Infrastructural Development and MICE

Originally published in January 2008

For a city or resort to transform into a MICE destination, basic infrastructural developments such as air, sea and land transportation, info-communication systems must keep pace with the development of hotels and event venues. For busy business travelers attending a two to three-day conference, the last thing they want is to get stuck at the immigration or traffic for more than half the day. That is one of the reasons why cities like Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore remain the top destinations for business conferences. But even for more laid-back meetings in resort destinations, having to spend a lot time clearing customs or getting from one point to another is not a great way to start a corporate retreat.

In the last issue, MICEreview reported how Vietnam’s MICE potential, especially in the central and coastal regions, is yet untapped due to the lack of land and air transport infrastructure. In reviewing The Venetian Macao for this issue, MICEreview not only had the opportunity to see how efficiently the venue management organized a major event – a showdown between tennis greats Federer and Sampras, but also witnessed how Macau’s inadequate infrastructure almost crippled the show.

While the tennis match was a sold-out, it was understood that many ticket holders from Hong Kong could not get ferry tickets to Macau to catch the game. For those who did manage to get there by ferry, customs and immigration clearance at the Macau ferry terminal took two hours, or more. The terminal was incapable of housing such a massive crowd and the building was in need of an expansion and upgrading. It didn’t help that the inefficient immigration officers were totally oblivious to the jam packed situation. Then the traffic around the ferry terminal was at a virtual standstill as the roads were too narrow and there were insufficient bus bays for tour buses or hospitality coaches.

At The Venetian, after the tennis match ended, it was a test of patience trying to get out of the place. Whether you are taking the free hospitality coaches, taxis, or hotel limo service, the queues snaked on and on. The wait was at least half-hour. Taking taxis here or anywhere in Macau is a challenge because taxi just doesn’t seem to be popular mode of transport.

Macau may have the best convention facilities with The Venetian, MGM and other new hotel properties on the Cotai strip. However, the city must be able to provide event organizers and delegates a total stress free and enjoyable experience. Perhaps the opening of the new airport is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done.

(NOTE: Since this commentary in early 2008, the Macau authorities have set up an additional new Ferry Terminal, a new airport with direct flights to and from various Asian cities, and more convenient direct ferry services from Hong Kong's airport.)