Dear Reader,
According to the fourth annual 2018 Global Travel Forecast, travel prices are expected to rise sharply in the coming year, reaching nearly 4 per cent increase in some sectors. Global airfares are expected to rise 3.5 per cent in 2018; hotel prices are expected to be 3.7 per cent higher; and ground transportation such as taxis, trains and buses are expected to rise by 0.6 per cent - significantly less than the 3.0 per cent inflation forecast for 2018. Geopolitical risks, uncertainties in emerging markets and ever-changing political environments in Europe and the United States mean today’s travel professionals have more things to take into account while building their travel programmes.
Thailand remains the top short-haul destination for outbound incentive from India. The friendly destination offers competitive pricing, sheer inventory of hotel rooms, unparalleled hospitality, great shopping and varied options for Indian cuisine. Add to that sustainable initiatives for experiential CSR and you have a plethora of green MICE options. In our cover story, we explore MICE in Thailand. Also, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) recently unveiled an in-depth business platform known as TIME 2017 (Thailand Incentives and Meetings Exchange) for MICE operators, we bring you highlights of the same.
The customisation of products and services to suit the needs of MICE travellers will be a focus for the industry, and many companies will also try and develop venues near major cities with full facilities. The fluctuation of the macro economy will mean that companies go on cost-cutting mode. For this reason, they are likely to host events in mid-range hotels and also try and reduce transportation costs.
The game of golf can sometimes be a much-needed breather and ice-breaker to close big business deals. The game, however has its own set of gestures which unravels certain sport etiquettes, shares our expert Shital Kakkar Mehra. Meanwhile, our counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo throws light on the government initiatives tied up by corporates to elevate women development.