Pacific WorldDestination

Index

SOUTH KOREA

HONG KONG

INDONESIA

ITALYFRANCE

UAE

TOP DESTINATIONS

EMEA DESTINATIONS ASIA DESTINATIONS

ITALY

UAE

FRANCE

0 100 200 300 350

SOUTH KOREA

INDONESIA

HONG KONG

0 100 200 300 400

TOP3 TOP3

Special Report: 2014 Most Popular Destinations & A View of 2015

Analysis based on requests into more than 80 destinations and 60,000 annual international delegates. The equation is designed to absorb factors like seasonality by incorporating a three-month rolling average andyear-on-year comparisons, growth and group size. Pacific World also scans the destinations monthly, looking at recent changes in country/city image; new flights and accessibility; major events; buzz about new hotels/infrastructure; political, economic and currency movements; and which event types they are seeing requests from.

* PACIFIC WORLD INDEX

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1

2

3

1

2

3

ASIA

EMEA

China

Indochina

Thailand

India

Indonesia

Singapore

Hong Kong

South Korea

Singapore

France

Spain

UK

Italy

Portugal

UAE

Italy

Monaco

South Africa

Hong Kong

Indochina

China

South Korea

Indonesia

Hong Kong

South Korea

Indochina

China

South Korea

Singapore

China

South Korea

China

Singapore

Indonesia

China

Singapore

Thailand

Malaysia

Hong Kong

Indonesia

Malaysia

China

Hong Kong

India

Indonesia

South Africa

Portugal

Monaco

Italy

Monaco

UAE

Italy

Spain

Greece

Monaco

Italy

UK

France

UAE

Portugal

France

Portugal

UAE

Italy

France

UK

Portugal

Monaco

UK

Greece

UK

Italy

DESTINATIONS TRENDSTOP 12 TRENDS IN THE TOP MICE DESTINATIONS

Pacific WorldDestination

Index

VISAThe immigration policies andand VISA requirements arestill a strong a decisive factorwhen choosing a destination.VISA free destinations are alwayspreferred.

Accesibility: Flights & trainsGood connections & new routes bolstered by the promotional campaigns that airlines ran in key markets positively affected MICE travel.Strategic movements have been key in 2014 for TOP destinations: such asETIHAD – ALITALIA partnership offering new perspective for Middle East in Italy and Hong Kong’s frequent adjustments for flight schedules and air routes between HK and any destination.

Reinventing the destinationsTOP destinations have been able to reinventthemselves taking advantage of the their culturaland natural heritage & investing in new/trendy/modern structures. Ancient and new – destinations offering a combo of historic and state of the art venues and hotels are the most demanded.

Destination Clichés: Image mattersPreconceived images of a destination andhow it fits the meeting, incentive or eventgoals & values of the host company still playan important role in city selection. Conventions Bureaus, tourism institutionsbut also DMCs play an important rolehelping to transmit, influence or change theperception of a destination.

International Hotels Chains investment generating trust

The opening of new internationalwell-known brand hotels in the destinations generates trust and interest for a destination. These investments are seen as a sign of confidence : if an international chain is investing in new hotels in a hiddencity in China there must bepotential and something attractivenot just for the leisure but also for the MICE industry.

Strategically located International Companies HeadquarterImportant international companies have their Headquarters orfactories in a majority of the TOP destinations in the Index,influencing positively the development of the MICE business.Visits to factories combined with conventions and meetings areoften demanded especially among leading Asian cities.

Compliances and Corporate Governance: International clients are increasingly requesting suppliers to offer guarantees in the areas of Corporate Governance and Compliance.

Big events and world famous figures helping to generate interest

Big international events contribute in generatinga buzz, a sense attraction for specificdestinations. Events such as the F1, internationalpolitic meetings with world leaders, big interna-tional congresses and visits by world famous figures as the Pope in Rome or Nelson Mandela in South Africa, generate excitement. This year’s EXPO Milan has put Italy in the spotlight, contributing to growth of the MICE business.

