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.

The Henley Passport Index 2026 highlights a clear group of global mobility winners this year, led by Asia’s strongest passports, a deep bench of European nations, and a Middle East that continues to gain prominence through sustained diplomatic and visa liberalisation efforts.

Asia remains the global benchmark

Asia continues to set the pace in passport power. Singapore retains its position as the world’s most powerful passport in 2026, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations. Close behind, Japan and South Korea rank joint second, each granting access to 188 destinations. These countries remain at the top thanks to long-standing diplomatic stability, extensive reciprocal agreements, and strong international trust, reinforcing Asia’s position as the global gold standard for mobility.

Europe’s strength lies in numbers

Europe once again dominates the upper tiers of the index through sheer scale. Countries including Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands continue to feature prominently, benefiting from broad visa-free networks and the collective strength of European mobility frameworks. While Europe’s performance in 2026 is characterised more by consistency than dramatic gains, its presence across the top ranks remains one of the defining features of the index.

The Middle East’s rise takes shape

Among the most notable regional stories in 2026 is the continued rise of the Middle East, led by the United Arab Emirates. The UAE ranks among the world’s top five passports this year, offering access to around 184 destinations without a prior visa. Over the past two decades, the UAE has recorded the strongest upward movement of any country on the index, adding 149 destinations since 2006. This performance reflects long-term diplomatic engagement, proactive visa policies, and the region’s growing role as a global hub for travel, trade, and connectivity.

Strong performers beyond the traditional blocs

Outside Asia and Europe, countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Malaysia continue to perform strongly, maintaining high levels of visa-free access and reinforcing their appeal to globally mobile travellers and businesses.

The 2026 rankings come amid sustained growth in global travel. International Air Transport Association forecasts that airlines will carry more than 5.2 billion passengers worldwide this year, underscoring the increasing relevance of passport strength as international movement accelerates.

Global hospitality firm BWH Hotels marks the debut of the BW Premier Collection in Vietnam and Southeast Asia today, 15th January, as it launches a stylish new beachfront resort in Phan Thiet.

Framed elegantly by the turquoise sea on Vietnam’s scenic southeast coast, the new Costamigo Phan Thiet, BW Premier Collection commands a prime position on a long stretch of golden sand in Binh Thuan province, overlooking the ocean.

BWH Hotels’ vice-president in APAC Olivier Berrivin said of this latest opening: “Vietnam is one of Asia’s most dynamic and fast-growing markets, and the debut of BW Premier Collection represents a significant milestone in our development strategy, driven by the strength of our upscale brands. With its prime beachfront location, world-class facilities, and diverse accommodations designed for every occasion, Costamigo Phan Thiet, BW Premier Collection is poised to become a new landmark in this vibrant resort destination. As new airport infrastructure further enhances accessibility to the region, we look forward to welcoming travelers from around the world to experience this captivating corner of Vietnam.”

With the opening of Costamigo Phan Thiet, BW Premier Collection, BWH Hotels now offers four of its premium brands in Vietnam: WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive, BW Premier Collection, and Best Western Premier. 

The new resort is also the seventh property in BWH Hotels’ growing Vietnamese portfolio.

Beachfront getaway

With its neo-classical European architecture, contemporary interiors, exceptional amenities and easy accessibility, this property, which is approximately 3.5-hours by car from Ho Chi Minh City, is set to become a popular option for domestic and international travelers alike.

Guests can stay in a selection of 150 stylish rooms and 34 stunning villas, which provides tailored options for families, friends and couples. 

The seafront resort also features an array of leisure facilities, including a restaurant, beach bar, an infinity pool with cabanas, sun loungers, a playground, a Mediterranean garden and outdoor cinema. 

Visitors can spend endless days unwinding on the beach and by the pool, or head out and explore this captivating region, which is filled with lush forests, sand dunes, fishing villages, temples, golf courses, coastal roads and golden beaches. 

More than the usual

Costamigo Phan Thiet, BW Premier Collection will also be a key destination for meetings and events. 

A series of indoor and outdoor function spaces, including a large ballroom, will set the stage for productive team meetings, customized conferences and one-of-a-kind weddings.

The new resort reflects the BW Premier Collection ethos of offering more than just a hotel stay, but also a way of transporting guests into a world of refined and sophisticated hospitality. 

Members of Best Western Rewards, the award-winning loyalty programme, can also enjoy exclusive benefits and points that never expire. 

The hotel launch is timed to coincide with the opening of Long Thanh International Airport, a major new gateway in Southern Vietnam that will eventually service up to 100 million passengers per year, as well as the new Phan Thiet Airport.

Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its recommendations for Asia’s top snow destinations for the 2026 winter season, promising travellers unforgettable experiences in the region’s most captivating winter wonderlands.

