The survey by TMF shows Spanish C&I market organising more events in Europe

The results of the survey by Travel Marketing Factory GMBH, published last December, show that more than 85% of MICE agencies and 94% of corporate planners report steady or increasing business for 2005 in the organisation of events in Europe.

60 MICE agencies and 17 corporate planners/associations took part in the 2005 TMF poll. The survey concentrates on the buying patterns of the Spanish C&I market regarding corporate events such as meetings, incentives, congresses and product launches organized elsewhere in Europe.

The main part of the business of both groups is still concentrated in Spain (MICE agencies: 63%, corporates: 69%) with about 20% of the outbound business going to other European destinations (MICE agencies: 20%, corporates: 18%) and 16% (MICE agencies) respectively 13% (corporates) going overseas.

In terms of support for event organization, the corporate planners mainly work together with tour operators and agencies regarding events abroad. Convention bureaus and tourist boards (MICE agencies: 21%, corporates: 23%) also play an important role when it comes to assist planners when organizing an event. The colaboration with DMCs (Destination Management Companies) is second priority for agencies and is not common among larger companies.

Apart for December, July and August, events are equally spread over the year, making the Spanish C&I market more flexible than other European markets. This gives tourist boards and convention bureaus the possibility to promote special low season offers in this market.
When it comes to taking a decision on the destination for a corporate event, both participating groups of the poll name personal experience as one of their main sources of information. What further more counts for them are the infrastructure of a destination, professional services, good value-for-money, easy access, gastronomy and political security.