Kyushu has been enjoying high influx of inbound MICE and cruise tourists lately. In particular, Fukuoka city, with its variety of venues for small to large events, is a key MICE destination for groups from China, Korea, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. In fact, most hotels and venues in Fukuoka are about 80 per cent full throughout the year and the city is now in need of new hotel developments. Fukuoka is well supported by air, sea and rail transport network. It has a good selection of post-show destinations to nearby Kurume, Dazaifu and Yanagawa, or further away to Kumatomo, Nagasaki, Oita, Kurokawa and Miyazaki for nature, hot-spring spa and heritage tours!

Whether intended or by chance, venues in Fukuoka city seemed to be organized in themed-clusters, which can be useful for MICE event organizers. For example, the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk – a great convention hotel – is suitable for sports-themed events as it is located next to the Fukuoka Yafuoku Dome, home to Japan’s best baseball team. The 38,500-seat Dome can be used for team-building sporting activities, large conventions and concerts as well.

For MICE groups with a penchant for shopping, the Grand Hyatt is appropriate given its proximity to the Canal City shopping and dining complex, Kawabata shopping arcade and Kushida Shrine area. Sections of the Kawabata shopping arcade can be blocked off for private street carnival if desired by MICE organizers, while traditional performances can be arranged around the Kushida Shrine vicinity.

Meanwhile, delegates attending large exhibitions or conventions at the Marine Messe Fukuoka, International Congress Center or Kokusai Center may enjoy an evening of food and drinks at the Bayside Place Hakata for networking and social gathering.

For the culturally inclined, the Ohori Park Noh Theatre would be great alternative venue for seminar with traditional Noh performance thrown-in, followed by dinner at the picturesque Ohori Park.

If sea-sports, marine life or simply relaxing under the sun are desired, then incentive groups can head for the Luigans Spa and Resort on the Shikanoshima Island.

While things a looking up for Fukuoka, the city is in need of some sprucing up as buildings look somewhat rundown, perhaps a sign of years of recession in Japan. Hopefully, this recent renaissance in tourism and MICE will bring back some vibrancy to Fukuoka and the rest of Kyushu.

For more information, please visit: www.welcome-fukuoka.or.jp

Look out for feature on other Kyushu destinations such as Kumamoto and Nagasaki in up coming updates of MICEreviews!