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In a remarkable transformation of the festive season, businesses worldwide are reinventing celebrations with a series of international events. December 2023 is seeing an unprecedented surge in corporate festivities, spanning from Vienna’s charming streets to Delhi’s bustling markets.

Leading this global trend is FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E), a prominent division of the Flight Centre Travel Group known for its mastery in orchestrating high-profile meetings and events. The company reports a significant increase in international travel for corporate events during this Christmas season. According to Simone Seiler, FCM M&E’s Global General Manager, international bookings have skyrocketed, constituting over 38% of the booking expenditure in December 2023.

This global movement has seen popular destinations emerge as hotspots for corporate gatherings. Port Villa and Nadi are leading the charge, closely followed by Kuala Lumpur and Auckland. However, the trend extends far beyond these locations, with groups flocking to cities like Vienna, Oslo, Paris, and London for grand-scale events. Even more exotic locales like Phuket, Delhi, Queenstown, and Hanoi are on the corporate world’s radar.

In addition to these international travels, there’s a noticeable preference for ocean-side events closer to home. Destinations such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Hamilton Island, Esperance, and Newcastle draw significant attention, making up 32% of the total spend. Australian capital cities also play a vital role, accounting for another 38% of the overall expenditure, predominantly in business events.

One of the most striking trends observed by FCM M&E is the dominant role of the education sector in these celebrations. It accounts for a staggering 69% of all activity in December 2023, a noticeable increase from the 50% mark in the previous year. This shift underlines a growing preference for high-quality, personalized event experiences emphasising in-person connections.

FCM M&E stands at the forefront of this trend, committed to creating immersive, experiential events that leverage technology, unique venues, and memorable activities. Their approach is about crafting impactful moments that resonate long after the events conclude.

Backing this up, a recent study by Grandview Research underscores the burgeoning success of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. The sector is projected to expand at a compounded annual growth rate of 7.5% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is built on a solid foundation, with the industry valued at USD 876.42 billion in 2022.

As businesses globally embrace this festive trend, FCM M&E’s blend of technology, industry experience, and comprehensive service offerings positions them perfectly to cater to the burgeoning demand for corporate celebrations. This festive season marks a new era in the corporate world, where business and celebration converge in a global spectacle.