OSAKA convention bureau chiefs say they have listened to the “voices of MICE industry partners” in issuing guidelines for event organisers as the Japanese city seeks to revitalise its business tourism economy.
The publication of Guidelines for MICE Event Organisers for Infectious Disease Control has been welcomed by one of the Japan’s most prominent inbound meetings and incentive organisers. (Editor’s note: The guidelines were revised on August 28) .
Geraint Holt, of The J Team, said Osaka and other cities in Japan have proved once again that they are “way out in front” when it comes to a post-Covid strategy for the MICE industry.
“Japan has, as usual, found its own unique approach to countering Covid-19, which the human tragedy of 927 deaths notwithstanding, has been comparatively successful,” Holt told MIX.
In announcing the guidelines, Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau said the move was made with the blessing of prefectural and city government officials, “the voices of MICE industry partners, the precedent of other industries, and the resumption of MICE activities around the world”.
The booklet was created under guidance from infectious disease experts to help business event organisers “mitigate infection risk and provide recommendations on operations management”.
Osaka hopes start-ups inspire meetings
Holt added that Japan had receommended the use of face masks during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918 and these days the authorities were carefully defining Covid-safety guidelines and best practices “with Osaka leading the way in all the detail one would expect”.
“With domestic events about to roll back into action, The J Team DMC and Destination Japan’s MICE community very keenly look forward to welcoming international events again as soon as travel logistics make that possible,” he said.
