Orient Explorer, Singapore’s dedicated M.I.C.E. service hub, will announce plans to embark on the company’s 2nd phase of regional growth into South Asia, Japan and Europe at its brand re-launch scheduled for Sunday 4 April at Resorts World Sentosa. To commemorate this significant milestone, Orient Explorer will unveil the new logo and tagline at the event, with the theme, “2nd Wind Celebration.”
The company will also celebrate Orient Explorer’s successful regional growth in eight cities in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Europe. Regional expansion has seen revenues rise 4.8 times since 2003.
Orient Explorer transformed from a home-grown inbound travel agency in the nineties to a one stop M.I.C.E. hub with Professional Conference Organiser, Destination Management Company, and Secretariat services. This has proven to be a robust business model when many players in travel are facing margin and competitive pressures from multiple marketing channels.
Orient Explorer’s foresight in anticipating market needs of the M.I.C.E. industry in China in the midst of the 2003 SARS crisis presented an opportune moment for the company to proceed with the 1st wind of regional expansion into the huge Chinese market.
Emboldened by discerning market insights and substantial ground research, Executive Director John Chua opened the first China office in Shanghai in 2003 when others were still reeling from SARS. Subsequent set ups followed in Beijing, Guangzhou and Chengdu.
Second Wind Regional Expansion
Having succeeded in the 1st wind of regional expansion, potential partners from Japan, India and Europe have expressed a keen interest in OE’s successful business model which involves the transfer of OE expertise in managing M.I.C.E. events.
Prestigious SME 500 & Professional Enterprise Awards
Notable events which Orient Explorer has handled include the 2010 Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (Singapore), 1st East Asia Summit (EAS) Energy Ministers Meeting 2007 (Singapore), United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Council Meetings 2009 (China) and the 2008 UN World Urban Forum (China). The company has been conferred two prestigious awards:
- Singapore Professional Enterprise Award 2007
- Singapore SME 500 Company, Emerging 2010
1.3 cities per year
Adopting an asset light and low cost business model, Orient Explorer has seen rapid expansion at the rate of 1.3 cities per year during the first wind of regional expansion since 2003.
2003 Shanghai
2005 Bangkok
2006 Beijing
2007 Guangzhou
2008 Ho Chi Minh, Chengdu, Utrecht
2009 Kuala Lumpur
John Chua comments: “SARS has taught us many lessons. Chief of all, was seizing opportunities during a crisis. Entering China in 2003 was a ground-breaking experience. Our perseverance paid off two years later when Orient Explorer secured our first major trade show in late 2004! Moving forward, our business model is eliciting a lot of interest from prospective business partners in target markets. It is gratifying when we are able to help clients and business partners to shine.”
One of the company’s many satisfied clients, Dr Robert Goldman, Chairman of A4M, commented, “Orient Explorer played a critical role in facilitating all aspects of the Third Asia-Pacific Conference on Anti-Aging Medicine’s educational programme and exhibition. Their onsite efficiency and detailed execution was an overwhelmingly positive experience for all delegates, exhibitors, and lecturers. The professionalism and knowledge of the (Orient Explorer) team helped to make the event a success and an enjoyable conference experience for all 1,000 delegates.”
Several large conference clients have already signed contracts with Orient Explorer to engage the company to handle their events beyond 2011.
