We talk sustainability and the rise of leisure among business travellers in Asia-Pacific with Theo Ocks.

Theo Ocks, as Commercial General Manager for Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford, is at the cutting edge of the trends that will define business travel in the years ahead. Ocks discusses the importance of balance for business travellers, the challenges of the post-pandemic era, and the contribution of the MICE industry to business travel’s evolution.

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How has the landscape of business travel in the Asia Pacific region changed since the pandemic?

The Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest-growing area for recovery in business travel post-pandemic, driven by strong domestic demand and the reopening of key markets such as China​. In 2023, business travel spending in the Asia Pacific region saw a significant increase of 41%, reaching US$567 billion. The region is poised for further growth, with projections indicating that business travel spending will rise to almost US$800 billion by 2027.

Amidst this positive outlook, several challenges remain. Rising travel costs, economic uncertainties, corporate budget constraints, and geopolitical tensions are primary concerns for 2024 and beyond. Additionally, the industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability, with companies investing in eco-friendly travel practices. The shift to hybrid and remote work models has had an impact on travel policies, leading to adjustments in meeting types and travel frequency. Talent attraction and retention challenges continue to impede growth in the hospitality industry.

“We’ve noticed a growing emphasis on loyalty”

Have you seen a significant change in the volume of business travellers in Asia Pacific post-pandemic? 

In the first year following the pandemic, companies continued to actively restrict and reduce individual business travel. When travel was necessary, trips were often combined and extended instead of multiple separate journeys. Progressively however, and coming into 2024 so far, we have observed a significant increase in business travel, driven by positive economic growth. We anticipate this upward trend to persist into 2025.

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What new travel policies and regulations have been implemented across Asia Pacific that business travellers should be aware of?

A range of strategic measures has been implemented across the Asia Pacific region to attract business travellers. One key initiative is streamlining visa processes, with countries like Singapore and India simplifying applications and expanding e-visa options to facilitate easier entry. Additionally, significant investments are being made to enhance infrastructure, including upgrades to airports, business centres, and transportation networks,

Many destinations are offering attractive incentive programs to boost business travel. These include tax benefits, subsidies, and financial grants for hosting meetings and events, with Singapore leading in this area. Health and safety are also a priority, with rigorous protocols and travel insurance for COVID-19-related issues being implemented in countries like South Korea and Japan to ensure a safe travel experience.

Digital solutions, such as contactless check-ins (above) like ours at Swissôtel The Stamford and digital health passes, are improving convenience and safety for travellers. Marketing efforts are focused on promoting the region through targeted campaigns and forming strategic partnerships with global corporations. Finally, the development of specialised business facilities, including high-quality meeting rooms and conference centres complemented with advanced technology solutions, is catering to the specific needs of business travellers. To this end, we’ve recently established a partnership with Unearthed Productions; a collaboration that leverages their cutting-edge audio, video, and lighting (AVL) solutions with the hotels’ renowned infrastructure and hospitality.

What are the key changes in business traveller expectations post-pandemic?

We’ve noticed a growing emphasis on loyalty. Business travellers are increasingly choosing our hotels because of our robust ALL Loyalty Program, which rewards and retains customers effectively.

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While bleisure – the combination of business and leisure travel – was an important incremental growth opportunity even before the pandemic hit, it has evolved and taken on new meaning in the wake of growing flexibility in the workplace and consumers having fresh perspectives on travel, where it overlaps with both their professional and personal interests. Bleisure spending is expected to be one of the fastest growing travel segments by 2027. Bleisure will support recovery and create new growth opportunities in a more responsible and sustainable way. At Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford, we’ve extended preferential room rates for our business travel customers so that stays can be extended as they wish.

Sustainability is no more a ‘nice-to-have’ but more so an expected norm for businesses in the hospitality industry. It’s not just a requirement from guests, but also an integral demand shaping the MICE sector. With ESG goals at the fore for most companies, demand for greener events has increased.

Fortunately, we’re well placed to cater to this increasingly important expectation. In April 2024, Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford were awarded the prestigious Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification, reaffirming our commitment to sustainable tourism and responsible business practices. Our complex-wide sustainability initiatives encompass a wide range of strategies centred on three key pillars: reinforcing sustainable hotel operations, embracing a sustainable food chain and promoting the local ecosystem and new ways of travelling.

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Notably, we manage Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford’s Rooftop Aquaponics Farm (below), developed in November 2019. The world’s first urban Aquaponics farm to meet the rising demand among guests for fresh, quality produce and to support Singapore’s goal of producing 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030, the farm provides substantially higher yields – approximately 130kg of vegetables every month and 200kg of fish annually. This feeds very well into our MICE offering, as we can arrange farm tours for event attendees and provide a farm to table experience with dishes using produce from the Aquaponics farm.

Behind the scenes, an installation of an EcoBurner Waterless Buffet Heating System is an example of an innovative strategy implemented by the hotels to support operations in more ways than one. By eliminating water usage, and reducing the electric power needed, EcoBurner not only reduces carbon emissions but requires less physical labour. This system helps to drive efficiencies and productivity amongst the team especially during large scale operations.

Various strategic partnerships also contribute to the hotels’ cause in limiting their impact on the environment. An ongoing partnership with Wastemaster and LifeLab aims to build a circular ecosystem. When food waste is generated, it is loaded in a Wastemaster machine. Decomposition is expedited through the use of oxygen and 80% of the waste is vaporised and released, while the remaining 20% is sent to LifeLab. Here, they extract microbial protein and are in the midst of developing these into animal feed for use in the Aquaponics farm.

