Speed, tech and trust needed for hotels to win more MICE business
Brought to you by Cvent
The nature of MICE business is shifting. Planners today want what used to feel impossible: faster responses, clearer visualisation, and smoother coordination across sales, operations, and event planning teams.
For hotel sales leaders, that means adapting how they prospect, pitch, and close deals or risk losing business to faster, smarter competitors.
Across Asia-Pacific, optimism for the meetings and events sector remains high with 70 per cent of planners in the region reporting a brighter outlook for meetings and events, according to the Northstar & Cvent Meetings Industry Pulse Survey (APAC Edition) released in September 2025.
Naina Vishnoi, senior sales director for Cvent’s Hospitality Cloud division, shares her expertise on how hotels can adapt to changing expectations.
Speed is of the essence
Speed has become a decisive competitive edge. Planners in APAC increasingly expect venue responses within just three to four days, particularly for mid-sized events. Hotels that reply first and tailor their responses to the planner’s objectives stand a far better chance of conversion.
Being discoverable where planners are already sourcing is equally critical. According to the Cvent Global Planner Sourcing Report 2026, 61 per cent of planners in Asia are using electronic RFPs for most or all meetings. Hotels need to ensure they are visible and active on digital sourcing platforms like Cvent – the quicker and more relevant the reply, the higher the likelihood of winning the business.
Planners also want clarity. This means hotel sales teams need to provide sample setups for visualisation to reduce uncertainty and set aside rooms for event guests so that they can enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Tapping on technology
Technology such as artificial intelligence is increasingly reshaping how hotels pursue and manage MICE business.
The Cvent Global Planner Sourcing Report 2026 shows that 84 per cent of planners in Asia and 96 per cent in Australia now use technology and AI to source venues, streamline RFPs, and communicate with hotels. For example, Singapore RFPs now arrive with AI-built agendas that specify “two plenaries and eight breakouts with hybrid AV and halal catering,” making day-one pricing accurate; Bangkok riverside venues use response automation to draft tailored proposals in minutes; Sydney teams share AI-assisted 3D cabaret layouts for a Darling Harbour gala to reduce resends and secure a shortlist.
Yet even with all this technology, a third of planners globally say the tools they use either slow them down or fail to add real value.
This provides an opportunity for those that adopt the relevant tools that can help further their objectives.
In Asia-Pacific, 39 per cent of planners already use AI to create or optimise RFPs, while 45 per cent leverage AI to analyse attendee data for the best venue fit. By integrating automation for rooming lists, event diagramming, and proposal generation, hotel sales teams can reclaim hours, reduce errors, and focus on what matters most: building relationships and closing deals.
Doing so and benchmarking performance against it lets sales leaders uncover pricing gaps, measure conversion speed, and spot emerging demand before their competitors.
By combining such insights with a disciplined approach to speed, customisation, and communication, hotels can capture a larger share of the resurging MICE business market.
Ultimately, relationships also matter. Planners increasingly look for hotel partners who act as collaborators rather than vendors and can anticipate challenges before they arise.
For hotel sales managers, that means pairing digital precision with human insight. Using AI-enabled prospecting to identify the right opportunities is just the start; delivering personalised follow-through cements trust and long-term loyalty.
Leverage cumulative data insights for strategic decisions
In a world of compressed lead times and shifting portfolios, teams that see demand before the RFP – understanding which segments are moving, which planners are signalling intent, and where space, dates, and budget truly align – are likely to have the edge. Strategic sales and revenue leaders use intelligence to reframe sales from ‘coverage’ to ‘clarity’ concentrating effort on best‑fit accounts, equipping outreach with context that adds value, and routing opportunities to the properties most likely to convert.
Tools like Cvent’s Group Pipeline Intel (GPI) elevates the human work that differentiates hospitality – consultative conversations, tailored proposals, and trust – by removing guesswork and letting data light the path.
Make smarter decisions and close more successful events with Cvent.
Naina Vishnoi is senior director of Sales, Hospitality Cloud at Cvent. With over 18 years in hospitality and travel technology, she drives business growth, strategy, and digital transformation. A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Naina is known for her collaborative leadership and focus on developing future leaders.
Further East 2025 to spotlight alternative urban escapes, emerging travel trends
Further East, the annual event where global travel buyers meet distinctive brands in Asia-Pacific, will hold its sixth edition with record attendance and a focus on new regional trends. Scheduled for November 3 to 6 in Seminyak, Bali, Further East 2025 will host more than 600 delegates and introduce programmes aimed at fostering stronger connections.
