Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months?
People more and more think of aspects such as sustainability and regionality. Furthermore, as the desire for relaxation and prevention of burn-out increases, people are becoming more and more aware of the importance of health. These aspects have a great impact on the development of the offer in the MICE business.
Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked?
Styria, one of 9 federal states in Austria, stands for great price-performance ratio, clean nature, perfect surroundings for relaxation and a diverse cultural offer, sustainability, personal assistance, friendly hospitality and the high quality of the culinary delights – all based on the “Making meetings a delights” motto.Styria is kind of an insider’s tip for those who attach great importance to these aspects.
Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer?
On the one hand, in these times of internet and new media, it became easier to make information public; on the other hand, people are overburdened by too much unfiltered information. Hence there is a need to provide relevant information for your target group.
Q: How do you see the relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry?
Due to the high requirement for quality in the meeting industry, it is called the “Royal discipline” in tourism. In Styria the meeting industry is a meaningful figurehead for the business and science location. Moreover, conference tourism is a great promotion for holiday tourism: a conference guest easily turns into a holiday guest, if he or she feels comfortable.
Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city?
Styria is a great destination for meeting planners throughout all seasons, as the nature offers great opportunities for sport programmes and great showcases throughout the year. A very special feature is that two thirds of Styria is covered by unspoilt natural landscapes. Graz, the capital of Styria, is the second largest city in Austria.Furthermore, Styrian conference providers ensure that a high quality regional and seasonal culinary offer forms the heart of every business event.
Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination?
Personal conversations and networking at international fairs and events helps to popularize the offer of Styria and its conference suppliers as an insiders tip that aside from standard conference destinations shouldn’t be missed.
