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Asia Pacific MICE sector thrives amid global challenges
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 (TMS APAC) concluded its third edition at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore, showcasing the robust growth of the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector in the region. Held from 14–15 April, the event attracted 1,913 professionals and over 600 buyers from more than 80 countries, marking a 10% increase in participation from the previous year. Organised by Northstar Travel Group, TMS APAC was co-located with the inaugural Global Travel Marketplace Luxury Asia Pacific and the second edition of the Business Travel Show Asia Pacific. The event underscored the industry's momentum despite global uncertainties, with significant business outcomes and deeper regional engagement. Jason Young, CEO of Northstar Travel Group, remarked, “The Meetings Show Asia Pacific has become a powerful barometer for where the global MICE industry is heading.” He highlighted the confidence and adaptability driving the region forward. Irene Chua, Vice President and Group Publisher for Asia, Northstar Travel Group, noted the show's role in facilitating meaningful business connections and exchanges. The event featured a curated Buyer Programme, fostering high-quality connections and tangible business opportunities. New participants, including Korea Tourism Organisation and Hilton, joined returning exhibitors like Japan National Tourism Organisation and Singapore Tourism Board, enhancing the show's diversity. As Asia Pacific's leading MICE trade show, TMS APAC will return on 21–22 April 2027 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore, promising further growth and strategic relevance for the industry This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
Global MICE demand reshuffles as Iran conflict reroutes travel maps
Toronto, Ontario, Canada cityscape in autumn at dawn The latest SITE Pulse Survey, conducted between 25 March and 6 April 2026, confirms that while the conflict in Iran has not dampened the global appetite for incentive travel, it has fundamentally rerouted the map. With 193 validated responses from high-level planners across the US, Europe, and Asia, the data highlights a strategic "recalibration." For the broader B2B MICE trade, these findings are a bellwether; the safety and accessibility concerns currently dictating incentive travel are the same pressures now reshaping the meetings, conferences, and exhibitions sectors globally. The Flight to Stability: Net Sentiment Shifts Toward "Safe Harbors" The directional shift in destination appeal is stark, moving away from perceived conflict zones toward regions offering long-term stability. SITE’s data shows Canada leading the pack with a net sentiment of +28.8%, closely followed by Europe at +26.0%. In contrast, the Gulf States have plummeted to -68.7%, with Northern Africa falling to -44.7%. This is not a collapse of the industry, but a disciplined rotation; buyers are actively selecting "defensible" destinations—those that are easier to justify to internal stakeholders and corporate boards from a risk-management perspective. Canada’s Ascent: A Credible Alternative for Risk-Averse Planners Canada has emerged as the definitive winner in the current climate, boasting positive sentiment across all major source markets: +15.1% from the US, +66.7% from Europe, and +46.4% from the Rest of World. For the B2B travel trade, this broad-based appeal suggests Canada is no longer just a North American fallback. It is now viewed as a premier, safe, long-haul alternative that allows planners to maintain high "aspirational value" for delegates while maximizing distance from Middle Eastern geopolitical volatility. Europe’s Dual Edge: Capturing Both Regional and Redirected Business Europe is successfully positioning itself as a "safe harbor" by leveraging a two-pronged advantage. It remains the top choice for intra-regional demand, with European respondents giving it a +53.7% sentiment score as they opt for lower-friction, "close-to-home" programs. Simultaneously, the continent is vacuuming up long-haul business that has been diverted away from the Middle East. This dual role makes Europe a vital stabilizer for the MICE market, offering a blend of cultural appeal and logistical reliability that appeals to both conservative and adventurous planners. The Diversification of the Long-Haul Corridor: Asia and Oceania As planners move away from a reliance on a single dominant long-haul corridor, Asia and Oceania are gaining significant traction. Asia’s score of +31.0% among European buyers indicates a continued willingness to travel great distances, provided the destination is perceived as removed from the conflict. Oceania shares this strategic appeal; with a +32.1% score among Europeans, the region’s primary selling point has shifted from purely experiential to overtly strategic. While distance remains a factor for New Zealand, the "safety premium" of the South Pacific is currently outweighing the inconvenience of travel time. Operational Realities: Airspace Restrictions and Hub Volatility The shift in sentiment is backed by harsh operational realities. The EASA Conflict Zone Information Bulletin remains a critical constraint, advising against transit through the airspace of the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and several neighbors. This creates a massive bottleneck for an industry where Middle Eastern hubs typically handle 14% of international transit and over 525,000 daily passengers. For the MICE trade, this is not just a flight-path issue—it is a reliability crisis that makes traditional transit hubs a gamble for large-scale group movements. Aviation Trends: Redeploying Capacity Toward Regional Safety Airline behavior