On day one, the ideas festival Open House will feature Circle Talks, a new freeform space where delegates can initiate group discussions. Serge Dive, founder and CEO of This is Beyond, the show owner, told TTG Asia that to facilitate networking, “we’ll also have a rich array of entertainment, activations and local drinks suppliers at our Sunset Sessions, taking place after our show floor wraps up on Tuesday and Wednesday”.
The Community Project, a regular part of the Further East programme, this year focuses on cooking to combat poverty in collaboration with the Ragam Foundation, while charity partners will host one-off talks and experiences.
To maintain relevance and growth, Further East is seeking to diversify its representation by including more city properties, aiming to challenge the traditional view of crowded Asia-Pacific metropolises.
Dive said: “We’re seeking more city properties to show what Asia-Pacific can do for alternative urban escapes. Many people have a cliché of an Asia-Pacific metropolis in their head: soaring skyscrapers, swathes of neon, crowded streets and dozens of horns at once. But the truth is, there are countless large or hidden boutique hotels and resorts offering serenity on the city bucket list. So, we’re welcoming more of these properties to put cities on the map in a whole new way, especially those from South Korea, Taiwan, Australia and China. We’re keen to spotlight these urban markets.
“Additionally, I think it’s important that we stay on the pulse of regional trends. Not just finding them – demonstrating how our community is serving them with creative itineraries and unmatched service. You can bet that we’re looking at more incisive content across our channels to show the rest of the world what it’s missing.”
Dive also highlighted set-jetting as a major trend, citing the Kimpton Kitalay Samui in Thailand, featured in season three of The White Lotus, as a prime example of an “extra iconic” location. He noted rising demand for multi-generational family trips and resorts offering digital detox.
“Switching your phone off with kids, grandparents or extended family, somewhere gorgeous and mindful, is another kind of luxury,” he said.
Another factor enhancing Asia-Pacific’s appeal is the growing number of domestic flight paths, which allows affluent guests to plan longer, more cohesive trips – a trend also supported by increased eco-awareness.
Since its debut in 2018, Further East has established itself as the key platform uniting innovative and transformative stays across the region, maintaining its focus on quality, convenience, and opportunities for properties to stand out while preserving their unique, intimate atmospheres.
Banyan Group marks 100th resort with Rainforest Festival supporting local charities
Banyan Group will celebrate the grand opening of its 100th resort worldwide with the inaugural Rainforest Festival, a week-long programme from November 27 to December 3, 2025, at the new Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.
The event also commemorates the group’s Singapore homecoming, with the resort — owned by Mandai Wildlife Group — representing Banyan’s debut in its home city and a key addition to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore’s nature and wildlife destination.
The Rainforest Festival is the grand finale of 100 Journeys – a hundred days of global activations across Banyan Group’s portfolio leading up to this milestone. All ticket proceeds will be donated and matched dollar-for-dollar by Banyan Group in support of the President’s Challenge, benefiting 60 programmes across 52 local charities, with a further government match under the SG60 Matching Grants.
Visitors can discover how sustainable design, biodiversity and well-being come together through experiences such as the Discovery Trail, which showcases the resort’s elevated architecture, tree preservation and circular resource systems. Along the trail, guests can enjoy birdwatching, nature walks and interactive installations, and view the Banyan Gallery Showcase featuring handcrafted pieces from artisans worldwide. At its heart stands the Wishing Tree, a living artwork symbolising renewal and community.
Festivalgoers can enjoy refreshments inspired by local and sustainable craftsmanship, including Gryphon Tea’s exclusive resort blend, Owa Coffee’s wildlife-friendly brews, nostalgic ice cream sandwiches and Tanglin Gin’s upcycled chocolate bark. Over the weekend, the resort will host Into the Rainforest by Green-House HangOut, a boutique version of Singapore’s largest sustainable lifestyle event, alongside live performances by Joie Tan, Jack & Rai, MICappella and others celebrating local creativity.
Ticket holders can also join free well-being, yoga and family sessions, as well as guided nature walks. Highlights include 100 Sun Salutations, a collective yoga session honouring Banyan’s 100th milestone, and workshops for children introducing native wildlife through art and play. Paid experiences include culinary collaborations, rainforest mixology showcases and workshops led by local ecologists, with 20 per cent of proceeds donated to the President’s Challenge.
“The Rainforest Festival is our way of giving back as we mark our 100th milestone and a symbolic homecoming to Singapore,” said Eddy See, CEO of Banyan Group. “It embodies our belief that travel can be a force for good – connecting people with nature, culture and community.”
Mett lands in Singapore, heralds growing Asia presence
Sunset Hospitality Group launched Mett Singapore on Tuesday morning, setting several major milestones for the company that has built a global empire on accommodation, dining, and entertainment management.