Crisis Management: SecurityPolitical crisis represented challenges but also opportunities for destinations last year. The ability of the key MICE players (DMCS, hotel chains, airlines,etc) to manage a political and/or economic crisis, keeping fluent and transparentcommunication with customers helped avoid a negative impact to thebusiness: Hong Kong had a wonderful year despite the political situation.

Tcehnology & Social Media at MICE ProgramsThe introduction of technology at conventional cocktail events andincentives remains an outstanding account. Clients show interest for newtechnologies to enhance their programs but still conservative whenmaking a decision. Ipads, smartphones are already present in the incen-tives proposal sent and confirmed by clients as this still have been aroundduring years already.The integration of Social Media is not yet consolidated and common onthe programs.

Venues: Symbol of a destinationBreathtaking landmark venues that symbolize thedestination but which are exclusive and not open to the public are capturing the imagination of event planners. In Bali or South Korea guests might be treated to a themed dinner in an exclusive private temple not open to the public whilst in Dubai luxury and exclusive venues at the top of Burj Khalifa or trendy ones such as Armani Hotel are highly coveted. In Italy, planners can opt for locations like Cinecittá Film Studios which symbolize one of the most important cultural expressions of Italian culture: the cinema.

High-end activities are backInterest in high end exclusive activities Is back and growing especiallyat destinations that fit thestereotype of luxury asDubai and Abu Dhabi.

TOP DESTINATIONITALY

TRENDY AND NEW IN ITALY

NEW congress center: Opening of “Cloud”

NEW venue: Aquarium, one of the biggest in Europe, large spaces for meetings and gala events - Opening June 1stRenovation of “Luneur”, the ancient Park in the city with the Big Wheel.

NEW hotels: Indigo Rome – St George (the first Indigo in Italy) 5* – Gran Melià 5* - Palazzo Montemartini 5* - Hotel Eden 5* rebranded in Dorches-ter Hotel – Starhotels Michelangelo 4* and A.Rome 4*

Middle EastFar East

North & South America

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Aggressive investment in new hotels in Rome (7% new hotels) and Milan (5%)

the last 2 years,

New luxury venues

STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS

Etihad-Alitalia transaction attracts Middle and Far East markets

Fast train connection from/to Milan has been increased by additional departures for 2015, considering

EXPO2015

Pacific WorldDestination

Index

ITALYTOP

DESTINATION

“Great visibility thanks to important eventscelebrated in Italy during the last year: TheInternational Conference on Nutrition(FAO world headquarters are located inRome) and World Summit of Nobel Peaceheld in December. The Pope and thevisit of important world leaders catches theattention of visitors all year round.Arabian market still one of the mostimportant for incentives and congress dueto Etihad and Alitalia strategic movements.The upcoming EXPO is starting to increasethe interest and the amount the requests ofMICE programs into Milan and the neigh-boring area. End of crisis and recent government stability also influenced positively the growth of the business”.

Emanuele PinnaDestination Manager Italy

WHAT WE SAYDestination Manager Comments

RomeIncentives Meetings Sport Events

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NEW

Conventional but reinvented venues & activities: Cooking class, wine tasting and gastronomic activities with a creative twist.

Most demanded venue: Cinecittà Film Studios (Ancient Rome set)

POPULAR IN ITALY

Medicine - Healthcare Pharma

Finance-Accounts

TOP DESTINATIONUNITED ARAB EMIRATES

TRENDY AND NEW IN DUBAI

Dubai Tram!Four Seasons JumeirahFour Seasons Jumeirah, Sheraton Grand Sheikh Zayed road Hyatt Regency Dubai creek heights

EMIR

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A EXEMPTION

PASSPASS

IndiaUSA

Estern EuropeScandinavia

Benelux

Chicago, Oslo, Brussels, Oslo, Mumbai, Delhi, etc

13 eastern European countries: Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia,

the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria…

POPULAR IN DUBAICamel PoloHarley Davidson tours,

Experiences combining special modes of transportation (Limousines, helicopters,

sea planes etc)

Luxury and high end activities in Dubai.

