PHUKET — The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) brought together more than 575 delegates from over 55 countries for its 2026 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference, held in Phuket, Thailand, from 21 to 24 April 2026. Tourism professionals, destination managers, government representatives, academics and sustainability specialists attended the event to examine how destinations can continue benefiting from tourism without placing unsustainable pressure on local communities and natural resources. Holding the conference in Phuket gave the discussion particular relevance. Like many popular Asia-Pacific destinations, the island must balance tourism revenue with infrastructure capacity, environmental protection, resident wellbeing and the concentration of visitors […]

Adoption and oversight are moving at different speeds. A new survey of more than 200 senior leaders across the Asia-Pacific region found that 57% of organisations have already incorporated AI into their work processes, but only 36% have audited how employees are actually using it, and just 34% have created a committee or working group to govern AI risk. The gap between how fast AI is being adopted and how slowly governance is catching up is now one of the clearest patterns in board data. The findings come from the Governance Outlook 2026 report, produced by the Diligent Institute in […]

International events are often measured by attendance, exhibition space and the number of business meetings held. Increasingly, however, their longer-term value is judged by what continues after delegates return home. Opening the 11th Singapore International Water Week (SIWW2026), Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, described water as “fundamental to the economy, society, and life itself—and in a world facing climate change and growing uncertainty, a matter of resilience.” That theme ran throughout the four-day event, where governments, cities, utilities, academia and industry came together to explore practical solutions for strengthening water security, climate resilience and […]

For many associations, the annual conference remains the biggest event of the year. It generates revenue, attracts new members, and brings communities together. But increasingly, association leaders are recognising that one successful conference is no longer enough to sustain member engagement throughout the year. Associations are shifting towards a year-round engagement model that keeps members connected through online communities, mentoring programmes, virtual learning, and special interest groups between major events. This shift reflects changing member expectations. Rather than waiting months for the next conference, members increasingly expect continuous opportunities to learn, network and collaborate. This approach appears to be delivering […]

For many associations, membership dues and annual conferences have long formed the financial foundation of the organisation. But recent years have shown how vulnerable that model can become when economic uncertainty, changing member behaviour, or disruptions affect attendance and participation. New research suggests that association leaders are responding by placing greater emphasis on revenue diversification—not simply to increase income, but to strengthen long-term organisational resilience. According to the 2026 State of Associations Report released by ASAE, financial pressure remains one of the sector’s biggest concerns. Nearly 39% of association CEOs reported worsening financial conditions, while meetings continue to be one […]

Asia-Pacific is often described as the world’s growth engine. With more than half of the global population and rapidly evolving industries, the region is poised to shape the future of many sectors. For associations, this is more than just an opportunity—it is a defining moment. After speaking with Kelly Ricker, chair, PCMA board of directors, and Sheriff Karamat, president & CEO PCMA and CEMA, one message stood out clearly: APAC is not catching up. It is entering a phase where it can redefine what associations are meant to do. We share with you, insights from PCMA’s global leadership. From Networks to […]

Artificial intelligence has quickly become one of the biggest strategic priorities for associations. From marketing and member communications to data analysis and operational efficiency, AI is already reshaping how organisations work. But as enthusiasm grows, new research suggests that many organisations are focusing on the technology before they have built the foundations needed to use it effectively. The EDM Association’s 2026 Global Data Management Benchmark Report, based on responses from more than 435 organisations across over 50 countries, found that while AI investment is accelerating, organisational readiness is lagging behind. Only 31% of organisations surveyed demonstrated advanced data strategy capability, […]

ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates has significantly expanded its visa-on-arrival programme, extending eligibility to travellers from ten countries across Asia and Africa as part of its broader strategy to improve international connectivity and strengthen its position as a global hub for business, tourism and investment. The latest expansion adds Kenya and South Africa to the programme, following the earlier inclusion of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. Eligible travellers holding ordinary passports, together with accompanying family members, may obtain either a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival, provided they hold a valid residence permit issued by the United […]

Hilton has achieved its global 2030 landfill waste reduction target four years ahead of schedule, marking a significant milestone in the hotel group’s long-term sustainability programme. The achievement was announced in Hilton’s latest Travel with Purpose Report, which also outlines continued progress in reducing carbon emissions, water consumption and waste intensity across its global portfolio. Since 2008, the company has recorded a 50.9 per cent reduction in carbon emissions intensity across managed hotels, a 37.1 per cent reduction in water intensity and a 64.7 per cent reduction in landfill waste intensity. Franchised properties also achieved a 36.0 per cent reduction […]

AUCKLAND — Auckland has introduced a dedicated five-day public transport pass for business events delegates, making it easier for visitors to travel between venues, accommodation and attractions while supporting the city’s wider sustainability and business events strategy. Developed jointly by Auckland Convention Bureau and Auckland Transport, the new Hui Pass offers delegates unlimited travel on Auckland’s bus and train network for five consecutive days from first use. Available through event organisers for NZ$20 per card, the pass can be incorporated into delegate registrations, sponsorship packages or event programmes. The initiative was launched during MEETINGS 2026 and follows industry feedback highlighting […]

MANILA — World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) has announced a 3 billion peso (US$49 million) expansion that will nearly double its indoor exhibition capacity, strengthening the Philippines’ ability to host larger regional and international business events. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the project will increase the venue’s indoor exhibition space to almost 20,000 square metres while retaining approximately 7,000 square metres of outdoor event space. The redevelopment is designed to accommodate growing demand for large-scale exhibitions, conferences and trade events, while providing greater flexibility for organisers planning future editions. According to WTCMM, the investment responds to sustained demand from […]

By every traditional measure, IFAT Munich 2026 is already a success story. The 2026 edition runs from May 4–7, 2026, celebrating its 60th anniversary, the event features 3,400 exhibitors and attracted 142,000 visitors from 170 countries, utilizing 300,000 square meters of space to showcase advancements in water, sewage, waste, and raw materials management. But what makes IFAT truly important in 2026 is not its scale. It is what the event has quietly become: a global ecosystem powered by associations. In an era defined by climate risk, urbanisation, ESG accountability, resource scarcity, and geopolitical uncertainty, no single company, government, or institution […]