No surrender

In July this year, bombs ripped through the Marriott and Ritz Carlton Hotels in Jakarta, an attack reminiscent of the 2003 bombings at the Marriott alone. Both attacks were aimed at foreigners, many of whom were corporate travellers. Both attacks impacted Jakarta’s MICE and business tourism industry, which had already seen more than its share of setbacks by economic and political turbulences.

With terrorist threats becoming an increasing concern, business travellers are wary of Indonesia’s capital, as well as other popular MICE destinations in the archipeligo. Cancellations of hotel bookings and conferences have again become common as business tourists decide they don’t want to risk being the targets of further turmoil.

Hotel owners in Jakarta and Bali reported that a number of reservations were cancelled in the wake of the July 17 attack. However, several larger events were continued as planned. Major gatherings have included the 9th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific. which ran from August 9 to 13 at the upscale tourist enclave of Nusa Dua in Bali.

The Society of Indonesia Professional Convention Organisers says more big events are lined up in the upcoming months. In November, a meeting of Asian telecommunications ministers will be held. In 2010, Bali will host a gathering of ministers of justice from across Southeast Asia.

While a slump in business tourism is inevitable after any terrorist attack, Indonesia’s MICE industry remains optimistic about bouncing back. The diversity of venues and hospitable culture outweigh the risks of visiting, the society says. Especially appealing are world-famous tourist attractions and the natural beauty of many centres.

MICE operators also help to differentiate Indonesia from other countries by providing high quality service and improving professionalism. Bali alone has more than 120 MICE operators, establishing it as one of the world’s premier destinations for business travelers.

Jakarta, for example, is a metropolitan city with the luxuries of world-class restaurants and great shopping. It is also host to a number of popular MICE sites like the Jakarta Convention Centre, the Jakarta International Exhibition Center as well as smaller venues like the Semanggi Expo.

During the global downturn, low exchange rates make Indonesia an affordable MICE option as well. “Value for money” has been the refrain of Indonesia’s MICE industry since budget cuts have made it necessary for some companies to scale down their events. With Indonesia as a cost-effective destination, companies don’t have to compromise as much.