Expert MICE predictions for 2010

4-Feb-10, 08:33

Events industry leaders discuss the year ahead

ANTHONY WONG
Group managing director, Asian Overland Services
MALAYSIA

The year 2009 has been challenging for the association meetings industry in Malaysia as many host organisations saw a reduced number of delegates attending their events.

The global financial situation is still worrisome and with reports about creeping sovereign debts and Dubai World’s attempt to restructure its debts, I expect 2010 to be more challenging.

The challenges for PCOs will range from remaining competitive, relevant and sustainable, to finding enough sponsors to support the international meetings industry in 2010 and beyond. However, with the growing reach of the low-cost airline carriers, innovative registration-fee structures and an eye on cost minimisation, I believe the challenges can remain manageable.

Conclusion: prepare for worse times. 

LIU PING
CEO, China Star
CHINA

When the global incentive tourism market was severely hit by the financial crisis, we had to realise the market transition quickly, increase outbound MICE tourism and maintain human resources.

I think 2010 will see inbound tourism growth compared with 2009, though not much. The world is increasingly interested in China, with more people and companies coming for tours, meetings, and investment and cooperation opportunities.

With China’s economic development and subsequent increase in average incomes, domestic and outbound tourism will keep growing in 2010. China’s annual tourism growth is expected to measure 10.4% over the next 10 years, with business and government tourism consumption growing by 10.9%. By 2020, China will be the world’s number one tourism destination and fourth-largest outbound tourist market.

KITTY WONG
President, K&A International
TAIWAN

The new Taiwan MICE Advancement Program aims to create great added-value, build up a well-perceived international MICE brand and establish Taiwan as a preferred MICE destination in Asia.

Previously Taiwan has never thought of promoting itself as a meeting destination, but with the aggressive moves taken by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Taipei City Government and the Bureau of Foreign Trade, our aim is clear: we’re focusing on association meetings that are rotating around the region; and internationally, corporate meetings that are looking for new and safe destinations – Taiwan is it.

I’m sure 2010 will be a prosperous year for us. Moreover, the opening up of direct cross-straits flights plays an important role in the incentive travel sector. The year-on-year increase in incentive travel from mainland China is 150%.

EDWARD LIU
President, Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers
SINGAPORE

The completion of the two integrated resorts at Marina Bay and
Sentosa will boost Singapore’s attractiveness as a MICE destination.

Secondly, more international events are likely to be held in Singapore, the result of intensive al campaigns conducted by both the private and public sectors. It will also be a banner year for Singapore as the 2010 UFI Congress hits town in November.

My sense is that the global MICE industry will turn around by mid-2010 as the world, especially Europe and the United States, recovers from the global economic meltdown and more foreign organisers and events make a beeline for the growth and development here in Asia.

While the increased number of business events will boost regional economic growth, there could be a shakeout in the more competitive exhibition sector, especially in China and India.

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