We sit down for a one-on-one chat with Chimu Adventures co-founder Chad Carey about what’s hot in the MICE market.

What’s the hottest trend you’re noticing in the MICE market right now?

Just like in the leisure industry, we’ve seen some really interesting trends in the world of MICE. One trend we’ve been observing for a few years and that seems to have really skyrocketed recently, is the increased demand for unique experiences – turning away from the traditional and embracing the experiential.

Much more thought is put into delivering something that is really different, memorable and inspiring. This trend is reflected in every aspect – from event or conference set ups and designs to methods and add-ons but also, most importantly, the destinations they are held in and the experiences they are combined with.

What is it about South and Central America – and Antarctica even – that is drawing corporates in?

There are several reasons why demand from corporates to Latin America and Antarctica has been booming. With Air New Zealand entering into the South American market and Qantas and LATAM increasing their capacity considerably over the last three years, we’ve been seeing some very competitive airfares.

Reduced misconceptions regarding distance and safety have also put South and Central America on the map for corporates who have started to realise that Latin America is much closer than they always thought it would be – in fact, a trip to Santiago de Chile is as close as a trip to LA!

Adding to access and affordability is the fact that infrastructure and safety in most Latin American countries are better than ever before and improving every day.

What do these destinations offer the MICE market?

While Latin America offers some world-class venues for delegates, its appeal goes way beyond its MICE facilities.

With a natural and cultural diversity that is second to none, Latin America and Antarctica give organisers the opportunity to combine a world-class conference with some of the most memorable and inspiring pre and post event touring opportunities.

From the cosmopolitan cities of Santiago, Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro, to corporate team building treks in Peru, some of the world’s best golf courses in Argentina, wine trails in Chile or – the ultimate bucket list experience – a luxury cruise to Antarctica, there is a huge variety of adventure and luxury experiences to explore.

At Chimu, we have our own operations on the ground and are working with some of the most reputable ground handlers in Latin America, ensuring smooth running, from beginning to end.

Corporates can feel safe, knowing that they have a team on the ground making sure that their every wish is catered for.

How does it compare to other more prominent business hubs around the world?

It’s really hard to compare Latin America to any other destination in the world.

What we can say is that major events – such as the World Cup and the Olympics, as well as a variety of business events Latin America has hosted over recent years– have really helped to make it the sought-after MICE destination it is now, with massive improvements in infrastructure and a resulting increase in productivity.

Despite all this, Latin America has still managed to stay loyal to its identity, customs and traditions which, in our opinion, makes it different from a lot of other business hubs in the world. It’s the colours, the heritage, the food, the warmth of the locals, the great weather all year long, that make Latin America the incredible destination that it is.

As for Antarctica, we’re seeing that more and more corporates are using a trip to the white continent as a unique retreat away from the interconnected world we now live in.

Even on another continent now it’s too easy to be plugged into WIFI and constantly distracted. Antarctica and its lack of connectivity allow MICE clients a rare opportunity to switch off completely and focus on key issues creating a much more productive and creative environment.

Are corporates increasingly adding a bit of leisure travel onto their business trips, making these destinations more accessible for corporates?

Absolutely! Corporates are increasingly seeing that adding leisure travel onto business trips is the most rewarding thing they can do.

Latin America, although more accessible than ever, is still not a short trip and therefore corporate travellers tend to take advantage to add some leisure time and enjoy the pleasures of experiencing the city or country more extensively – and obviously also more cost-effectively.

Latin America is full of flavours and rhythms that corporate travellers wouldn’t want to miss out on when travelling there anyway as part of their business trip.

What destinations are slowing down in the corporate world in order for other destinations like South and Central America to capture more interest?

Europe and the US have been hit by many international challenges politically, economically and socially over the last two years and what happens in those times of instability is that people turn to those destinations that they consider ‘safe’.

This often plays in favour of destinations that were previously regarded as off the beaten track destinations, such as Latin America and Antarctica.

Chimu Adventures is an Australian owned company offering fully flexible, guaranteed itineraries to Latin America, plus cruises to Antarctica. To view suggested itineraries for corporate travel, designed by Chimu’s specialist team, visit http://www.chimuadventures.com/en-au/country/corporate.