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RNI No.:DELENG/2010/34144 ` 20
the inbound business magazine
A DDP Publication
Volume XII Issue 1 January-February 2021 16 pages
Work-life
balance:
uneven
scales
Smaller & leaner
weddIngs
Speed networking
contents Spring 2021
Publisher & Editor
SanJeet
Senior Correspondent
Neha Rawat
desk editor
Smita Kulshreshth
6 Design
cover story Raashi Ajmani Girdhar
Speed networking: Maximise contacts
Advertising
Nikhil jeet
9 10 Gaganpreet Kaur
Meetu Malhotra
Rakesh Kashyap
+91 9650399910
Advertisement Designers
Nitin Kumar
interview industry Production Manager
Smaller and leaner Work-life balance Anil Kharbanda
13 14
Circulation Manager
Ashok Rana
MUMBAI: Advertising
Harshal Ashar
Priyanshu Wankhade
guest column states Picture on the cover:
Courtesy:
M!CE to revive soon Packaging Kevadia Freepik
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4 M CEtalk January-February 2021
news
news
Niraamaya Retreats Suryavilas has
opened in Solan, Himachal Pradesh.
Its bouquet of services include a spacious banquet
ITC Hotels launch their first property hall for weddings, conferences and events.
in HP – Welcomhotel Shimla
Welcomhotel has launched its first property in
Himachal Pradesh, Welcomhotel Shimla, which offers
47 rooms and suites overlooking the picturesque We are extremely
Mashobra valley. With 3,186 sq.ft. spacious, seamless, delighted about
indoor banquet spaces & a huge 3,477 sq. ft. outdoor
venue called the ‘Sunset Garden’, surrounded by the launch of
the majestic Himalayan range, the hotel can host Sterling Palm Bliss
both social & corporate events with élan. The in-
house event managers will ensure that all events are
Rishikesh. The
personalised & follow safety and hygiene protocols. resort is a perfect
amalgamation of
a spiritual
adventure and
drive-to holiday
destination
Sayaji Hotels signs
Sayaji Morbi
Sayaji Hotels have
expanded their presence
in Gujarat with the
signing of a new hotel
in Morbi, anticipated to ITM 2021 from February 18-20,
open by June 2021. Sayaji
Hotel Morbi features 97
500 buyers, 200 exhibitors expected
plush guest rooms. With India Tourism Mart (ITM) 2021 will be held from February
its modern interiors, the 18-20. The event will be mostly virtual, and some part of it
4,500 sq. ft. banquet hall will be hybrid. Subhash Goyal, Secretary-General, FAITH,
and 1200 sq. ft. conference revealed, “This year’s ITM will be slightly hybrid, but 90 per
room offer the ideal venue cent virtual. We are expecting around 500 international buyers
for M!CE. and around 100-200 domestic buyers.”
THE Park
THE Park Mumbai, a boutique luxury hotel
located in the heart of Juhu, reopens its doors to
Mumbai guests with enhanced hygiene, cleanliness and
safety measures. The hotel is also launching the
reopens Happiness Menu, Immunity Booster Drinks
Menu, Bartender/ Chef Services at home,
with unique Weddings by THE Park – a one-stop destination
for intimate wedding experiences backed by the
offerings culinary team & the city’s best wedding planners.
M CEtalk January-February 2021 5
cover story
Speed networking:
Maximise contacts
The concept of speed networking has been used globally by events to ensure that
attendees utilise their time optimally thereby making new contacts in a short span of time
Charmaine Fernz
T
he quote by Tim network in any business. networking’. The very short span of time to ensure
Sanders ‘Your This thought has led many simple explanation to the attendees access as many
network is your event-based companies concept as per Wikipedia is contacts thereby building
net worth’ is very apt for to ensure that attendees a meeting format designed their network. However,
truly understanding the gain maximum mileage to accelerate business despite the concept being
potential of having a strong from the concept of ‘speed contacts. This is done in a in existence for years now,
6 M CEtalk January-February 2021
cover story
we, want to understand events, team building contact with staff and
the effectiveness of speed exercises or internal suppliers to ensure that a
networking to organisations mentoring programmes.” face is put to a name, thus
and the benefits derived. building personal networks
Subsequently, discussing which are pivotal to future
Explaining the need for benefits accrued by speed business negotiations,
good networking, Ajay networking, Huzan training and sales.”
Verma, Commercial Fraser Motivala, India
Director – India, CWT Representative, Tourism The common consensus
Meetings & Events, states, Ireland, says, “Speed among industry players
“People participate in events Ajay Verma networking has been quiet is the fact that speed
for a number of reasons, but effective for Tourism networking ensures
networking is arguably one Ireland. At our yearly event, maximum visibility in a
of the most important. In a the India Sales Mission, we short span of time while
survey conducted by IAEE,
Speed networking have 15-20 Irish suppliers also building contacts. As
PCMA, and The Experience is an activity in attendance who network Nandakumar puts it, “These
Institute, three out of every that enables with around 100-150 networking sessions help
four respondents stated that
networking was one of
our clients to Indian travel trade within
two hours. We also have a
keep meetings quick and
within a stipulated time.
the key reasons for achieve a strong, themed dinner wherein The concept strengthens
attending events. measurable 100-150 senior management the agenda of arranging
return on & decision makers are appointments and meeting
The agenda at many invited to network & people that matter most to
corporate events is typically investment at socialise over dinner. your business, especially
packed with keynotes, their events with limited time on hand.
presentations and panel For years, we have been An engaging format of
sessions, with networking replicating the speed speed networking helps
opportunities limited to networking workshop and immensely with delegates
coffee and lunch breaks. dinner format in two cities, developing a special rapport
However, in recent years which has proved successful. with participants.”
we’ve observed a trend This gives our Irish suppliers
of event organisers an opportunity to meet Sharing a similar view,
increasingly allocating more and introduce themselves Motivala states, “Being a
time and dedicated sessions to maximum number of quick meeting set up, this
for attendees to network, agents over a short span of concept has really helped
and speed networking can time and has helped them enhance business as we are
certainly be an effective way to generate leads for future able to establish contacts
to facilitate greater levels of business opportunities.” with a large base over a
interaction and engagement SD Nandakumar short time. The leads to
among attendees.” Maximum maximisation of return
Visibility on investment and turns
The effectiveness It is undoubted that speed out to be a fruitful visit.
