The Taiwan MICE Advancement Program under the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), in conjunction with the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, set up a Taiwan pavilion at the 2009 "Global Meetings & Incentives Exhibition" (EIBTM) to showcase the island as the new MICE destination in Asia.
Taiwan's MICE brand "MEET TAIWAN" and the image of the overall industry were promoted through the Taiwan pavilion, which presented the beautiful island as an incentive and business travel destination, attracting enquiries from many foreign buyers and media. By attending EIBTM, the Taiwan MICE Advancement Program was able to present foreign buyers with a deeper understanding of Taiwan's efforts in becoming Asia's new MICE destination.
The Taiwan pavilion presented the beautiful island as an incentive and business travel destination at EIBTM 2009. The design focused on the MEET TAIWAN image, tourist attractions and resources. Apart from being a popular sourcing destination for its MICE visitors, Taiwan is also emerging as a new international MICE player with its extensive development of MICE facilities and natural attractions. Moreover, Taiwan successfully demonstrated at the event and to conference organizers that it is committed to developing its business travel and MICE industry and is now well suited to host various kinds of MICE activities.
To increase the international exposure of Taiwan, the BOFT and the Tourism Bureau held a joint media briefing during the show to introduce Taiwan's MICE industry and the attractions of Taiwan to the international press; the members of the press responded enthusiastically during the press conference by expressing their opinions and asking questions. A UK reporter shared his opinion that while Taiwan presents a new option in the Asia-Pacific region for international buyers, he wondered how Taiwan was going to compete with those countries that promote aggressively worldwide. A few press members inquired about the visa process, the convenience of the public transport system, availability and price of accommodations, international promotions, etc.-factors that are essential for the development of the MICE industry. All these concerns were addressed during the press conference. It was explained that these were the very same things that the Taiwan government had been focusing on for the past years, with impressive results.
Taiwan has many factors working in its favor in becoming one of the heavyweights of the Asia- Pacific MICE industry, such as advanced communication infrastructures, inexpensive hotel rates, high quality and diverse food selection, proficient MICE professionals, a diversified geography offering a multitude of pleasure options, and industrial excellence. By participating in this year's EIBTM, BOFT was able to introduce Taiwan's unique MICE environment and advantages to international buyers, relevant public associations and media. It will continue to promote Taiwan's MICE presence in all the major international MICE events next year in order to communicate with international buyers and increase Taiwan's image as a new MICE destination in Asia.
more information: http://www.meettaiwan.com
