It’s out with the old and in with the new! Following on from last week’s feature on the top five global destinations for events and incentives in 2020-21, this week we look at the most popular and unexpected emerging locations that are being requested by clients, according Ovation Global DMC.

1.Thailand

‘The Land of Smiles”. This Asian kingdom has everything needed to delight its visitors: tropical climate, legendary culture and pristine nature that will leave you wanting more. With a renowned attitude towards hospitality, this country offers a plethora of state-of-the-art conference and exhibition halls, luxurious hotels, multi-center venues and locations by the river, countryside or beach. With the increasing number of conventions and incentives, Thailand is retaining its position as a top destination in Southeast Asia.

2.Azerbaijan

Neither Europe nor Asia, Azerbaijan has undergone an extraordinary transformation after the fall of the Soviet Union, an ancient nation fast entering the 21st century. Baku, its capital, offers impactful attractions. Thanks to its overwhelming history mixed with modern architecture, the city has been developing as a destination for meetings and conferences.

3.Philippines

On top of being a tropical paradise, The Philippines is also one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia. Under the National Tourism Development Plan, MICE business has become one of the main priorities for the country’s development. For the meetings sector, this resulted in a large increase in events taking place in Manila and other breathtaking locations. Thinking of having your next meeting on a tropical island?

4.Taiwan

Known for the warmth and hospitality of its inhabitants, Taiwan has actively worked to build facilities catered to MICE programmes. This hasn’t gone unnoticed, and the numbers prove it. In recent years, this diverse country has seen the opening of brand-new exhibition centres and held a leading position for its research in medicine, IT and science. Combine it with its rich culture and beautiful scenery, and the pull of Taiwan in the industry is not fading any time soon.

5.Oman

New convention facilities and hospitality developments have affirmed Oman as one of the main MICE destinations in the Middle East. Visitors are attracted to its charming heritage and embracing society, stripped of the glamour of nearby Dubai and Abu Dhabi. With its perfect blend of modern infrastructure and authentic Arabian experience, Oman makes an ideal destination for events.