Desert : the most demanded venue!Beachfront locations

Venues near Burj Khalifa are trendy!

Pacific WorldDestination

Index

UAEUnited Arab Emirates

TOPDESTINATION

“Dubai is an ever-changing city whichattracts a lot of repeaters due to the factthat there is something new all the time.The city and the key MICE players havebeen able to create and keep the interestfor the destination investing in newhotels and attractions, developing newproducts for incentives and meetings. By2020 Dubai is targeting 20 million touristsso the city development won’t stop.VISA exemptions and Emirates newroutes has generated a positive impact onthe MICE sector increasing groups fromEastern European countries and Indiaspecially. The interest for luxury and highend activities is back in the sector andDubai has a wide offer to seduce any typeof visitors ”.

Jestine AlfredDestination Manager Pacific World

WHAT WE SAYDestination Manager Comments

DubaiAbu Dhabi

UAE

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Incentives

Meetings

HIGHLIGHTS

Pharmaceutical

Automobile

TOP DESTINATIONFRANCE

TRENDY AND NEW IN FRANCE

USAUKAsia

Pacific WorldDestination

Index

“Paris is one of the most well connected citiesaround the world. Apart from that, the city has been investing in renovating iconic monuments that can now be used as venues for events. Associations which hold international congresses in the city find that attendance goes up by 20% on average, compared to other locations, which shows how strong the impact of the French capital is.New technologies and social media integration intothe events are not part of their MICE programs yet.The important of privacy and confidentiality duringthe events play an important role when plan ameeting. Venues that represent the destination arehighly demanded together with reinvented conventional teambuilding activities. More than create total brand-new experiences; the idea is add a creative twist with a touch of exclusiveness toalready known activities”.

Cecile DubeauDestination Manager France

WHAT WE SAYDestination Manager Comments

ParisStrasbourgLoire Valley

Incentives

Meetings

NEW Hotels Indigo Hotel 4* Pullman Tour Eiffel 4* MGgallery Molitor 5* Plaza Athénée 5* Hotels Entirely RenovatedMarriott Rive Gauche 4* entirely Peninsula Hotel 5* Bristol 5* -renovated,

NEW VenuesPotel & Chabot’s first dinning cruise boat (Le Pavillon Seine, 400 seats)

Reopening Restaurants: La Gare (400 seats)Train Bleu (250 seats)Eiffel Tower’s private room (140 seats)New shopping centre of 140 luxury brand outlet

VIP versions of traditional activities: Behind the scenes visits to Eiffel Tower, the Versailles Palace, the Opera House, etc. Traditional city visits or transfers including unusual ways to do it: 2CV vintage cars, lunch or dinner cruises Glass roof double decker bus-restaurant, Tuk-tuk Gastronomic experiences are popular: conventional and more creative excursions to food markets with food tasting tours or food market shopping with a chef.

WOW” venues which symbolize the destination are expected Most demanded venues in Paris: Eiffel Tower private room, The Louvre, Orsay museum, Versailles Palace , Opera House as they evoke history, culture and prestige.

TRADING PLATFORMBeyond the glamour, Paris isone of the world’s largest economic trading platforms, making it an excellent place to hold business.

CONNECTIONSOne of the best connected cities in Europe. Well served. Paris has daily connections with over 526 cities, attracting 13 million business travellers per year! PHARMA, AUTOMOBILE & it HEADQUARTERSBig headquarters located in Paris’ outskirts: Pharma firms (Bayer, Sanofi, Abbott, Baxter, etc), IT (Dell, HP, etc), Automobile (Peugeot, Renault) celebrating annual or investigators meetings in the Capital.

