Open doors to Asia: MCI

Open doors to Asia: MCI
By admin


The head of MCI’s association division has reiterated the need for event companies to tap into the Asian market if they want to survive the “transition phase” currently facing the industry.

Speaking with The Nibbler yesterday on a short visit to Australia, MCI president Asia Pacific and chief executive of the association division Robin Lockerman touched on several topical areas currently facing the global events industry.

Adapting to generational trends topped the agenda, followed with skills gaps, regulations and content maximization.

But the rise of Asia presented the biggest opportunities for Australian event companies, Lockerman said, noting that Asian visitors to Australia were sure to take off in the next five years.

“We are seeing a transition phase in the global events industry and a shift in the Asian market,” he said. “While Asian business was once big in the US, it has slowed in Europe and is now moving towards Australia.”

Lockerman said Asia was sure to become the biggest inbound market to Australia in the next decade, and added that now was the time for Australian businesses to “aggressively target” the Asian market.

“Everyone needs to have a China strategy,” he said. “Companies who don’t cater for Asian travellers will miss out in the long run.”

Lockerman also touched on key challenges facing the Australian industry, noting that relevance was the biggest test at the moment.

“We are seeing the industry move through a period of change, largely because the world has not been a very nice economic environment. Therefore the need for businesses to remain relevant during this change remains the biggest challenge,” he concluded.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest News

  • Conferences

Cvent Accelerate Sydney finds event growth will come from pre-, during and post-event data

Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider, has concluded its third edition of Cvent Accelerate in Sydney, where technology’s role in catapulting growth was front and centre. The 341 attendees were challenged to think how they are currently using data and additional ways to unlock its potential, particularly across marketing, in scaling event […]

  • Food & Beverage

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney popular Aperitivo returns to Grain Bar

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is relaunching its popular Aperitivo, now located in the George St venue’s award-winning Grain Bar. Originally launched into Mode Kitchen & Bar in 2023, Aperitivo is inspired by the classic Italian evening ritual where guests enjoy a cocktail, paired with traditional Italian antipasti bites. It became a much-loved offering for Sydneysiders […]

  • Hotels

nb_ OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa completes US$60 million renovation

Hawai’i’s OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa has completed its US$60 million (AU$90 million) renovation as is once again ready to welcome guests to Keauhou, a name that signifies “New Era”. The revitalised 511 guest rooms/suites and meeting spaces blend the property’s heritage and reverence for voyaging with modern aesthetics. The concept of “koi au” inspired […]

  • Events

Merlin Venues Sydney partners with bespoke catering

Merlin Venues Sydney, the events arm of Merlin Entertainments, has announced a new partnership with Sydney-based culinary experts, Bespoke Catering ahead of its event season. Merlin Venues Sydney hosts a range of unique public and private events across their four leading attractions in the city. These include the iconic SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE […]

  • Business
  • Events
  • Exhibitions

Sprintr launches world’s first 100% recyclable kiosk for delegate registration

Sprintr has launched its sustainable, lightweight, modular EcoKiosk for delegate registrations, to support the events industry in reducing its carbon footprint. Made from Re-Board® Technology, a durable, versatile, lightweight, printable and 100 percent recyclable product, this impressive design gives the business events industry the option to reduce their environmental impact and deliver on sustainability KPIs. […]