NASSAU, BAHAMAS – During the first week of June, thirty international incentive travel partners received the opportunity to experience The Bahamas firsthand as they participated in the inaugural destination Bahamas Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events Conference, commonly referred to as MICE.
The conference was held at Baha Mar and was hosted by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. The event was led by Janet Johnson-Cuffi, Tourism’s Director of Group Sales, North America.
According to Ministry of Tourism officials, the MICE market accounts for nearly 40 percent of overall Bahamas tourism business. And as The Bahamas’ dynamic marketing campaign continues to heighten awareness of the destination brand, tourism officials are hopeful that international visitor arrival numbers will continue to climb through the end of 2019 and beyond.
“It’s really great to have these MICE planners come down and experience what we have to offer,” said Tourism’s Deputy Director General Ellison “Tommy” Thompson.
“It’s important to create partnerships with professionals within this niche market; to not only showcase what The Bahamas has to offer, but to collaborate and produce innovative ideas on how they can better service clients and go beyond their expectations.”
Conference participant, Vanessa Grant, Owner of Manifest Site Selection and Event Services in Orlando, Florida, said “One of the main reasons I came to this particular event is because we have customers that are very interested in the destination. The Bahamas is getting a lot of positive press and it’s a very exciting time for the islands.”
The objective of the Destination Bahamas MICE Exchange Conference is to create a forum that will deliver a memorable, educational and inspirational experience for attendees.
“The success of this event will be the driving force for many more such meetings. We are determined to showcase globally that everything is truly better in The Bahamas,” Cuffie said.