Special offers to attract MICE to EUROPE
Europe’s MICE industry has been growing with leaps and bounds, unaffected by recent upheavals in the economy. Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB) incentivises bigger groups that fulfil fixed criteria by providing welcome gifts like Swiss chocolates. In addition to this direct support, Switzerland has many added values of big importance for MICE planners, such as the ease with which one can claim back the total VAT for companies based abroad. This makes a significant reduction in the total costs compared to neighbouring countries with a VAT of over 15 per cent and local public transportation is included in the fare of the hotel in many Swiss cities.
Guendalina Rampazzi, Manager Market Development Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB) adds to this opinion by stating some numbers, “19 per cent of all hotel overnights counted in the country are directly related to a MICE movement. This means a turnover of 2.2 billion Swiss Francs.”
Romit Theophilus, Director Sales & Marketing, German National Tourist Office, India also adds, “The Indian MICE market has always underlined its significance as the most important market segment for Germany. Many of our trade fairs and events are well known must-visit industry events for Indian business travellers. MICE accounts for 60 per cent of Indian outbound travellers.”