Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1077081
21 JAN-FEB 2019 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MCMAG-ASIA.COM "Top destinations for my clients include Bangkok, Dubai and Shanghai. For example, Shanghai is a vibrant city with both traditional Chinese and contemporary elements that is becoming more popular due to an increase in development in the Greater China region for many international and regional corporates." (pictured left) – Irene Cheung, project director, corporate events, Rosy Sky Campaigns, a Hong Kong-based events management agency "Destination trends are still equal to destination requirements – in other words, event planners will continue to pick their destination based on their facilities and attractions, such as accommodation, accessibility, transportations and cultural activities. In 2019, the requirements will become even more diverse. Yes, new up-and-coming destinations such as Vietnam and Philippines take their share of the market. But the readiness of each destination to host events will still be the key driving factor." (pictured above) – Roger Parnow, cluster director of sales and marketing, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park "We believe that in 2019, the top emerging destinations for M&E will be 2nd-tier cities in Vietnam and China." – Eeling Koh, director of MICE, World Express, a DMC based in Singapore "As the political situation between Korea and China improves, more and more Chinese visitors would like to travel to Korean destinations such as Jeju island, which oers visa-free entry to Chinese visa holders. The Indonesian government also wants to attract more tourists through developing 10 'new Balis'. Yogyakarta is a rising city oering exotic nature and a 'dierent but similar' experience for hiking and beaching as compared to Bali. It's a refreshing change for delegates who have already travelled to other tropical destinations." (pictured above) – Song Yi Kim, COO and managing director of Chris & Partners, a global event solutions provider based in South Korea PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES Yogyakarta, Indonesia TOP MEETINGS TYPE IN ASIA PACIFIC AND COST PER ATTENDEE (excluding airfare) • US$1,576: 23% Internal team meeting/training • US$1,910: 16% Conference/tradeshow • US$1,907: 16% Senior leadership meeting/ board meeting • US$1,757: 16% Client/ customer advisory board SOURCE: 2019 GLOBAL MEETINGS AND EVENTS FORECAST BY AMERICAN EXPRESS MEETINGS & EVENTS