The concept though The concept networking has several Furthermore, this gives
widely used has witnessed strengthens benefits for both the a platform for our Irish
mixed responses from
different sectors. While
the agenda of attendees and exhibitors.
However, the question in
suppliers to connect with
Indian agents for business
some companies are of the meeting people point is, has that meeting follow-ups in future.”
opinion that a few minutes that matter most resulted in enhancing
is just right to get our foot in to your business, business. Verma shares, Interestingly, Amit Prasad,
the door, many have actually “Speed networking is an Chief Executive Officer,
seen positive results. especially with activity that enables our Le Passage to India has
limited time clients to achieve a strong, a different opinion. In
Sharing his perspective, SD on hand measurable return on his view, “We have not
Nandakumar, President investment at their events. converted any major
and Country Head, B2B Networking allows both business yet through this
& Foreign Exchange, informal or scheduled mode but have made
SOTC Travel, explains, potential contacts.”
“For corporates, speed
networking has proven The metamorphoses
to be the most efficient
engagement with their
QUICK BYTE Speed networking As the adage goes, change
is the only constant, the
business/channel partners ensures maximum visibility while same can be said about
and employees during also building contacts the concept of speed
M CEtalk January-February 2021 7
cover story
networking. The concept ground rules during the
though kept in its original session,” adds Verma.
format has seen several
different takes, with the The future
advancement of technology. The common consensus
among industry players
Explaining how the is the fact that speed
concept has moved ahead networking is here to
with times, Verma says, stay, be it in-person or
“Speed networking over deals, and sustainable even virtually. However,
the years has become more customer loyalty. As Verma networking of all kinds is
efficient and evolved with shares, “Given today’s pivotal to the success of all
technology. While in the technology in this arena, events and is invaluable to
past simple networking we now have the ability to any business.
drinks might have sufficed, show clients a true ROI.
our clients are now looking For example, how many As Verma asserts,
to capture their encounters attendees visited a particular “Adding in a networking
during speed networking stand during an exhibition. component to your next
via QR codes to ensure We can even go to the next virtual meeting is a must
Huzan Fraser Motivala
longevity of their events in level in requesting answers to ensure attendees stay
future. This can be done from attendees such as connected with each other
as simply as allocating QR approximate annual spend and engaged with content.
codes to each event attendee and company size, which Being a quick Virtual networking sessions
as part of their registration all add to solid quantitative can be very entertaining if
process, which in turn data. This information is
meeting set up, managed correctly – think
enables those speaking to also vital during follow-up.” we are able to gamification, attendee
each other to share contact establish contacts avatars, care packages sent
details via a simple swipe of Giving a very logical to attendee’s homes – the
a mobile phone over a QR.” reasoning to the concept,
with a large base opportunities are endless.”
Prasad explains that over a short time
Nandakumar shares his companies benefit by Providing a more realistic
perspective on how speed making initial contacts point of view, Prasad says,
networking has gained while also forcing some “We would look at the
popularity across a variety buyers to meet new sellers. concept to be more fine-
of industries as a popular However, the challenge is tuned to meet buyers from
network format. He the limited amount of time specific countries. There
explains, “Many conferences to understand the needs of should be options to further
over the years have adopted buyers & sellers & to judge schedule follow-up meetings
innovative structures with the potential of buyers. where needed.”
introduction on sector-
specific speed networking While the benefits are Reiterating similar
sessions to establish immense for companies, sentiments, Nandakumar
business relationships and speed networking certainly adds that the concept is
Amit Prasad
expand opportunities for comes with its own set of getting popular since the
attendees to negotiate, share challenges such as attendee last five to seven years and
knowledge and conclude management which is more corporates are making
relevant business deals.” crucial in any speed We have not these sessions an integral
networking session and very converted any part of their events as the
Benefits vs often a big challenge. “It’s fast-paced format gives
challenges an art to help manoeuvre
major business wider reach as well as
The evolution of the concept these sessions, and as an yet through this makes sessions more
has also simultaneously organiser you have to keep mode but have result-oriented.
seen increased benefits
to both attendees and
a constant tab by first giving
an introduction to set the
made potential Undoubtedly, speed
networking is a concept that
companies alike. However, agenda, and then continue contacts is here to stay, what could
speed networking works reminding attendees of change is how the sessions
as an invaluable and low are conducted in times of
cost way to expand an uncertainty such as the
organisation’s connections ongoing pandemic. In such
and explore new business
opportunities. However, a
QUICK BYTE The fast-paced format secnarios, hybrid events
lot more effort is required gives wider reach as well as makes look most likely with a
combination of physical and
for cooperation, business sessions more result-oriented virtual meetings.mn
8 M CEtalk January-February 2021
interview
Smaller boutique
properties will be
in demand where
you can exclusively
have only your
guests staying in.
This ‘exclusivity’ will
continue through
2021, says Harsh
Agarwal, Founder,
hukumkaro
Smita Kulshreshth
Smaller and leaner
How is the destination their homes to enjoy while family and close friends.
weddings industry faring? being a part of the function Welcome and invite
While the last couple virtually. Receptions kits are becoming more
of months have been have shifted from having personalised and more
promising, it is still not buffets to having sit down expensive. Couples want to
back to the 2019 level of 7-course gala dinners. At express their gratitude to
extravaganza. However, Home Receptions (AHRs) their friends for attending
more people are opting will now happen possibly the wedding, and this
for destination weddings months after a wedding to is a trend we don’t see
compared to last year. introduce the new family going away. Also, guests
Weddings that would Harsh Agarwal member to the family. will look for a reason to
otherwise happen outside Outdoor functions will be travel. Flight charters have
India will now happen preferred, so properties seen an uptick. We have
within the country. with more outdoor venues
Unexplored destinations
We plan to expand will be popular. Smaller
partnered with various
international airlines to
have come up to host the our presence by boutique properties obtain preferential pricing
big fat Indian weddings setting up offices (resorts or palaces) will for our guests.
that are now smaller and in Jaipur and Goa be in demand where you
leaner. Khimsar, Arambol, can exclusively have only What are your plans for
Kumarakom, Hampi, to cater to the rise your guests staying in. This this year?
