Malaysian event groups opt for simpler programmes in Japan

Queenney Lew

The number of declared corporate incentive arrivals from Malaysia to Japan had grown by 50 per cent last year over 2015 to 12,615 visitors, according to data collected by Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) from Malaysian outbound travel agents, but industry players have observed simpler programmes being purchased by clients disabled by the weak ringgit.

Speaking to TTGmice during a JNTO travel incentive seminar in Kuala Lumpur last week, Jennifer Tan, director of AISC, said: “There is an increasing demand for three-star properties especially from small- and medium-sized enterprises. Another way organisers are (dealing with a smaller budget) is to offer a free day to delegates but giving them a food allowance for the day.”

Queenney Lew

Tan is based in Kuala Lumpur, but does sales and marketing for a Tokyo-headquartered DMC.

Queenney Lew, head of department, MICE, Apple Vacations & Conventions, agreed that aside from the downgrading of hotels, Malaysian organisers are reducing the number of nights. Previously, five-night trips used to be popular, and combined regions such as Honshu with Hokkaido.

Lew said: “But now we are getting requests for two or three nights, and to mono destinations such as Osaka or Tokyo only.”

To maximise client budgets, Lew watches out for “good offers from airlines” while taking groups out of the pricier main cities to interesting towns on the outskirts such as Hakone outside of Tokyo and Ineno Funaya outside of Honshu.

When asked about this, Japanese convention bureaux representatives at the seminar told TTGmice that special support programmes – such as hosting site inspections, meet and greet services at the airport, and complimentary entertainment during gala dinners – are available for budget-conscious companies hoping to take an event to Japan.

Susan Maria Ong, MICE director, Asia Pacific with JNTO, shared: “JNTO has recently compiled a subsidies support list, and it is on the japanmeetings.org website. Such support will defray the costs for organisers who are looking to hold an event in Japan.”

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