The hotel is the group’s first Mett property in Asia-Pacific and the 10th in its global portfolio; it also debuts the group’s first members club and brings with it the first Asian outpost of The Longevity Suite wellness facility, which is present in 35 locations across Europe.
Mett Singapore offers 84 rooms and suites in a carefully conserved architecture dating back to 1926, and is set amid the lush surroundings of Fort Canning Park.
Two of four restaurants at Mett Singapore – L’Amo Bistrò del Mare and Hanu – are popular dining concepts in Dubai, while Art di Daniele Sperindio is the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Daniele Sperindio, who is also the hotel’s director of culinary and F&B. Both Hanu and Art di Daniele Sperindio will begin operations in 2026.
The centre piece of Mett Singapore’s lifestyle highlights is The Madison House, a private members’ club that will open in 4Q2026. The club, which hotel guests can enjoy at no charge as part of their stay, houses a padell court, a modern gym and The Longevity Suite where cryotherapy, science-driven spa and aesthetic treatments, and proven biohacking and longevity protocols are conducted.
Philipp Knuepfer, chief operating officer of Sunset Hospitality Group, told TTG Asia in an interview that the company’s ability to bring “hotel management, ‘daylife’, nightlife and dining” under one roof gives “phenomenal” power to hotel owners.
“In the world of hotels, dining and lifestyle are elements that are always missing. Many hotel companies rush to get third parties to operate their hotel’s lifestyle venues,” he explained.
Sunset Hospitality Group is behind several notable dining concepts such as Sushisamba, Mott 32, and Black Tap.
Knuepfer described Mett Singapore as “a combination of a colonial hotel with a relaxed and modern luxury touch”, where luxury is not strait-laced.
“While other luxury hotels may have a dress code at the door, at Mett we foster a Mediterranean lifestyle – you can come to breakfast in your gym attire or walk around in shorts. You will not have somebody next to you, who mentions your names five times in a row, but you would still feel pampered,” he stated.
Knuepfer believes that the luxury hospitality concept has evolved, allowing Mett properties to be “young, relaxed, active, and comfortable without boundaries”.
Mett Singapore’s launch signals a pick-up in expansion pace for Asia-Pacific. Knuepfer shared that a trip to Vietnam this week would allow him to look into opportunities in the destination.
He shared that the group is focused on growth in urban destinations, such as Bangkok, Tokyo and Sydney, as well as resort destinations like Danang, Sanya, the Maldives, and Phuket.
Sunset Hospitality Group has a target of about 30 hotels in its global portfolio within the next three years.
ACI HR Solutions recognises mentorship in hospitality industry
A celebrated chef and a seasoned hotelier are acknowledged for their efforts in developing others in their professional community by ACI HR Solutions’s annual mentorship award this year.
Kong Kok Kiang, executive chef at Sentosa Golf Club and president of the Singapore Chefs’ Association, is named ACI HR Solutions’ 2025 Mentor of the Year while Piotr Kupiec, general manager of Novotel Singapore on Stevens and Mercure Singapore on Stevens, receives the Highly Commended Mentor Award.
ACI HR Solutions’ founder, Andrew Chan, said this year’s nominees exemplify the spirit of mentorship in the travel and hospitality industry.
“What stands out most is their authenticity and passion for developing others – not just within their own teams, but across the wider travel and hospitality community. Each candidate brings a unique story of guidance, resilience, and generosity, proving that mentorship remains one of the most powerful forces driving our industry forward,” reflected Chan.
Commenting on his win, Kong told TTG Asia: ““I’ve always believed that true leadership goes beyond achieving personal success; it’s about lifting others along the way. Mentorship is my way of giving back to an industry that has shaped who I am today. By sharing knowledge, guiding young chefs, and nurturing their passion, I hope to build a stronger, more resilient next generation of culinary professionals.
“When my team grows, the company grows, and when we collectively raise the standards of our craft, the entire chef profession in Singapore moves forward. My greatest reward as a mentor is seeing others succeed and knowing that, in some way, I’ve helped them discover their own potential.”
Kong shared a quote that has guided his professional conduct since he was a cook: “Doing what you love is not a recipe for an easier life. It is a recipe for an interesting life”.
Kupiec noted that “mentorship is one of the most important responsibilities of leadership”.
“By investing in people, we strengthen the future of our industry. I am incredibly proud of the leaders who have grown with us, and this recognition motivates me to continue championing environments where talent thrives and people are empowered to succeed,” said Kupiec.
As the annual award concludes this year, Chan expressed hopes for more companies to recognise and formalise mentorship efforts.