Mashobra and Khajuraho in demand for ‘exclusivity’ will continue We plan to expand our
have gained traction. destination events through 2021 and people presence by setting up
‘Intimate celebrations’ is will prefer inviting only permanent offices in Jaipur
the buzz phrase. and Goa to cater to the rise
in demand for destination
What trends do you see events. We also plan to
for destination weddings? QUICK BYTE Khimsar, Arambol, promote more sustainable
Weddings have gone online,
so guests are receiving Kumarakom, Hampi, Mashobra & weddings owing to several
lessons that were learnt in
packed hot food boxes into Khajuraho have gained traction the year 2020.
M CEtalk January-February 2021 9
industry
Work-life balance:
Uneven scales of time
COVID-19 has changed the whole concept of ‘work-life balance’. The scales of balance
have been skewed owing to work from home being enforced, rather than an option.
Charmaine Fernz
T
he year 2020 was a work life after COVID-19’
year of surprises and which states that before the
drastic changes… pandemic, the conventional
certainly not in the positive wisdom had been that offices
way for a majority of the were critical to productivity,
human race. Many concepts culture, and winning the
that were gaining ground war for talent. Companies
have to be revisited with competed intensely for prime
a new focus. One of the office space in major urban
many pertinent issues most centres around the world, and
corporates focussed on over many focused on solutions
the past several years was that were seen to promote
employees attaining the right collaboration. Densification,
‘work-life balance’ and thereby open-office designs, hoteling,
enhancing productivity. and co-working were the
However, the concept was battle cries.
completely shaken and
stirred with the onslaught According to McKinsey
of the pandemic. The global research, 80 per cent of
lockdown forced companies people questioned report
to adopt the work from home that they enjoy working from
concept and make the best use home. Of the respondents,
of it with technology. 41 per cent said that they are
more productive than they
As Deepa Chadha, SVP-HR had been before and 28 per
& Corporate Affairs, Vistara, cent said that they are as
explains, “An ideal work-life productive. Many employees
balance is about creating an liberated from long commutes
opportunity to become one’s and travel have found more
ideal self, both professionally productive ways to spend
and personally. With the that time and enjoy greater
professional environment flexibility. Many organisations
becoming increasingly think they can access new
demanding and competitive, pools of talent with fewer
especially in the aviation locational constraints, adopt
industry, it is important to innovative processes to
consciously work towards boost productivity, create an
maintaining a healthy balance.” even stronger culture, and
significantly reduce real
Pandemic = Change estate costs. While many a
Going by a report by McKinsey company, witnessed both
on ‘Reimagining the office and the benefits and challenges,
QUICK BYTE Research by McKinsey
reveals that 80% respondents
enjoyed working from home
10 M CEtalk January-February 2021the work from home
concept certainly put up
a humongous task for
HR professionals. Mona
Cheriyan, President and
Group Head, Human
Resources, Thomas Cook
(India) explains her
perspective saying, “The
change in work culture due
to the pandemic is not only Neerja Bhatia
affecting employees but
also poses a challenge for
the human resources team.
While we at the TCIL always
There has been
had a work from home an increased focus
policy, we never anticipated on managing
it to be implemented on
such a large scale and for
teams virtually
such a long duration.
The Human Resources
team at Thomas Cook
has been at the heart of
managing employees and
helping them cope with the
changes in work life during
the pandemic. With the
expectation of the vaccine
and opening of borders, our
business is now on the cusp
of recovery and the role of Deepa Chadha
HR is becoming even
more important.”
QUICK BYTE We have learnt to
The adaptation It is vital to respond quickly, with the situation
The new change though work towards evolving at such a rapid pace
welcomed by many had a
mixed bag of compliments. maintaining a a rapid pace. Navigating work or in your personal
While many employees healthy balance through uncertainty has life, leading a disciplined life
were of the opinion that surely seemed challenging, is the only way to achieve
workload had most certainly but in retrospect, has been balance. It becomes all
increased; many were of the a great opportunity to the more important in the
view that family time was innovate and adapt in more work from home scenario
more productive thereby ways than one.” where your home and office
resulting in enhanced mean the same space. Some
work productivity. Neerja Sharing a different point important aspects to keep
Bhatia, Etihad Airways’ of view, Chadha explains, in mind are maintaining
Vice President, Indian “Among many other things, a structured routine and
Subcontinent gives us her the pandemic has brought following it diligently.”
opinion stating that, “It has to the forefront, the concept
been about managing time of work from home which Making the most
effectively – being able to offers a good opportunity to of opportunity
Mona Cheriyan Technology was king
efficiently perform at work maintain a healthy balance
while still having time and between professional and literally during the
energy to unwind. There has personal responsibilities. lockdown. The work
been an increased focus on The change in Having said that, for from home atmosphere
managing teams virtually, organisations in the service made companies adopt
ensuring they remain driven work culture industry, it is not possible to to practically every
without burning out. We poses a challenge completely shift to remote technological advancement
have learnt to be agile and for the HR team working especially for the in order to keep businesses
respond quickly, with the frontline / operations staff. sustainable and profitable.
situation evolving at such Moving ahead whether at Chadha asserts this
M CEtalk January-February 2021 11Industry
new normal of working
from home, we connect
virtually every morning and
remain connected despite
working remotely.”
