Middle East MICE sector upbeat about future
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The overall outlook for the Middle East Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is upbeat, despite recent regional political upheaval, according to a survey conducted at GIBTM in Abu Dhabi last week.At a panel discussion entitled ‘What is happening in the World of Meetings?’ hosted by Sally Greenhill, from The Right Solution, delegates were asked how the current political unrest had affected their business.41% said there had been some cancellations and fewer enquiries, 19% of those present said they had seen no effects and that they still had an optimistic outlook for 2011. 53% were also forecasting an increase in their meetings and events business for 2011. There was also general consensus that the global economic situation has recovered slowly leading to increased competitiveness in the field. When asked what key issues would help increase meetings and events business in 2011, 41% thought increased awareness was the key factor, as opposed to 38% that said political stability was more important.Delegates at this session were encouraged to participate in interactive voting, giving their opinions on a number of different questions posed. 61% of those voting were from the Middle East, 22% were from Europe and seven percent each from Asia and Australia.”The ability to poll a wide range of industry experts on such a significant topic is further evidence of how GIBTM has established itself as a perfect platform to network, exchange ideas and share knowledge,” said Lloyd Kenyon, GIBTM’s exhibition manager. “The future development of the MICE industry in the region is very important, GIBTM is the pivot to drive and shape the industry’s knowledge.” Tourism, which represents 1.2% of Abu Dhabi’s total GDP and 4.3% of employment in the emirate, serves as an important pillar for Abu Dhabi’s development goals to stand out as a global business tourism destination. The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s (ADTA’s) development goals to deliver new and significant MICE business to Abu Dhabi are in line with the Abu Dhabi government’s 2030 economic vision, stated Gillian Taylor, ADTA business tourism manager. ADTA has a 10-year plan to have Abu Dhabi ranked in the world’s top 50 meetings destinations, increasing its convention potential 10-fold and its MICE and business tourism income five-fold. Bahrain is another destination investing heavily in its meetings, incentive and exhibition sector. The sector contributed $184.6m to the country’s economy last year and is expected to contribute $223.6 by next year, despite the economic disruption caused by the unrest. The country’s MICE segment, whilst a substantial contributor to the local industry, has already made significant contribution the country’s GDP and will be a future driver of economic growth for Bahrain.The Middle East generally is a healthy, competitive environment according to Jerad Bacher, Director of Dubai Convention Bureau. “One example is the cruise industry which is doing very well, especially in the UAE. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah are attractive ports of call and cruise lines like MCS Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Costa Cruises sail around the region increasing tourism significantly,” he said.
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