Hoteliers from 33 cities in 15 Asia Pacific countries convened in Bali last weekend for the first of the Worldhotels Regional Annual Conferences in 2010 – themed ‘Raising the Bar’ to highlight new initiatives in the face of challenging economic times. Nearly a hundred delegates representing 80 affiliate hotels and 13 new entrants gathered at the Ayodya Resort Bali for the three-day event 15 – 17 January.
The platform – designed primarily for general managers, directors of sales and marketing and revenue managers – was the first of three regional annual conferences worldwide.
At the meeting, Worldhotels managing director Robert Hornman reviewed highlights of 2009 before focusing on strategies for 2010 and Asia Pacific vice president Roland Jegge reviewed major developments in Asia over the year – including a significant expansion of the affiliate portfolio in India and China – and his prognosis for 2010.
Elsewhere, break-out ‘Knowledge Sessions’ provided insight into critical strategies, trends and best practices, ranging from making the most out of consortia investment to online platforms.
Fresh perspectives were presented on staying ahead of the competition in Meetings & Events amid higher costs and lower margins, effectively managing Corporate and TMC segments and invaluable sales tips in a recession.
Industry experts addressing the conference on key issues included Jonas Ogren, area director-Asia, STR Global, and Malcolm McLeod of Motivation Worldwide, discussing roadmaps to success.
Joe McCormack, general manager – Global and Client Hotel Programs for FCm Travel Solutions presented his views on how consortia have evolved their business models in the face of challenging times – and how to ensure the new models deliver on investments.
An e-commerce panel discussion addressed the thin line between being social and anti-social on the web – from ‘common sins’ to ‘how to win friends and not make enemies’ to ‘building a brand’.
The conference closed with a spectacular Gala Awards Dinner, showcasing the unique colour, mystique and charm of Bali as the hotel group saluted the year’s best performers.
Awards in five categories went to: Furama Resort Danang, Vietnam (Best E-Commerce Impact); Stamford Plaza Adelaide, Australia (Best Revenue Impact); Indigo Pearl, Phuket, Thailand (Best Website Impact); Harbour Grand Kowloon, Hong Kong (Best Co-operation and Sales Engagement); and StarWorld Hotel & Casino, Macau (Best Marketing Engagement).
The conference is one of three regional annual conferences in 2010.
The EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Conference will be held in Paris on 29 January, followed by The Americas conference in Dallas, Texas 8 – 11 February.
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