RENOVATIONS & NEW DEVELOPMENTS NEW Openings of a significant number of 4* and 5* hotels/ NEW Venues

NEW

FRANCE

TOPDESTINATION

POPULAR IN FRANCE Interest for traditional catering services and gastron-omy offer.

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Pharmaceutical

Automobile

IT

HIGHLIGHTS

TOP DESTINATIONSOUTH KOREA

PASSPASS

ChinaUSA

FLIGHTSNew budget direct flights from China to Jeju Island and Incheon AirportWide offer of direct flights from major cities in USA

VISAUSA visitors: No VISA for 1st 90daysSimplified VISA application process for Chinese: No visa to Jeju Island Russian visa-free increased Russian visitors by 22%

POPULAR IN SOUTH KOREAIncentives: Traditional Korean activities – Marshal arts, cooking, and rice wine tasting

About MICE Programs: Unique and authentic programs to attract ‘been there, done that’ audience

Venues for events: Authentic Korean locations Ultra modern sleek ambience.Museums, Palaces and Private Residences owned by the rich and famous.

Pacific WorldDestination

Index

“Great and creative destination promotional campaigns have helped to overcome the North Korea threat related issues from the previous years that had affected tourism drastically. The relation-ship became stable in 2014, thereby making the tourists feel attracted and safe to visit South Korea. The growth of the Chinese economy-middle class and the VISA facilities to access South Korea haveimpacted the overall tourism business.VISA Exemption for USA travelers, thewide offer of direct flights to Seoul andthe presence of Korean brands headquarters in the United Stated generated a growth of the MICE business from this market”.

Ej FieldhouseCountry Manager South Korea

WHAT WE SAYCountry Manager Comments

SeoulJeju Island

SOUTHKOREA

TOPDESTINATION

NEW Premium outlets in Yeoju, Paju, Icheon, Gwangmyeong, Gimhae and Busan attracting Chinese visitors.

NEW Hotels: Dongdaemun Design Plaza: A cutting-edge modern multicultural facility.

TRENDY AND NEW IN SOUTH KOREA

DESTINATION IMAGESeoul: a ‘Global city’ last year.4 major movements:Ranked 3rd international conference destination from UIA (Union of International Associations)Riding on K-wave: Seoul got the image of Entertourment (new words for combining entertainment and tour) city. Effective city branding images: ‘Imagine Your Korea’ (July 2014) & ‘Tour friendly city’ campaign to Chinese tourists with diverse events specialized just for them (September 2014).

AIRPLANE CRISISRecent airplane crisis in the Southeast Asia region (Malaysian Airlines), the number of visitors from Hong Kong and Taiwan coming into Korea has risen sharply. KOREAN BRANCHES IN USAConcentration of Korean Corporate branches and sales office in the major cities in USA influence positively the MICE business into South Korea.

Pharmaceutical

Energy

Finance/Banking

HIGHLIGHTS

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NEW

TOP DESTINATIONINDONESIA

MO

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E1USA

Asia PacificAustralia

Incentives

Corporate Meetings

TRENDY AND NEW IN INDONESIA

Pacific WorldDestination

Index

INDONESIA

TOPDESTINATION “After years of battling the negative impact

of the terrorist attack in 2005, Bali is finallybeing perceived as a safe destination nowwith heightened security measures put inplace by the Police and local people.Indonesia has enjoyed political andeconomic stability in the past years and weare seeing an amazing growth of theamount of incentives.In 2014, the political situation in Thailandhas generated an increase of last minuteMICE programs into the island: clients whohad to cancel their programs in Thailand wanted to move them to a destination offering similar quality in terms or hotel infrastructure, natural setting and services”.

SumadiyasaMICE Manager Indonesia

WHAT WE SAYMICE Manager Comments

Bali

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IT

Automotive

SECURITYWith heightened security measures put in place by the Police and local people, Bali is now one of the favourite destinations in South East Asia.

