2005

Raffles International played the perfect host this last week to the much anticipated mega event, MICE Asia Executive Congress, from 24 to 26 July 2005 that was held in Asia for the first time. Singapore’s Raffles Hotel and Raffles The Plaza were the official hotels for this prestigious event. held in Singapore for the first time.

coming hot Following closely on the heels of the highly successful 117th International Olympic Committee Session held at the Raffles City Convention Centre in June, this was certainly anotherfeat proud achievement for the Raffles International Limited.

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events) Asia Executive Congress which stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions, saw some 150 international business delegates coming together from July 24 – 26, 2005 to network and ink deals worth close to S$2 billion dollars with travel and tourism vendors. Monaco-based Naseba, the global executive event organizer, produced this event in collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Airlines, East West Executive Travellers and Raffles International Limited and East West Executive Travellers.

MICE Asia Executive Congress commenced on 24 July 2005 with an exclusive “Welcome Dinner” at the Istana, - the official residence of the President of the Republic of Singapore. The gGuest-of-hHonour for this prestigious significant event was Singapore’s Senior Minister, Mr Goh Chok Tong. Raffles Hotel Singapore, who catered the scrumptious dinner at the elegant Istana lawn, and whose iconic Raffles Doorman was at hand to welcome guests, provided all the necessary finishing touches to the beautiful evening.

Delegates were greeted by popular local figures like the Singapore Airline Stewardess and our very own Raffles Doorman. Delegates were then treated to a scrumptious dinner catered by the Raffles Hotel at the picturesque Istana lawn.

Over the next two days, the delegates who were all hosted at the Raffles Hotel Singapore and Raffles the Plaza Singapores, enjoyed a hosted delegates to of the exciting events strategically designed to maximize networking opportunities. including This included great gourmet luncheons held at Swissôtel The Stamford’s New Asia Bar on the 72nd floor, commanding superb views over Singapore.

The event’s gala dinner held at the celebrated Raffles Hotel Singapore on 25 July 2005our, offered delegates a rare peek into “The World of Raffles”. Delegates were taken on a special culinary journey with a presentation of gastronomic delights from seven major cities where Raffles and Swissôtel properties are located, including the mystical wonders of Cambodia to majestic Beijing to glamorous Beverly Hills and even the home of the famed Montreux Jazz Festival. Mr Olivier Moeschler, Vice President, Far East & China, Kuoni Travel Ltd, Hong Kong declared, “the Raffles Hotel is truly magical. The food presentation was exceptional, the mix of western and Asian food was great and they even served a few Swiss dishes! It was just perfect.”

Mr Scott Ragsdale, CEO of Naseba enthused, “We have held our MICE events in many exclusive venues all over the world but we have never experienced anything like this before … the level of service, hospitality and attention to details for the entire event was impeccable!”

Diana Ee-Tan, Senior Vice-President, Marketing of Raffles International and Interim Managing Director of Raffles Hotels & Resorts said, “Raffles International is proud to have played a significant role in a public-private sector partnership which led to this inaugural MICE Asia Executive Congress being held in Singapore.Raffles International is extremely pleased that this high profile congregation of key executives from prominent international corporations stayed with us and were impressed with our facilities and service. We are gratified and honoured to learn of all the compliments from delegates. Raffles Hotel Singapore and Raffles The Plaza Singapore,There is no better way to showcase what Singapore has to offer as an attractive MICE destination than through the legendary Raffles Hotel, an icon and landmark in Singapore, and Raffles The Plaza, highly favoured by business and leisure travellers,alike.” will proudly continue their tradition of fine service and high standards.”

Naseba was so impressed with both Raffles Hotel and Raffles the Plaza Singapore’s outstanding hosting capabilities and unparalleled hospitality that they have earmarked not only the 2nd Annual MICE Asia but also two other global events, to be held at the hotels next year. This is certainly a resounding endorsement of Raffles International Limited and its group of hotels as the preferred venue for business and MICE events in Singapore.