Middle East emerging as major International MICE destination

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), a leading industry body for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) professionals, says the Middle East is now a key emerging destination for the lucrative MICE sector.

The Netherlands-headquartered ICCA says the region is now the fastest-growth area for membership and it is looking to set up a Middle East chapter.

“The Middle East has already established itself as a leisure destination and is now growing as a business and meetings centre,” said ICCS Chief Executive, Martin Sirk. “The largest growth in membership in our organization worldwide has come from the region and over the past three years, the number of members we have in the meetings and conference industry in the Middle East has risen by 200 per cent.”

ICCA is now planning to stage a seminar at Arabian Travel Market 2004, the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism exhibition, which will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 4-7.

The free-to-attend seminar, which will take place at 11am on May 5th, will focus on ‘The Impact Of Hosting The World Bank/IMF – Why Dubai Is Now A Major Player In The World Of International Meetings.”

The MICE industry has been prioritized in the ATM’s Hosted Buyer programme for the past two years and this year will see 50 international MICE buyers attend the show.

“These buyers come from some of the biggest multi-nationals in the world,” said Matt Thompson, Group Exhibitions Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), which organizes ATM. “The MICE focus has come about at the request of exhibitors, which is an indication of the potential the industry sees from this sector.”

To date, exhibitors from 55 countries have signed on for ATM 2004, which is now 25% larger in occupied floor space than last year’s event.