by Dennis Hanneke

Top meetings industry leaders met in Seoul during Korea’s largest MICE industry trade event to discuss the latest trends and share their insights on the future of the field. The discussion led by Samuel Koo, CEO of the Seoul Tourism Organization, after the opening of the Korea MICE Expo brought together top figures from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Business Events Sydney, and British consultancy Fast Future Research.

On November the Radisson Hotel Pudong Century Park launched its Christmas programme with a lighting ceremony highlighting the White Christmas theme. The hotel invited pupils from Yangdong Migrant Primary School as part of its community support programme to celebrate the event. The pupils performed elaborate festive songs to show sincere appreciation to the hotel for its continued support.

von Reinhard Hohler

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will extend $95 million to help the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) and Viet Nam upgrade roads in the northeastern transport corridor that offers trade and poverty reduction benefits to both countries, as well as the wider Mekong region.

ADB’s Board of Directors has approved funding for the Second Northern Greater Mekong Subregion Transport Network Improvement Project. The project will improve 340 kilometers of roads, which form part of a corridor stretching from Thanh Hoa in northern Viet Nam, through Lao

Positive outlook for 2011,  Number of meetings, events or incentives expected to rise,  Budgets expected to increase

Results from the latest IMEX Global Insights Report from leading meetings, incentive travel and events exhibition, IMEX, suggest that optimism is high among senior industry professionals looking towards 2011.

Sutera Harbour Resort Group was honoured with a series of awards topped off by the Most Unique F&B Concept for their Sunset Cruise onboard Puteri Sutera during the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards held at The Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur recently. Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA) recognizes and rewards the crème de la crème of the hospitality industry at all levels. It is dedicated to recognizing and rewarding people and establishments who have shown drive, dedication and passion in the industry.

Patrick Sibourg has been appointed General Manager Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar, the third Pullman hotel for Malaysia which will open nect year. Patrick Sibourg, a French National brings with him a wealth of experience and achievement over the last 31 years in the hospitality industry. After some 13 years in Indonesia with Hilton International and later joining Accor Hotels as Director of Sales and Marketing for Indonesia.