is already codifying these survey results into reality. British Airways has reallocated aircraft from the Middle East toward India and Kenya, while Qantas is seeing a surge in demand for routes that bypass the conflict zone entirely via Asian transit points. Qantas’s decision to pour capacity into Paris and Rome reflects a market-driven pivot toward destinations that offer "route confidence." For B2B planners, the takeaway is clear: destination competitiveness is now inextricably linked to the stability of the flight paths required to get there. Mandate for MICE Success In the wake of the Iran war, the recovery of the MICE sector hinges on three fundamental pillars: internal defensibility, operational reliability, and aspirational appeal. Destinations like Canada, Europe, and Asia are winning because they provide clear answers to these requirements. As tensions around the Strait of Hormuz persist, the travel trade must recognise that perception is now as vital as the product itself. The winners of 2026 will be those who lead with messaging centered on stability and frictionless access.
Mainland China MICE sector rises as organisers look beyond Hong Kong and Macao
Whenever the topic of MICE in East Asia comes up, the industry’s focus tends to turn to Hong Kong and Macao, two areas which have built up a reputation thanks to mega venues and the expertise of their respective business events professionals. Surprisingly, Mainland China is no slouch when it comes to the business events scene, what with major cities like Beijing and Shanghai welcoming global conferences and expositions, and Shenzhen playing host to international tech conventions With that said, we take a closer look at the Chinese MICE sector, what it specifically offers the industry, and what could give it the edge against the rest of the world. What China has going for it To understand why China is on a roll with regard to MICE is to know that the industry has the support of the national government. When it comes to both infrastructure and industrial advancement, the Chinese government has an all-encompassing strategy for the MICE industry. This strategy is focused on the creation of multifunctional spaces capable of hosting events of any magnitude in terms of both usable area and relevant amenities. Also, rather than simply building new conference centres and exhibition halls, the Chinese government seeks to develop integrated environments to enable event planners to create engaging interactive experiences for participants. At the same time, historical quarters in major cities are being transformed into event venues that fuse together an immersive cultural tourism aspect with the amenities of contemporary MICE, essentially weaving storied tradition with modern spectacle for maximum impact. It has also helped that global luxury hospitality brands like Banyan Tree, Jumeirah, and Rosewood have been setting up shop in major Chinese cities, drawing in C-suite and business travellers with a curated blend of global excellence, local custom, and timeless elegance. Rolling out the red carpet It has also helped that China has been making it easier for travellers, specifically business travellers and event delegates, to enter its borders. Indeed, the country’s relaxed visa policy which remains in effect until 14th September of this year has simplified things for travel agents and corporate travel planners worldwide. The increase in direct flights entering and exiting China has also helped, along with a number of global airlines expanding their routes to both main and secondary cities throughout the country. The number of Chinese carriers, both full-service and low-cost, has also helped boost arrivals numbers, and many events staged in the country prudently team up with airlines to help their delegates have a more convenient and comfortable inbound experience. Hold on for a minute This, however, does not mean that it’s all smooth sailing for the Chinese MICE industry; far from it as there are still a number of barriers that could keep the industry from coming to its full potential. There is still, unfortunately, the language barrier: even today, the country has a significant shortage of travel and hospitality professionals who are proficient in English and other global languages. Indeed, China’s dominant monolingual culture has made a number of global events shy away from considering it a viable venue, citing difficulties in getting local staff to understand requirements and logistical arrangements. The Chinese MICE industry’s attitudes towards sustainable operations have also been called into question, as companies have been slow to comply with global standards for waste management and resource conservation. Some critics have also pointed out that extremely strict government regulations have also discouraged MICE firms from bringing their events into the country. An optimistic outlook But all things considered, the outlook for the Chinese MICE industry for the rest of 2026 and beyond is a rosy one. The ongoing crisis in West Asia is driving event organisers from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Qatar to Asia’s primary cities which include Beijing and Hong Kong. Also, as stated earlier, MICE professionals are literally taking the show on the road, mounting conferences and expos in tourism centres like Harbin or little known gems like Tianjin and Hainan. Chinese event professionals are also making it a point to customise events for their clients, offering a level of personalisation that truly makes these functions their own, something which is rarely considered elsewhere in the world. They said in ancient times that all roads led to Rome for it was, at the time, the centre for commerce and culture; these days, we can confidently say that all roads lead to China as the world has chosen to meet there.
