INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Unanimous vote for ASEAN MICE Venue Standard
All 10 ASEAN tourism ministers have unanimously voted for Thailand to lead the development of the ASEAN MICE Venue Standard following the nationwide success of the Thailand MICE Venue Standard .
Queensland first a Dreamtime come true
Brisbane will host Dreamtime 2017 , marking the first time Tourism Australia ’ s signature event for promoting Australia as a world-class incentive destination will be held in Queensland .
Tourism Australia managing director John O ’ Sullivan said Dreamtime has a strong track record in driving real business outcomes for the Australian business events industry .
“ Dreamtime is Australia ’ s largest business events showcase , and taking the event to Brisbane is an exciting development for a city that is continuing to raise its profile internationally as an ideal incentive destination ,” he said .
“ The event has proven its value to the Australian business events industry , producing solid results in raising the Australia ’ s profile internationally and developing new business , with a survey of those who took part in the Dreamtime 2015 event so far confirming it generated over 60 incentive business leads worth $ 40 million .”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said he was delighted Tourism Australia had decided to bring Dreamtime to Brisbane for the first time .
“ Hosting Dreamtime again demonstrates our new world city ’ s ability to attract key business events ,” Quirk said .
“ Dreamtime gives us the opportunity to showcase our vibrant hotels , venues , teambuilding offerings and leisure experiences to key global incentive decision-makers , who are responsible for bringing in large groups that support our tourism industry and broader visitor economy .”
Brisbane Marketing ’ s Convention Bureau general manager Rob Nelson also welcomed the decision .
“ Having been successful for a number of years in the highly competitive association conference sector , we want to increase awareness of Brisbane ’ s remarkable incentive products and experiences ,” he said .
“ I think the buyers and media attending Dreamtime will be pleasantly surprised and inspired by what Brisbane and our surrounding region have to offer .”
Dreamtime 2017 will be held from December 3 to 6 .
Sarawak secures more than 80 business events
In addition to marking its 10 th year anniversary in 2016 , Sarawak Convention Bureau and its partners secured 83 more business events – 59 bids won and 24 bids supported – which will take place between 2017 and 2020 .
Dubai wins record number of events in 2016
Dubai Business Events ( DBE ) has recorded 2016 as its most successful year to date , winning 129 bids and proposals for upcoming conferences , meetings and incentive trips . The number of future business events secured by DBE increased by 79 per cent in 2016 , in comparison to 2015 .
Prague to host ICCA Congress
Czech capital Prague will welcome meetings professionals from all over the world for the 56 th Congress of the International Congress and Convention Association ( ICCA ) on November 12-15 2017 .
Madrid to join BestCities Global Alliance
Spain ’ s Madrid is set to join the BestCities Global Alliance becoming the organisation ’ s 12 th member . Madrid Convention Bureau is expected to become a full partner in the first half of this year .
www . cimmagazine . com Convention & Incentive Marketing , Issue 1 , 2017 7