Increase in participants is a good sign

The survey focused on senior industry buyers' activities last year and their plans for the year ahead. The focus on corporate buyers in the current survey is important because the meetings and incentive business is demanddriven. The focus sheds light on the supply side, giving insights into the shape and future of the industry's development. The survey was conducted online in November 2006 among CEI Asia Pacific readers. A total of 322 buyer respondents took part, as compared to 187 last year - an increase of 72 per cent. This larger sample base allows greater depth of analysis among the decision-makers who control CEI budgets across the region. SENIOR BUYERS The respondent quality meant Synovate could gather the opinions of senior buyers - almost half (49 per cent) of the respondents hold top management positions, including CEO, chairman, managing director, president, general manager, director, CFO, owner/partner - and more than half (58 per cent) are the key decision-makers in their respective organisations. Respondents represent buyers across many industry sectors including advertising, public relations and marketing, finance,industry and manufacturing, IT and telecommunications. Geographically, respondents came from Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia and India. TOP DESTINATIONS Overall, the top three destinations for MICE events in 2006 were Hong Kong, mainland China and Thailand (Base: those who organised respective events in 2006). Hong Kong's strategic location has helped to make it the top destination in this survey - it's no more than a four-hour flight from other major countries or cities. Location and accessibility are the most important criteria for choosing an event destination, according to half of the survey's respondents. Singapore Airlines was the preferred regional airline for corporate group travel. Facilities and services are the next most important factors for buyers. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre was voted as the best in the region, offering quality facilities. Hong Kong is also seen as safe from security threats and infectious diseases, which are the top risk factors that event organisers take into consideration when planning an event. The continued growth of the China market is benefiting Hong Kong, which is an attractive destination for China CEI buyers. ESTABLISHED PLAYERS China and Thailand have established themselves as significant CEI destinations - they have been among the top three in the past three years. China's rapid economic rise and heavy investment in infrastructure and tourism as it gears up for the Olympic Games, continues to fuel its CEI growth. China International Business and Incentive Travel Mart (CBITM) is predicted by respondents to be well received next year. It also topped other trade shows, at 12 per cent. In Thailand, Phuket was voted as the resort area that offered the best overall CEI experience and facilities, while Bangkok was ranked as the third most-popular city destination. The opening of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport in late September 2006, and the Central World Hotel and Convention Centre later this year, are expected to offer improved access and facilities to buyers. Readers said both China and Thailand offered exotic and cultural flavours. EMERGING DESTINATIONS Among those who plan to hold any CEI events in 2007, 23 per cent voted Vietnam as the top destination they would consider trying for the first time. Macau is another fast-emerging market. It is ranked second as a first-time destination this year, because it promises a good CEI experience and facilities. The openings of casino resorts and hotels give Macau a unique appeal, which could also benefit mainland China and Hong Kong.