LEADERSHIP
ahead of the global average and a “ general consensus that in major parts of the world , the industry can reach pre-pandemic levels again by 2024 ”, adds Hattendorf .
Safety first To do so , however , requires industry adaption , not just in the pandemic ’ s immediate aftermath to ensure safety of delegates , but also long-term with sustainability and digital transforming both how we travel and meet .
“ I think health and safety , sustainability and flexibility will continue to be on the agenda and asked for both by our corporate clients and by travellers ,” explains Inge Huijbrechts , Global Senior VP Sustainability , Security and Corporate Communications at Radisson Hotel Group , which recently collaborated with SGS to put in place Radisson Hotels Safety Protocols .
As such , industry organisers and worldclass venues are investing to set new standards to lure business travellers back . Both MEET Taiwan and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Indonesia have introduced initiatives to reassure companies of the health and safety of visiting delegates ; while AsiaWorld-Expo Hong Kong has installed an advanced ozone disinfection system to give venue users greater peace of mind ; and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre ( HKCEC ) has put in place a host of preventative measures from reduced capacity to wider aisles .
“ The key priority for the business community will be to know that any event will be managed in a secure and safe way , ensuring that all
42 October 2021