Survey suggests resilient incentive-travel spending

Contrary to conventional wisdom, companies aren't planning to reduce incentive travel or cut back on overall travel spending in the next two years. That's according to a survey of 88 Hong Kong companies performed in connection with the upcoming ITE Hong Kong travel fair, which covers MICE and leisure travel and is slated for June 14 through 17 this year. 

The survey, performed in February and released by TKS Exhibition Services, found that 44% of companies held incentive trips last year, and 46% plan to do so in the next two years. Furthermore, 37% of respondents said their corporation will spend more on travel in the coming year, outnumbering the number of companies cutting back (13%) by almost three to one. Half see no change in spending. 

However, the number of companies holding "overseas events" seems set to decline slightly: While 52% of respondents reported such events last year, 49% expect them in the coming two years.

The survey also found that green tourism is the theme most thought to enhance a MICE trip; it was cited by 64% of respondents. Next were food and wine (52%), a cruise (38%), volunteerism (32%) and sport tourism (27%).

ITE saw 12,312 regional buyers and visitors last year, of which 2,265 came from MICE companies.