Outbound business travel gains momentum in the GCC
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The GCC region is witnessing a growing trend within companies who are utilising the practice of outbound training.
This includes hosting of incentive activities and events to build employee rapport, teamwork, and communicate company strategies and missions, while present in an enjoyable environment.
Outbound business travel is fast becoming a core part of outbound training, development programmes and incentives. This key trend was highlighted at the recently concluded MICE Arabia Congress 2016.
The event focused on outbound business and luxury travel from GCC. Panel discussions and keynote speeches shed insights on the entirety of MICE and luxury travel industry.
Karthik Ramamurthy, head—Africa, India and Middle East at Ipsos Business Consulting said: “While business travel has been the norm for organizations across the globe, organizations with regional, global, and factory headquarters are adding a new dimension to outbound business travel. This is done by creating on-the-job learning programmes through industry immersion programmes. The travel is sponsored by the brand as an incentive for franchisee employees to visit the headquarters. This helps in development of indigenous talent from the GCC.”
Panellists and keynote presenters were of the opinion that Europe is still the most popular outbound destination for business travellers. However, there was consensus too, that Asia, including Hong Kong and China have gained prominence in recent times.
A common issue faced by many companies in the GCC is the obtaining of visas and ensuring halal food is easily available at the chosen destinations. As teams in the region are composed of different nationalities, securing visas for all those intended for travel is sometimes a challenge.
Daniel Ponzo, GM, Al Rostamani Travel & Holidays said: “Availability of venues, meeting customer event cost expectations, last minute operational modifications and providing technological interfaces, such as apps, so that business travellers can follow their trip and interact with the travel company directly from their very own devices, such as a smartphone or tablet,” are some of the more challenging yet necessary services that TMCs should provide.”
The current economic environment did not escape speakers at the Congress, most of whom said business travel from companies is heavily weighed against the economic environment before decisions are reached.
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