(12/8/2012)
Unhealthy competition between Event Organizers (EO) and Travel Agents in the execution of Bali-based meetings, incentives, conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) is angering those who head the Association of Indonesian Travel Agents in Bali (ASITA-Bali).
The chairman of ASITA-Bali, Ketut Ardana, insists that the management of MICE events is the exclusive purview of travel agents and tour operators. “Travel Agents already understand what must be done to serve the MICE market,” said Ardana in a telephone interview with Radar Bali.
He underlined that the Event Organizers must not take over the role of travel agents, adding: “In fact, it is the travel agents who must use the services of an EO to organize the flow of an event. It is not their place (Event Organizer’s) who must design the packages in an area in which they do not have special knowledge.”
Ardana said there were many ASITA members with great experiences in handling the MICE market.
Ardana called on consumers to exercise more discretion in their business dealings, ensuring they are always dealing with professionals. “I believe that the job of the Event Organizer is sufficient to organize the progress of a program. For matters related to MICE, such as accommodation, hotels and guides it is the travel agents role,” Ardana explained.
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