Spain is the third most popular destination for MICE tourism in the world, leading the way largely thanks to its two largest cities Madrid and Barcelona. The reason for this rank as a global MICE destination? Numbers for Spain’s MICE industry say it all: business tourism represents 15% of global tourism to the country. The benefits of MICE tourism are evidently significant to Spain.
MICE tourism played a fundamental role in the recovery of Spain’s economic activity after the 2008 crisis. This recovery, coupled with the increasing influence of foreign investors in the country, helped increase business travels to Spain by 17.5%. There are a number of reasons to organise your congresses or meetings in Spain – and not all of them are related to the country’s great climate!
Spain’s strong points for MICE Tourism
First of all, Spain boasts a large number of attractive venues and spaces available for any type of congress or corporate event of all sizes. The most famous ones include Madrid’s IFEMA Exhibition and Congress Centre, Barcelona’s CCIB Congress Centre, Seville’s FIBES Conference and Exhibition Centre, Bilbao’s BEC Centre, and more.
Secondly, Spain has a strong circuit of hotels and alternative accommodation (over 16,000) intended for MICE tourism. Hotels are increasingly offering high quality and modern spaces to organise any type of professional event for Spain’s MICE industry. Hotels and accommodation that are destined precisely for the industry, and that offer all the facilities and more that MICE organisers may need for their events throughout the year.
Accessibility is also a strong point for MICE tourism in Spain. For national travel, the country is well connected with train and bus routes as well as a vast motorway system. Spain also counts over 30 airports which provide a number of air routes across the country. Its international airports receive air traffic from most parts of the world, and as the opportunities for international leisure and business tourism increase, so do Spain’s airports develop and new international routes open.
Ideal Destinations for MICE tourism
According to Coloriala.com, “Madrid positions itself as a worldwide reference for business tourism. In 2017, the capital is already confirmed to host seven large international congresses set to generate over 700,000 overnight stays and a direct expenditure of one hundred and eighty million euros”.
Figures related to the hosting of large corporate events in Spain are on a constant increase, leaving a positive economic impact for the country and boosting its brand image particularly for MICE tourism. The famous events IBTM, Mobile World Congress, and FITUR are just three examples of large international events. They generated great profits for the country and welcomed thousands of tourists to the wonders of Spain.
But Madrid isn’t the only city capable of hosting great events. The Spanish coasts as well as the whole of Andalusia also offer a number of opportunities. And MICE tourism is steadily growing in those areas.
Other ideals Destinations for MICE tourism
In Andalusia, the MICE industry and incentive events are thriving like MICE Events in Seville. The history and the culture of Andalusia’s cities offer attractive opportunities. This help the MICE industry to develop across the province. Take Seville for instance, with its imposing Cathedral and Alcázar, its rich culture, and its proximity to the sea.
Or Malaga, another great destination for MICE tourism. It offers various possibilities to live unique experiences. As well as visit its wonderful nature reserves and its historical monuments, without forgetting its beaches. Take Cordoba too and its delightful Mozarabe culture. Just three of the cities that are the reason than Andalusia is increasingly becoming one of Spain’s top destinations for MICE travel.
Last but not least, we need to mention the great city of Barcelona. A city currently experiencing its golden days with regards to tourism and events, and most notably in the MICE sector. It remains the capital for many corporate and technological events.
MICE tourism plays an important role in Spain’s economy. To the point where most Spanish cities have decided to implement a strategy towards MICE tourism. In the hope of drawing in larger numbers of MICE events and tourists. At Es.cultura Eventos, we know first-hand all the measures taken by Spain’s cities to attract MICE tourism.
Contact Es.cultura Events
We offer our services to a number of DMC in Spain and other agencies for all types of team building in Spain or for your incentive travel to Spain.
CONTACT US for more information on the event production services that we offer.