The list includes Niseko in Japan, Gulmarg in India, Pyeongchang in South Korea, and Almaty in Kazakhstan, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Jay Lee, Regional Director for North Asia at Agoda, stated, “Asia’s snow destinations offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you’re marvelling at the snow in Niseko or exploring the majestic Himalayas in Gulmarg, these locations provide unforgettable experiences.”

Detinations to consider

Niseko, Japan, is renowned for its abundant powder snow and vibrant cultural scene, featuring local festivals and culinary delights that showcase Japanese winter traditions.

Meanwhile, Gulmarg in India offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and a rich cultural tapestry, providing a fascinating backdrop to its snowy landscape.

Pyeongchang, South Korea, transforms into a serene snow-covered wonderland during winter, with attractions such as the Odaesan National Park and Woljeongsa Temple offering cultural immersion amidst tranquil snowy settings.

Almaty, Kazakhstan, captivates visitors with its stunning natural scenery and vibrant cultural scene, surrounded by the majestic Tian Shan mountains.

Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. Travellers can discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app, making it easier to plan their next winter adventure.
“`

Airlines from Australia and New Zealand have been recognised as some of the safest in the world, according to the latest rankings by AirlineRatings.com.

The assessment, which evaluated the safety performance of 320 carriers globally, placed Qantas in third place, Air New Zealand in sixth, and Virgin Australia in ninth within the full-service category. Additionally, Jetstar was named the second safest low-cost carrier worldwide.

The chair of Airlines for Australia and New Zealand (A4ANZ), Graeme Samuel, highlighted the region’s longstanding commitment to a ‘safety-first culture’.

“The 2026 global airline safety rankings are a testament to the continued and unwavering commitment Australia and New Zealand’s airlines have to delivering the highest standards of safety and operational excellence,” he stated.

Constantly compliant

AirlineRatings.com conducts its annual review based on stringent criteria, including safety, operational performance, and crew standards.

The consistent presence of A4ANZ member airlines at the top of these rankings underscores their leadership in global aviation safety.

Samuel added, “These results reinforce what we already know: Australia and New Zealand’s airlines are truly world-class. This achievement reflects the hard work and laser focus on safety by thousands of dedicated professionals across our member airlines.”

The recognition of these airlines not only highlights their dedication to safety but also sets a benchmark for operational excellence in the aviation industry.
“`

Nom Nom Express, a pan-Asian quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand under Aspect Hospitality, has announced a collaboration with filmmaker and television personality Farah Khan and her home cook, Dilip.

The collaboration comes as Nom Nom Express expands its footprint across India, having launched 50 outlets within a year.

This growth highlights the brand’s focus on scalable QSR formats, aiming to establish a strong presence in both metropolitan and emerging cities whilst maintaining operational consistency and brand recall.

Building consumer resonance

Known for her candid food content, Khan’s partnership with the brand is designed to resonate with consumers seeking relatable and everyday dining experiences.

Hitesh Keswani, Managing Director of Aspect Hospitality, stated, “Farah Khan’s food content is driven by honesty and familiarity—values that align closely with what Nom Nom Express stands for. This collaboration is less about celebrity and more about cultural fit, as we continue to build a brand that feels accessible, current, and rooted in everyday dining habits.”

Nom Nom Express offers a menu of popular Asian staples at affordable prices, with Baos starting at $0.71 (₹59), Soups & Fries at $0.95 (₹79), and Dimsums and Meal Bowls from $1.19 (₹99).

The brand currently operates over 55 outlets across Mumbai, Pune, Navi Mumbai, and Hyderabad, catering to urban consumers through both dine-in and delivery options.
“`

Savaya Group, in collaboration with Indonesian hospitality developer KAJA Group, has announced the launch of Zumana, a new beachfront destination on Bali’s renowned Kuta Beach.

Set to open in 2026, Zumana aims to redefine the area with its innovative approach to hospitality, blending music, architecture, and social interaction in a setting framed by Bali’s legendary sunsets.

Designed by the acclaimed Rockwell Group, the 35,000-square-foot venue will feature a beachfront daylife experience and a 200-seat restaurant, allowing guests to transition seamlessly from daytime relaxation to evening dining and nightlife.

This project marks a significant step in reintroducing Kuta as a contemporary hospitality hub, offering a fresh perspective on a location that once epitomised Bali’s global allure.

A significant development

Alex Cordova, CEO of Savaya Group, highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “Building on the global success of Savaya, this project underscores our long-term commitment to Bali as a destination with both a distinct identity and global relevance.” He emphasised the group’s focus on creating experiences that resonate internationally and contribute to Bali’s enduring appeal.

