THE PHILIPPINE Department of Tourism (DoT) is courting associations through its Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) to grow the destination’s MICE business.
DOT assistant secretary and TPB officer-in-charge, Domingo Enerio III, told TTGmice: “There will be a resurgence in MICE activities (by TPB).”
“We have many strong local associations that are willing to host international events, and we are encouraging them to think about hosting their next convention and exhibition here. Many are responding to the invitation.”
Although securing big-ticket events is the bureau’s priority, Enerio said association events with 150 to 1,000 delegates were being cultivated as well.
International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) regional director for Asia-Pacific, Noor Hamid, pointed out that the Philippines was an attractive destination for business meetings ranging in size from 250 to 499 delegates.
TPB has been actively supplying ICCA with meetings-related statistics in order to boost the destination’s overall ranking.
A number of notable events have been scheduled for the Philippines this year, including the 2011 JCI Asia-Pacific Conference, which brought about 5,000 delegates to Manila in May. The 15,000-pax Lions’ 50th OSEAL Forum will take place in Manila in November.