Cheriyan further
asserts, “At TCIL, we
have re-established our
organisational culture to
adopt more flexible working
arrangements. We believe,
there will be a major shift
towards hybrid working
models that capitalise on
benefits of both remote
and office working. The
face-to-face interaction will
now be through increased
technology interfaces like
MS Teams rather than
physical meetings.
view saying, “With the
shift of workplace from
physical office spaces
QUICK BYTE Face-to-face Cost management has been
a business imperative. As
to employees’ homes, interaction will now be through our industry has been one
companies are continuously increased technology interfaces of the worst hit by this
strengthening their pandemic, we have been
technology infrastructure accelerated shift towards forced to take measures to
to enable seamless virtual a new, digital economy. cut costs by temporarily
collaboration for an efficient We invested and continue deferring or reducing
workflow. Another aspect to invest in equipping our employee compensation
which has proved to be a employees with new skills and benefits. This has also
key driver of growth has and helping them to deal opened the discussion
been organisational culture. with the ‘new normal’. In around rethinking employee
At Vistara, the performance- addition to learning skills rewards and benefits in the
driven culture has kept the related to their roles, we long-term.
entire workforce focused on developed competencies in
the business objectives.” our employees to take on The move to a hybrid
new challenges.” working model has
Reiterating a similar also opened up the
viewpoint, Bhatia explains, The next step organisations’ talent pool
“Over the past year, we had Opportunity in adversity considerably. It now aids us
run comprehensive risk is the best way to lay out in hiring talent not limited
assessments to strategise how the New Year emerges, by physical location. We
and plan better, whether and business continues to now have a more flexible
it was about identifying sustain profits. Two key structure to accommodate
opportunities for training, factors that take precedence agile working and can
extending support or is health and business hire from all geographies.”
introducing special policies. growth. As Bhatia explains, Finally, concluding on
For instance, the advisory “It is important to prioritise some innovative strategies
role played by our HR teams one’s health and wellness. I adopted, Chadha states that
has grown exponentially have believed in the concept The move to a consistent communication
as they have extended of personal enhancement & engagement with
maximum support to and well-being. In order to hybrid working employees are crucial to
navigate this new normal.” strike that right balance, model has Vistara. Several campaigns
it is important to take opened up the launched in the past year
Taking on a different path, care of one’s own physical, aimed at establishing a
Cheriyan says, “For us at emotional and mental organisations’ sense of belonging among
TCIL, the need of the hour health. Subsequently, talent pool employees, boosting staff
is to develop adaptability companies should focus considerably morale and reassuring them
and resilience in our on frequent and timely while fostering engagement
workforce as we make an communication. With the and collaboration.
12 M CEtalk January-February 2021guest column
M CE to revive soon
Sandeep Dwivedi, Chief Operating Officer, InterGlobe Technology Quotient (ITQ),
shares his views on the increasing consumer sentiment to restart travel
T
he first few weeks of days as a deeply personal time and need for enhanced
2021 have renewed phenomena, giving direction safety. Snowfall in major
our hopes for a to a new race of thoughtful northern attractions is also
recovery, especially with customer experiences and adding to the traction in
the news of vaccines in the unconventional partnerships domestic air traffic.
world’s major economies. within and outside industry.
Industry has been staying Adopting this approach An interesting trend is
rather optimistic and with regards to evolving picking pace under the
estimates a full domestic customer sentiment in the name of ‘revenge travel’ and
recovery of 2019 level by business travel and M!CE is likely to grow in 2021,
2021, provided substantial categories, travel businesses considering limited travel
risk mitigation, consumer can reset momentum and opportunities presented
acceptability and aviation restore traction in the by the year that passed by.
adaptability ensue. new normal. With over 50% of India’s Sandeep Dwivedi
In the last quarter of 2020,
as consumer sentiment
revived, we saw two
positive outcomes: first
was improved confidence
in air travel and second,
an increased allocation for
flights by aviation ministry.
It is only fair to say that
a further increase of up
to 10% by February 2021
is expected, provided the
number of air passengers
rise in these initial weeks,
number of cases detected
on-board decline, and safety
is elevated with successful
vaccination of frontline
aviation personnel.
Although business and QUICK BYTE M!CE travel has
M!CE travel has largely largely declined, but recovery is
declined since the outset
of the pandemic, leading
expected soon via hybrid events
to digital management
of organisational tasks It has been witnessed population under 25 years of
and reduced brick- that leisure domestic age and over 65% below 35,
and-mortar events, a travel is slowly picking travel, including air travel,
recovery is expected soon
through hybrid events.
up considering most
international routes,
appears to be one sector
likely to recover sooner
The trend seems
The sentiment metre including the ones in in the country than its to shift towards
in current year points high demand earlier, are counterparts abroad. air travel with
towards growing interest in off limits. Domestically, the affluence,
extending knowledge base, travelling by road appears to (The article has been written
networking and exchanging be the preferred mode for by Sandeep Dwivedi, COO, limitations on
information in-person. most leisure travellers. The InterGlobe Technology time, distance &
In this case, businesses trend seems to shift towards Quotient. The views need for safety
can learn from the way air travel with the affluence, expressed are the author’s
travel has evolved these distance, limitations on personal views.)
M CEtalk January-February 2021 13states
Packaging Kevadia
Kevadia in Gujarat now has given fillip to the state’s tourism potential, and has
everything to offer from a jungle safari and river rafting to M!CE venues
Hazel Jain
W
hen Prime He adds that the Statue of With the new trains – that
Minister Modi Unity has by itself become a are existing routes extended
stayed a night great destination for tourism. to Kevadia – Vaghela says
in Kevadia recently and The seaplane launched on that it has become easy to
tweeted about it saying it’s ‘a October 31 added another create itineraries for
must visit’, it was evident that feather to Kevadia’s cap. all budgets.
this destination was about
to become the next big thing “Believe me, there are “Those who can’t afford a
India had to offer. While so many activities added car or a flight can now use
there, the PM inaugurated around the Statue of Unity the trains. Everybody can
various development works, that it is now a minimum Randhir Singh Vaghela visit Kevadia now. It has
including facilities for jetty two-night destination and given a 100 per cent boost
and boating. we are hoping that it will to tourism. All the new
soon become one of the activities are on right now
He also launched eight train global destinations that every
There are so many while observing all health
routes connecting Kevadia to tourist would like to visit,” activities added and safety protocols. There is
other parts of India, via Vaghela adds. around the Statue a jungle safari, river rafting,
video-conferencing.
