News
GLOBAL SNAPSHOT
AMERICAS
Hospitality help for those impacted by Hawaii wildfires The American Hotel & Lodging Association ( AHLA ), in partnership with the Hawaii Hotel Alliance , has been supporting relief efforts in West Maui following devastating wildfires fuelled by Hurricane Dora .
As the death toll climbed above 100 victims , with more than 2,000 buildings destroyed , American Airlines , United Airlines and Delta Air Lines waived many fees for flight changes . And Chip Rogers , president AHLA , said : “ We encourage guests with pending travel to rebook at a future date ”.
EUROPE
Agenda revealed for IBTM Association Leaders ’ Forum Meetings industry trade show IBTM World ’ s Association Leaders ’ Forum returns to Fira , Barcelona on 28 November , produced in partnership with the European Society of Association Executives ( ESAE ). It promises to “ highlight the power of event professionals to shape culture and drive the future of business .”
Presentations , lightning talks and interactive debates are part of the new format and the programme will open with an exploration of association trends for 2024 from Mike Morrissey , ESAE president , and CEO of the European Cancer Organisation .
ASIA
Hong Kong renews incentives appeal hosting 160 agents and buyers
Addressing pent-up demand for incentive travel , the Hong Kong Tourism Board has been hosting multiple familiarisation trips over the past two months . The campaign has enabled 160 booking agents and corporates from the Mainland , South Korea and India to experience Hong Kong first-hand .
Kenneth Wong , general manager , MICE & Cruise of the HKTB , said : “ Seeing is believing – that ’ s the best way for anyone to experience what the city has to offer , as new attractions are unveiled , and innovative MICE products and funding support introduced .
ASIA
World Scout Jamboree turns into ‘ national disgrace ’ for South Korea
Organisation of the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in August has been slammed ‘ a national disgrace ’ after the event was crippled by a heatwave , a typhoon , a Covid outbreak and misconduct allegations .
Many country delegations evacuated their contingents from the Saemangeum campsite in western Korea . Scouts from around the world gather every four years at the international event ’ s chosen location and this year ’ s festival had claimed to be world ’ s largest youth camp , with 42,000 attending over the 12 days . The event had been six years in preparation .
6 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 126