The DMC arm of MCI Group, Ovation Global DMC, has announced 10 new strategic partners, including alliances in Japan and Sri Lanka. The J Team will represent the group in Japan, while Golden Isle Travels will represent it in Sri Lanka.
Hugo Slimbrouck, Ovation’s strategic partner liaison, said: “’We are proud to see these new destinations complete Ovation’s global spread. Each location has been identified by our customers as a destination where they need us to be, while the partner companies have been recruited based on their industry reputation and legacy, and our previous relationships with them.”
Geraint Holt, managing director, The J Team, said: “Japan is a great destination, but we have had trouble getting exposure to appeal to regional and global event planners. Ovation is one of the biggest names in meetings and incentives, has a great image and great appeal, and we look forward to developing and promoting Japan as an attractive destination for business events.
“Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) is now more active, and we are working with the cities and convention bureaux of Tokyo and Osaka to secure more unique locations for off-site events.”
Once a popular incentive destination, Sri Lanka is picking up again after a 30-year hiatus. Paddy Paul, managing director, Golden Isle Travels, said: “We were keen to be a part of the Ovation network, which will help promote Sri Lanka as a MICE destination.
“Golden Isle Travels works very closely with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCVB), the small-but-strong Sri Lanka Association of Professional Convention and Exhibition Organisers (SLAPCEO), and is always looking for new ideas on how we can provide the unusual for our visitors. Sri Lanka can host groups of up to 500-1,000 people very comfortably.”