22 SPECIAL FEATURE GROUP
22 SPECIAL FEATURE GROUP TRAVEL / MICE MICE Hotels TRAVEL PRODUCT INNOVATIONS GUIDE BACKGROUND In recent years, MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conventions and Exhibitions) has come of age as a tourism segment. Originally present only in large economic centres, MICE are now considered a key driver to the tourism sector’s overall development. MICE require specific infrastructures - convention centres, exhibition halls but also public transport and road infrastructures. While most large tourism destinations have all the necessary facilities, the hotel industry is a key element for secondary destinations as more hotels are turning into respectable meeting alternatives. Among the 25 top meeting cities listed by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) for 2017, cities such as Lisbon, Dublin or Helsinki are respectively ranked 9, 14 and 24. Further down the list, Lima received more international meetings in 2017 than Oslo while Edinburgh and Porto were ahead of Melbourne, Mexico City or Shanghai. The absence of large MICE infrastructure is seen as an opportunity for hotels chains. In 2018, meetings-technology giant Cvent released its annual rankings of the world’s top meeting hotels through the booking activities of Cvent Supplier Network. It came out that over 715,000 events around the world generated over 40 million room nights and €13.5bn of revenues.” Marco Polo Shenzhen TOP 5 MICE CITIES According to ICCA data, the top five MICE cities in the world in 2017 were Barcelona (195 meetings), Paris and Vienna (190 meetings each), Berlin (185) and London (177). BUSINESS TRAVEL Business travel spending worldwide in 2017 was €1.18 trillion. It is expected to reach €1.5 trillion in 2022. (Source. GBTA) 3 KEY TRENDS TO LOOK FOR AT ITB BERLIN © Martin St-Amant Machu Picchu at sunset Indian tech congress microsite CANO Zagreb Communal Space “COOLER” HOTELS Event organisers are increasingly turning to homelier or “cooler” locations – especially for incentives or small groups. The opening of the Canopy by Hilton will increase the appeal of the brand for MICE organisers. The four-star property Canopy by Hilton in Zagreb, for example, has 151 rooms and is the brand’s first hotel in continental Europe PERU, A TOP DESTINATION FOR INCENTIVE GROUPS Peru has been listed third among the top ten favourite destinations for incentive groups, the only Latin American country to be included according to tourism marketing company PROMPERÚ. The list was compiled by Creative Group, which creates incentive trips worldwide. The study highlights that “destinations have been chosen for their unique ability to provide a variety of activities and landscapes in a single place or within a small radius.” This clearly applied to Peru, where travellers can enjoy adventure, culture, history, cruises or beach activities. MICRO WEBSITES ARE INCREASINGLY POPULAR More and more convention organisers are looking at creating specific apps and micro websites linked to a convention event. The technology provides opportunities for connecting before, during and after the event delegates, for rising awareness for attendees, for processing registration, for boosting dialogue between participants and panellists and also for launching online polls and surveys. Implementing a micro website is on average five times cheaper than the cost of an app: all good reasons to consider adding a microsite to an event. THE FUTURE Sustainability is becoming essential for MICE organisers. Since 2016, a Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) has been published every year initiated by ICCA and various private partners. The Index aims to drive the adoption, promotion and recognition of sustainable practices in business tourism in cities. It is the first-ever sustainability ranking for event destinations worldwide, created to help destinations, event planners and suppliers to evaluate the sustainability strategies of destinations and their events industry. In its latest white paper, the focus was on ways to turn an event into a supporting platform to the city’s overall social, environmental and economic development. Sustainable socialoriented destinations are the future for MICE. ITB BERLIN NEWS • Friday 8 th March 2019 www.itb-berlin-news.com
ADVERTORIAL SPECIAL FEATURE GROUP TRAVEL / MICE 23 MICE in Kowloon – to the power of three Marco Polo Hotels – Hong Kong offers an extremely diverse offering on the vibrant harbour front In the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, three sophisticated and elegant Marco Polo hotels continue to grow their position as exceptional event centres coupled with personalised Asian hospitality. Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Gateway Hotel and Prince Hotel, positioned along the harbour, on Canton Road, bring contemporary sophistication to the city. With more than 1,450 rooms and suites, they are accompanied with a diverse range of venues to create memorable event experiences. Over 1,400 square metres of meeting and banquet space, including creative dining concepts, are available for a variety of events and occasions. Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the properties, gymnasiums at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel and Prince Hotel and a well-appointed swimming pool in Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel are other facilities available for guests at no extra charge. UNLIMITED FREE INTERNATIONAL CALLS TO 10 REGIONS FROM YOUR HANDY SMARTPHONE AT MARCO POLO HOTELS Guests may enjoy the freedom and convenience of unlimited connectivity with complimentary international calls to 10 regions and zero data roaming charges upon check in. The handy has the power to keep guests totally connected while exploring the city. MARCO POLO HONGKONG HOTEL – OFFERING EXCEPTIONAL FLEXIBILITY At Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, event planners can experience 14 different event spaces such as the modular Bauhinia Rooms and Orchid Rooms, ideal for corporate meetings, luncheons and cocktail receptions. The Centenary Ballroom is the perfect balance between elegance and intelligent architecture, capable of holding banquets for up to 360 guests or over 400 guests, theatre style. Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is home to 665 stylish guestrooms and suites. Many of the rooms feature breath-taking views of the harbour and the Hong Kong skyline, and with its round-the-clock butler service, the Continental Club offers luxury accommodation with exclusive privileges and full business facilities. GATEWAY HOTEL – YOUR GATEWAY TO A GREAT MEETING Gateway Hotel has four exclusive function rooms with colour-coded names, including Noire, Ocher, Fuchsia and Turquoise to suit any style and preference. The wine room, aptly dubbed jiŭ is ideal for special occasions, while turnkey packages and creative menus are available with custom-designed pricing to ensure event planners get the most of what they’re paying for. Its efficient service, warm atmosphere and comprehensive amenities ideally complement the 400 spacious guest rooms and suites of the Gateway. Continuing to enhance client comfort, the hotel will unveil an entirely new Continental Club floor on the hotel’s uppermost level in 2019. This will further build on its award-winning design transformation. PRINCE HOTEL – FIT FOR A PRINCE Other banqueting facilities can be found in the Prince Hotel’s principal venue, Xiamen Suite, which evokes understated elegance in its classic interiors. Spanning 112 square metres, it can be further divided into two function rooms and allows flexibility. F&B AT YOUR SERVICE Along with state-of-the-art conference facilities, the three Marco Polo Hotels offer an experienced and professional inhouse banqueting and events team that meets the specific needs of event planners with the utmost dedication. The hotels also offer eight renowned restaurants and bars; living up to Hong Kong’s esteemed title as the culinary capital of Asia. From authentic Italian at Cucina to international gourmet choices at the stylish Three on Canton and urban bistro add@ Prince, there is always something for discerning taste buds. CONVENIENCE: A MUST The Marco Polo hotels trio is located within the most vibrant shopping destination, with all three properties attached to Harbour City, the largest shopping complex in Hong Kong. A 35 minutes’ drive to and from Hong Kong International Airport, business travellers and MICE groups can expect a fuss-free and convenient transfer. The hotels are also within walking distance of the Star Ferry and HK ferry terminal, which provides ferry links to China and Macao, and High Speed Rail Hong Kong connecting to mainland stations with no interchange Hall 26a / Stand 119 ITB BERLIN NEWS • Friday 8 th March 2019
