1. What is the MICE travel demand from India to Maldives? Can you give us an overall outlook for 2023?
MICE travel is increasingly witnessing a high demand from the Indian outbound travel market and Kandima looks forward to attracting more travellers from this segment as well as hosting the best of active lifestyle experiences that our island resort has to offer. Our game-changing facilities, warm service and genuine hospitality make Kandima one of the most well-positioned resorts in the Maldives to curate unforgettable itineraries for small to large MICE travel groups. So, whether it is a fun-packed corporate trip or an extraordinary group tour to energise the team, our resort teams are well equipped to create stellar MICE escapes like no other in the Maldives!
2. What make the Maldives remain as a top choice for Indians to plan MICE trips for different travel requirements throughout the year?
The Maldives is a popular destination for Indians for MICE travel due to its proximity to India and easy and convenient accessibility. The Maldives’ natural beauty, with crystal clear waters and pristine beaches, provides the perfect backdrop for any event. The Maldives feature top-notch resorts with state-of-the-art facilities and services that are familiar with the specific food and entertainment preferences of Indian travellers. Maldives resorts also ensure secluded privacy and high levels of safety and security due to its one-island-one resort concept, which is particularly important for business travellers. The destination is suitable for all types of gatherings, be it conferences, meetings, incentives, weddings, or small and intimate events, and offers a variety of locations, be it in- or outdoors. MICE groups can go barefoot and enjoy drinks in hand while holding a boardroom meeting on the beach. Nothing brings people closer together than a shared experience in paradise.
3. How will 2023 MICE travel be different from recent years?
Due to global economic uncertainty, businesses in 2023 will be more mindful of how to make the most of their event’s budget. We know from our partners in the Indian market that companies are planning their budgets more tightly and are looking for great offers, are focusing on value for money through discounts or planning their trip further in advance in the hope of getting a better deal. With this in mind, Kandima offers great affordable accommodation options with its Beach & Sky Studios and its generous Dine Around All Inclusive option.
4. Any other specific aspect that Kandima would like to highlight in terms of a trend?
After years of home office and endless Zoom calls, for 2023, we see an increase in “REAL LIFE” corporate travel, where the focus will be on the leisure component, unique, immersive experiences and bringing people together. We see companies looking for more opportunities to build strong teams by combining business travel with recreational time. Kandima is the perfect place for experiential MICE events and since the focus is on relationship building, rather than work, in 2023 companies can book themed MICE stays such as ADVENTURE with aquatic activities and experiences, BACK TO NATURE with island life and traditional Maldivian experiences, HEALTHY EATING with communal cooking group workshops, and FITNESS related MICE escapes.
We also foresee a trend towards more sustainable events, held in natural venues with joint “do good” initiatives. As such, MICE participants can partake in the Kandima coral adoption program to help restore the marine ecosystem or in the KULA Art Initiative, Kandima’s project and non-profit fund to support the local art community, schools and artists with equipment, paid internships, scholarship programs and support for securing further education.
