Germany, most preferred by Indian biz travellers

Indian-outbound MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) market is estimated to be around $550-600 million in 2011 with 1.5-1.8 million passengers travelling for the same, according to a recent study.

Pharmaceutical, Cement, FMCG, IT and Financial services were the major industry verticals contributing to outbound MICE sector.

Many of the foreign national tourism boards recorded a double digit growth in Indian tourist arrivals under the MICE segment.

The arrival figures grew by 12 per cent in Hong Kong, 15 per cent in Malaysia, 30 per cent in Thailand and 40 per cent in Czech Republic.

Germany leads in the MICE travel destination market as a preferred choice for India's corporate sector, the recent report on India Outbound MICE Market by Synovate Business Consulting said.

According to the findings of the report, mid-sized and large corporates who have organised MICE trips in Europe between 2010-11, opted for Germany with a lead percentage of 73 per cent, followed by the UK with 52 per cent, France-51 per cent and Switzerland-45 per cent.

The leading cities of choice include Frankfurt with the maximum votes at 54 per cent followed by Berlin at 51 per cent and Munich at 44 per cent.

FACTORS FOR SUCCESS

According to the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), India, the number of visitor overnights have grown by 26.2 per cent in 2011 over the corresponding period in 2010 (January – December), highlighting an average growth of over 15 per cent every month. Lower hotel rates and carrier options in Europe supported by infrastructure and professional partners are reasons factoring the success of Germany as a business travel destination, the report highlights.

“We believe 2012 will witness an increase in Indian outbound tourism to Germany. We are upbeat that travel for incentives will continue to grow as desirable choices for many corporate in the years to come.

This year we will continue with our affordable hospitality theme and also focus on promoting ‘the fairytale route' in Germany which passes all the enchanting castles, town and villages from where all the famous fairytale characters have originated,” said Mr Romit Theophilus, Director - Sales and Marketing, GNTO.

NEW DESTINATIONS

Growing penetration of the internet and adoption of social media as a part of commercial channel has built awareness among the corporate about newer destinations. Travel agents are seeking new and affordable destinations especially to cater to the MICE demands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that have budget constraints.

Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Jordan, Turkey, Spain, Greece and Egypt are some of the destinations where travel agents plan incentive trips for SMES.

Egyptian Tourism recently took part in a 3-day event held across three cities — Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi. “The Egyptian tourism office is keen to evolve Egypt as not just honeymooners but also as one of the top business-MICE destination, Director of Egyptian Tourism Office in India,” Mr Adel El Masry, Director of Egyptian Tourism Office in India, said at the event. Egypt saw about 14.7 million tourist arrivals in the year 2010 from around the globe.

Oman Tourism also conducted a four-city road show last month to showcase the destination in the leisure and MICE segments. Till November 2011, the total number of Indians that travelled to Oman was 7.40 lakh, which is a 4.4 per cent increase over 2010, while the premium travellers grew by 20 per cent, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Oman.

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