African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure (Sep 2019)
Management for the transformation of a Historical City into a MICE City supporting the idea of MICE business in AEC.
Abstract
This mixed method research investigated the measures that had been taken in order to transform a historical city into a MICE city in order to cater to MICE business, which has been rampaging under the prevailing AEC. The term "MICE" in the setting of travel is an acronym for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. The data was collected via questionnaires, interview forms, small group discussions, and empirical meetings. The participants were stakeholders consisting of local people, tourists and government and representatives from the private sector, who were involved in Historical Tourism in Ayuddhaya Province. Descriptive analysis and content analysis were used to interpret the data. The research provides the following suggestions for the transformation of the historical sites into MICE business cities. It was suggested that tourism management should take into account appropriate administration in the following areas: 1) Tourist Needs: Special care should be given to the following: area management, tourism holding capacity, appropriate application of technology for area management, uniqueness, historical image, and historical scenery management. 2) Tourism Sites: It was suggested that appropriate management be addressed in the following areas: a) tourism activity before and after the conference, b) tourism diversity, tourism magnitude, and c) the promotion of Learning Tourism. 3) Tourism Activities: Amendments should be made regarding the tourism car rental systems, souvenir shops, tourist support, staff capabilities, the staff member’s foreign language abilities, and problem-solving skills. 4) Tourism Personnel: The city, being subjected to change, should make certain that changes are made to the city’s political image, and that a variety of platforms are used for data inquiry (website, information center, and brochures), and that the credibility of the information is verified.