“Mentorship often happens quietly, behind the scenes, yet it’s one of the most powerful drivers of engagement and retention. Companies (can do more) by giving mentors the time, tools, and acknowledgment they deserve. That could mean incorporating mentorship into performance goals, offering training for effective mentoring, or celebrating mentor-mentee success stories internally. When companies champion a culture of mentorship, it sends a strong signal that people development is truly valued,” stated Chan.
He also reflected on talent development investments in Asia this year, noting a “positive shift across Asia, with more organisations recognising that investing in people is no longer optional”.
“While budgets may remain tight in some areas, the intent and creativity behind how companies are developing their people have grown significantly – from structured mentorship programmes to digital learning platforms and cross-border exposure opportunities,” added Chan.
Hyatt to debut Andaz hotel in Hong Kong
Hyatt Hotels Corporation will open its first Andaz hotel in Hong Kong in 2027 through a management agreement with Wing Tai Properties and CSI Properties.
Andaz Hong Kong Central will anchor Central Crossing, a mixed-use development at 118 Wellington Street that includes offices, open spaces, and preserved heritage buildings.
The 125-room hotel will include suites that can serve as event spaces, a Living Room social hub, an all-day restaurant, and a fitness centre. Central Crossing will also introduce the first Andaz Village, a retail and lifestyle space with wellness and dining options.
The development is located near Tai Kwun, PMQ, and Central Market, with direct access to MTR and Airport Express stations.
“We are honoured to be part of this landmark project with Wing Tai Properties and CSI Properties in the heart of Central, building on our deep roots in Hong Kong since the opening of Hyatt’s first hotel outside the US here in 1969,” said David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, Hyatt. “The continued growth of the Andaz brand reflects our focus on intentional expansion in key locations and distinctive experiences for discerning travellers.”
Onyx Hospitality Group rolls out 2025 festive campaign
Onyx Hospitality Group has unveiled its 2025 holiday campaign, Beyond the Festivities, across its Amari, Ozo, Shama, and Oriental Residence brands, blending seasonal celebrations with local culture to create memorable experiences for guests and communities across Asia-Pacific.
Amari marks its 60th anniversary with hands-on experiences, from artisanal workshops and traditional boat decorations to toy donations and support for local charities in Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, and Sri Lanka.
Oriental Residence Bangkok presents White & Gold seasonal elegance with festive dining, curated hampers featuring sustainable and locally crafted gifts, and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Shama celebrates the season by recreating a “home away from home”, with intimate events, local excursions, and activities that strengthen bonds between guests and communities, while Ozo adds a lively, playful twist, with bold décor, interactive programming, and vibrant communal spaces designed for shared celebrations and joyful gatherings.
For more information, visit Onyx Hospitality Group.
Grand Hyatt Singapore reimagined: Three unmissable elevated living, dining, and wellness experiences
Brought to you by Grand Hyatt Singapore
An iconic destination in Singapore’s premier Orchard Road shopping precinct, the 699-room Grand Hyatt Singapore has reopened after a multi-year transformation with luxurious offerings from its rooms and dining to a holistic wellness experience and sustainable practices.
Luxury living
Designed to convey luxurious comfort amidst a sense of local heritage, Grand Hyatt Singapore offers generously sized guestrooms across two wings.
The Grand Wing houses a variety of 407 rooms and suites from 54m², designed in open-plan layouts with warm furnishings, striking Patagonia stone bathrooms and Peranakan-inspired design accents that reflect the city’s heritage. The Terrace Wing houses 292 nature-inspired guestrooms from 42m² designed in comforting neutral tones with ice-green marble accents, wooden furnishings, and window alcoves with daybeds for lounging.
Guests seeking direct access to greenery can opt for one of the five 60m² Garden Studio Rooms, which open onto the hotel’s wellness lawn and lap pool.
At the heart of its luxury lifestyle offering is the Garden – a lush urban oasis envisioned by award-winning landscape architect Grant Associates. Spread across the hotel’s grounds, it features serene lawns, a landscaped wellness pool, and spaces that seamlessly blend nature with the city. The Garden offers a rare sense of tranquillity on busy Orchard Road, where guests can retreat for moments of calm, mindful activities, or simply to enjoy tropical greenery.
Wellness with intention
Key to the hotel’s transformation is Damai, its comprehensive wellness sanctuary that combines modern science with tradition.
Choose from a variety of science-backed treatments that support recovery, detoxification and mental clarity. Complementing these are thermal-hydro experiences, including a Halo Steam Room infused with Himalayan salt, an Air Lounge Hydro Pool, and the only Mind Body Therapy Wall in a hotel in Singapore. A spacious, fully equipped gym, functional training studio and dedicated outdoor wellness lawns in a lush garden with biophilic design, providing more workout options in tranquil surroundings.
