M.I.C.E or Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions, is widely used as a description for a thriving industry under “Events Tourism”. This type of tourism brings together large groups for a particular purpose, and is usually centered on a theme or topic and is aimed at a professional, academic or trade organizations or other special interest groups. Unlike DIY Travels (Do-it-Yourself travels), MICE Tourism’s economic benefits and related statistics are accurately considered and documented.
Unlike the term “meeting”, which is very much encompassing, a “convention” is a gathering of individuals who meet at an arranged place and time in order to discuss or engage in some common interest. “Exhibitions” is an added value during said meetings and conventions, where tangible products and services are usually displayed, often highlighting the common theme of the event. Despite, however, the special or unique compositions of the participants or the agenda, the places’ tourism goods or products are customarily exhibited to promote the venue or the pride of the place.
The term “incentives” in the acronym is usually undertaken as a type of employee reward by a company or institution for targets met or exceeded, or excellent work performed. Unlike the other types of MICE tourism, incentive tourism is usually conducted purely for entertainment, rather than professional or education purposes.
The potential socio-economic benefits of MICE tourism are the reasons why tourism workers advocate for needed facilities like convention and gathering halls and accommodation establishments. Unlike individual tourists, the participants in MICEs are willing spenders who have planned and prepared for the activities. They are also usually well-oriented with the local culture and ordinances/rules which makes them the more wanted tourists in a locality.
The popularity of this form of tourism has also encouraged ordinary workers to strive for excellent work, or become more productive, in order to gain better chances in representing their organizations and institutions in invitational conferences and conventions – some of them in international scenes.
***
We wish to congratulate the Tawang Cultural Dance Troupe for representing the Municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet during the recently concluded Matagoan Festival street dancing competition of Tabuk City, Kalinga. The group were able to perform excellently despite the long travel and other challenges involved. Your participation will hopefully enrich your experiences and build your characters, not only as cultural bearers and dancers, but also as members of the community. That is an intangible investment that governments should always consider in its policies and projects.
***
We also wish to thank all the working committees during the meaningful and successful staging of La Trinidad’s 68th Foundation day celebrations. The silent working committee members know themselves well since they are the same people who are always working for any activity or event for the Municipality. We also wish to thank our sponsors; La Trinidad Municipal Employees Association Cooperative, League of Associations of La Trinidad Trading Area Inc., Globe Telecoms-La Trinidad, and of course, the 16 Barangays who willingly provided for the 16 pigs which were shared to the community.