Ovation Global DMC has revealed its five most popular global MICE destinations for 2020 and 2021 as well as five emerging destinations for 2020 and 2021.
The destination management company’s picks are based on its extensive CRM database and research from January 2018 to July 2019 as well as client requests. On the whole, Ovation says “the winning combination [for a destination] seems to be an effective net of infrastructures along with breathtaking landscapes and compelling local culture.”
Top 5 Most Popular Global MICE Destinations for 2020 and 2021
(Top of post) Liberty Square, Taipei, Taiwan. Photo © SeanPavonePhoto.
1. SPAIN – Ovation says the country is one of the key MICE destinations in Europe. Madrid and cities in the Andalusia region (Seville, Granada and Málaga) are popular with travellers, and airlift is excellent, particularly to the south of Spain. In addition to sun, good food and vibrant culture, it offers planners enviable infrastructures: several airports, good highways, high-speed trains and venues with good capacity. PHOTO: Gran Via, Madrid, Spain © sorincolac | canva.
2. SWITZERLAND – Switzerland is a hidden treasure for meeting planners, says Ovation. Renowned for its high standards of excellence and incredible customer service, its green meadows, crystal-clear lakes and imposing mountains make the perfect frame for its innovative and vibrant cities. PHOTO: Mountain Lake, St. Moritz, Switzerland © carLPM | canva.
3. FRANCE – Paris’s iconic boulevards, bistros and chic flair ensure that the City of Lights remains a MICE favourite. However, Ovation reports that France’s secondary cities, particularly those on its Mediterranean coast—Cannes, Nice, etc.—are growing in popularity. PHOTO: Yachts and view of Le Suquet, the old town, and Port Le Vieux, Cannes, France © amoklv | canva.
4. HOLLAND – The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, is a European hub. It is home to an ever-growing number of venues and high-end hotels, complemented by picturesque canals, excellent international flight connections and exciting nightlife. But Ovation points out that because Holland’s cities are close to one another demand is growing for secondary cities, such as The Hague and Rotterdam. PHOTO: The Hague © neirfy | canva.
5. GERMANY – According to Ovation, multi-faceted Germany offers quaint towns, Roman baths and medieval castles as well as dynamic, cutting-edge urban centers. Great cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Dresden and Leipzig top the list for meetings and conferences. Berlin and Munich also stand out as preferred destinations for incentive programs. PHOTO: Berlin Cathedral at night © angaivanova | canva.
Top 5 Most Popular Emerging Destinations for 2020 and 2021
1. THAILAND – “The Land of Smiles” offers a legendary culture, tropical climate and pristine nature as well as dynamic cities. A top MICE destination in Asia, it has a plethora of state-of-the-art conference and exhibition halls, luxurious hotels, multi-center venues and beach, river and countryside locations. PHOTO: Dancing in masked khon, Ramayana © tongpatong | canva.
2. AZERBAIJAN – An ancient nation fast entering the 21st century, Azerbajian has undergone an extraordinary transformation since the fall of the Soviet Union. Its capital city, Baku, offers an “overwhelming history” mixed with modern architecture. It is a developing MICE destination. PHOTO: Baku’s Flame Towers overlook the old city © muster2 | canva.
3. THE PHILIPPINES – The Philippines are a tropical paradise and one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia. Ovation explains that under the National Tourism Development Plan, MICE business has become one of the main priorities for the country’s development. Manila is popular for large events. PHOTO: Boats on the beach resort island of Boracay © Hieu-Trung Le | canva.
4. TAIWAN – Known for the warmth and hospitality of its inhabitants, Taiwan has actively worked to build facilities to accommodate MICE programs. In recent years, this diverse country has seen the opening of brand new exhibition centers and held a leading position for its research in medicine, IT and science. It also offers a rich culture and beautiful scenery. PHOTO: Pagoda, Lotus Pond, Kaohsiung, Taiwan © artiss | canva.
5. OMAN – New convention facilities and hospitality developments have contributed to making Oman one of the main MICE destinations in the Middle East. Without the glamour of nearby Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it is a perfect blend of modern infrastructure and authentic Arabian experiences. PHOTO: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman © chameleonseye | canva.
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