Nadia Tjahyadikarta, Managing Director of KAJA Group, expressed pride in the collaboration, noting, “This project represents a destination conceived from the ground up to express a distinct point of view.” She added that the partnership with Savaya Group aims to set a new benchmark for Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

Zumana’s opening is poised to further cement Bali’s status as a leading global destination for lifestyle, culture, and hospitality.
“`

G Touring brands, Travelsphere and Just You, have announced the launch of their Europe 2027 escorted touring programmes, responding to guest feedback by unveiling the itineraries four months earlier than in previous years.

The new offerings include a variety of tours designed to cater to diverse traveller interests.

Travelsphere introduces the eight-day ‘A Taste of Italy’s Veneto’ wine-themed tour, starting at $2,699 (£2,199) per person, and the ‘Savouring Bordeaux and the Dordogne’ tour, priced from $2,949 (£2,399) per person. Just You, catering to solo travellers, offers a 16-day ‘Wonders of the Aegean’ tour, beginning at $5,299 (£4,699).

Additional itineraries feature Travelsphere’s ‘The Best of Switzerland’, available from May 2026 to September 2027, starting at $3,599 (£3,199) per person, and the 12-day ‘Treasures of Turkey’, available from April 2026 to November 2027, with prices from $2,249 (£1,999) per person. Just You’s offerings include the ‘Albania Uncovered’ tour, starting at $1,999 (£1,749), and the ‘Croatian Island Explorer’, priced from $3,999 (£3,499), both available from 2026 to 2027.

Kathy Farahat, product and operations director at Travelsphere and Just You, stated, “We’re excited to launch our Europe 2027 programmes earlier than ever before, giving guests greater confidence, clarity and more time to plan ahead.”

All tours include return flights, overseas transfers, accommodation, select meals, and the services of a holiday director and specialist local guides. This early launch aims to meet the growing demand for forward planning and provide travellers with ample time to prepare for their European adventures.
“`

Journey, a leader in hotel experience retailing, has launched its Hospitality Performance Platform in Spain, targeting luxury hotels to enhance guest experience monetisation.

This expansion is part of Journey’s international growth strategy, addressing the rising cost pressures faced by luxury hotels and the need for innovative revenue streams beyond room rates.

The platform, already utilised by over 750 luxury hotels globally, including Nikki Beach and Corinthia, allows hotels to sell rooms and experiences through a unified system, reportedly increasing booking value by an average of 60%. Journey’s entry into Spain builds on its success in the UK and Ireland, where it has helped hotels transition from passive selling to active retailing of the entire guest experience.

Leading the Spanish expansion are José Antonio Núñez and Laura Piamba, both bringing extensive experience in hospitality technology and revenue growth. Núñez, Head of International Business Development, emphasised the platform’s ability to help Spanish hotels grow revenue without solely relying on room rates. Piamba, Business Development Manager, highlighted her role in driving ancillary revenue growth in the region.

Journey will introduce its platform at a hospitality event co-hosted with Oracle and Bring IT at FITUR in Madrid on 21 January 2025. CEO Simon Bullingham stated, “Launching in Spain marks an important step in Journey’s growth. We help hotels sell the whole guest experience, not just the room, by bringing experience management, marketing, bookings, and payments together.”

This strategic move positions Journey to capitalise on Spain’s vibrant luxury market, offering hotels a comprehensive tool to enhance guest satisfaction and increase on-property spending.
“`

Bob W, a tech-driven aparthotel operator, has signed a long-term lease with Urban Partners to manage 143 units in a new mixed-use development in Copenhagen’s Ørestad district.

This marks Bob W’s third property in the Danish capital, reflecting its strategic expansion across the Nordics to meet the rising demand for flexible, longer-stay accommodations.

The development, constructed by Skanska, will include 210 residential flats and is set to cover approximately 13,100 square metres.

Located on Ørestads Boulevard near the Bella Centre, construction is slated to begin this spring, with completion expected by summer 2028.

Meeting the needs of a growing market

The project aims to cater to the increasing need for well-connected urban living spaces, offering shared facilities such as communal areas, meeting rooms, a café, and a roof terrace.

Taavi Pettai, Vice President of Real Estate at Bob W, highlighted Copenhagen’s appeal to digital nomads and the demand for flexible stays.

“Opening our third property in the capital reflects the demand we’re seeing from guests who are looking for flexible, longer stays that allow them to work comfortably and experience the city beyond the usual tourist patterns,” Pettai stated.

Urban Partners’ Country Manager, Thomas Riise-Jakobsen, noted the rapid development in Ørestad and the growing demand for versatile housing. He praised Bob W’s understanding of modern urban experiences, making them a fitting partner for the aparthotel component.

This development is part of Urban Partners’ broader strategy to invest in resilient urban environments across Northern Europe, whilst Bob W continues its expansion in major European cities through strategic partnerships.
“`