Southeast Asia scales MICE capacity as new mega-venues debut in Indonesia and Thailand
In the wake of the West Asian conflict, we at Travel Daily Media pointed out that the global MICE sector will make a calculated shift from the mega venues of Europe and the Gulf States to convention facilities elsewhere in the world. Asia, in particular, is more than happy to welcome the world’s biggest business events into its borders, what with spectacular venues located in some of the most interesting nations within the region. With that said, we list five specific countries in Southeast Asia that are more than ready to play host, along with the specific elements that could make them the MICE industry’s next venue of choice. Indonesia: Bali and beyond Earlier this year, we covered the 2026 Asia leg of global travel tech firm HBX’s MarketHub in Bali, one of a growing number of major business events being staged in Indonesia. Along with MarketHub, the country has already welcomed guests to a number of major events, including the Indonesia MICE Conference and Exhibition (INAMICE) back in March. This is characteristic of the Indonesian tourism sector’s current thrust to expand the scope of offerings in Bali to include MICE functions and to promote the country’s secondary cities as a way of boosting inbound tourism, particularly from the business travel and events sectors. But while Bali is emerging as a MICE venue to consider, Jakarta has not relaxed its guard as the country’s primary events epicentre, what with two key venues for mega events: the 220,000sqm Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) in the northern reaches of the city; and the Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE) in Tangerang, a new venue but ten minutes away from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Furthermore, Indonesia is cementing its importance in both the regional and global MICE sectors with the debut of the Indonesia Business Event Mart (IBEM), the country’s first-ever expo for the business events sector, this July. BE @ Malaysia Over the past few years, Malaysia has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s primary growth centres for the business events industry. In December of last year, we pointed this out prior to our coverage of BE @ Penang 2025, citing how the country’s strategic geographic location coupled with a whole roster of venues throughout the country are helping it transform into a MICE powerhouse. Furthermore, business event-centric functions in secondary cities like Kota Kinabalu and Penang have offered the global sector some serious developmental insights whilst preventing overtourism in major sites like Kuala Lumpur and Melaka. With development ongoing for new venues throughout the country, Malaysia is certainly fast-tracking its way towards hitting its goal of MICE attendees making up three percent of its annual arrivals totals per annum by the end of the current decade. The Philippines takes business events to heart Meanwhile, the Philippines has been working to boost itself as a regional centre for MICE for over four decades since it established the Centre for International Trade Exhibitions and Missions (CITEM) in 1983. But while CITEM handles the country’s participation in global MICE events, promoting the country as a MICE venue is the remit of the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (TBB) in cooperation with local government units throughout the country. Since 2024, the Philippine MICE sector has made We Take Your Business to Heart as its battle-cry, placing due emphasis on the country’s reputation for warm hospitality and a genuine concern for guest welfare in the context of business events. The Philippine also offers learning modules for both local and foreign event planners under the TPB with lessons ranging from a general overview of the MICE industry to financial management and design in MICE. Likewise, the country has also begun veering away from major hubs like Manila and Cebu, though the bulk of high-profile events are still staged there, and into secondary cities like Baguio in the north, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, and Cagayan de Oro in the south. In Thailand, government support matters Originally opened in 1991 when Thailand hosted the 46th annual meeting of the World Bank / International Monetary Fund boards of governors, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) has since risen to become one of the foremost venues anywhere in the world. Since its massive refurbishment in 2022, it now offers thrice its original capacity and has the technological capabilities to host events on a truly massive scale. But more than this super-venue, Thailand as a MICE destination has benefited from the considerable support of its national government in the form of extensive subsidies for the staging of large-scale events, visa assistance whenever necessary for foreign participants and resource personnel, as well as coordination with the relevant local authorities throughout the country. Furthermore, the concentration of MICE events staged in Thailand is no longer confined to Bangkok, but has surged into resort destinations like Pattaya and Phuket, as well as Muan Thong Thani whose corporate landscape has been transformed by the opening of IMPACT, one of the country’s largest event venues. Vietnam rising With the new Long Thanh International Airport on the southern outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City slated to become fully operational this year, Vietnam is all set to welcome even more event delegates, thus boosting its already flourishing MICE sector. Its primary cities Hanoi in the north and HCMC in the south have both played host to numerous international events over the years, but these have begun to spill into emergent destinations like Da Nang and the rising luxury centre that is Phu Quoc. At the same time, Vietnam’s primary advantage against its regional neighbours lies in its being cost-effective when it comes to hotels, event venues, transportation and related services. At the moment, Vietnam still has a long way to go in terms of overall competence, especially where its people’s linguistic skills are concerned, but its keen penchant for technological innovation, functional design, and exceptional hospitality are certainly working in its favour.
Visit Oman signs MICE partnership agreements
