AJAY SETH
Head, Outbound MICE Cox & Kings
MICE SEGMENT IN 2017
The Indian MICE segment has been consistently growing at a rate of 10-15 percent year-on-year. Not only is the market growing in volume and value but following the introduction of more direct flights to key cities across the world, Indian travellers are now venturing further. The year 2017 has also seen an expansion of airline operations in India. For instance, Air India is expanding their footprint across the globe, strengthening and exploring connectivity with newer cities. Indian aviation went strength to strength in 2017 with an entry of newer airlines and connecting two-tier cities with international hubs.
According to figures published ahead of the 5th Annual MICE India and Luxury Travel Congress (MILT), India is estimated to generate 6.5 million outbound luxury and MICE tourists annually by 2020, reinforcing the country's influence as a key source market for MICE and luxury travel.
TOP 10 OUTBOUND MARKETS FROM INDIA
1) Dubai- Dubai has retained its crown as the most popular destination for trade shows and exhibitions with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) driving the emirate's popularity among trade visitors from India. Proximity to India, excellent air connectivity and competitive hotel rates make it the most
attractive MICE destination for India. 2) Singapore- Singapore which is already a popular MICE destination for Indian corporates, is all set to have another 10,000 hotel room inventories by the end of next year,
3) Bangkok- From large-scale exhibitions and conventions, to intimate meetings and incentives groups, Bangkok has the venue, accommodation, and creative support you need for enriching and productive functions.
4) Pattaya- Mostly the beach city of Pattaya is added with Bangkok business travel to make it a bleisure experience. With the latest entry of Royal Princess Ferry service between Pattaya and Hua-Hin (about 2 hours), the royal heritage beach resort family town has witnessed increased business figures. Hua Hin is equally popular with Thai locals and foreigners as it offers exclusive and luxury activities with the heritage theme.
5) Spain- Spain tourism authorities have made a huge effort to expedite the process of issuing a Spanish Schengen visa. 6) Russia- Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi continue to be the most popular, attractive and developed MICE destinations of Russia.
7) CIS countries- Among CIS nations, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are the most popular CIS countries for MICE. 8) Amsterdam- Amsterdam's digital connectivity is amongst the best in the world, supported by the world's largest exchange.
9) Budapest- The city offers you some exquisite experiences like hosting gala dinners, a private concert with a full symphonic orchestra, a flash mob and a private rental of one of Budapest's thermal baths for your group event.
10) Prague- As for conference and event planning, Prague offers a large variety of hotels, from modern design and cozy boutiques to large business properties. The largest hotel in Prague comprises of over 791 rooms under one roof and a Congress hall with occupancy of up to 1,500 participants.
The Prague Convention Centre offers a hall for 2, 764 people and an additional 64 breakout rooms. The historic city core belongs to the UNESCO world heritage and it is at a walking distance from one end to the other. It offers a countless variety of
Newer destinations, better connectivity will drive the Indian Outbound MICE demand
unique offsite venues either for meetings or for special event management. Famous spa towns, breathtaking castles and chateaux in the close vicinity of Prague are excellent for half-day or full-day trips.
MICE EXPECTATIONS FOR 2018
We expect the trend of MICE among corporates to grow even further. The tendency to explore newer destinations, better flight connectivity and cheaper airfares will drive the demand of Outbound MICE from India. MICE industry needs to recognise the transformation that the business around the world are going through; dynamics of global economies; the technological revolution that are all shaping the concept of even management. Assimilating these changes seamlessly and responding to it with strategic initiatives will only make the industry stronger in the coming year.