Further East’s third edition in Bali has sold out almost all its supplier spaces, while a majority of buyers have confirmed their attendance at the event.
Organised by This is Beyond, Further East will take place from November 7 to 10, and is predicted to set a new record in terms of attendance as the reopening of travel sees global interest in Asia-Pacific reach new heights.
This edition will also mark the show’s expansion to include new luxury exhibitors encompassing the entire region – many of which are well-attuned to wellness and sustainability.
More international buyers are expected to join this November; the current buyer attendance from Asia-Pacific stands at 24 per cent compared to 29 per cent from North America (Canada included) and 35 per cent from Europe. Up to 450 Asia-Pacific focused global buyers and suppliers in the region will also partake in this event.
Joining the elite list will be 20 exclusive international media, featuring senior editors and travel experts, with official partners including Alila Seminyak, Desa Potato Head, W Bali – Seminyak and The Legian Seminyak, Bali.
“We are immensely proud to be able to work with the most original, most iconic and most forward-thinking in the travel business through Further East,” said Serge Dive, founder of This is Beyond. “For months, we’ve pushed ourselves to provide industry and thought leaders with meetings, ideas and inspirational tools that will inspire all to explore the potential of travel and towards a united, more sustainable future.”
The event will include up to 42 pre-scheduled appointments for various business objectives, invitations to official lunches and evening parties with fellow thought leaders, as well as express workshops for transformative business insights between meetings.
2022 will also see the launch of Open House by the House of Beyond; the event replacing the well-attended AWAKEN, Further East’s distinct and immersive ‘un’-conference.
Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos, Jr has directed regional offices of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to work with their respective local government units to determine the extent of damage, and extend assistance to tourism-related establishments (TREs) affected by Wednesday’s earthquake.
The DOT’s infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), has also been tasked to explore support specifically for cultural and heritage sites impacted by the earthquake.
Initial reports note that at least two churches, declared National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines, are affected while several heritage and ancestral houses also sustained notable damage.
Other impacted tourism sites include the Vigan Cathedral in the Heritage City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur; multiple ground faulting in the popular Santa Ana Beach Area; and Lafaayette Luxury Suites Hotel and Crown Legacy in Baguio City.
Two properties managed and owned by TIEZA sustained damage as well. The riprap and ceiling of the Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel in Ifugao partially collapsed, according to an initial report by the agency.
The quake also brought down the ceiling in the fireplace and lobby area of Mt Data Hotel in Bauko, while several hotel decorations were also damaged.
According to TIEZA, bookings for both impacted properties will be cancelled until a thorough assessment has been made.
DOT secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said in a press statement: “My concern and sympathy are one with those who have been affected by the recent earthquake in Northern Luzon. The Department will extend whatever help it can to tourism stakeholders and establishments that have been directly affected by this incident.
“Our resilience as a nation has already been tried and tested in the past. I am certain that this can be strengthened by the essential collaboration between our national agencies, local governments, and crucial stakeholders as we conquer our challenges.”