This section called MAXinterviews aims to inform through experts of the sector. With only 4 questions and answers, we are trying to discover what is happening in the tourism industry emphasizing in the MICE segment and Spain.
Would you like to know more about Costa del Sol as an Incentive destination? Then you should take a look at our interview with Renée Kachler, who is the director of the Costa del Sol Convention Bureau. We hope you enjoy it!
According to your opinion, what are the strengths of Costa del Sol as a MICE destination?
Definitely, the existing harmony between the management of public and private institutions. It is only from this conciliation that the other strengths are understood. Variety and quality of our facilities throughout the province of Malaga; the magnificent connectivity of the entire province, or the extraordinary hotel offer and capacity to accommodate any profile of professionals who attend congresses or meetings at Costa del Sol.
What actions has Costa del Sol CB made in the last three years to attract more business?
Costa del Sol does not cease to promote the destination as a reference to the MICE sector. Through Costa del Sol Convention Bureau, we are very active in the organization of presstrips, inviting specialized professionals of communication, so they know the variety of congresses in the province of Malaga. We operate in the same way in famtrips, where the different agencies or even the same companies can experiment the multiple possibilities of a very complete destination.
At the same time, Costa del Sol is present in important tradefairs and events with focus in MICE tourism. Our efforts in increasing the visibility and the promotional actions have obtained results.
What are the main values of Costa del Sol to attract people from the MICE Industry?
It is its capacity as a multidisciplinary destination. The MICE tourist also needs time to disconnect; so they don’t question the exclusive closure in a hotel or conference hall. And in that way, Costa del Sol has an advantage over many competitors.
The possibilities of leisure, culture, golf, shopping, interaction with nature or the sea make Costa del Sol as destination an unbeatable option for the congress and meeting segment; and they also become decisive factors for the incentive trips that companies organize for their employees.
What does the Scandinavian market represent for the tourism of your destination?
We see this market with great interest. We feel that the Costa del Sol is highly desired by the Scandinavian market. Without going into further detail, I will tell you that last May, hotel travelers increased in the cases of Finland and Sweden, compared to the same month of the previous year: 79% and 60% of growth speak of the increasing interest that the province of Malaga awakens in these markets. In the case of Norway, although there has been a decrease of almost 7% in this month, so far the figure is still positive this year, growing by 6% compared to the period January-May 2016.
