Latest news with #MICE
Hospitality Net
13-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Cultural Experiences Fuel Business Travel, Says Hyatt
LONDON - Hyatt saw more than 147,000 meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) enquiries in Europe in 2024, an increase of 9.6% compared to 2023, driven by a growing demand for authentic cultural experiences embedded into business trips. Hyatt's UK properties accounted for more than 25,000 of these enquiries, amounting to a 22% growth year on year. The UK market saw the highest number of MICE enquiries throughout the entirety of Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME), reflecting the popularity of Hyatt's UK portfolio amongst business travellers. This comes as global business travel spending is projected to reach $1.64 trillion in 2025, up from $1.48 trillion in 2024, according to the Global Business Travel Association, signifying strong momentum for the continued recovery and growth of the segment. With global spending expected to surpass $2 trillion by 2028, the ways in which travel companies are agile in responding to evolving customer demands is critical.1 We are increasingly seeing business travellers look to make the most of trips by bolting on days to experience local surroundings. While business travel is well and truly back, there remains an undertone of cautious spending from travellers and companies, meaning this segment is more than ever about getting the highest return on investment from business trips. This also means that companies are laser focused on delivering high quality and engaging events that inspire productivity, requiring greater attention on unique and personalised settings, activities and F&B. Paul Dalgleish, VP Sales, Revenue and Business Development EAME Dialling-up downtime with Together by Hyatt Behind this growth lies Hyatt's world-renowned hotel brands and a strong, long-standing reputation in the corporate travel segment, which alongside its meetings and events platform, Together by Hyatt, allow for the delivery of best-in-class meetings and events. Together by Hyatt guides the way Hyatt properties create experiences and deliver more connected meetings and events, with organisers and guests at its heart. The platform provides event organisers with the tools, resources and support they need to deliver unique and elevated events, prioritising what matters most to them, whether that's wellbeing with waste reduction and thoughtfully sourced food, providing efficiencies through a real time planner portal, or curating unique experiences with bespoke event experience guides. Shaping this growing demand is appetite for unique experiences that bring business travellers closer to the destination, whether that's through food, team building, or learning a new skill. From harvesting honey while learning about the environmental benefits of beekeeping in Jabal Akhdar during a stay at Alila Jabal Akhdar, to truffle hunting in the forests of Hungary while staying at Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest, or even unwinding with a yoga experience during a stay at Hôtel du Palais Biarritz - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, the opportunities to dial-up events via unique experiences are endless when partnering with Together by Hyatt. Business travellers are particularly drawn to authentic lifestyle experiences. We are seeing strong demand for meaningful connections with local surroundings, whether that's through tasting local food, learning a new skill like beekeeping or exploring surrounding heritage. We only see this trend growing as demand for business travel continues on its upwards path, and travellers seek out the types of experiences that transform a business trip into a truly memorable experience. This is why we have ensured that across our brand bar, travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to elevating any business trip, from Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency in our Classics collection, to Lifestyle brands like Andaz and The Standard. Gareth Cummings, Regional Vice President EAME, Hyatt Sales Force Bespoke buyouts in stunning locations Pivotal to the evolving corporate travel sector is the growing appetite from larger corporates to privatise entire hotels for MICE purposes. Whether guests are delivering energised sessions in a conference room, practicing meditation under the stars or strengthening connections over an authentic dish, corporates are increasingly recognising the benefits of an exclusive buyout that enables any meeting, conference or event to be elevated. Hyatt is responding to this demand, alongside the desire for increased return on investment from events, by offering greater flexibility for customers to deliver tailored, exclusive events with a full or partial buyout at a Hyatt hotel across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The stunning properties companies can enjoy an exclusive buyout at across Europe, Africa and the Middle East include: Alila Hinu Bay Grand Hyatt Al Khobar Hotel and Residences Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas Grand Hyatt Dubai Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Andaz Prague Andaz Vienna am Belvedere Hôtel du Palais Biarritz Hyatt Centric Malta Hyatt Regency Amsterdam Park Hyatt London River Thames Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort La Zambra Resort Magma Santorini Secrets Lanzarote Resort and Spa Zoëtry Mallorca The term 'Hyatt' is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of June 30, 2024, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 78 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval®, Alila®, Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, Dream® Hotels, Hyatt Centric®, and Caption by Hyatt®; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt®, and JdV by Hyatt®; and the Inclusive Collection, including Impression by Secrets, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith™, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit Forward-Looking Statements Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable when made, are inherently uncertain, and are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Kiraku, Inc. or Hyatt's control, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are made only as of the date of their initial publication and neither party undertakes an obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements as actual events unfold, except to the extent required by applicable law. If one or more forward-looking statements is updated, no inference should be drawn that any additional updates will be made with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.