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Finally, a key trend we’re seeing is the rise of experiential events. Organisers require more unique, tailor-made experiences instead of a cookie-cutter approach; having flexible meeting spaces is near the top of every participant’s wishlist. Meetings should not be one-dimensional, but should include experiences that focus on wellness, team building or even cocktail making. With our unique location in the heart of Singapore’s civic district – and being an established lifestyle destination – we are very well positioned to tap into this trend with integrated in-house resources and capabilities.

Are business travellers in Asia Pacific placing more emphasis on work-life balance and wellness during their trips? How are these expectations being met?

Absolutely. According to American Express Global Business Travel, 54% of business travellers in Asia Pacific expressed a desire for wellness options during their trips. This includes access to gyms, wellness programmes, and stress-relief activities, indicating a strong demand for wellness-oriented services. This trend is notably influenced by the rising generation of travellers, particularly Gen Z, who prioritise personal well-being alongside professional commitments.

Hotels are adapting to these expectations by enhancing their wellness offerings. For instance, Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford boast an award-winning spa and an expansive wellness centre equipped with cutting-edge facilities, offering guests a comprehensive range of relaxation and health services. This year, our spa will undergo an extensive renovation to further elevate our offering. Within the complex’s 12 restaurants and bars, the culinary team are placing an increased emphasis on healthy dining options, where guests can expect nutritious, sustainably sourced produce over farm-to-table dining experiences.

“Hotels are adapting to these expectations by enhancing their wellness offerings”

At Swissôtel The Stamford and Swissôtel properties around the world, the Vitality programme is a philosophy focused on general well-being and high quality of life. From meetings to menus, Vitality aims to enhance the natural energy and healthy lifestyles of Swissôtel guests and is apparent in various touch points of the Swissôtel experience.

How important is flexibility in travel plans (such as booking changes and cancellations) for business travellers now compared to pre-pandemic times?

Flexibility in travel plans has become significantly more important for business travellers since the pandemic. The crisis underscored the unpredictability of travel, highlighting the need for adaptable arrangements due to frequent changes in restrictions and regulations. Today’s business travellers prioritise the ability to easily modify or cancel bookings to accommodate shifting schedules, health advisories, and evolving work models.

To meet these needs, we offer a range of options, including rates that can be cancelled on the day of arrival as well as more restricted offers that provide reduced rates in exchange for less flexibility. This commitment to offering flexible choices helps build trust with our guests and ensures that they can rely on our brands to accommodate their evolving travel needs.

How are travel companies in the Asia Pacific region adapting to meet the new expectations of business travellers?

Travel companies in the Asia Pacific region are adapting to meet the new expectations of business travellers by embracing several key strategies. Technology plays a crucial role, with advancements such as mobile apps for seamless booking, virtual concierge services, and automated check-in/check-out processes enhancing convenience and efficiency. These digital solutions cater to the needs of today’s tech-savvy travellers.

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Flexibility is another critical focus, as companies offer more adaptable booking options, including flexible cancellation policies and easy rescheduling. This approach addresses the unpredictable nature of business travel, allowing for smooth adjustments in response to changing schedules and circumstances.

Personalisation is increasingly emphasised, with travel providers customising experiences based on individual preferences and past behaviours. This includes tailored itineraries, personalised recommendations, and bespoke services that enhance traveller satisfaction and create more relevant and enjoyable experiences.

Have there been any changes or enhancements to loyalty programs to attract and retain business travellers?

In recent years, Accor’s ALL (Accor Live Limitless) loyalty programme has been significantly enhanced to offer greater value and flexibility to its members. Key improvements include a more personalised experience with tailored rewards and benefits, such as exclusive member-only rates, room upgrades, and early check-in/late check-out privileges. The programme now also includes enhanced partnerships with airlines, car rental services, and lifestyle brands, expanding the range of earning and redeeming opportunities beyond hotel stays.

Additionally, Accor has integrated more digital features into the ALL app, allowing members to manage their bookings, track rewards, and access exclusive offers with greater ease. These enhancements aim to provide a more rewarding and seamless experience for loyal customers.

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What trends do you foresee in the future of business travel in the Asia Pacific region?

Combining leisure with business has become increasingly prominent, with many travellers extending their work trips to explore new cities or countries. This trend is gaining traction as travellers seek to make the most of their time away from home by blending business and pleasure. We anticipate that this trend will continue to grow, as more people recognise the value of experiencing new destinations while managing their professional commitments.

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword but a significant concern for today’s travellers. Customers are increasingly aware of their environmental impact and are actively seeking to reduce it by choosing to stay in hotels that prioritise sustainable practices. This shift reflects a broader commitment to environmental responsibility and influences travellers’ decisions when selecting accommodation.

“Combining leisure with business has become increasingly prominent”

In response to these evolving preferences, hotel restaurants are stepping up their game to offer exciting and competitive food and beverage experiences. They are raising the bar to compete with independent dining establishments, focusing on delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

Take Fairmont Singapore’s beloved Italian restaurant Prego as an example, where we’ve just welcomed Italian Chef Davide Bizzarri. He has created a brand new menu that stays true to authentic Italian flavours, while presenting them in a refreshing and modern way.

At SKAI, the contemporary grill located on the 70th floor of Swissôtel The Stamford, we’re repositioning its offering to enhance the restaurant’s appeal as a must-visit dining destination in Singapore, with more ways to dine and play throughout the day.

Award-winning JAAN by Kirk Westaway (above) showcases Modern British cuisine on a global scale. You don’t need me to explain Singapore’s vibrant culinary scene, a melting pot of cultures and flavours. To put Modern British on the map here was no mean feat – a cuisine traditionally associated with beige and heavy dishes. The team had a big challenge to convince locals and tourists alike to embrace Modern British cooking; to introduce vegetable-forward, light and fresh flavours. It was a tough undertaking, but it has been worth every second of the work and Chef Kirk and his team proudly retained two Michelin stars in this year’s Singapore Michelin Guide.

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