Omani national tourism firm Visit Oman announced strategic partnerships with three leading exhibition organisers to bolster the country's Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector throughout 2026. The agreements were signed with CONNECT, Arabian Research Bureau, and Al Nimr International Exhibition Organisers, positioning Visit Oman as the official Travel Experience Partner for major events across the Sultanate. These partnerships aim to streamline travel experiences for event participants by enhancing digital infrastructure. Visit Oman will offer an integrated travel ecosystem, including dedicated booking platforms for each exhibition, tailor-made travel packages, visa facilitation, and a one-stop-shop for flights, hotels, and curated experiences. With 13 exhibitions scheduled between February and December 2026, such as the IORA Aquaculture and Fisheries Business Forum and the Oman Petroleum & Energy Show, these collaborations are pivotal in establishing Oman as a regional hub for business travel and large-scale events. Hamed Al Qamshouai, Tourism Products Director at Visit Oman, stated, “These partnerships underscore our commitment to enhancing Oman’s position as a leading MICE destination.” Visit Oman’s digital platform connects over 200 local tourism providers and 80 international airlines, offering seamless travel options. This initiative supports Oman’s National Tourism Strategy 2040, promoting the country's unique beauty and authenticity globally This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
Macao pivots to high-net-worth MICE as Tourism+ initiative takes hold
Whenever the word Macao is mentioned, people of a certain generation automatically think of the casinos that earned the city the nickname Las Vegas of the East towards the end of the 20th century. However, younger travellers see Macao differently: it’s a destination where spectacle and tradition are woven together to create truly unique experiences that capture the nuances of both east and west. Likewise, the global MICE sector considers Macao one of its leading destinations, thanks to venues capable of hosting massive crowds, mounting larger-than-life exhibitions, and staging events that bring participants in from all corners of the world. Indeed, the Macao SAR government reported recently that a record-breaking 1,681 MICE events were staged there in 2025, registering an increase of 149 percent in participants and 89 percent in casual visitors from the total recorded in 2024. These record-breaking totals are the direct result of the MICE sector’s close alignment with the government’s long-term development strategy for economic diversification, tangible proof that Macao has developed well beyond its old image as East Asia’s gaming hub. No longer in Hong Kong’s shadow For many travellers, particularly from the 1970s and well into the 1990s, Macao was little more than a side trip for those spending time in Hong Kong. The city, at the time, was something of a novelty: a quaint, even bucolic, contrast to the highly westernised bustle of its Greater Bay Area (GBA) neighbour; incredibly foreign, even for a region marked by colonisation, as it was Portuguese rather than British, Spanish, or even Dutch. But now, Macao is definitely a destination in its own right; just last week, Hong Kong publication The Standard reported that Macao has more than surpassed its pre-pandemic arrival totals, closing 2025 with 40.06 million arrivals in all. That’s not bad at all and not too far from Hong Kong’s total of 49.9 million tourists; indeed, it would not be too much of a stretch to say that Macao actually recovered from the impact of COVID-19 faster than its nearest neighbour. To quote Veronica Lam Iok Keng, assistant professor at the Macao University of Tourism: “Macau’s position in the Greater Bay Area is stronger than its current image suggests [as] it is China’s designated World Centre for Tourism and Leisure. The numbers also point to where real value sits. The Statistics and Census Service reports that visitors’ total non-gaming spend rose by 6.3 percent year on year to MOP 80.12 billion.” Beyond gaming This brings us into Macao’s current thrust towards quality tourism, seeing how it is working to offer global travellers truly unique experiences that are both expertly curated and delivered to end-consumers. In January of last year, the Macao Government Tourism Officer (MGTO) announced that it would enhance the integration of tourism and adjacent industries in its tourism + initiative as a way of boosting economic diversification. Along with MICE, related initiatives have involved a major increase in the number of hotels operating in the vicinity over the past year, including the Capella Galaxy Macau and The Londoner, part of the Luxury Collection; a more diverse range of interests featured at the 13th edition of the Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE), as well as a variety of cultural and sporting events at key venues throughout the city. That said, the MGTO has made significant progress in different projects to secure the Greater China market and expand international markets. Quo vadis, Macao? Macao is not a territory that rests on its laurels; far from it, as the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) is all set to work with the local and global MICE sector this year to align current and upcoming endeavours with national development strategies. This will also lead to enhanced resilience for Macao’s MICE sector, especially in these unsettled times, whilst fostering internationalisation, professionalism, and innovation across industries. Infrastructure is also developing at a rapid clip as another means of attracting potential investors to the territory. For this to succeed, however, it is imperative that Macao authorities work on their promotional messaging: to go beyond the glitter and glamour to give travellers a more authentic, more meaningful look at the city so that they may appreciate the richness of its heritage whilst pondering the direction it aims to take for its future growth. In which case, we take a cue from Professor Lam’s sentiments: “For a city that depends so heavily on tourism, clear communication matters. Delivering on those promises matters even more. Therefore, there is a need to invest in innovative products, strengthen service quality standards, and build links across sectors. Together, they determine resilience.”