Skift
12-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
Indian Hotel Industry Shifts Gears: Growth Normalizes After Post-Covid Surge
The boom in the Indian hotel industry is now over, changing into a more normalized growth. This is an indicator of a maturing hospitality sector in the country as it signals the end of abnormal travel trends. After a post-Covid boom, the Indian hotel industry's growth is now set to normalize, according to credit ratings agency ICRA. The agency has revised the outlook for the sector from 'positive' to 'stable,' and expects a revenue growth of 6-8% for the current financial year. For the past three fiscal years, the industry has been clocking double digit revenue growth. ICRA also expects the hospitality sector across India to maintain an occupancy rate of 72-74%. This projection is slightly higher than the 70-72% occupancy rate maintained in the past two financial years. It added that the demand has been driven by domestic leisure travel, demand from MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) and weddings. According to financial services company Jeffries, the sector will continue to witness a sustained growth due to favorable demand-supply dynamics, growing domestic travel, and robust pricing power. Both ICRA and Jeffries have addressed the recent geopolitical issues between India and Pakistan, with both stating that while the tensions disrupted travel in May, the impact was short-lived. 'While the terror attacks in April 2025 and consequent heightened uncertainties in North and West India in May 2025 had led to a surge in cancellation of travel and MICE, the impact has been largely temporary and localised. In recent weeks, there has
Trade Arabia
11-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Global Visitors Summit set to transform travel trade connections in Dubai
The Global Visitors Summit (GVS) is coming to Dubai for the first time this August, bringing with it an unprecedented opportunity for the UAE's travel and hospitality industry to connect with top-tier global travel buyers in one place, at one time. Taking place on August 25–26 at the striking SO/ Uptown Hotel Dubai, the GVS will welcome 80 hosted travel buyers from some of the most dynamic outbound markets — including India, the CIS, GCC, Europe, and Brazil. These buyers represent a powerful mix of leisure travel specialists, MICE planners, OTAs, tour operators, and corporate travel agencies, each actively selling and promoting travel into the UAE and Gulf region. The GVS is built for efficiency and precision. Participating suppliers — from hotels, DMCs, attractions, shopping malls, museums, destinations, car rental companies, and airlines — can pre-select the buyers they want to meet, tailoring the schedule to match their business priorities, whether leisure groups, business travel, or MICE. Over the course of two days, suppliers will enjoy: • 55 pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with handpicked buyers • A complete directory of all 80+ participating buyers, not just those scheduled for appointments • 15-minute structured sessions at buyer meeting points, with guaranteed punctuality and professionalism • A powerful and focused environment designed to maximize business opportunities "The GVS was designed with one goal: to make global travel business development easy, smart, and personal," says Alexander Glos, CEO of the China i2i Group, which organises the event in partnership with DNATA Representation Services in the UAE and One Rep Global in India. "We're bringing together top-tier global buyers with a specific interest in the UAE and GCC region, all under one roof, and giving travel suppliers the tools to connect, collaborate, and convert.' Side-by-Side with China Visitors Summit The GVS will run concurrently with the China Visitors Summit (CVS), which hosts 150 Chinese travel buyers—making this the largest B2B travel event of its kind ever held in the UAE, with 220 global buyers in total. Participants in either summit will have the option to access both events, dramatically expanding their business reach across the world's most important growth markets.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
#WorldBicycleDay: Slow & immersive: Plan a pedal-powered adventure
Whether you're cruising past vineyard-draped valleys in Europe or navigating spice-scented streets in India, cycling opens up a deeper connection with a place. Driven by sustainable tourism and the desire for unique travel experiences, cycling tourism is growing in demand. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Here's how you can curate one for yourself. 'SLOW, IMMERSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE' Cycling holidays offer a unique and immersive way to experience a destination. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, of a travel company says, 'We've seen a growing interest in cycling-based travel from both individuals and small groups seeking more active and eco-conscious itineraries.' Adds SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, of a travel company, 'Our data indicates that the average age of our customers has dropped by approx. 10 years, and the growth of this younger segment is not restricted to metros but emerges from tier 2-3 cities.' Top international destinations: AMSTERDAM: With over 500 km of dedicated cycle lanes, seamless bike rental systems, and canalside paths, Amsterdam offers a dreamlike urban cycling experience. KYOTO: Kyoto's flat terrain, respectful traffic, and compact layout make it a joy to explore by bicycle. Ride past bamboo groves in Arashiyama, ancient shrines in Gion, and riverside paths during the cherry blossom season. LOIRE VALLEY: The 'Loire à Vélo' route spans 900 km of gentle terrain along the Loire River, passing through fairy-tale castles, vineyards, and sleepy French villages. OTHER POPULAR TRAILS: Denmark's scenic landscapes, Belgium's historic towns, Switzerland's mountain circuits, and Austria's alpine trails. 