Is the government offering some special incentives for large groups?

Yes, tourism boards do come forward to offer help and open doors which are useful. Their offers range from ideas, connect, money-can’t-buy venues, experiences, souvenirs and sometimes incentives. The challenge however is around how that help is accounted for. If its monetary support, it needs to be in tandem with the policies of the corporate. Most organisations have clear cut rules of dealing with government organisations and this support must come clean. Nevertheless, we do value the value-adds that are offered and appreciate the work done by the tourism boards. the hotels and bookings but I look for someone who knows business well. As it is in the marriage of business and MICE where magic happens. For example, in a tough year for our partner’s businesses, we wanted to organise an incentive trip. Given the nature of business that year, we chose China as a destination as we could theme the insurmountable nature of challenges around the Great Wall. The activities were hence all planned with a core message to deliver.