Thailand Exhibition Association unveils MICE Masterplan
The Thai Exhibition Association (TEA) has announced its ambitious MICE Masterplan for 2026–2027, aiming to position Thailand as a global leader in the exhibitions and MICE industry. The Thailand MICE X-Change 2026 (TMX 2026) will be held from 29–30 April 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, drawing over 4,000 participants under the theme 'Innovation and Sustainability: Driving Thailand’s MICE Industry Towards Excellence.' Loy Joon How, President of TEA, highlighted TMX's role as a pivotal platform for advancing MICE adoption among corporate organisations. He stated, “TMX serves as an annual face-to-face platform for industry professionals from Thailand and abroad to network, forge business partnerships, and exchange knowledge.” The event will feature more than 100 exhibitors, showcasing innovative solutions across the event value chain, including venues, logistics, and event technology. A dedicated workshop and seminar platform, “X-Change Square,” will host over 25 industry experts sharing insights on topics such as AI in marketing and sustainable practices. Dr. Duangdej Yuaikwarmdee, from the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, emphasised the strategic importance of exhibitions as powerful marketing tools. TMX 2026 will also implement sustainability initiatives, such as promoting public transport and reducing single-use plastics, to minimise environmental impact. With these efforts, TEA aims to transform Thailand from a host destination to a regional innovation leader, enhancing the global competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs and generating sustainable economic value This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
Roseate House New Delhi targets record RevPAR as airport proximity drives MICE surge
Kush Kapoor, CEO Roseate Hotels and Resorts As the Indian hospitality sector navigates the dual pressures of global travel uncertainty and rising domestic overheads, Roseate House New Delhi is pivoting toward a "meaningful luxury" model for 2026. CEO Kush Kapoor discusses the brand's resilience in the face of Middle Eastern tensions and explains why a "strong digital presence" is now non-negotiable for RevPAR growth. This interview dives into the trade partnerships and specialised MICE strategies that are keeping Roseate at the forefront of the capital’s luxury landscape. In an interview with Travel Daily Media, Kush Kapoor, CEO Roseate Hotels and Resorts shares more… Travel Daily Media (TDM): What are the new plans and vision that you have for Roseate House New Delhi for 2026? Kush Kapoor (KK): For 2026, our vision for Roseate House New Delhi is to further strengthen its position as a modern luxury lifestyle hotel that offers unique and memorable guest experiences. Our focus will be on enhancing personalised service, innovation, and overall guest comfort. We also plan to introduce more technology-driven services to make the guest journey smoother, while still maintaining the warm and personal hospitality that Roseate is known for. At the same time, sustainability remains a key priority, with continued efforts towards reducing environmental impact through responsible sourcing, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly practices. Additionally, we aim to position Roseate House as a vibrant hub for dining, culture, and social experiences in New Delhi by hosting curated events, culinary collaborations, and lifestyle experiences for both travellers and local guests. Our goal is to ensure every guest enjoys a stay that is both luxurious and meaningful. TDM: What are the latest trends in hotel room sales and marketing that are taking the industry by storm? What is the strategy that you are utilising to ensure good occupancy and RevPAR numbers? KK: The hotel industry is seeing trends like greater use of technology, digital bookings, and more personalised services for guests. Travellers today expect convenience, quick service, and unique experiences during their stay. We focus on a strong digital presence, smart pricing strategies, and partnerships with travel platforms and corporate clients to maintain good occupancy. At the same time, we enhance the guest experience through technology-driven services and personalised touches like our butler service, which adds comfort and exclusivity to the