Transportation, infra woes impede MICE growth in Phl

CEBU, Philippines - While the Philippines is enjoying the attraction it is getting from countries across the world as an ideal host for major conferences, a long time industry player cited that there are still daunting challenges that could impede the vibrant growth of the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) sector if not being attended to.

Global-Link MP Events International Inc. chief executive officer Patrick Lawrence Tan commended the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) for its strong efforts of marketing the Philippines as a major convention destination in Asia and promoting the country’s major tourist destinations.

TPB is responsible for formulating and implementing an integrating domestic and international promotions and marketing programs for the Department of Tourism.

Tan added that the Philippine government, through TPB, could be attributed as one of the major contributors of uplifting the MICE industry in the country.

“The current market situation has seriously stabilized the industry. Evident of which are the venues that are generally full and the service providers like us are busy all year round. This is a very good sign for the industry,” he said.

Other factors that fueled the robust growth of the sector as Tan cited include the good business climate of the country that attracts companies from all over the world to choose Philippines as a hub for conventions and the construction of additional quality venues for business gatherings and conferences.

The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) reported that the Philippines is the fastest growing economy in Asia for the first quarter of 2013 with a 7.8-percent growth in its Gross Domestic Product.

“The truth is, no matter how good your country’s economy is, if you don’t have a venue to hold these big meaningful events, it’s useless. Philippines is taking huge positive steps towards the right direction of having a globally-competitive MICE industry,” Tan stated.

However, he noted that issues on transportation system and infrastructure hurdle the continued growth of the industry.

For instance, he particularly cited that the quality and efficiency of the airports, roads and traffic systems in the Philippines are actually lagging behind neighboring countries and global standards.

The 2013 Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) identified the poor infrastructure as one of the major challenges to the country’s industry competitiveness along with other issues in cost of starting a business, number of days to start a business, safety and security, and inadequate health and hygiene.

He also cited a minor problem on the expensive rates of hotel accommodations in the Philippines that are reportedly higher compared to other countries.

Despite the challenges that could affect the overall competitiveness of the MICE industry, Tan expressed optimism with the continued efforts of the government and various associations to solve such issues and encouraged the public to actively cooperate.

He cited that to further sustain the sector, industry players should commit themselves to further improve their performance with constant trainings for their working staff and provision of world-class services to clients.

He said that the business conferences and trade exhibitions that are organized by players in the MICE industry actually help trigger the country’s import and export sales, thus boosting the healthy economic condition of the Philippines.

While the Philippines is endowed with rich culture, natural resources and vacation spots, Tan described Cebu as a typical venue for exhibitions being the center of trade, education and tourism in the Visayas region.

“I have always been very vocal in expressing that Cebu is a great venue for exhibitions with its market that is perfectly suited for the MICE industry. Not just because they have the means to participate but more so, they are well-educated of the importance of MICE and enthusiastic about learning and discovering new things,” he told The FREEMAN.

Tan remained bullish that the MICE industry in the Philippines will achieve sustainability and shall take the lead in Asia in the years to come. /JOB (FREEMAN)