Kevadia is also registered
of Unity that it is an auditorium for M!CE
and events, plus two hotels
Sharing his view on how as the country’s first green now a minimum and two Tent Cities for
Kevadia has managed to railhead with a green two-night accommodation,”
package a complete tourism building certification. destination he shares.
product, Randhir Singh
Vaghela, IATO Chairman Vaghela, along with other
(Gujarat Chapter), says, travel agents, was invited
“With the eight train routes by Gujarat Tourism to visit
connecting Statue of Unity to the Statue of Unity for a
the rest of the country, it has familiarisation tour and
made it so easy to package it experience of the activities
and create itineraries around in September 2020. “We
this destination. have already sold a lot of
packages. I feel Kevadia
Of special mention is the can be a great tourism
Vistadome coach on Jan destination not just for
Shatabdi that connects Gujarat and the rest of
Kevadia to Ahmedabad. It QUICK BYTE There is an auditorium India but worldwide, as our
is a truly unique experience
and also has very for M!CE and events, plus two PM is the biggest tourism
ambassador for us,”
convenient timings.” hotels and two Tent Cities Vaghela adds.
14 M CEtalk January-February 2021inbound
movements in India Chalet Hotels has promoted The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
Rajneesh Malhotra to Chief has appointed Chandrashekhar Joshi as
Operating Officer. Malhotra has the General Manager of The Leela Palace
been instrumental in driving Jaipur. In his new role, Joshi will launch
operational strategies for the the soon to open 200 room Palace, a
company in his previous position reflection of modern palatial grandeur,
of Vice President – Operations inspired by the Rajputana heritage. He
& Asset Management. Having will be instrumental in introducing The
joined the company in April 2019 Leela Palace Programming and signature
and with over 25 years in hotel Palace Service to the Pink City. With
operations, Malhotra will focus over 20 years of experience, Joshi has
Rajneesh Malhotra on driving operational excellence Chandrashekhar Joshi worked with Le Meridien Pune, JW
Chief Operating Officer continuing to report into Sanjay General Manager Marriott Juhu Mumbai, Renaissance Bali
Chalet Hotels, Mumbai Sethi, MD & CEO of Chalet Hotels. The Leela Palace Jaipur Uluwatu Resort & Spa, to name a few.
Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences
& Spa has appointed Shiv Bose has appointed Thomas Abraham as
as the General Manager of the General Manager, in addition to his
property. He has almost two role of AVP for Hyatt Hotels, Central
decades of illustrious experience in India. Abraham brings 27 years of
the hospitality industry. In his new experience in the hospitality industry
role, Bose will be spearheading and has spent over 13 of those years
the team and developing the with Hyatt. He moves to Hyatt
hotel’s operations to deliver stellar Regency Pune from the iconic Park
service standards. Prior to joining Hyatt Hyderabad. Abraham will focus
Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort on strengthening the operational
Shiv Bose & Spa, Bose was the General Thomas Abraham strategies of the hotel, while
GM, Sheraton Grand Manager at Courtyard by Marriott GM, Hyatt Regency Pune overseeing all nine Hyatt properties in
Chennai Resort & Spa Bengaluru Hebbal. & Residences Central India.
Marriott International has Sayaji Hotels Pune has appointed
appointed Deep Preet Bindra, Ajay Kanojia as their General
as the General Manager for Manager. An industry veteran
Courtyard by Marriott, Ahmedabad with almost 15 years, Kanojia has
(Ramdevnagar). With his rich and experience in the luxury and upscale
diverse experience spanning over hotel segment. In his new role, he
17 years in the hospitality and will be responsible for delivering
services sector, Bindra will lead the high levels of customer service and
team at the hotel to strengthen its successful positioning of the hotel.
position in the value-driven market Kanojia will also be responsible for
of Ahmedabad. Bindra has worked curating strategic initiatives that will
Deep Preet Bindra with JW Marriott at Aerocity in Ajay Kanojia lead the hotel to continue its guest-
GM, Courtyard by New Delhi and Marriott Whitefield General Manager focused approach and consolidate its
Marriott, Ahmedabad in Bengaluru. Sayaji Hotels Pune leadership position.
Kiran Challoju has been appointed Fairmont Jaipur has announced the
as the Portfolio Director of Sales promotion of Amit Sangwan from
& Marketing for a portfolio of 10 Director of Food & Beverage to
Holiday Inn Express hotels under Director of Operations, with all four
the SAMHI ownership effective verticals of Food & Beverage, Culinary,
Nov 23, 2020. Challoju comes Front Office and Housekeeping
with around 17 years of rich reporting directly to him; he will
experience in spearheading Sales also be responsible to maintain and
and Marketing operations with enhance guest satisfaction. Prior to
expertise in luxury, mid-scale joining Fairmont Jaipur in August
and value segments of the hotel 2019 as Director of F&B, Sangwan was
Kiran Challoju industry. He has worked with Amit Sangwan previously associated with renowned
Portfolio Director of Sales & well established brands like IHCL, Director of Operations hotels like Pullman, Novotel and Leela
Marketing Oberoi Hotels and Resorts and Fairmont Jaipur amongst others. He has won various
Holiday Inn Express ITC Hotels. accolades from the industry.
M CEtalk January-February 2021 15RNI No.:DELENG/2010/34144 ` 20
the outbound business magazine
A DDP Publication
Volume XII Issue 1 January-February 2021 16 pages
M CEtalk January-February 2021 12 M CEtalk January-February 2021
contents Spring 2021
5
NTO
'Festival Economy' policy
6 8
events inTerview
FITUR 2021 for recovery of New start for exhibitions
tourism
10 12
counsellor 13
Shivani Misri
Sadhoo talks about
how the event based
industry is changing
at a quick pace
nto interview
Fiesta Filipinas launched ‘India, a priority market’
M CEtalk January-February 2021 3international news
news
Oman Air will operate five weekly
flights to Dubai. The airlines will
maintain its comprehensive safety programme
throughout all elements of the travel journey.
We are excited
to introduce
the Hyatt
Regency brand
SingapoReimagine MICE Virtual to Cambodia.
