GLOBAL SNAPSHOT
ASIA
Sarawak becomes first Malaysian state to join the GDSI
In a world first for Malaysia , Sarawak is joining the Global Destination Sustainability Index ( GDS-Index ) for Business Events and Tourism by launching the GDSI Partnership Programme – Sarawak Region ( GDSI-Sarawak Partner ).
The Index is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Global Sustainable Tourism Council ( GSTC ) Destination Criteria , which is part of Sarawak ’ s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy ( PCDS ) for Tourism to make the state a major destination for eco-tourism and sustainable business events by 2030 .
AUSTRALASIA
Optimism remains Down Under
Tourism Australia has released the Business Events Consumer Demand Project ( CDP ), which indicates that despite the ongoing challenges of Covid-19 , association and incentive decision-makers are optimistic about the industry ’ s future in Australia .
Australia continues to appeal , with 69 % of incentive decision-makers saying they are likely to visit Australia in the next two years , rising to 82 % in the next three years . The main barriers to holding a business event in Australia remain distance , time , and costs .
EUROPE
UK agency dual acquisition
UK Venues and Events International has acquired global events and production agency , Absolute Corporate Events ( ACE ) along with Absolute Digital Communications ( ADC ).
The ACE and ADC team will join the Wiltshire , UK-based Venues and Events International . Chris Parnham , ACE and ADC owner and client strategies director and president of SITE GB , will be joining the board . All current ACE and ADC staff will be retained by Venues and Events International . ADC ’ s digital services will be available to all clients .
MIDDLE EAST
UAE launches Global Media Congress
The UAE has announced the launch of the first edition of the Global Media Congress ( the Congress ), to be held in Abu Dhabi , 15-17 November 2022 . It will be organised by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company ( ADNEC ) in a strategic partnership with the Emirates News Agency ( WAM ).
The Congress aims to enable media organisations to discuss partnership and co-operation agreements aimed at developing their messages to support communities through providing useful and credible content .
6 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 114