New Zealand is the most popular international destination for meetings, events and conferences for Aussies while Sydney has snagged the top spot for domestic MICE get-togethers, according to the latest FCM Meetings & Events insights.
FCM data showed Aotearoa took out the top spot for international MICE destinations followed by the UK, Fiji, Singapore and Indonesia.
Corporate Traveller also reported a 108 per cent rise in corporate travel bookings to Singapore among Aussie small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in the first quarter of 2023.
For domestic corporate meetings, events and conferences, Sydney leads Melbourne followed by Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane in the top five.
FCM Meetings & Events General Manager Simone Seiler said the first five months of 2023 had already shown how businesses have changed in terms of meetings, events, and conferences.
While the most desired international destinations have shifted back to pre-pandemic favourites, she noted a shakeup in domestic host cities.
“Interestingly, our data shows the traditional domestic ‘Golden Triangle’ of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane has shifted for meetings, events, and conferences in 2023 with Adelaide and Perth flying in ahead of Brisbane,” Ms Seiler said.
She also said the demand for engagement since restrictions lifted is encouraging for corporate travel.
“It’s also telling that rather than cancel meetings and events, corporates looked to alternative destinations and venues last year that went against the norm – it really shows that after being apart for so long, people were desperate to get back to networking in person,” Ms Seiler said.
“With budgets ready and no concerns about interruptions or cancellations, corporates are booking events throughout 2023 and 2024. Significantly more events are being planned for than in 2019, with the true value of in-person interaction coming back into focus by force.”
To read the full report, visit here.