Show on March 3-4, 2021
We look forward
The two-day tradeshow will connect with up to 40 to welcoming
leading suppliers including convention centres, hotels, business and
unique meeting venues, DMCs and tour operators
in Singapore. It will bring updates on Singapore's leisure guests to
progress towards the resumption of business events, an energising
showcase new & reimagined M!CE experiences and
conduct virtual tours & culinary masterclasses.
new space
Israel to focus on leisure & M!CE
Israel's Ministry of Tourism, as part of its wider promotional
activities in the UAE, is all set to participate at the Arabian
Travel Mart and Expo Dubai in 2021. The strategy is to focus
Israel as a leisure and a M!CE destination through various B2B
and B2C activities. The UAE and Israel signed a mutual visa
waiver agreement following the normalisation of ties between
the two countries, enabling travellers to obtain visas on arrival.
IMEX 2021 in Frankfurt cancelled
IMEX 2021, due to take place at Messe Frankfurt from
May 25-27, has been cancelled. IMEX in Frankfurt is a
hugely global event – exhibitors and buyers represent
150+ countries. Though the IMEX team believes that
a resurgence will come, sadly it will not happen in time
for them to deliver a strong and successful event in May.
The event will be held on April 26-28, 2022.
Emirates
Emirates Airlines announced that flights to Saudi
Arabia, Oman and Kuwait have resumed. Emirates
resumes flights to and from Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh
have begun. All customers, excluding Saudi
flights to nationals, who hold a ticket to the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia and have visited Argentina, Brazil,
Saudi, Oman India, South Africa or United Kingdom within the
last 14 days will not be accepted for travel at their
and Kuwait point of origin.
4 M CEtalk January-February 2021NTO
‘Festival Economy’ policy
The goals of the ‘Festival Economy’ policy are to enhance the destination city’s reputation
& contribute to sustainable development, says Nichapa Yoswee, Senior VP–Business, TCEB
MT Bureau
T
hailand Convention states, "The partnership festival owners to overcome
& Exhibition and collaboration between the challenges posed by
Bureau (TCEB) these associations and city COVID-19. ‘Thailand
has launched a ‘Festival governments are the key Event Line Up’ is a broad-
Economy’ policy to nurture that will result in ‘One City, based subsidy scheme for
partnerships between One Licensed Event’– the festival organisations. New
professional festival idea that each city has a or existing festivals which
associations and local city distinctive signature festival are able to create business,
governments to co-create that can be promoted and social, and environmental
new festivals with lasting recognised internationally – impacts are eligible.
economic, social and Nichapa Yoswee within five years.
environmental impacts. ‘N2N (New to Normal)
The goals of the ‘Festival Tech Savvy’ supports
At the launch on December Economy’ policy are to festival owners in acquiring
1, 2020 in Bangkok, TCEB energise the destination technology and innovation
put this policy into action Each city has city’s economy, to enhance that will help to manage
by signing a MoU with the city’s reputation, and their festivals more
Phetchaburi province,
a distinctive contribute to the sustainable efficiently. TCEB also offers
Ratchaprasong Square Trade signature development of the city." MICE Innovation Catalog
Association (RSTA) and festival that can which contains lists of the
Thai International Events &
Festivals Trade Association
be promoted In tandem with the launch
of ‘Festival Economy’,
technologies available to
be selected.
(TIEFA) to jointly work on and recognised TCEB has also unveiled a
projects under the ‘Festival internationally campaign named ‘Thailand ‘International Mega Event
Economy’ policy. Nichapa Power Up’ aiming to and Market Penetration’
Yoswee, TCEB Senior empower festival owners in is for festival owners who
Vice President – Business, order to enhance festivals in are looking to launch
Thailand and to maintain festivals in Thailand which
international fan base must include plans for
engagement by utilising development, adaptation,
quick byte ‘Thailand Power Up’ technology and an online international promotion,
aims to empower festival owners platform. More importantly,
this campaign offers three
and the rationale of
selecting Thailand as the
in order to enhance festivals packages that will help all host country.
M CEtalk January-February 2021 5events
FITUR 2021
for recovery of tourism
IFEMA is focusing all its effort on presenting an edition aimed at contributing to the
revival of tourism at a time when FITUR's role as a driving engine is critical and decisive
MT Bureau
T
he 41st edition of destinations and provide a to focus on optimising Latin American market.
the International much-needed boost to the its rallying power, in Each edition brings together
Tourism Fair, FITUR worldwide tourism activity. addition to enriching its over 11,000 companies from
2021, will be held from May specialised content and new 165 countries, as well as
19-23 at Feria de Madrid. Relaunching business niches, as well as official representatives from
This comes after a meditated tourism activity promoting knowledge areas a large number of nations
decision that, exceptionally, For its part, IFEMA is that contribute towards from around the world. It
makes this event essential focusing all its effort on relaunching both the is also Spain's major event
to the recovery of the presenting an edition national and international for the tourism business,
tourism industry, at a time aimed at contributing to tourism activity, as one of with over 250,000 attendees
that will still preserve its the recovery of tourism at a the world's main growth from around the world, as
high international impact time when FITUR's role as engines and especially for well as for innovation and
and thus, promote the a driving engine is critical Spain, where tourism is the promotion of new tourism
professional reunion of and decisive. Therefore, main sector, both in terms segments, technological
companies, countries and it is especially important of GDP and employment. leadership in tourism
management and a tool for
FITUR has the unanimous knowledge transfer.
support from Spain’s
quick byte Each edition of FITUR tourism industry and it is FITUR's high level of
brings together over 11,000 currently the world's second
major trade fair, and first
representation is also
acknowledged by the
companies from 165 countries regarding its impact on the support from the World
6 M CEtalk January-February 2021events
on the General State Budget
for 2021. Along with the
support that accompanies
this government
recognition, the AEIP award
will further strengthen
FITUR’s efforts to encourage
and promote market
recovery, and boost and
revitalise Spain’s tourism
image. This legal status will
enable FITUR to promote
private sector participation
in a critical edition for the
national tourism industry.
