THE BANGKOK outlet of the acclaimed Zuma restaurant chain has cast its eyes on the meeting segment, debuting a meeting package for five to 16 guests.

Zuma Bangkok’s meeting package is priced from 1,000 baht (US$33) per person, and includes use of a private venue, projector and screen until 17.00, lunch and a coffee break. Event planners can choose to have a three-course set lunch or pick from the restaurant’s donburi selection which includes a number of signature dishes with steamed rice, traditional salad and miso soup.

Breaks with desserts can also be included, or ordered independently during afternoon meetings, at 420 baht per person.

Contact reservations@zumarestaurant.co.th for more information and reservations.

FOLLOWING the renovation of its meeting venues, the 381-key Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui now boasts five larger salons which promise greater flexibility for event planners.

Salon I, II and III can be combined to accommodate up to 217 guests, while Salon IV and V can seat up to 64 people. On their own, these spaces are ideal for small meetings or intimate events.

The salons are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows and equipped with the latest technology and communications support and wireless Internet connectivity.

Meeting planners can experience the new spaces with the hotel’s Executive Meeting Package 2013, which are priced from HK$820 (US$106) per person. The package includes use of a salon, a business lunch with an exclusive menu or buffet at Cafe, as well as two themed coffee breaks with a selection of refreshments. Terms apply. Contact hongkong.tsimshatsui@hyatt.com.

GOLD Coast Tourism (GCT) has appointed Anna Case as director of business events, placing her in charge of guiding the bureau’s strategy to promote the Gold Coast as a leading business events destination.

Said GCT CEO Martin Winter in a press statement: “Anna comes to GCT with a wealth of international experience in both business events and leisure tourism, having previously worked with Tourism Australia, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Encore Business Tourism and SquareOne Events.

“This role assumes the leadership of the Gold Coast Convention Bureau (GCCB), a subsidiary business unit within Gold Coast Tourism’s structure. GCCB has the primary responsibility of securing conferences, congresses, incentives and corporate meetings to the Gold Coast, which creates new commercial opportunities for our members and stakeholders.

“I am very confident Anna will make a great contribution by applying her skills, knowledge and management expertise.”

ROYAL Cliff Hotels Group and its Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH) have been chosen as the official venue for the Asia Golf Tourism Convention 2013.

The event, to be held in PEACH from April 29 to May 2 next year, will see a gathering of owners and senior management personnel from 150 accredited golf tour operators from 40 countries.

Peter Walton, president of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the organiser of the convention, said: “I have always been impressed by the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and its ability to stay fresh and modern. I have sampled many of the facilities and I can’t wait to return.”

The first Asia Golf Tourism Convention was held last year in Kuala Lumpur. It drew 426 delegates from 46 countries.

AUSTRALIA’S first Business Events Week will take place in Melbourne from February 25 to March 1, 2013.

The week-long event aims to showcase the value of business events, and will feature a string of high-profile events such as the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, an invite-only CEO summit, ICCA Australia workshops and a showcase of the destination’s local produce by celebrity chefs.

Said Victoria state’s minister for tourism and major events, Louise Asher, in a press statement: “Business events generate extensive economic wealth for the local, state and national economy. In Victoria alone, business events inject more than A$1.2 billion (US$1.3 billion) annually.

“Over the next two years Melbourne will host in excess of seven of the world’s largest and most prestigious conferences including the 22nd World Diabetes Conference in 2013 and the International AIDS Conference in 2014, both of which will bring thousands of delegates to Victoria from all over the world and put our city firmly in the international spotlight.”

Karen Bolinger, CEO of the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau, said: “Having a week dedicated to business events is a major coup for our industry and we firmly believe it will assist us in communicating how valuable the industry is to the Australian economy.”

Bolinger added: “Very few people are aware that as a convention and visitors bureau, our sole function is to bid for the right for Melbourne to host business events; from board meetings to corporate and incentive travel, right through to major conferences. In 2013, we hope to change that and educate Australia about this important industry which provides so much value across the knowledge sectors, tourism and beyond.”

REED Travel Exhibitions will debut IBTM in 2013, the Indian edition of its series of MICE tradeshows.

To be held at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai from September 12-14, the maiden event is expected to see more than 100 MICE suppliers, including hotels, venues, NTOs, DMCs and technology companies.

Craig Moyes, portfolio director of Reed Travel Exhibitions, said in a press statement: “India holds enormous potential for the MICE industry, with a substantial annual growth in outbound travel and an eight per cent growth in GDP. (Meanwhile,) India’s Ministry of Tourism has definite plans to build more convention centres, and several large hotel groups are building new properties with meeting and conferencing facilities.”

Sushil Wadhwa, chairman of Platinum Incentives, said: “IBTM’s entry into India shows confidence in the growth and potential of the Indian MICE market. A large trade event like IBTM will certainly help showcase our venues and attractions, enabling many international organisations to consider India for their global events. The Indian corporate travel segment will also be presented with an eye-opening variety of products and services that will be showcased.”

SITE India chapter will also be partnering IBTM to offer educational elements to Indian MICE practitioners at the show.