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Dubrovnik is a MICE destination which, besides being a unique location, follows global trends and responds to them. This is confirmed by a full convention calendar, as well as by the number of conventions which are held here time and time again.
Excellent offer for organising conventions and a long tradition in this segment of specialised tourism business make Dubrovnik one of the most important convention destinations in Croatia. Recent research has shown that the economic impact has increased thanks to this tourism segment, and that Dubrovnik is the city with the highest number of organised conventions, seminars and incentive travels in Croatia.
The indicators show that these are mostly international conventions. Congress tourism follows global trends and the offer is completely adjusted having in mind the desires, needs and expectations of organisers and participants.
Since the congress season prolongs the tourist season, starting in early spring and ending in late November, most hotels with a congressional offer are in business continuously throughout the year. Due to continuous investments in this sector, the Excelsior hotel has recently been renovated, additional capacities have been built for the More Hotel and the Importanne Resort, while renovation is still under way in the Hilton Imperial Hotel. In the greater Dubrovnik area, in Cavtat, the Croatia Hotel is being thoroughly renovated.
Extremely favourable climate conditions and Dubrovnik’s increasingly better air travel connections to the rest of the world are key to holding congressional business events all-year-round in the future, as well as to hosting other types of special conventions.
Q: Unique city locations are convenient for organising other types of conventions as well, whether those held independently or those accompanying large congresses. What are the possibilities for that?
An additional attraction for participants in conventions and congresses is definitely the possibility of organising business meetings in inspiring historical locations, renaissance palaces or medieval fortresses. The more casual part of congresses and conventions in Dubrovnik includes special events held at exclusive hospitality venues, on terraces affording breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea and stunning sunsets. Bear in mind that due to the mild climate the natural attractions can be enjoyed throughout the year. Dubrovnik’s atmosphere always gives an additional dimension to incentive and team-building programmes, turning them into an unforgettable experience, such as Dubrovnik after all is in itself.
Q: What is the demand regarding MICE in the City?
Travel habits are changing, and so are the standards for business travel. Since new generations keep pace with the emerging technologies, high-speed Internet connections, use of applications, social networks, live streaming, virtual meetings, and so on have become an essential element of today’s business meetings. However, face-to-face meetings are still at the core of MICE industry, although the hustle and bustle of life emphasise even more the need for fast and easy accessibility. One of the current trends and challenges is organising high-quality conventions on a limited budget, i.e. responsible handling of funds. Moreover, the possibility of holding green meetings, having in mind the environment, is an advantage in choosing a destination. This is another regard in which Dubrovnik is a renowned congressional and incentive travel destination which meets both the organisers’ and the participants’ expectations.
Associations’ conventions are organised according to special rules, therefore certain rotations may be foreseen and lobbied for in an organised manner. Incentive travels are definitely a creative challenge, and Dubrovnik is always the right choice for their organisers. Value for money, accessibility, new technologies, return on investment, security, environmentally friendly conventions, innovativeness and stimulating environment are important determining factors. All these reasons make Dubrovnik such a popular destination.
Q: Do you have any feedback on business persons’ satisfaction concerning MICE industry and the rest of the offer in the City?
The continuous demand and a great interest in organising business conventions, corporate travel and other events in Dubrovnik are the best indicator of our guests’ satisfaction with the destination. The uniqueness of the City and high-quality services, congress and accommodation offers, as well as genuine experience, call for revisiting Dubrovnik, the city to which many return.
Q: Incentive travels and team-building programmes usually strive for the uniqueness of a location, as well as for top-quality organisation in order to produce the desired “wow” effect. Have the facts, that the City is the location for filming world-famous movies and that it has been visited by many famous persons affected the demand for incentive travels?
Incentive travels are a special form of high-budget business conventions which require the best of the best, and this is exactly why Dubrovnik is one of the top choices for such conventions, owing to its unique atmosphere and a creative approach. Croatia as a whole is the ideal incentive travel destination; it is rich in its diversity and offers a genuine, unforgettable experience. Dubrovnik’s DMCs, specialised in this type of offer, design tailor-made programmes which ideally conform to the atmosphere of the City itself. The fact that some of the large film productions have recently taken place in Dubrovnik sparks new ideas for this type of programmes.
