Event Fuji Xerox incentive
Venue Ritz-Carlton Sanya
Organiser Destination China
Group size 28
Date August 24-28
The brief
Fuji Xerox wanted to reward 28 executives from its New Zealand office with a three-day incentive trip to China. It was the group’s first visit to the country and organisers wanted them to enjoy a memorable experience in luxury surroundings.
Challenges
On the second night, the hotel hosted an off-site gala dinner at the newly opened Yalong Bay Rainforest Park, which is situated on a mountaintop overlooking the South China Sea.
The park is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. However, transporting equipment was an issue because the mountain is inaccessible by road. The hotel needed 60 staff to move furniture, equipment and meals on foot. Each course was cooked in advance at the hotel and simple heating equipment was set-up on-site to allow chefs to add the finishing touches before service.
Destination China meeting planner, Jenny Shi, moving the equipment to the park was challenging but worthwhile. “We received positive feedback from the guests afterwards,” she says.
Execution
The gala dinner at Yalong Bay Rainforest Park was one of the highlights of the trip. The ‘modern Chinese’ theme featured a dragon sculpture backdrop and entertainment including a modern caged-art installation and Chinese folk dancing.
On the final day, the group took part in a cooking challenge, which involved a trip to the local market with the hotel chefs to learn about Chinese ingredients and cuisine.
“Back at the hotel each guest helped recreate a traditional Chinese banquet during a cooking lesson with assistance from the hotel’s kitchen staff,” says Shi. “After the class the group sat down and enjoyed lunch together. This was a unique activity for guests because they were able to experience Chinese culture and cuisine first-hand.”
Comment
Destination China meeting planners Jenny Shi and Jenna Egan say they were extremely satisfied with the event, particularly the hotel’s service. “The event was very good. I would score the hotel five out of five, top marks” says Shi. “The banquet team were great and our guests really enjoyed the resort’s spa and fitness centre.”