Semarang invests in MICE infrastructure

THE capital of Central Java is developing infrastructure to support its goal of becoming a MICE destination, with a convention centre among the first of several facilities to open.

The new Marina Convention Centre, slated for a July opening, can accommodate events with up to 5,000 people, while another venue is now on the drawing block of the regional government. The latter will be part of the 40-hectare Recreation and Development Centre near the airport. It will have capacity for 15,000 to 20,000 people, and is expected to be ready by 2016.

Currently, a toll road connecting Semarang and Solo – Central Java’s other future MICE city – is under construction.

Achmad Yani International Airport in Semarang will start work on a new terminal this year, while Tanjung Emas Seaport is being expanded to enable larger cruise ships with more than 2,000 passengers to dock.

Air access improvements will come in the form of a Singapore-Semarang flight by SilkAir. The thrice-weekly service will commence on July 29.

Central Java Tourism Office director, Prasetyo Aribowo, said: “We expect Semarang to have good MICE facilities and infrastructure within the next three years, enabling it to compete with neighbouring destinations.”

However, the concept of MICE is not unfamiliar among tourism players in Semarang. Hotels in the city have been drawing corporate meetings, and most of these properties are equipped with function rooms of various sizes.

According to Horison Semarang regional general manager, Benk Mintosih, corporate events contribute an average of 40-46 per cent of business for all hotels in Semarang.

Benk said: “The meetings segment is important for the city, especially during weekdays. We hope that both the Central Java and Semarang City governments will focus on further developing the MICE sector.”

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