ECCT Next Generation Business and Leaders Series 2
Premium Event

The future of Taiwan tourism
MICE, business, and leisure travel

Guest Speaker
S. Steven Pan, Executive Chairman, Silks Hotel Group and FIH Corporation
James C. F. Huang, Chairman Taiwan External Trade Development Council

Moderator
Michael Wu, Co-chairperson, ECCT Travel & Tourism committee

Date: Tue, 20 April, 12:00-14:00
Venue: The Regent Taipei, 3F, Ballroom B / 晶華酒店3F宴會廳
Address: No.41 , Zhongshan North Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei / 台北市中山北路二段41號

The coronavirus pandemic has hit Taiwan’s travel and hospitality industry hard. Since the imposition of travel restrictions and the cancellation of major trade shows, the number of inbound visitors to Taiwan has dropped by more than 98% year-on-year. Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) businesses in Taiwan and those that depend on them, such as TAITRA and hotels in Taipei, have been the hardest hit while others, such as hotels in popular tourist destinations have survived thanks to an increase in local tourists who have opted to take vacations at home since they are not able to travel abroad. How things pan out in the immediate future will depend on the effectiveness of the global Covid-19 vaccination roll-out. But how should businesses cope in the interim period? What will the new normal look like once the pandemic is over? What does the post-pandemic future look like for Taiwan’s MICE, hotel, hospitality, travel agencies and travel operators? At this event, our guest speakers will give presentations and engage in an interactive panel discussion.

Among other topics, they will discuss the following:

• The immediate challenges facing Taiwan’s MICE, hotel and leisure travel businesses
• How the travel and tourism industry should prepare and adapt to the new normal
• New business opportunities in the post-pandemic era.    

About the speakers

S. Steven Pan is the Executive Chairman of the Silks Hotel Group and the listed FIH Corporation in Taipei, which is the leading hotel listed company in Taiwan. The Silks Group consists of four hotel brands: Regent, Silks Place, Wellspring and JUSTSLEEP. He joined FIH in 1991, was appointed President in 1992 and became chairman in 2000. In 2018, FIH formed a joint venture with Intercontinental Hotel Group to further expand the Regent brand internationally. Pan also founded Pacific Resources Group in 1994, which has become one of the leading international real estate investor in San Francisco Bay Area and throughout the world. He frequently speaks in various international conferences such as Forbes and appears on CNBC, Bloomberg to discuss business trends and leadership. He was the Taiwan winner of the E&Y Entrepreneurs Award. He was former chair of the Young President Organization (YPO) chapter in Taiwan and continues to serve on the YPO regional board in North Asia. He also serves on the Board of Overseers for the Columbia Business School. He is the founder of SR PAN cultural and educational foundation. He obtained a BA in economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1986 and an MBA from Columbia Business School in 1988. Prior to joining FIH in 1991 he was an Associate at First Boston.

James C. F. Huang is the incumbent chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). He has had a distinguished career as an entrepreneur and former diplomat dedicated to promoting Taiwan's economic development and international relations. Prior to joining TAITRA, he held various senior positions in the government including as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also held several senior consultant and management positions at Taiwan's leading technology companies. He has served in the public and private sectors for more than 30 years, accumulated extensive experience in formulating strategy and outstanding negotiation skills. Beginning his tenure in TAITRA in 2017, Chairman Huang has initiated several reforms within the organisation, including flattening the organisational structure, encouraging people-to-people interactions and digital transformation. He is also actively involved in helping Taiwan’s business community building international networks by leading high profile delegations to participate in major trade, business and investment events around the world. He holds a degree in political science from National Taiwan University.   

NT$1,600 for members; NT$2,200 for members' guest(s) or NT$14,000 per table of ten persons for members' guest(s)

To cancel without penalty, written cancellations must be received 24 hours prior to the event.

Contact: Ivy Lin / Tel 2740-0236 ext. 219 / ivy.lin@ecct.com.tw / www.ecct.com.tw