Colombia: A Breeding Ground For MICE

with Helen Hewetson

The Colombian Government Trade Commission recently held a joint lunch celebration with Copa Airlines to promote Colombia as a destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE). The intimate gathering was held in downtown YTO at Yorkville’s posh Park Hyatt hotel, and included both MICE specialists and top agents.

The group was well taken care of by representatives from the Colombian Government Trade Commission; Álvaro Concha Bartolini, Trade Commissioner and Tourism Specialist María Fernanda Guzmán. A delegation from Copa Airlines was also on hand - including Sales Manager Laura Marin and Sales Executive Yolanda Molinuevo Ortega.

There were several familiar faces in the crowd and most agents seemed to know each other, so there was a buzz of conversation as we munched on buttery croissants and flaky pastries and waited for some last-minute arrivals. Most people were chatting about Colombia as a destination, both for personal and MICE travel, and the best way to get there from Canada.

After many years cleaning up their image, Colombia is emerging as a destination for international travellers; especially those from North America – and everyone I chatted with was either thinking about going soon or already had a trip in the works.

And why not? As agents, we know that all travel has some inherent risk, and even here in Canada there are places many of us wouldn’t venture. The trick is to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense wherever you go. And if you do go to Colombia, you’ll discover comfortable weather all year round, friendly people, world class arts and nightlife.

As Trade Commissioner Álvaro Concha Bartolini explained, there are risks inherent in living in Canada, too – miserably cold winters chief amongst them. After a recent trip to the doctor for the flu shot, which was promised to help his family get through the season unscathed, he deadpanned, “I am going back to ask for a refund.”

Blessed with both warm weather and a superb location, Colombia has 5 distinct geographical regions including the Andes Mountains, Orinoco desert, Caribbean islands, stunning Pacific coastline and even a swath of the Amazon. Of course, there are several ways to get there, but Copa Airlines has convenient YYZ / BOG flights 4 times weekly through their hub in Panamá – where there’s an average 1 hr. connection time, no customs or immigration and no need to collect checked bags. Copa boasts a 92% on-time record, is simple for groups (1 in 10 goes free!) and has some great agent fares through their Latin World Fare Program (all details from Copa’s inside sales department).

So next time you’re thinking about where to send your group, think of Colombia – after all, the only risk is wanting to stay.