MICE is one of the most important sectors in the Costa del Sol. Have you ever stopped to think about what MICE events are and why they’re so important in destinations like the province of Malaga? Whether you answered yes or no, in this post we’re going to give you a little bit more information on the topic. Keep reading to discover more.
What is MICE? From events to tourism
MICE is an acronym standing for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. It is used to designate a type of tourism that revolves around events in the professional and cultural spheres, and the events sector in general.
The term business tourism is also used to refer to MICE. So what are the benefits of tourism on the MICE sector? Here are just a few:
- The seasons lose importance. The MICE sector promotes events all year round, and not just in peaks such as the traditional high season.
- The sector generates employment and wealth, feeding into the economy of other industries beyond MICE itself.
- It shines the spotlight on certain destinations, such as the Costa del Sol, which have the characteristics event organisers and attendees are looking for.
The types of MICE events taking place in the province of Malaga
So now you know what MICE stands for and what the sector is all about, how about taking a look at the event types that define the industry? Here are some of the most popular types of MICE events:
Trade fairs and exhibitions
Trade fairs and exhibitions, focusing on a specific area, constitute two of the most popular event types in the province of Malaga. Car shows, for instance, as well as food events draw in thousands of people to venues such as Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (FYCMA). At these events, different companies present their products and services over the course of several days. Exhibitions, on the other hand, can be commercial affairs, though this does not tend to be their main aim. They usually include cultural and fun events. And there are plenty going on in the province of Malaga.
Conferences and conventions
Conferences and conventions showcase the Costa del Sol’s MICE sector at its very best. According to figures from Asociación Internacional de Congresos y Convenciones (ICCA), conferences are a leading activity in Spain, which is itself one of the countries that hosts the most conferences each year.
Thanks to its avant-garde facilities and excellent air, land and sea connections, the Costa del Sol is a popular conference and convention destination. So what’s the difference between a conference and a convention? Though the terms are often confused, conferences tend to be public events revolving around a specific sector that anyone can attend if they want to. Conferences are ticketed events and last for several days. Conventions, on the other hand, are usually private and aim to share information and knowledge about the respective business segment.
Seminars and cultural events
One of the most democratic types of MICE events are cultural events. Seminars, cultural events and social gatherings are open to the general public and forge positive synergies that have repercussions on the economy. They therefore tend to be an interaction between different bodies, such as educational centres, specialists in certain subjects and attendees.
Incentive trips
In the MICE sector, tourism can also come in the shape of incentive trips. This new way of keeping employees motivated is becoming more and more popular among companies. The province of Malaga offers a wide range of incentive activities, from foodie get-togethers to adventure activities, relaxed events and even team building.
Venues like Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga, and many others, have jam-packed programmes of events focusing on all sorts of different subjects. So mark all the MICE events you’re interested in on your calendar and start planning your trip today.
