This is probably not the best time to feature Armenia as a travel destination given the current Covid-19 situation, but Armenia does have its beauty, legends and fascinating history. While there is potential for international meetings and incentive travel in Armenia, limitations in accessibility and its sometimes tense relationship with its neighbouring countries are obstacles for MICE organisers.

At the recent Asian MICE Cruise Conference held in-conjunction with IT&CMA 2019, the speakers discussed the viability of organising MICE events on a cruise ship. Some of the key benefits highlighted by the speakers at the conference include:

• All-in-one venue (conference, F&B, team-building, entertainment);
• All-inclusive package for accommodation, meeting, food, beverage, live performances and activities;
• Captive audience as delegates will not be distracted by shopping or other attractions as compared to events in a land destination;
• Savings on land transport time and costs;
• Less logistic hassle in managing different suppliers;
• Costs on board is consistent as compared to land event, where costs in one city may vary widely with costs in another city;
• Overall cost savings of about 30% when MICE event is held on board a ship as compared to an event on land.

However, the “MICE” most cruise operators refer to is incentive groups. The main objective of incentive travel is to create fun for the employees and cultivate loyalty to the company. Hence it is not difficult to see how the wine, dine and entertainment on a cruise would be perfect for incentive groups. But how about more serious meeting, conference and exhibition. How many percent of a cruise ship is really purpose-built for MICE? MICEreview went on-board the Genting Dream Cruise for a six-days-five-nights experience to find out.

Driving from Bangkok to Hua Hin is a good three to four-hour's journey. Passengers will need some rest stops along the way. For corporate incentive groups, it will be more beneficial if some of these stops can be developed into destinations for team building or CSR activities. This presents a great opportunity for the rural communities to create new attractions on their property along the journey, and hence benefit from Thailand’s MICE boom. Relevant government agencies should work closely with these community enterprises and charitable organisations to upgrade basic amenities and to better understand the needs of MICE visitors. Here are some rural attractions between Bangkok and Hua Hin:

ICONSIAM is a landmark development on the Chao Phraya riverside opposite the Shangri-la Hotel, Bangkok.  A luxury mega mall reminiscent of Dubai City Mall...it even comes with a multimedia river water show as what you would find in Dubai. A key distinctive feature within ICONSIAM is SookSiam, an area dedicated to present the cultures of the five main regions in Thailand in five large pavilions. Visitors can see replicas of each region’s architectural style, as well as try delicacies and buy handicrafts from each culture all under one roof. It is an area so expansive that meeting planners can organise treasure hunt or other team-building exercises for corporate groups. ​