According to the Hotel Association of the Regional Federation of Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurs (Hostemur), the recent opening of two new city hotels belonging to the Sercotel and Novotel chains, bringing the total number of hotel bed spaces to 5,000, has strengthened Murcia's position as a MICE destination.
Along these lines, Jesus Pacheco, president of Hostemur, pointed out that local entrepreneurs are cottoning on quickly to advantages of business tourism, since it is a product that is capable of alleviating the negative impact of the current economic crisis. Likewise, he acknowledged that these two new four-star properties will contribute to increasing Murcia’s capacity as a meetings and event destination. Although he also stressed that the city needs to be equipped in the short term with a congress and exhibition centre, as well as a strong public commitment to promoting and supporting business tourism in the region.
According to figures supplied by the Congress Office of Murcia’s department of tourism, a total of 1,008 events were held in 2008, generating a turnover of EUR 46.7 million.
Likewise, according to Hostemur, 98% of business tourists visiting the region are willing to return on holiday.
