The Hidden Gems of APAC for Domestic MICE Events

The twists and turns of the global pandemic have contributed to seismic changes in travel. Although we are beginning to see warming attitudes toward traveling again, one thing is for certain; business travel is likely to be changed forever.

Over the last 12 months, the MICE industry has had to evolve rapidly, and its resilience has seen tremendous innovation continue in business. The introduction of virtual and hybrid events has helped numerous industries to stay in touch; however, although we may temporarily be on pause for gathering abroad, the return to travel is imminent. The value of in-person meetings remains strong as face-to-face meetings are more focused and productive. Hosting meetings in a new environment will also spark creativity, inspiration and create memorable moments within a group. In the interim, domestic travel is still an option to achieve these benefits. With new hotels continuing to open each month, venue options are aplenty, and new experiences are waiting to be discovered. Marriott International is opening over 100 properties in 2021 in Asia Pacific alone.

There's never been a better time for you and your delegates to discover the hidden gems of your own country. Read on to find out some of our newest and most suitable hotels in your local area:

Greater China

Everything one could need in an event destination is located on your doorstep in China. The nation continues to grow by leaps and bounds each year, so it is guaranteed you will always find something new and exciting to explore when planning an event.

With its modern infrastructure and vibrant culture, Shanghai's comprehensive range of MICE venues makes it an alluring destination for MICE. The highly anticipated JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Fengxian opened in February 2021 as the 50thMarriott International hotel in the Shanghai region, creating a new urban oasis for enriching experiences. Located near Jianhai Lake, the hotels' views are a source of inspiration for any event.

Nanjing, a prominent city in China, is one of the country's leading business centers, and for that reason, is home to a plethora of locations to host MICE events. The Sifang Hotel Nanjing, Autograph Collection is placed center stage among the contemporary art lake area of Nanjing and offers a staggering 24,681 square foot total of event space. Options are endless to customize your event to suit your business goals.

This June 2021, the Sheraton Mianyang will unveil the Sheraton brand's refreshed vision throughout the hotel's design and services. Not only will the hotel offer six event venues spanning 12,884 square feet, but unique guest experiences are also available such as tents for camping in Sheraton style, offering a new dimension to level up your next event.

Known as Asia's world city for a reason, Hong Kong is renowned for its hospitality, professionalism, and superb infrastructure. The city has played host to countless world-class MICE events and has earned its global recognition within the industry—a vibrant yet humble culture guarantees delivery of the 'wow' factor every time.

Sat on the south side of Hong Kong island, the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel opened as the first city resort and MICE hotel. The destination makes it suitable for all kinds of MICE events with a selection of indoor and outdoor venues. The lagoon swimming pool compliments a guest stay for a retreat agenda, offering a relaxed, holiday-inspired experience.

The Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel is the new focal point of the upcoming Greater Bay Area in Tung Chung, Lantau. With 15,801 square feet of meeting rooms brimming with natural daylight and panoramic mountain and sea views alongside the area's commercial hub, the hotel is recognized for its salutation to Lantau's local culture. To book an exclusive tour to the hotel partner's local bee farm, Marriott Bonvoy's The Time Is Now initiative offers event organizers the opportunity to add value for their attendees to enjoy.

Australia

Australia offers a multitude of exciting destinations thanks to its vast and incredibly diverse landscape. With both urban and non-urban destinations on offer, exclusive experiences are available to accommodate any group.

Where innovation and creativity meet, Melbourne boasts the country's highest concentration of conference facilities. The W Melbourne is Marriott's second hotel in Australia and the city's first distinctive luxury lifestyle hotel set in the heart of the CBD. It features ultra-modern meeting venues equipped with state-of-the-art AV technology.

On the other hand, the Gold Coast has furthered its reputation as a premier MICE destination in recent years. With an unsurpassed coastal location, the Gold Coast is an attractive destination for incentive groups. The JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa was the JW Marriott's brand debut in Australia, providing 5-star service for flawless events in one of its 11 meeting venues.

Keep an eye out for The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart, set to welcome guests from October 2021 in Australia's hottest destination, Tasmania. Its rich historical restoration defines the property and offers admirable and versatile event spaces, both indoor and outdoor.

Japan

'Omotenashi' is the epitome of hospitality culture at its finest. Japan's deeply rooted service culture assures that any event will be hosted with pride in its customer service.

Opened in July 2020, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko luxuriates amid its pristine surroundings in Japan's northern Kanto region, alongside Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai. Recognized as one of the "15 Best International Hotel Openings" by Departures Magazine in their 2021 Legend Awards, the graceful destination is a perfect choice for an elevated corporate retreat, featuring world-class dining and extensive spa experiences guaranteed to wow your delegates.

Long referred to as "the kitchen of Japan", Osaka continues to thrive as a MICE destination, offering easy access to several attractions, including World Heritage sites, Dotonbori, Universal Studios, and more. With entertainment right at your doorstep, the W Osaka is in the heart of fun-filled Shinsaibashi. Receive 5% off your master bill for booking any meetings and events this year in Japan.

Indonesia

As one of the most diverse nations on the planet, Indonesia offers a varied collection of destinations to suit any event, small or large. Bintan and Batam in the Riau Islands are considered to be the country's leading MICE destinations. They are particularly popular for hosting corporate retreats due to their picturesque natural surroundings and remote (yet easily accessible) location.

The Batam Marriott Hotel Harbour Bay invites guests to experience the best of Batam Island. With five multifunctional meeting spaces totaling 5,640 square feet, event organizers are spoiled with the choice to plan a myriad of inspiring activities for work and leisure. For bookings made now until the end of 2021, event organizers can enjoy 5% off their master bill, and local experience offers.

Malaysia

With extensive MICE expertise, Malaysia's tropical climate and guest-friendly culture assure a comfortable, supporting experience for any MICE event. Langkawi, in particular, is an underrated destination for holding events. Not only is it home to ancient geological formations, but its preservation mindset also means that hotels take real action towards sustainability.

Set on the glamorous coast of Desaru and in close proximity to Singapore, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort encourages corporate retreats of any size with it’s staggering 15,478 square-feet of event space. The resort includes unique garden space and an inspiring beach area for team-building events. This year, event organizers can benefit from one complimentary room night per 15 paid room nights.

For a more immersive luxury experience, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi invites guests to stay within a 10-million-year-old rainforest on the edge of the Andaman Sea. Inspiration exudes from the hotel's meeting spaces that overlook the World Heritage Site. Current event bookings made before the year-end can also double up with two booking perks and local activities such as rice farming or fish-trap making.

The new hotels and resorts aforementioned are just a small handful of the hotels that have opened in the last two years or are set to open soon. While the global situation has slowed down many industries, Marriott International embraces change and challenges the status quo to meet customers' changing needs with new brands, locations, and experiences. The Time Is Now offers event organizers to plan ahead and enjoy the benefits of flexible bookings and add-value perks. Discover your next destination and start planning an unforgettable event today.