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Russian Companies Discover Meetings & Incentives A recent survey commissioned by Russian Travel Monitor has discovered that there is massive interest amongst Russian companies for International meetings, seminars and incentives. Many companies do not fully understand the terminology of Incentives, MICE etc but when asked about their interests and possibilities of organising specialised meetings and seminars in worldwide destinations, there was an outstanding number of positive replies. Many destinations in several Countries have enjoyed often very lucrative 'Business Tours' from Russian clients. To date these have been primarily visits to Exhibitions or Special Interest Tours. Some destinations including Cyprus and Turkey can already claim significant results in this sector. Many sources have already identified the enormous potential of the vast Russian business travel sector but suitable contacts have been difficult to acquire. "Whilst a few Russian Travel Companies offer specialised Corporate packages few have adopted the Western terminology creating a apparent lack in the Meetings and Incentive market". "The results of this survey support an opinion that we have had on the market for some time. We were convinced that Companies were travelling but not under the banner of "Incentives" said a spokeswoman from the Moscow International Workshops. "To cater to the expected demand a specialised Meeting & Incentive section will be introduced to the Winter Workshop in September with Russian businesses being invited to meet with suppliers". Initial survey results were mainly from companies in the Moscow and St. Petersburg areas, with replies still being processed from companies in the vast regions of Russia. A full version of this report will be published in our next issue. Whilst the general impression of the Russian economy may be poor, many businesses are enjoying enormous success under the open market policies and business reforms that have been championed by President Vladimir Putin. With an 8.3% gross domestic growth last year businesses have profited but competition has also increased. These primary factors are encouragement to creative Incentive and Meetings organisers to examine the potential. "It is difficult to estimate the full market value but the survey indicates enormous potential in this segment and enquiries from specialised MICE suppliers to our workshops have increased dramatically" - MW.  |
