Basic Infrastructure
There’s no two ways about the fact that international destinations are well equipped with world-class infrastructure and offer advanced technology for MICE events. Amit Bhatia, Managing Director, Mach Conferences and Events (P) Ltd, reiterates that the infrastructure in India is limited. He says, “One faces many obstacles to organise domestic MICE events for large groups. Besides airfares or cost it is also that we don’t have too many hotels that can accommodate big groups. In a case like that, one has to find a nearby substitute to accommodate the remaining guests, and this becomes chaotic. To avoid this, big groups generally prefer travelling overseas. For example, the most preferred domestic MICE destination is Goa, but even there one cannot host a cruise dinner as the infrastructure is limited.”
Radhika Khanijo, Managing Director, Welgrow Travels says, “Places like Canada, California, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Dubai are ready to offer all kinds of flexibility for small/mid-segment MICE groups from India.”
Cost Effect
Since MICE movements are restricted in India due to the lack of infrastructure, and the air travel rates to places that offer reasonable infrastructure are high, it is best to look at a destination abroad. “The cost of air travel to exotic domestic locations such as Andaman & Nicobar, or even Kerala from North India is very high. On the other hand, groups can fly to nearby destinations in South East Asia or the Middle East at the same cost. These destinations offer exotic locations, and one gets to experience a different culture and cuisine which adds a ‘ wow’ factor to the whole MICE movement,” says
Naveen Rizvi, Senior Vice President-India & Head, TUI- Meetings & Incentives & ICE- Integrated Conference & Event Management.
‘Foreign Factor’ for Employees
The prospect of travelling overseas is always an incentive in itself. Besides offering exotic landscapes, it’s an experience where one gets to see new places, try new cuisines and understand a different culture. “Domestic travel is very common as many people
travel within the country for business and family holidays but an international destination is always more attractive. There are also more options available with far superior infrastructure and better amenities,” says
Vijay Dadhich, Managing Director, Blue Moon Travels. Not just that, international travel does have a ring to it, and comes with a feelgood factor which motivates an employee to work harder. “People feel happy to have international exposure during their MICE movements,” adds Khanijo.
Sensitive to Indian Sentiments
It would be wrong to say that outbound MICE travel has only increased due to cheaper airfares, better hotel rates and of course the beautiful location itself, but more destinations now understand the needs of Indian travellers. In addition to that Khanijo tells us, “There are only a few international MICE destinations that are most cost-effective than domestic destinations, Thailand is one of them. It is more cost-effective than
Goa, Hyderabad or Cochin. International destinations now understand the sentiments of Indian people and provide a complete comfort zone to Indian travellers, from Indian food to anything specific to their cultural requirements.”
Budget-Friendly
Budget is usually the biggest constraint when it comes to group travels. “Besides the fact that you get better airfares to many international destinations such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia; hotel cost is another factor that leads to international MICE. One can get much better hotels at a low cost. Some of the star hotels abroad are much more reasonable than our local properties,” says
Madan Kak, Chief Operating Officer Tours Division, Minar Travels. “Cheaper hotels with better amenities and airfares that are either same or slightly higher, are good enough reasons for one to take international travel over domestic,” adds Bhatia. “More than often, there are better deals available at international hotels - something to suit each budget criteria,” says Dadhich.
Fun Factor
Besides talking business, it’s also important that one engages in team-building activities and has an ample amount of options for entertainment and recreation. “Entertainment is much more diverse in foreign countries, there are so many more
options. If you’re hosting a three-day event, you might run out of time but not out of activities,” says Bhatia. He goes on to add, “A lot of overseas travel takes place in the month of November-December. Even we enjoy making itineraries and planning as there’s so much to do abroad. The more premium MICE travellers prefer Prague, Vienna and Cyprus.”
Destination Marketing
International destinations are leaving no stone unturned to promote their country/city for MICE activity. “Various international destinations like Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia are doing roadshows in the Indian market to create awareness among trade partners and direct clients by various media, so as to increase the inflow of MICE and leisure tourist to their various cities. Indian states are also following the trend now but are still a little slow,” says Khanijo. Adding to that Bhatia tells us, “This year
Entertainment is much more diverse in foreign countries, there are so many options. You might run out of time but not activities
we’re taking our fifth group to Cyprus, a relatively new destination in terms of MICE but it is being promoted by tour groups and through roadshows.” Looking at all these factors, one thing does come to surface— if you’re taking your MICE travellers overseas, you’ll surely find something that fits all budgets and every criteria.