It will also help strengthen
public-private cooperation
links, bringing companies
together to support this goal
that has already produced
such brilliant results in
other areas of the economy.
Tourism Recovery
Special Edition
IFEMA is working on
the contents of FITUR
Especial Recuperación
Turismo (FITUR Tourism
Recovery Special Edition).
This edition will focus
on the need to revitalise
Spain’s leading industry
to enhance its leadership
position, management
capacity, strength as
one of the foundations
of the economy, and its
Tourism Organisation designation is an important intelligence for innovation
UNWTO, with the head gesture of institutional and sustainability. In this
office in Madrid; a bond support for IFEMA and context, it is important to
that is also embodied in
Even though its International Tourism emphasise how, over its
the Governing Board of the 41st edition Fair and acknowledges its 40-year history, FITUR has
Affiliate Members of the is still a few work to encourage business grown and consolidated
UNWTO which is currently
chaired by IFEMA/FITUR.
months away, it development and recovery
in the tourism sector.
its position as one of the
most effective tools for
Its annual event entails already has strong promoting, developing,
an economic impact of institutional & The award of ‘Event of innovating and boosting the
€330 million, with the business backing Exceptional Public Interest’ tourism industry in Spain.
ensuing direct outcome (AEIP) has been included in
on the recovery of tourism this year’s National Budget. Last year was an extremely
activities and boosting of The award became effective complex one for the tourism
the sectors linked on January 1, 2021 and industry, and FITUR
to tourism. lasts for three years, until Tourism Recovery Special
December 31, 2023. It will Edition will therefore be
‘Event of Exceptional provide special support an opportunity to join
Public Interest’ over three years and further forces behind the shared
The Spanish Government encourage the revitalisation goal of reviving tourism in
has declared FITUR an of Spain's tourism industry Spain. Even though the 41st
‘Event of Exceptional and its image as a tourist edition is still a few months
Public Interest’ for its destination. The budget away, it already has strong
contribution to the recovery was published in Law institutional as well as
of tourism in Spain. This 11/2020, of December 30, business backing.
M CEtalk January-February 2021 7Singapore’s
TravelRevive hybrid
event gave us a
glimpse of how
M!CE events will
look like in a
post-COVID world.
Andrew Phua,
Executive Director
(Exhibitions &
Conferences), STB
shares more details.
Hazel Jain
New start for exhibitions
Has Singapore started trial events with up to
conducting physical M!CE 250 attendees. Are there any
events since it opened international events
officially to events? Tell us more about this coming to Singapore
Singapore has made steady pilot hybrid event. in 2021?
progress in the resumption TravelRevive was Asia- TravelRevive reinforced
of business events under Pacific’s first international Singapore’s position as a
STB’s Safe Business Event travel tradeshow to take top marketplace of ideas
Andrew Phua Framework (SBE), which place physically during in the Asia Pacific and as a
requires event organisers COVID-19 on November safe and trusted Global-Asia
to implement Safe 25-26, 2020. Powered by node for M!CE and business.
Management Measures to ITB Asia and the Singapore Its successful execution
meet a set of health and Tourism Board, the event has demonstrated how the
safety outcomes. In July attracted close to 1,000 tradeshow experience can
2020, STB started accepting attendees onsite, of which be made safe yet fruitful for
applications for business 65 were foreign delegates attendees – with the degree
events with a capacity of from over 14 countries of interaction that they were
up to 50 physical attendees. in Asia, Middle East and used to before COVID-19.
Building upon the successful Europe. With 36 exhibiting At TravelRevive, two
trial of this framework in a companies, TravelRevive MoUs were also inked
pilot hybrid event in August had close to 600 scheduled to anchor the ASEAN
2020, further relaxation was buyer/seller meeting Regional Headquarters
announced in September to appointments on site. of new entrants – Messe
Munich and Fiera Milano,
signifying their confidence
in Singapore as a regional
quick byTe TravelRevive reinforced M!CE hub. In addition,
Singapore’s position as a safe the Infocomm Media
Development Authority
Global-Asia node for M!CE and STB signed a one-
8 M CEtalk January-February 2021year MoU with B2B event for securing groups to
organiser Informa Tech to Singapore. These schemes
launch a new international are being reviewed
technology event in regularly. In fact, we have
Singapore slated for the just made enhancements
second half of 2021. to the schemes in light of
the COVID-19 situation
Are there any new to ensure that they are
incentives for M!CE able to meet the changing
groups from India? needs of the corporates,
India is one of the key M!CE agents and event
sources of business traffic to planners and to keep
Singapore, particularly for Singapore competitive
the M!CE segment. There as a top-of-mind M!CE
are four programmes which destination for the
are customised to meet the Indian market.
needs of corporates, events
planners and the delegates, What learnings do
for different group sizes. destinations, event deliver new value. It has
These schemes are catered planners & convention been observed that various
specifically to help them centres take away from COVID-19 has alternative meeting formats
to plan better and pitch the past year? pushed the fast- that allow people to meet
more confidently should
Singapore be a destination
The industry is currently
experiencing an accelerated
forward button & and interact remotely have
emerged. COVID-19 has
of choice. digital transformation, and accelerated digital certainly pushed the
traditional event set-ups transformation fast-forward button
One point to note is that may no longer serve the and adoption and accelerated digital
these support schemes are needs of event planners transformation and
offered before the decision in this new environment. across the world adoption across the world.
on destination selection is Digitisation, flexibility of
made, typically during the Today, consumers use
bidding stage. We aim to screens and live virtual
influence the decision so experiences more than
that the schemes can be ever, and that’s exactly how
effective. the space will would be
redefined – a consumer-
• INSPIRE (In Singapore centric offering that is
Incentives & Rewards) is digital-enabled and
a scheme which supports data-empowered. Public
small groups (group size spaces are being re-
between 20 to 250 pax) designed to provide safe
& offers more than 60 pre- distancing, touchless
curated experiences to solutions and hygiene
choose from. practices for delegates and
• BEiS (Business Events in employees’ safety assurance.