stay. By combining technology, personalised hospitality, and effective revenue management, we aim to maintain strong occupancy and healthy RevPAR while ensuring guests have a memorable experience. TDM: What are you doing to forge a long term mutually beneficial partnership with your travel trade partners? KK: We believe our travel trade partners are very important to our long-term success, and we focus on building strong relationships through regular communication, transparency, and consistent support. We work closely with our partners by offering competitive packages, special promotions, and flexible booking options that help them sell our property more effectively. We also organise familiarisation trips, training sessions, and networking events so that partners can better understand our hotel and the unique experiences we offer. In addition, our trade partners are assigned dedicated account managers from our front office team, which makes coordination and communication seamless for both sides. This personalised approach has been very well received by our partners. Our goal is to create a mutually beneficial partnership, where both Roseate and our travel partners grow together while delivering exceptional experiences to guests. TDM: What are you doing to grow your business travel and MICE segment? Can you share the details of a few of the main corporate events that took place at your hotels? What trends do you see for MICE in 2026? Especially since your hotel is in close proximity to the international airport. KK: At Roseate House New Delhi, the business travel and MICE segment is a key focus, especially because of our close proximity to Indira Gandhi International Airport, which makes the hotel very convenient for corporate travellers and international delegates. We support this segment with modern meeting spaces, advanced technology, and personalised services like butlers for premium guests to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience. Over the past year, we have hosted several corporate meetings, leadership events, and product launches at the hotel. Looking ahead to 2026, we see MICE events becoming more technology-driven and experience-focused, and our aim is to continue offering seamless services and world-class facilities for corporate events. We are also excited about our upcoming hotel in Noida, which is being developed with a strong focus on the MICE segment, further strengthening our presence in the corporate events space. TDM: What are the main challenges that you have faced in your career as a hotelier and which decisions that you took left a mark? KK: In my career as a hotelier, one of the main challenges has been adapting to constant changes in the hospitality industry, especially during uncertain times such as the global pandemic and shifting travel patterns. It required quick decision-making, flexibility, and a strong focus on guest safety and service quality. One important decision that left a strong impact was focusing on innovation and experience-led hospitality, while also investing in technology and personalised services such as butler assistance to enhance the guest experience. I have also always believed in building strong teams and empowering people, as hospitality is ultimately about serving people. These decisions have helped us grow stronger and continue delivering meaningful experiences to our guests. TDM: What are the main challenges that the hospitality industry is facing in India today? KK: The hospitality industry in India is currently facing a few important challenges. One of the key challenges is rising operational costs, including energy, food, and overall maintenance, while still maintaining the high standards that guests expect from luxury hotels. Another challenge is the movement of skilled hospitality professionals to international markets in search of higher wages. However, at Roseate Hotels & Resorts, we strongly believe in supporting and valuing talent. We offer one of the best salary packages and growth opportunities for freshers, along with strong training and development programs to build long-term careers in hospitality. Despite these challenges, the industry in India continues to grow rapidly, and with a focus on innovation, quality service, and investing in people, the future of hospitality remains very positive. TDM: How has the US-Israel-Iran