'Spain's Camino de Santiago, South Korea's scenic riverside paths, and Singapore's urban cycling trails are gaining momentum among Indian cyclists looking for adventure abroad,' adds Rajeev Kale. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Top Indian destinations : Coorg's coffee plantations Munnar's rolling tea gardens Leh-Ladakh's dramatic mountain passes Goa's coastal routes Puducherry's beach and nature trails Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh Kaas Plateau in Maharashtra Mechuka Valley in Arunachal Pradesh Velhe-Panshet near Pune Majuli Island in Assam Valparai's hilly trails in Tamil Nadu Wayanad in Kerala Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh Tips to plan it right: Choose the right bike: For rugged terrains like Ladakh, opt for a sturdy mountain bike. For urban smoother trails or city rides, hybrids or touring bikes offer comfort and efficiency . Plan your route with some buffer time: Don't underestimate the distance or overestimate your stamina. Leave room for detours, downtime, and weather surprises. Pack smart, light: Focus on essentials — weather-appropriate clothing, a basic repair kit, hydration gear, and a reliable power bank . Adhere to local laws and etiquette: Knowing and following local cycling rules is non-negotiable. Understand hand signals, helmet requirements, and lane usage specific to each region. Look for accommodations that welcome cyclists: Look for bike-friendly stays with secure parking, washing areas, and flexible meal timings to match your riding schedule – Inputs by Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of an online travel company
Trade Arabia
03-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Abu Dhabi to host inaugural M&I Expo in April 2026
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Worldwide Events have signed a strategic partnership to host the highly anticipated M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi from April 14 to 16, 2026. M&I, a leading events provider and global innovator in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector and a recognised event brand within the portfolio of Worldwide Event's, will bring to Abu Dhabi the 'MICE 1,000', a curated group of the most senior, influential decision-makers in the global MICE industry for three days of networking, knowledge-sharing, and business development. The exclusive event, to be hosted at the state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), further cements Abu Dhabi's growing position as a global MICE hub, with the goal to strengthen collaboration and mutual value creation, while shaping a robust future for the sector in the emirate. Building on the previous success of M&I's sold-out event: M&I Fest Global, M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi will feature immersive booths, compelling branded spaces and storytelling-driven showcases attracting global exhibitors, including tourism boards, convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), major hotel brands, conference centres, destination management companies (DMCs), and technology providers who will present their offerings to an audience of high-calibre industry professionals. Mubarak Al Shamsi, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau Director, DCT Abu Dhabi said: 'Hosting the M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi reinforces the emirate's strength and sustained growth as a premier destination for business events and incentive travel. Our latest achievement reflects our strategic commitment to building a world-class MICE ecosystem offering cutting-edge event venues and exceptional hospitality rooted in our core cultural values. With iconic venues such as Qasr Al Watan and Yas Marina Circuit, complemented by Abu Dhabi's diverse leisure attractions such as the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, we are confident this event will showcase the very best of what our destination has to offer.' Abu Dhabi's emergence as a global MICE destination is complemented by a diverse, value-added offering across heritage, entertainment, adventure and beyond, and driven by the strategic vision of DCT Abu Dhabi to enhance infrastructure and support event organisers and industry partners. Richard Barnes, CEO of M&I said: 'Following the success of two incredible editions of M&I Fest in 2024 and 2025, the event has naturally evolved into something bigger and bolder. M&I Expo aims to deliver more valuable connections than any show that's previously existed. We don't want to become another big faceless exhibition where quality is diluted, time is wasted, and people are lost; our focus is on quality over quantity, we aim to attract the right level of delegates: M&I Expo caters exclusively to the elite of the MICE industry; the 1,000 most influential players in the MICE industry: the MICE 1,000. We believe that 1,000 is the sweet spot, not too big, not too small. It's just the right size.' The M&I Expo programme will feature M&I's market-leading one-to-one pre-scheduled meeting format alongside a fully inclusive networking programme with hosted lunches, evening socials, and keynote speakers. In addition to the exhibition programme, buyers will have the opportunity to experience Abu Dhabi firsthand; engaging with its unique venues, culture, and hospitality offering. Hosting the M&I Expo aligns with Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to establish the emirate as a global leader in culture and tourism, while serving as a catalyst for diversified economic growth. Business events such as M&I Expo are instrumental in advancing this vision, contributing to tourism sector development, promoting knowledge exchange, fostering innovation and creating lasting benefits for all stakeholders. This announcement comes as Abu Dhabi's tourism sector continues to grow in 2025, welcoming 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter alone. International visitation increased compared to the same period in 2024, with strong performance from key source markets including India, China, Russia, the UK, and the USA.
