Half Moon showcases MICE capability

Resort hosts international travel and meeting consultants to experience facilities and get a taste of Jamaica as a business destination

 
It was a convergence of travel consultants, meeting planners and corporate clients at Half Moon, Rose Hall to get a taste of Jamaica beyond the sea, sun and the sand; it was the showcasing of the business side of the predominantly leisure destination.

“This is the second year we are organising this event,” informed Sharon Logan, associate director of group sales at Half Moon Bay Ltd. “It is the best opportunity to showcase Jamaica’s capacity and facilities as a business destination.”

The five-day showcase, ranged from acclimatizing the participants with the offerings of the property and highlighting the island’s tourist attractions.
 

“We wanted the guests to see what Jamaica has to offer as a business destination, from local cuisine, team building exercises and the overall experience,” said Logan.

Half Moon, Rose Hall, which is spread over 400 acres, has a choice of 398 unique accommodations, numerous recreational facilities, shopping village, varied cuisine, and a conference centre. Logan informed that currently 70 to 75 per cent of the business comes from leisure travel, while the remainder 25 to 30 per cent is MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and weddings.

MICE MARKET

It is the lucrative MICE travel share of the pie that Half Moon expects to get a share of; according to statistics, MICE travel accounts for 15 per cent of the 880 million travellers worldwide.

 “It is a mindset (of leisure) that Jamaica has to address to,” said Ed Simon, regional vice president, mid Atlantic region and international of Associated Luxury Hotels, Washington DC. “Puerto Rico and Costa Rica appeal to the business travellers in the US.”

Simon, whose company does group sales, said that the resort had the appeal which could attract the business clientele. “The property is phenomenal and just five minutes from the airport, which is a big time saver; also the golf course and spa facilities are key pull factors.”

The visitors were all praises about the resort, but highlighted some pertinent issues, which they felt needed to be addressed, at a round table discussion last week Wednesday. 

“The experience for the visitor starts the moment they land, and one would love to see consistency in service standards,” commented Chanda Lewis, Owner, Planning Consultant, Loka Luxury Meetings and Retreats, Orlando, Florida.

With the increase in the airfare to Caribbean from the United Kingdom, the viability of flying groups from Europe would be not be economical, opined Hoeksma Benjamin, Business Development Manager, Carlson Wagonlit Travel Meetings & Events, “The numbers are here but the spend is not there, and specially with the ease of reaching destinations like Dubai from Europe, pricing is key and critical”.

BUSINESS TRAVEL

Companies in the United States spend US$229 billion on overall travel, MICE accounts for $23 billion or 10 per cent of the travel business. According to Jamaica Tourist Board, six per cent of Jamaica’s 1.8 million visitors are for business travel.

Logan explained that all the all the inputs from the participants were being collated and would be addressed, “it is a learning experience for us and this input is very valuable,” she said.

“It is the long haul we are looking for,” Logan said, exuding optimism. “We expect business coming in the next couple of years.”

amitabh.sharma@hotmail.com