The congress industry need creativity and adaptation to the new changes in demand and offer

During the two days of the first international congress seminar held in gijon, various experts coincided in their views about the need to adapt to new demands and to promote the public-private sectors collaboration.

Rob Davidson, professor in Tourism and Business Travel in the Westminister University in London underlined the importance of the implications of politicans and communication media, even though they may not be truly aware of what the business meetings represent in the local economy and employment.

With respect to the changes in offer and demand, the General Director of Ultramar Express, Delfi Torns, indicated that 10 years ago, 93% of the business is centred in traditional destinations and 7% in emerging destinations. Today, 43% are centred in emerging destinations and only 57% of the tradicional ones. On the other hand, the current client profile is one that looks for innovation, differentiation and in a competitive market, companies want to organise the best events in their sector. The main problem is, according to the Director of Global Events, Joaquin Sagues, in the creativity is undervalued. There is a need to put value and qualify creativity and sophistication so that the market can mature.

The main disagreement point during the round table discussion was on the analysis of the role of low-cost airlines. Gabriela Rembado from the tourism studies institute, (Instituto de Estudios Turísticos), brought a series of data to show the clear growth of the demand for low-cost airlines by the congress sector. However, there is a 20% growth in 2006.

Alfonso Cienfuegos from Suzuki Spain, commented on the lack of interest on these airlines among professionals when it comes to organising the transportation of the events and that service quality and comfort are also important.

In closing the seminal, the General Director of Turespaña, Felix Larrosa, announced that he will reorganise the congreso area of Turespaña due to its growth. In 2007, Spain will be present in 10 international trade shows to promote the country as a destination for congresses. In 2006, 1.3 million Euros, a 5% more than the previous year, was spent. According to Felix Larrosa, internacional congresses in Spain generated 675 million Euros, 165 Euros per person per day against 90 Euros from a tradicional tourist.