conflict impacted the hospitality and tourism industry in India? KK: The US–Israel–Iran conflict has created some uncertainty in global travel, mainly affecting flight routes, fuel costs, and travel sentiment in certain regions. For the hospitality industry, such geopolitical tensions can sometimes lead to short-term fluctuations in international travel. However, India’s tourism and hospitality sector has remained quite resilient. In many cases, India continues to attract both business and leisure travellers, especially because it is seen as a stable and attractive destination in the region. For hotels like Roseate House New Delhi, our strong business travel, MICE demand, and proximity to the international airport help us stay well connected with global travellers. While global events may create temporary shifts in travel patterns, the overall demand for travel to India continues to remain strong.
European companies increase 2026 investment in MICE: FCM
A significant surge in meetings and events investment is set to redefine the European corporate landscape in 2026, according to new data from FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E). Global Trends Report 2026 The Global Trends Report 2026 has revealed that 63.1 per cent of EMEA respondents (versus 59.5 per cent globally) expect their meetings and events budgets to increase compared to 2025, with 7.7 per cent holding steady and 29.2 per cent anticipating a decrease. Notably, 62.9 per cent of those planning to increase budgets cite a broader scope of activities (versus 53.7 per cent globally), 46.7 per cent cite employee engagement, and 42.9 per cent link increases to inflation or cost-of-living adjustments. Hotel venues preferred Furthermore, 74 per cent of bookings across Europe are for hotel venues, reflecting a shift in venue preferences, and 100 per cent of events in the region now request the removal of items such as plastic bottles, paper cups, and notebooks to support sustainability goals. The report highlights that organisations across Europe are not just spending more but are raising the bar on safety, value, and impact. While budget growth is driven by a desire for more activities and inflationary pressures, the strategic intent behind these gatherings has shifted. Employee engagement has risen to the top of corporate agendas, with 46.7 per cent of EMEA respondents citing it as a primary driver for increased spend. Safety and security remain top priority Safety remains a critical component of this investment surge. Across the globe, nearly eight out of 10 industry professionals place safety and security as their top priority. In Europe, this focus is intensified by a complex operating environment. "Across EMEA, meetings and events teams are working in a more complex environment. Political uncertainty, regulatory change and shifting travel conditions mean risk planning now starts at the brief stage," said Victoria Deprez, Business Leader UK, FCM Meetings & Events. "Visa checks are built into timelines, routing and contract negotiations to protect attendance and control cost. Security and duty of care remain central, particularly in the UK, where Martyn’s Law has increased scrutiny on venue standards and emergency planning." ‘Green’ meetings preferred Sustainability is also influencing European event strategies more than ever before. "I hope well-being, mental health, and sustainable locations become increasingly important and requested," said Mallory Gerard, Head of FCM Meetings & Events, France, Spain and Switzerland. "The focus should move toward the holistic attendee experience, making events productive, restorative and aligned with personal and corporate values." This shift towards value-driven events is reinforced by a preference for personalised design tailored to each attendee, rather than relying on generic planning. European meetings and events now place greater emphasis on attendee wellbeing, mental health, and sustainable locations, aligning event experiences more closely with both personal and corporate values. With 35 per cent of global organisations planning budget increases of more than 10 per cent, the outlook for the European MICE sector is strong. Companies are leveraging these increased funds to foster genuine connections, ensuring that every event delivers measurable value to both the business and the individual attendee.
