community, and Sustainability.

The partnership will showcase the works of renowned Thai artist Chatchai Puipia, whose art is displayed throughout the hotel, including a striking collection in the Bar.

In the name of purposeful luxury

Mark de Leeuwerk, General Manager of Park Hyatt Bangkok, stated, “This collaboration reflects our belief that luxury should be purposeful—enriching lives through art, education, and community engagement.”

Key initiatives fostered through this partnership include private art tours and family art activities.

The private art tours, available every Thursday and Saturday until 15 February 2026, will offer guests an immersive experience into Thai contemporary art, guided by BACC experts.

Additionally, family workshops will be held on 10 January and 17 January 2026, coinciding with Thai National Children’s Day, to encourage creativity and cultural discovery.

This collaboration not only highlights Park Hyatt Bangkok’s dedication to responsible luxury but also strengthens Thailand’s cultural ecosystem.

The hotel likewise plans to continue offering similar programmes in partnership with BACC, ensuring art and culture remain central to its guest experience.
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Finnair, Finland’s national flag carrier, has announced a significant expansion to its long-haul network with the introduction of daily flights to Melbourne, Australia, commencing in October 2026. The new route will operate via Bangkok using an Airbus A350 aircraft, marking Melbourne as a fresh destination for the airline.

This strategic move connects Australia directly to Finnair’s extensive network through its Helsinki hub. Anssi Partanen, Market Director Europe at Finnair, highlighted the importance of this route, stating, “Melbourne is an important destination for many people in the UK and Ireland travelling to visit friends and family across the globe, and we are thrilled to announce this unique bridge between the northern and southern hemispheres.”

The flight schedule is designed for operational efficiency, with departures from Helsinki shortly after midnight, arriving in Melbourne the following morning after a brief stop in Bangkok. Return flights will leave Melbourne in the afternoon, ensuring passengers can connect with Finnair’s first morning departures across Europe.

Melbourne, renowned as Australia’s cultural capital, is a popular destination due to its vibrant food, culture, and sports scene. The city also hosts a large European diaspora and a significant community of foreign students and expatriates.

The Melbourne flights will be available for booking from 18 December, with the inaugural flight set for 25 October 2026, pending government approval. This addition brings Finnair’s 2026 network to 93 European destinations, 11 Asian destinations, seven North American destinations, and two in the Middle East.
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Cross Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Cross Bali Uluwatu, a new upper-upscale resort located just 200 metres from Bali’s iconic Suluban Beach. Developed in partnership with PT The Cube Group, this venture marks a significant step in Cross Hotels & Resorts’ expansion across Indonesia, focusing on destinations that blend design, culture, and commercial success.

The resort, featuring 120 keys, is designed to offer expansive ocean and sunset views, embodying a commitment to long-term value creation. Jihong An, Executive Director of Cross Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the importance of Uluwatu as a destination, stating, “Uluwatu is one of Bali’s most compelling destinations, and Cross Bali Uluwatu embodies exactly what our growth strategy stands for; meaningful sites, strong partnerships, and design with purpose.”

PT The Cube Group, known for its innovative approach to real estate and hospitality, aims to create a destination that honours the local landscape and culture. Dauren Nurgaliev, Director & Co-Founder of PT The Cube Group, remarked, “We are driven by the belief that exceptional destinations are born from purpose and place.”

Evan Burns, Country Manager for Indonesia at Cross Hotels & Resorts, added that the resort is a testament to their ‘Luxury by Design’ philosophy, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience is thoughtfully crafted. This development further cements Cross Hotels & Resorts’ position as a key player in Indonesia’s hospitality sector, with plans to expand its portfolio across the Asia-Pacific region by 2029.
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