STRATEGIC EVENTS Rise of USA interest for Bali after the success of the Asia Pacific Summit in 2014 IMMERSIVE ACTIVITIESStrong interest to experience the culture and natural setting in a different way, as a local.

NEW international airport terminalNEW Road to connect the airport to the Nusa Dua and Sanur area.NEW Hotel: Ritz Carlton opened recently.

Catering services, Now trendy: Rajalaya service (Royal Balinese ceremony).

Popular incentives activities: Combination of culture and adventure teambuilding and CSR activities are popular.

Most requested: Hotels with beach access, close to the airport, preferable in Nusa Dua area, are highly in demand. Most demanded for events: Exclusive Heritage Sites: Taman Ayun Temple, Mengwi Palace and Rumah Bali to be transformed into unique venue for thematic events.

POPULAR IN INDONESIA HIGHLIGHTS

NEW

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TOP DESTINATIONHONG KONG

TRENDY AND NEW IN HONG KONG

ChinaFrance

Middle East

POPULAR IN HONG KONG

MEETINGSClients looking for special set up and

themes created for coffee breaks during meetings & conference.

Social media integration during break sessions to post their own personal

experiences.

EVENTSFor large events: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)

For high end events: The Sky 100 observa-tion deck on the 100th floor providing 360 degree view of the city and the Victoria Harbour. Chinese dim sum: signature food in Hong Kong and also the most popular in all MICE programs.

Pacific WorldDestination

Index

HONGKONG

TOPDESTINATION

“Clients today are looking for more than just seeing a destination and rely on us to help them take home an experience. Combining the Orient with touches of occidental culture, Hong Kong and it’s cosmopolitan atmosphere catch the atten-tion of any kind of corporate clients. We have seen an increase in clients looking for suppliers offering guarantees in the areas of Corporate Governance and Compliance. Hong Kong is often included as a WOW start or end of MICE programs going to or ending in China. The great connection with destinations in Southern China have created interest to explore secondary cities in combination with Hong Kong”.

Ivy SungDestination Manager Hong Kong

WHAT WE SAYDestination Manager Comments

Hong KongMacau

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NEW DEVELOPMENTSNEW Observation Wheel: great venue with stunning views of the city. NEW Hotels: Crowne Plaza Kowloon East - 5 stars property with high standard meeting/con-ference facilities.Ovolo: nice & cosy boutique style 3 stars hotel.Pottinger: Unique 4 stars hotel remodelled in the sytle of old Colonial Hong KongSheraton Hotel: Mega property recently opened, 3000+ sleeping rooms!

Meetings Incentives

CURRENCYHong Kong currency also offers good value versus many foreign currencies and so is increasingly attracting all International companies from all sectors looking to both host a memorable program and save costs.

CONNECTIVITYFrequent adjustments for flight schedules and adjusted air routes between our Hong Kong and any destinations.Easy access to Southern China destinations: Shenzhen (Train: 30mins), Guangzhou (Train: 1 hr 50 min), Sanya & Guilin (Flight: 1 hour). TAX FREE SYSTEMTAX fee system on almost all items providing great value as well as a shopping heaven for specific source markets looking to incorporate shopping in their incentives.

HIGHLIGHTS

Pharmaceutical

AutomobileIT

TAX

PASSPASS

NEW

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEPharma, IT, automotive sectors looking for local suppliers able to offer guarantees in the areas of Corporate Governance and Compliance.

VISA FREEFor almost all visitors.

INCENTIVESDragon Boat Racings, the most requested activityLocal events & festivities attracting international visitors. The Rugby World 7s, Chinese New Year, and Hong Kong Marathon. The Annual International Dragon Boat Racing combining special sports and festivities.Trendy activity! “The Amazing Race” operated using Ipads.Most requested: Venues with views of our Victoria Harbour & the city.Interest to explore unknown destinations (secondary cities) in China in combination with Hong Kong.

Pacific WorldDestination

Index