Corporate incentive programmes remain an important tool for businesses seeking to attract and reward high-achievers.
That’s the message received by Macau Business Tourism Centre after it recently hosted 17 executives from global incentive agencies to find out how they rate the city as a destination.
Attendees included Extra Mile Company (India), South Korea’s Global Tour, Japan Gray Line, MCI Group, Singapore’s Safe2Travel and US-based Global Events Consultants.
Over the past five years, more than 10 luxury hotels have added 9,000 guestrooms to the city – a 99.6 per cent increase. “Macau has come a long way in a short time,” says Mike Williams, senior consultant of Gary Grimmer & Company, a long-time MBTC advisor.
“It has some of the world’s biggest and best new infrastructure, and it needs to continually invest in developing its ‘software’ to deliver products and services for the international incentive market.”
Convention and exhibition facilities have also expanded, and major incentive groups like Herbalife (7,000 delegates) and Hagemeyer (960) have been among the first to experience what Macau has to offer.
Delegate feedback
Many opinions were offered by the international buyers, but most commented on the need for better air and ferry access, and for more efficient immigration procedures.
Michael Chiay, director at MCI Group, says: “Hong Kong is the regional headquarters of many corporations and it’s a strategic hub for incentive groups. Macau’s proximity to Hong Kong is a plus and building on accessibility is a key factor for regional events.”
Air access
Improvements have already been made, with the opening of the new SkyPier at Hong Kong International Airport in January.
“The new SkyPier is definitely a great addition,” says Abbie McCrisken, director of events at Off-Site Connections in Macau. “It’s easy to access the Hong Kong International Airport ferry terminals now, with no need for bus transfers. Checked luggage is directly transferred to Macau so it can be collected on arrival.”
The terminal is a four-minute walk from the main airport. It features immigration and security channels, as well as 20 airline check-in desks.
Reliable transport
The introduction of the CotaiJet has also meant groups traveling to the Cotai Strip, home of the Venetian and City of Dreams, have a smoother trip.
Regular sailings and streamlined immigration procedures added to the success of the 2009 Indian International Film Academy (IIFA) awards, attended by 8,000 international guests.
Anuj Wadwha, general manager of Extra Mile Company (India), says: “Last year’s IIFA awards at the Venetian Macau generated a lot of interest in the territory. We are always looking for new incentive destinations, but direct flights from India to Macau and more Indian food options would grow the interest and business from Indian MICE groups.
“The Bungy Jump and Skywalk at Macau Tower are of interest, but I would like to see options for sailing on luxury yachts and to know about more unique venues for gala dinners.”
More attractions
William Oh, vice president of South Korea-based Global Tour, suggests the city develops attractions like indoor water parks and mid-priced golfing facilities.
Williams and the 80 members of the Macau business events industry in attendance were pleased with the reports.“It was not just a talkfest, but a valuable critique of Macau as an incentive destination,” he says.