Singapore, 22 January 2021 – WorldHotels™, a global brand representing over 200 of the world’s finest independent hotels, is proud to showcase successful hybrid conventions at Kobe Portopia Hotel in Japan. According to statistics released by the Japan Tourism Bureau (JNTO) in 2018, Kobe Portopia Hotel ranked first position for hosting the most number of international conventions among Japanese for two consecutive years. To continue its impressive track record, the hotel recently introduced an innovative hybrid MICE experience based on the stringent “Three Cs Rule”, which mandates avoidance of closed spaces, crowded places and close contact.
A pioneer of MICE service providers in the post-pandemic world, Kobe Portopia Hotel led the way in executing large scale events while protecting the safety of its guests, associates and public health. From 25 to 27 August 2020, the hotel hosted the 49th Annual Meeting of the Interventional Radiology (IVR) Society Japan using a combination of in-person and virtual meetings via live broadcasts. The landmark event was attended by 1,918 delegates including 383 guests who were physically present at the event.
“WorldHotels™ is proud to feature the celebrated Kobe Portopia Hotel in our WorldHotels™ Elite collection. Renowned as an innovator in the Japanese hospitality scene, it continues to set the new industry benchmark for hybrid MICE events amidst the pandemic. This remarkable pioneering spirit complements WorldHotels’ commitment to elevated delivery of service and amenities. As Kobe Portopia Hotel marks its 40th anniversary in 2021, we look forward to many more remarkable milestones together,” said Roland Jegge, President Asia Pacific for WorldHotels.
In response to safe management requirements due to the pandemic, Kobe Portopia Hotel piloted the first hybrid convention in August 2020. Digital transformation through broadcast technology and contactless events management systems, the hotel successfully executed while safeguarding the health and safety of all delegates, its associates and the local community.
Notable precautions that were introduced for the hybrid event include:
- A thermographic camera is placed at the entrance to screen delegates’ temperature
- Capacity limit of event venues was reduced to ensure safe physical distancing rules
- Service style for the luncheon was adapted in order ensure a safe yet delightful gourmet experience for the delegates
- Style of the Luncheon Seminar changed in order to ensure the safe distribution of food for the participants
- Ample hand sanitizer stations were created throughout the venue
- All delegates were encouraged to register with the contract tracing system created by the Japanese government
Since April 2016 Portopia Hotel has been a designated administrator of the Kobe International Convention Center and Kobe International Exhibition Hall. One of the hotel’s greatest strengths is understanding the needs of both organizers and participants, providing a one-stop-shop on behalf of the hotel, convention center and exhibition hall facilities. Portopia Hotel has a proud legacy of impressive achievements over the years. In addition, the hotel has developed with the nation’s first “MICE/Regional Tourism Personnel Training Program for Inbound Demand”with Kwansei Gakuin University’s Graduate School. It is looking to further personnel development in the MICE industry through collaborations between industry and academia. Portopia Hotel aims to provide a premium experience to organizers and participants while contributing to Kobe city by hosting conventions that have a high economic ripple effect. As Kobe Portopia Hotel celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2021, the hotel aims to further strengthen itself, both in “software” and “hardware”.
For more information, please visit Kobe Portopia Hotel, Japan.