Singapore maintains regional hospitality lead as MICE travel offsets West Asia conflict
As AHICE Southeast Asia 2026 goes into its second and final day today, our focus shifts from Southeast Asia's potential as a hub for hospitality investment and the strategies global hospitality needs to become more crisis-proof in these uncertain days into the nations who are well in the lead for Southeast Asian hospitality. The thing about the top five countries dominating the sector is that these are the same countries taking the lead in regional travel and tourism. Do their strategies in the tourism line have anything to do with their dominance in hospitality or are the strategies different but work towards the same goals? Current state of the industry as of March 2026 A May 2025 study from the Leading Hoteliers Network pointed out how the Southeast Asian hospitality has recovered steadily from the adverse effects of the pandemic and regional economic and sociopolitical issues. As of Q1-2025, regional occupancy was at around 69 percent, an increase of nine percent from the same period in 2024. Thailand and Vietnam led the recovery charge with 73 percent and 70 percent occupancy respectively. Singapore, on the other hand, remained Southeast Asia’s best performing in hospitality, chalking up an occupancy rate of 81 percent in Q1-2025 and well throughout the rest of the year thanks to MICE and business travel. Surging into the summer months of the Northern Hemisphere (June to August), occupancy rates throughout the region peaked at around 75 percent with a maximum ADR of US$125. Vietnam and Cambodia were noted as the best performing budget markets in 2025, while Bali and Phuket continued to dominate the luxury hospitality sector. The Southeast Asian top five Keeping this in mind, the Southeast Asian hospitality sector is actually led by six countries, as two actually tied for fifth place. To date, these are as follows: Thailand The country remains the regional leader in terms of hospitality revenue and earnings, as well as established tourism infrastructure. Thailand also boasts the highest concentration of five-star hotels and resorts anywhere in the region, primarily centred in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s 2026 thematic Healing is the New Luxury further cements its reputation as an epicentre of luxury hospitality and wellness experiences; Indonesia The largest country in the region has evolved into a high-growth market, and is projected to become the most profitable one thanks to significant investment and promotion over the past couple of years. The market mix here is predominantly divided between Jakarta for MICE and Bali for wellness and luxury hospitality; Vietnam The Indochinese nation is seen as the region’s Next Big Thing in hospitality as the number of luxury accommodations available is set to rise thanks to the emergence of new properties from global hospitality management firms, along with a 39.5 percent increase in tourist arrivals; Singapore One of the most reliable markets for hospitality, especially now that the country is ramping up its roster of attractions and the overall quality of its tourism and hospitality services. Also, while Jakarta may be gaining on it, the city-state’s reputation as a MICE destination continues to grow, especially as it is being considered as an alternative venue for global MICE due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia; and Malaysia & the Philippines Tied in the fifth slot, both nations have recovered significantly from the pandemic. Malaysia, in particular, is raising the bar for its MICE and business events tourism sector in secondary cities Penang and Kota Kinabalu. The Philippines, on the other hand, is welcoming an array of new hospitality brands whilst attracting niche markets to areas like Siargao and La Union (surfing), Tagaytay (wellness), and Clark (an alternative to Manila and Cebu for MICE.)
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