Singapore) is a financial Virtual spaces are being
support scheme targeted transformed to augment
at large groups which physical meetings.
offers corporates a
financial grant to help venue spaces as well as Do you think hybrid
them enhance the quality health and safety protocols events will be the future
of their travel program. will be event planners’ key for this industry?
• SMAP (Singapore MICE priorities following the Hybrid event formats
Advantage Program) resumption of the industry. have become increasingly
is a bundle of benefits significant, where content
that various Singapore Social distancing will also is delivered virtually, while
stakeholders offer to shape how various aspects ensuring that the digital
the delegates. of social and business aspects complement in-
• STARS (Special Travel activities will be conducted person events. We will
Agent Rewards Singapore) in a post-COVID world. certainly see more hybrid
is a reward program to The M!CE industry is events as the industry
reward M!CE agents rethinking on how business evolves its landscape
and event planners events will be organised and and experiences.
M CEtalk January-February 2021 9NTO
Fiesta Filipinas launched
The virtual festival has been organised to simulate the experience of a festival through a
combination of live and pre-recorded videos and live workshops and activities
Manas Dwivedi
T
he Department of
Foreign Affairs,
Philippines,
in cooperation with
Department of Tourism
& National Commission
for Culture and Arts has
launched ‘Fiesta Filipinas:
An Online Celebration of
Philippine Festivals’. This
is a six-part, multi-format
online event series from
December 2020 until
May 2021. The virtual
festival has been organised
to simulate the experience
of a festival through a
combination of live & pre-
recorded videos and live
workshops and activities.
The project aims to
showcase Philippine to experience our culture,”
festivals, culture and QUICK BYTE The DOT will identify he says.
traditions to a global
audience. Every month for
100 destinations and give them Marie Yvette Banzon-
the next six months starting its stamp of approval Abalos, Executive Director,
December, the Department Department of Foreign
of Tourism (DOT) will Affairs, says, “Fiesta
feature one virtual town Filipinas is an innovative
fiesta, showcased as a way approach to promote
for locals to introduce Philippine culture and is a
their cultural festivity to way of bringing Philippine
the world stage, so that culture and celebrations
the Filipino diaspora and closer to people's hearts
tourists can enjoy what the despite the limitations of
country has to offer, and the pandemic.”
invite people to visit once Roberto P Alabado III Marie Yvette Banzon-Abalos
the pandemic is over. The first Fiesta Filipinas
virtual event celebrated
During the launch, the Christmas season,
Roberto P Alabado III, with the Giant Lantern
Undersecretary, Tourism This type of It is a way Parade (December 19), to
Regulation, Coordination be followed by the Sinulog,
& Resource Generation, project whets of bringing Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang
said that DOT will identify the appetite of Philippine culture Festivals (January 30, 2021),
100 destinations and give tourists who and celebrations the Panagbenga Festival
them its stamp of approval, (February 27, 2021), Visita
providing what hotels and
would like to closer to people's Iglesia (March 20, 2021),
resorts to stay in and the experience our hearts despite the Lami-Lamihan Festival
services available. “This type culture the pandemic (April 24, 2021), and end
of project whets the appetite with the Flores De Mayo/
of tourists who would like Santacruzan (May 29, 2021).
10 M CEtalk January-February 2021M CEtalk January-February 2021 11
interview
‘India, a priority market’
We had to rethink our promotional strategies, says Ksenya Boykova, Head of International
Affairs & MICE, Moscow Project Office for Tourism and Hospitality Development
Nisha Verma
T
he Moscow City
Tourism Committee
recently held the
Discover Moscow Digital
Roadshow in India. Claiming
that India is a priority
inbound tourism market for
Moscow, Ksenya Boykova
said, “The number of tourists
from India to Moscow has
almost doubled over the past
10 years, reaching 89,000
in 2019.
In the year 2019, India
ranked third in the Asia
Pacific region, excluding
China, in terms of the
number of foreign tourists
in Moscow. Before the
pandemic, the number of
tourists coming from India received positive feedback
to Russia had been growing
by 18-20 per cent annually,
QUICK BYTE The number of tourists from our Indian colleagues,
which reinforces the value of
and in terms of growth rates, from India to Moscow has almost the digital roadshow format
India ranked fifth, leaving doubled over the past 10 years during this challenging time.”
even China behind.” Moscow offers opportunities
the regions of India (which for cultural tourism as
When asked about the aim would be challenging for an well as business and
behind organising the digital offline roadshow).” educational tourism.
roadshow, she revealed, “The
current situation allowed The four-day event hosted E-visas for
us to rethink Moscow's not only companies from Indian tourists
promotional strategies and Moscow (tour operators From January 2021, tourists
create new digital products. and hotels), 25 of which from India will be able
We have launched several introduced themselves and to apply for electronic
interesting projects which, their products at online visas. Three out of the 29
we are confident, have Ksenya Boykova meetings, and more than 10 entry points where the
aroused the interest of the companies that took part visa procedure will be
Indian professional audience. gEtting e-visas in the virtual exhibition simplified to enter Russia
remotely, but also over 600 are located in Moscow,
In the new reality, we saw From January 2021, representatives of the Indian at the largest Russian
great potential in online tourists from India will tourism industry. airports, Sheremetyevo,
tools, including digital be able to apply for Domodedovo and Vnukovo.
roadshows, in terms of e-visas. Three out of the Boykova further revealed, Besides becoming a
presenting the tourism 29 entry points where “Indian companies took more comfortable urban
potential and Moscow’s the visa procedure part in webinars presenting environment, new
will be simplified attractions for tourists in
newest tourist products, as the tourism potential of
to enter Russia are
well as establishing direct Moscow and new projects Moscow have also emerged,
located in Moscow,
business contacts with of the Moscow City Tourism including Zaryadye Park,
at the largest Russian
Indian companies. Hence, Committee, and as a result VDNH, Moskvarium, the
airports, Sheremetyevo,
we decided to hold the first Domodedovo and of the event, they held over Dream Island amusement
digital roadshow in India Vnukovo 1,500 online negotiations park and the Moscow
that actually covered all with Moscow companies. We Cable Car.
12 M CEtalk January-February 2021You can also read
