The Philippines’ MICE Roadmap 2030, which laid down the strategies to position the country as a desirable business events destination in Asia and the Middle East within the decade, will be updated taking into account the impact of the global pandemic.
Raquel Tria, acting MICE head, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), said the update should include a Covid-19 impact assessment on, and inclusion of, proposed measures on Covid-19 responses and recovery for Philippine MICE stakeholders.
The updated version should assess the feasibility and relevance of the Roadmap targets, re-identify targets for each of the four segments (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions), and update the statistical data and pertinent information,” Tria shared with TTGmice.
First unveiled in 2018, the MICE Roadmap 2030 is a comprehensive 10-year programme that prioritises the expansion of economic opportunities from MICE, as well as strengthens Philippines’ global competitiveness. It was initiated by PACEOS (Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers) in partnership with the Department of Tourism, its marketing arm TPB, and the Department of Trade and Industry.
TTGmice understands that PACEOS’ members agree that it is necessary to update the Roadmap, and will be meeting to discuss the issue.
PACEOS’ board member Orly Ballesteros said: “The pandemic brought to a halt the growth of MICE in the country. At the same time, the change in the MICE landscape (which saw the incorporation of) digital is another critical area that must be discussed in the recalibration.”
“The government should allot additional resources to the marketing and revival of the tourism sector. The strategic recalibration will be critical as we face a new world in the tourism industry, a world where health and safety, and sustainability, are the main (drivers that will help us reclaim the) growth momentum that we have experienced before pandemic,” Ballesteros added.
