Spain, Thailand and China top Pacific World’s 2019 list of in-demand events and incentive destinations.

The global destination and event management company also reports that Peru is drawing a lot of attention and interest in Europe is growing.

Patricia Silvio, Pacific World’s global marketing manager, explains that the list is based on the number of requests the company has received as well as events booked for 2019 and beyond. “It’s no coincidence that the destinations that top our list all have strong convention bureaus and a clear destination development strategy, as well as modern infrastructures and convenient access. We are also excited about some of the up-and-comers on the list—like Peru and Monaco—which have made major investments.

Worldwide Top 10 Most Demanded Destinations 2019

1. Spain
2. Thailand
3. China
4. Indonesia
5. Singapore
6. Peru
7. Hong Kong
8. United Kingdom
9. South Korea
10. Indochina

EMEA Top 5 Most Demanded Destinations 2019

1. Spain
2. United Kingdom
3. France
4. Italy
5. United Arab Emirates & Monaco

Asia Top 5 Most Demanded Destinations 2019

1. Thailand
2. China
3. Indonesia
4. Singapore
5. Hong Kong

Silvio explains that Spain’s popularity is bolstered by its very proactive convention bureaus and influencers in major cities like Barcelona, Tenerife and Seville executing effective marketing strategies to appeal to MICE audiences. However, new—and renewed—interest in France is the result of infrastructure investment.

“Motivated by the upcoming 2024 [Summer] Olympic Games, the Paris region committed to enhancing the visitor experience, backed by a 23-million euro investment plan which will greatly boost France as both a tourist and MICE destinations,” she says. “Nearby Monaco has recently completed a major renovation of the Casino Square area, including a restored five-star Hotel de Paris and the addition of the One Monte Carlo conference center.”

The ability to adapt to changing trends such as social and environmental sustainability also contributed to the popularity of some destinations. “Recent news, like the results of the Global Destination Sustainability Index, which put Bangkok as the number two destination in Asia, will enhance the image of that city and help appeal to a new generation of planners who prioritize environmental and social sustainability when choosing destinations,” says Silvio.

Silvio reports that China remains a strong player in the MICE market, with its staggering growth driving more interest from a wider swath of audiences. This growth is assisted by an increasing number of international and regional airlines opening new routes to various cities, making the country’s destinations more accessible. Similarly, Indonesia’s government is investing in existing destinations like Bali and Lombok, as well as developing new destinations to drive new MICE interest.

Peru has also been steadily climbing up Pacific World’s worldwide list. “Peru has been showing steady growth, particularly from the US market,” says Silvio. “They’ve made important infrastructure changes and investments and have proactively courted MICE planners in the US. Moreover, the opening of a new convention center in Lima in 2015 was a game-changer in that the city is now able to host large-scale events. Finally, Peru offers three amazing regions—the coast, the highlands and the jungle—which create an extensive range of climates, landscapes, textures and flavours.”