AFTER kicking off its recruitment drive last week, the newly-formed Vietnam MICE Club has so far attracted five members, and is hoping to grow the number to 10 by the end of this week, and 50 by year-end.
Vietnam MICE Club president, Gilbert Whelan, said: “Vietnam MICE Club is not after membership fees. We are providing a platform for our members to showcase their products, while promoting Vietnam as a (MICE) destination.”
The association’s basic fee for members with full rights, excluding 10 per cent value-added tax, is US$1 per room per month for accommodation, and US$7,000 per year for exhibition venues, shopping outlets, restaurants, travel companies, tour operators and DMCs.
Jointly launched in Ho Chi Mih City in June by VinaMedia, Vietnam Airlines and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the association is the result of a one-year conceptualization process.
“Vietnam’s potential in the (MICE) market is enormous, it simply needs to be more proactive and that is what Vietnam MICE Club intends to be,” said Whelan.
Whelan said the club would be promoting Vietnam and MICE club member organisations at major MICE-related trade shows around the world. It will also be producing digital and printed promotional materials.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has offered to provide cultural performances at all MICE Club-sponsored events.
In addition, Vietnam Airlines will offer air travel assistance in various forms to members attending local and international MICE Club-sponsored trade shows, with the first being IT&CMA in Bangkok in October.
By Sirima Eamtako
