March 20, 2009 – The Advisory Board of the Monaco Government Tourist Office meets every year and is composed of senior level North American planners who are familiar with Monaco as a destination for meetings and incentive programs. Board members are asked for input on general industry trends and the impact they have on the choice of Monaco.
During the second part of the meeting, members are asked to examine the MGTO’s meeting and incentive marketing tools and assess their effectiveness to generate business.
This year’s meeting, which took place in the MGTO’s offices in New York on March 20, 2009, was moderated by Bruce Tepper and was attended by the following seven Board members: Michael Campbell of USMotivation, Tracy Norum of Fox Premier Meetings and Incentives, Monique Louvigny of The Performance Group, Linda Leroy of Mary Kay, Karen Paganuzzi of Nycomed, and Diane Howell of Carlson Wagonlit.
According to the board, the current global economic recession and the unpopularity of reward trips generated by the media has highly impacted the meeting and incentive industry. Motivational travel programs have been, to a large extend, cancelled or cut back due to lack of funds and perception. Financial, insurance and automotive sectors, which were key to Monaco, have suffered more than most.
As far as marketing strategies, the board advised that the MGTO sticks to its traditional image of glamour and refinement, and convey an “unforgettable”, “memorable” experience that “exceed expectation”. Board members recommended that the MGTO keeps promoting VAT refund and US Dollar guaranteed packages.
The minutes of the meeting were sent to all industry partners in Monaco including hotels, destination managements companies and the Grimaldi Forum Monaco.
