MICE in a favorite destination

M. Fathurrozi , Contributor , Denpasar | Thu, 05/15/2008 12:35 PM | Supplement

MICE stands for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions but it can also have a very broad meaning. Indeed, MICE activities cover all activities and events related to seminars, workshops, conferences, exhibitions and group incentives.

A meeting is just one of the MICE products. This activity may be a management meeting, a shareholders meeting, a national or regional level sales meeting, the launch of a new product, etc. This activity usually takes place in a hotel or a resort with supporting facilities and services such as audio-video, presentation equipment and translation equipment. Guests usually spend a night and not infrequently do they partake in an outdoor activity such as an outbound program.

An incentive is a reward that a company gives to high-achieving employees. One of the forms of an incentive is a tour that is as unique and as interesting as possible so that the employees will feel very pleased with the achievements they have made. It is group incentives, large and small, that have enlivened the MICE industry.

The next product of MICE is the convention. This can be organized at a local, regional, national or international level. In the MICE business, a company usually handles the organization of this activity. This is a professional congress organizer (PCO). A PCO can act as the organizer and also as a consultant for jobs done before, during and after a convention.

The services it renders include work planning, finance, the venue of the event, public relations, promotion, marketing communications, registration, accommodation, social programs, presentation, finding a sponsor, hiring translators, a secretary, an administrator, security, exhibitions, transportation, documentation and speakers.

A MICE product of no less importance is an exhibition. An exhibition can also be referred to as a trade show or an expo. An expo can be part of an event, such as a congress or a conference. When an expo is part of an event, the organizer can enjoy a side benefit by selling booths and therefore reduce its costs.

In developed countries, MICE is a main driver of tourism and at the same time brings in larger foreign exchange earnings and can attract many visitors. This is actually what should also be happening in Indonesia. For the ASEAN or even Asian scale, people may turn to Singapore, but Indonesia has as much potential as Singapore to host MICE events. Indeed, in terms of skill and professionalism, and support from the government, we still have a lot to learn from Singapore.

So far the Indonesian government has named 10 cities in Indonesia as MICE destinations. One of these places is Bali. Indeed, Bali enjoys a unique position in the tourist industry, including for MICE. Not only do foreign incentive groups regularly travel to Bali but also domestic groups, such as insurance companies, as a reward for high-achieving employees.

Bali is well-known worldwide as a favorite destination. Of all the factors that influence Bali, this province cannot be separated from its cultural uniqueness. Some people say Bali is famous forAs long as this "soul" is well maintained, Bali will continue to thrive. In fact, theof Bali is its culture, which is deeply rooted in Hinduism. Observation will show that everything that the Balinese do was originally dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, or god in the Hindu belief. They strive to create their best work for their god. That's why various captivating works have come into being in the form of buildings, temples, paintings, carvings, literature and all the paraphernalia for an offering.

We may see the beauty and grandeur of a number of buildings related to the kingdoms in Bali such as In Puri (Palace) Kerambitan, Puri Mengwi, Puri Gianyar, Taman Ujung and others. Other well-known spots are Pura (Temple) Besakih, Tanah Lot and Uluwatu. Other things that come to mind when we hear the name of Bali is its beautiful dance, paintings, wooden and stone carvings. There are also offerings at temples, which can be seen almost every day in various places. The Balinese walk in a procession to the temple. Donning traditional costume, these people carry offerings and ritual trappings, accompanied by gamelan music. All this has made Bali really beautiful and attractive.

What about the infrastructure for MICE? Bali continues to revamp itself to give the best service for the organization of MICE on a large, medium or small scale. Nusa Dua in South Bali is the most popular place for MICE events of a large scale. Besides having adequate facilities, Nusa Dua is a beautiful place on the coast.

A prestigious event that proceeded smoothly in Nusa Dua late last year was the United Nations for Climate Change Conference, an event attended by some 10,000 delegates. This event was centered at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), which can accommodate up to 5,000 people, and was supported by over 10 five-star hotels around it.

Nusa Dua was chosen also because of its comprehensive security system. Security checks began from the three main gates into the area. Then before someone entered each hotel area, there was another security check.

For MICE events of a medium and small scale in Bali, there are also many other locations and venues at prices ranging from low to very high. They include Jimbaran, Ungasan, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Kerobokan, Ubud, Karangasem and Lovina. All these places are good for MICE events but have different things to offer. In other words, Bali is a great place to hold a MICE event of any cost and style.

Another thing that is usually admired by guests to Bali is the hospitality shown by the local community. This is one of its advantages because compared with the people in other countries, the Balinese are more hospitable, smile more often and are more concerned about their fellow human beings. This advantage must certainly be supported by improved working capability.

A number of tourism schools of higher learning in Bali also play a role as they produce professional personnel. Also playing a role in this respect are the training sessions organized by a number of MICE associations such as SIPCO and the Indonesia Conference and Convention Association (INCCA).

As has been referred to earlier, in terms of quality and quantity, the infrastructure and facilities in Bali are more than sufficient. Therefore, Bali can compete well with neighboring or other countries. What distinguishes Bali from the other places is that itsmakes this place alive and captivating.

Access to Bali from foreign countries is relatively easy although it must continue to be improved. There are at least 19 international flights and 10 direct domestic flights to Bali. International flights transit in a number of cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, Osaka, Tokyo and Guam. In addition, Bali is also accessible from sea and overland. Thus it is quite easy for MICE participants or delegates to go to Bali.

In the meantime, support from the government for tourism in general and for MICE tourism in particular is also increasing. This is evident from the introduction of Visit Indonesia Year 2008 and the establishment of the MICE Directorate at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The writer is a MICE professional.

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