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Duty of care Masuku said the conflict was also accelerating demand for advisory-led travel management, with corporates placing greater emphasis on duty-of-care compliance, risk advisory and flexible booking solutions. “Clients rely more on agents versus DIY booking,” she said, adding that agencies were increasingly repositioning themselves as advisers rather than bookers. Upgrade The operators agree that the shift towards locations closer to home is not about replacing destinations but enhancing event design. Nkwe said companies were upgrading their inclusions. “A programme that was breakfast only is now full board. A gala dinner becomes a gala dinner with spectacular entertainment. The thinking is simple: if you’re going smaller scale or closer to home, redirect that budget into making the experience more memorable. It ends up being more experiential and memorable, not less.” Duffield added that companies were focusing on ultra- curated experiences, exclusive-use properties, compelling storytelling and access-driven activities that guests could not easily arrange themselves. “For example, a Rwanda incentive offering the once- in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience, combined with rich wildlife, culture and powerful history, delivers a truly transformative and memorable reward,” she said. Future predictions If the conflict persists, Nkwe predicts sustained growth in local and regional MICE, with destinations like Namibia, Zanzibar and Mauritius continuing to benefit alongside South Africa’s bigger domestic conferencing venues. “Value for money will be the defining lens going forward. The challenge is helping clients adjust expectations on long-haul, but the opportunity is real: South African and regional products can absolutely deliver world-class incentive and conference experiences when planned properly,” he said. Masuku warned that the industry could face sustained high costs, reduced capacity and potential structural rerouting of global travel flows. However, she noted that a stabilisation of the conflict could trigger a rapid rebound due to pent- up demand and the Middle East’s continuing role as a global aviation hub. Duffield believes outbound MICE will remain active but more selective, with opportunities for creative routing, emerging destinations and premium regional travel, alongside challenges around capacity, pricing and traveller sentiment. “Ultimately, confidence, creativity and trusted partnerships will be the key differentiators, as clients look for experts who can navigate complexity while still delivering memorable, motivating experiences. The major corporate risk- assessments teams are guiding their staff to stay away from Middle Eastern flights or destinations and we are closely working with these teams,” said Duffield.