Within the Damai House is the Mind Body Therapy (MBT) wall, the first of its kind in a hotel in South-east Asia, offering a novel way to support ease of movement.
Damai is also the first Hyrox-accredited hotel fitness training facility in South-east Asia, further elevating its position as a hub for holistic wellbeing. Through this partnership with the fitness race competition, Grand Hyatt Singapore is offering a Hyrox Stay Experience that includes exclusive room rates, in-room amenities, and discounts on select F&B and spa treatments.
Culinary extravaganza
Home to seven dining venues, Grand Hyatt Singapore reintroduces familiar names and reveals fresh concepts.
Buffet restaurant StraitsKitchen, with its halal-certified kitchen, returns with vibrant show kitchens that showcase Singapore’s multicultural heritage with Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Nonya dishes.
Pete’s Place, a long-time Orchard Road institution, remains beloved for its rustic Italian fare. Its revamp brings a chef’s table experience, an antipasti bar, and a wine cellar, adding an extra experiential element and variety to its charm.
Another returning favourite is 10|SCOTTS, with the relaunch of its Grand Afternoon Tea and Grand Evening Indulgence buffets that celebrate the ritual of afternoon tea and its former After 6 dinner buffet.
Modern European restaurant Le Pristine Singapore has also been revamped and conceptualised by three Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman. New on the menu are Sunday brunch and Sunday supper with a seafood-focused menu shows influences from Herman’s Dutch heritage and Italian cuisine.
Guests seeking more casual settings can unwind at the poolside lifestyle restaurant and bar Oasis with a homely and hearty menu of barbeque platters and grills, fun-crafted beverages, and cocktails on tap – perfect for fun pool parties.
Upping the entertainment ante is BRIX, which hosts live performances five nights of the week.
For something more exclusive, the Martini Bar offers one of the largest selections of handcrafted martinis in a glass-enclosed space, making it ideal for gatherings.
New to the line up is The Shop, a retail and café concept offering premium coffee, fresh bakes, and gourmet treats — perfect for a casual stop or takeaway.
Green practices
Anchoring the hotel’s operations are its sustainability practices, which have earned it the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) certification and Green Mark Platinum status from Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority. . The property runs fully on 100 per cent renewable electricity and bottles water in-house to eliminate single use plastic, reducing its carbon footprint.
Innovations such as a closed-loop food waste-to-farm aquaponics system converts excess food into fish feed, then fertiliser for rooftop gardens, which supply the hotel’s kitchens.
Over 80 per cent of its organic vegetables are sourced from Cameron Highlands and local farms, while 55 per cent of its seafood is certified sustainable, all while championing zero-waste cooking.
It is also the first hotel in South-east Asia to adopt Wisefins technology, which tracks the carbon footprint of each dish to guide more responsible menu creation. RFID-enabled laundry systems, and high-efficiency dishwashing equipment further strengthen its eco-friendly practices.
Experience luxury living, culinary excellence and holistic recovery at Grand Hyatt Singapore now.
Japan sees rise in overnight travel options
As hotel prices in Japan continue to rise, cost-conscious travellers are looking for more affordable ways to stay, including use of overnight ferries and buses, as well as camper vans.
A survey by Tokyo Shoko Research shows that the country’s lack of room supply is driving even the 15 main budget hotel brands to become pricier. In March, the average unit price had increased 12.6 per cent year-on-year to reach 16,679 yen (US$109).
In response, there is growing demand to travel overnight, and companies are adapting by launching new products.
Jumbo Ferry’s overnight route linking Takamatsu in Shikoku to Kobe, introduced to leverage interest in Expo 2025 in nearby Osaka, served over 800 passengers during the six-month event.
Kochi Ekimae Kanko will launch Japan’s first overnight bus service – featuring lie-flat seats – in November, following a successful trial on its 13-hour service between Tokyo and Kochi, in Shikoku. Each 180-cm long flatbed is equipped with safety rails and expected to cost around 10,000 yen.
Meanwhile, with campervan usage also rising, road-side service providers are also eyeing a share of the market.
In July, convenience store chain Lawson launched a pilot programme allowing overnight car camping, with access to toilets and electricity, in the car parks of seven of its stores in Chiba Prefecture for 3,000 yen per night.
The number of michi no eki roadside areas, which provide parking, restrooms, tourist information, eateries and shops – and often viewpoints and hot springs – is also increasing. As of January, there were 1,230 such facilities, up from 1,160 in 2019.
