Hospitality

We have seen a sharp turnaround in fortunes since the global financial crisis and companies are again in favour of having face-to-face meetings. This obviously bodes well from an employment standpoint in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry as companies all clamour for top talent and increasing headcount to appease demand.

The MICE sector continues to grow right across Asia. Buoyed by two newly opened integrated resorts, Singapore continues to be the top destination for meetings with 725 held in 2010, almost double that of the next city, Brussels. Hong Kong also saw amazing growth with a 13 per cent increase of visitors in 2010 who attended trade exhibitions.

Add this to the continued developments in Macau and the mainland and it is plain to see that Asia is a serious player in the MICE arena. 

It has been challenging for organisations to keep up with recruitment efforts and more and more companies are seeking outside assistance in finding the right candidates.

Pay levels have seen a sharp increase but salary alone will not be the prime motivator. More effort is needed in structuring a well-balanced work environment for employees.

Andrew Chan, CEO, TMS Asia-Pacific