Northstar

41 NOV-DEC 2018 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MCMAG-ASIA.COM For planners seeking an element of indulgence for their groups, Kobe oers some of the best dining and entertainment – all conveniently located just 20 minutes from Osaka and 60 minutes from Kyoto by train. "Japan is increasingly popular for incentive travel, especially for groups from Southeast Asia," noted Etsuko Kawasaki, executive director at the Japan Convention Bureau. "Incentive travel from the region increased by 18% year- on-year to 242 trips." As Kobe prepares to host 2019 Rugby World Cup matches, the city is working to enhance its image and improve on-the-ground support for planners and visitors. Despite the limited number of international brands, Kobe's upscale hotels oer extensive meeting facilities for groups of all sizes. Hotel Okura Kobe takes food, music and history enthusiasts on a pursuit of knowledge and pleasure. WORDS BROOKE THIO Indulge in fine tastes Kobe boasts one of the largest pillarless ballrooms in the Kansai region with its 2,100sqm Heian Grand Ballroom. Designed to evoke the feeling of sailing on a luxury liner, Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel wows guests with ve oceanfront banquet spaces featuring full-height windows and balconies. At the 262-room Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers, the Rokko Ballroom can accommodate up to 940 guests, while 13 meeting rooms oer exible layouts. Beyond the ballroom To complement existing convention facilities, Kobe is building its inventory of unique venues. Previously, one key hurdle planners faced in securing historically signicant venues was the logistics and special arrangements involved. This is gradually changing as private enterprises take over the management and promotion of historical buildings. Japanese company Value Management Group, for example, runs the Nipponia hotel chain as well as venues like Kobe Geihinkan Former Guest House. Kobe Geihinkan is designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government, and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2019. The western-style mansion features banquet halls that can accommodate 72 to 130 guests, as well as a salon and garden for outdoor cocktail receptions. Value Management Group also represents unique event spaces in nearby Kyoto and Osaka, such as in Heian-jingu Shrine and Nishinomaru Garden at Osaka Castle Park. Recreational attractions like Kobe's Suma Aqualife Park can also serve as Kobe Beef on a teppanyaki grill.

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