THE uncertain economies in Europe and the US have done little to affect longhaul MICE travel to China, say buyers at IT&CM China.
Rois Travels Italy general manager, Claudia Palombo, said she had seen a 15 per cent year-on-year rise in outbound to China this year, crediting the China National Tourism Administration’s increased promotions and advertising efforts in Italy.
She said: “More incentive groups are looking at China as rates are reasonable. Thailand and Malaysia are our biggest Asian destinations, but both are mature and self-selling. China has the biggest growth of all our destinations in Asia. China is on everyone’s lips.”
France-based Sport Incentive Conventions International’s managing director, Mircea Anitas, also reported a 15 per cent year-on-year increase in incentives and leisure travel to Greater China, mainly to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Macau.
French companies have been affected by the economic crisis and many have therefore reduced their travel budgets, scaling down on accommodation from five-star to four-star hotels.
“It is not easy to negotiate rates with hotels in Hong Kong. It is easier to do so with hoteliers in Shanghai,” he observed.
At the same time, Air Safety Equipment US president and CEO, S Rajan, said demand from New York and New Jersey for China had jumped seven per cent year-on-year.
Anticipating a further three to five per cent growth this year, he said: “The strong Chinese economy has attracted a lot of local corporates to China, and this is mainly to Shanghai, Hangzhou and Beijing for incentives.”
“South Korea has lost value due to the political situation with North Korea. We recently had a private aircraft suppliers meeting switch their destination from South Korea to Shanghai. That meeting comprised 90 delegates,” he added.
– Read more in TTG Show Daily – IT&CM China
