Apulia in Italy and the Indonesian island of Sumba are among the off-the-beaten path destinations that event planners should have on their radar in the next few years according to global DMC group Pacific World.

Following on from our recent feature showcasing Pacific World’s top five up and coming destinations for meetings and incentives in 2019, we check out the exciting hotspots that the company expects to emerge as event destinations over the next decade.

“Over the past two years, interest in new destinations and unique experiences has increased significantly. This trend in the leisure travel realm is also impacting the incentives and meetings sector,” said Selina Sinclair, global managing director of Pacific World.

“We’re closely following government investments in infrastructure and development in order to provide our industry partners with the insights and updates necessary to anticipate which emerging locations will be ready for business events and global incentive travel in the next five to 10 years.”

Sumba, Indonesia 
“Doubling Bali in terms of size, Sumba is a destination to watch in the upcoming years. Sumba is the right place if you want to experience indigenous culture and traditions, hike through hilltop villages with thatched traditional clan houses and unique megalithic tombs or relax in a resort on one of its pristine beaches,” said Wayan Sumadi, the head of MICE Pacific World Indonesia.

“At the moment, Sumba is considered one of last unspoiled paradises on earth, but there are predictions that Sumba will undergo massive infrastructure developments in order to attract investments and MICE business.”

Phu Quoc, Vietnam 
The largest island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc, is becoming increasingly popular with the introduction of more domestic connections from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and international flights from Guangzhou and Bangkok.

With basic infrastructure in place, Phu Quoc is quickly transforming into an emerging resort island destination.

Apulia, Italy
Apulia, the spur of the Italian Boot, is an enchanting region with a stunning architectural and historical heritage. Apulia is an increasingly popular travel destination throughout the year due to its mild weather, eco-tourism adventures in natural parks and a cuisine that is renowned worldwide.

Thanks to the large selection of luxury hotels and meeting facilities, Apulia is a perfect destination for small incentives to large meetings and congresses.

Gangneung, South Korea 
Gangneung is gaining fame not only because of its exposure during the Olympics, but for its beautiful natural environment. Ideally located just 2-3 hours from Central Seoul, Gangneung is home to beautiful beaches and mountains, such as Seoraksan and Odaesan.

The city offers unusual and unconventional venues for events, such as the traditional Korea House venue or Tera Rosa Coffee Factory in the Gangneung Ojuk Hanok Village.