Held at Sands Expo & Convention Centre from November 28 to December 1, the event was attended by more than 500 delegates, mostly travel agents from across Helloworld Travel networks in Australia and New Zealand, and supplier partners.
The conference theme of ‘Partners in Excellence’ celebrated successful partnerships across Helloworld Travel networks, permeating business sessions and social events.
On why Singapore was chosen, Cinzia Burnes, chief operating officer and executive director of Helloworld Travel, said: “We have a terrific relationship with STB (Singapore Tourism Board) and have recently entered into a three-year partnership with them to promote Singapore through our networks.”
She said Singapore is a key destination for Helloworld Travel agents as it appeals to both leisure and business travel needs.
“Being a gateway to Europe is highly appealing for travellers from Australia and New Zealand, and the option to break up the long-haul flight with a stopover is attractive. Singapore is also appealing as a stand-alone destination for various travel segments as it offers a wide range of holiday styles,” she added.
“By bringing our agents here and giving them the opportunity to learn more about the destination, we know they will be best placed to share their experience and expertise with their clients going forward.”
Participants could opt for excursions to Gardens by the Bay – rated eighth-best attraction in the world in Tripadvisor’s 2024 poll – and Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa.
Evening events included a Hello event at the new Singapore EDITION; a private cocktail event at The Riverhouse; and a casual dinner at Lantern at The Fullerton Bay Hotel for a smaller group of New Zealand agents.
For the gala awards dinner, a highlight of the conference, the Sands ballroom was transformed with decor reminiscent of Gardens by the Bay. Sponsored by Singapore Airlines, the event celebrated the Frontliners’ achievements and they enjoyed the band and dancefloor well into the night.
While Marina Bay Sands (MBS) was the main venue, hotels in the vicinity, Marriott Tang Plaza, Vibe Hotel Orchard and Rendezvous Hotel Singapore were also used.
MBS’s ‘Bay Precinct Strategy’ is a unique approach to transform event planning experiences.
“This approach goes beyond singular-venue events and taps into the rich tapestry of offerings spread across Marina Bay to broaden the appeal for international delegates,” said Ong Wee Min, MBS vice president of sales and MICE.
“For this conference, delegates stayed in nearby hotels including The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore and The Fullerton Hotel, and visited attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, in addition to attending marquee events at Sands Expo & Convention Centre.”
Delegates could also attend optional pre- and post-famils.
These included a three-night ‘Seminar at Sea’ on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas departing Singapore and visiting Penang in Malaysia; three nights at Club Med Bintan in Indonesia; a small group tour with Bunnik Tours to Sri Lanka for six days; and a selection of independent self-famil itineraries from Globus in Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand.
