Led by Kuoni Group Travel Experts and hosted by Switzerland Tourism, MICE agents are invited to join the first Asia Trophy Tour which will take them across Switzerland, particularly in the eastern part, providing insider access and authentic Swiss experience. Buyers from different industries will convene and meet with leisure group wholesalers dedicated to the MICE industry. Kuoni’s strong reputation for MICE in the South East Asian markets has helped it to enjoy significant growth over the years. By conducting the tour, Kuoni hopes to reach out to agencies and companies in China and Japan as more corporations are seeking incentive travel options to reward their employees.

With the shaping of the ASEAN community and the reactivity of the Greater Mekong region, relations between both countries are warming up and reaching new levels of exchange. Tourism data showed that over 414,000 Laotians visited Cambodia last year, an increase of 63% over 2012 while Cambodians crossing over to Laos are estimated at 30,000 people per annum. Plans are currently underway to expand the flights from Laos to Cambodia. The development of a new general consulate based in Siem Reap also marks a new achievement between the ties of both countries. The official meeting between both representatives was organized to discuss on the location of the proposed consulate. Other projects include the new international border gate which was opened recently as well as plans on having a common visa for Laos and Cambodia.

Scheduled to open in 2017, the 129-unit Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo will form a part of Mitsubishi Estate Company (MEC)’s new mixed-use development in central Tokyo, consisting of offices and retail spaces. The Singapore-based Ascott currently operates Citadines and Somerset branded properties in Tokyo and this opening shall be the first Ascott The Residence property. A range of accommodation units will be offered, from studios to three-bedroom apartments, including some with tatami mattresses. Ascott’s CEO, Lee Chee Koon envisaged “significant demand for quality accommodation” in the Japanese capital in the years to come and expects to meet this demand with Ascott’s expansion plans into the city through investments, management contracts and lease agreements.

The new facade, designed by renowned designer Philippe Starck, reveals the hotel with a buzzing street-level lobby and main entrance, previous hidden discreetly in Irving Street. YOO, founded by Philippe Starck and entrepreneur John Hitchcox, have created interiors with avant garde design elements to match its eclectic imported European furniture for J Plus Hotel. The makeover is completed with vivid colour themes for the hotel’s 32 studios and 24 stylish suites.