JAKARTA. Bali is considered the best meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) destination in Indonesia as it offers international standard convention and exhibition facilities and adequate infrastructure.

Akjyarudin, director of MICE and special tourism at the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry, said that a report from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) said in Indonesia only Bali and Jakarta were well-equipped MICE destinations.

“But, Bali is ranked first for MICE in Indonesia,” he said.

The ministry has also been working with Jakarta Polytechnic School to study MICE potential in the period between 2012 and 2013.

The study was conducted in 16 major cities in Indonesia including Bandung, Bintan, Bali, Balikpapan, Makassar, Manado, Medan, Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Surabaya, Lombok, Palembang and Padang.

The study explored facilities including accessibility; industry support; human resources; tourist attractions; accommodation; convention facilities; managerial and marketing skills; and supporting facilities.

“The study showed only Bali and Jakarta could be deemed world-class MICE destinations. Other cities must improve,” Akjyarudin said.

MICE participants, he said, spent on average 40 percent more than regular tourists. In addition, their length of stay was 30 to 40 percent longer than ordinary visitors.

Editor: Hendra Gunawan