Business tourism has become one of the most dynamic branches of the tourism sector. Companies from all over the world are also looking for other more recreational activities in their destinations. That is, they not only look for adequate facilities and facilities for meetings and conferences. They also look for experiences that encourage face-to-face connection and enjoyment for attendees.
This type of tourism is also more widely known as MICE (Meetings Incentive Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism.
Next in this article, we will tell you what business tourism is, the benefits and some complementary activities for a unique cultural immersion.
What is business tourism?
Business tourism is what is carried out in all trips made by professionals for work reasons. Unlike traditional tourism, this type of travel focuses on attending meetings, fairs, conferences and corporate events. Companies usually look for destinations for a comfortable stay, hotels equipped with meeting rooms and leisure options for their employees, partners or clients. Incentive trips are also included in this type of business tourism.
What is the importance of business tourism?
As you might guess, business travel not only benefits companies, but also local economies. Among the main advantages of meeting tourism are:
- Promotion of business relationships: Facilitates direct contact with partners and clients.
- Boost to the local economy: Generate income in hotels, restaurants and transportation.
- Innovation and learning: Allows attendance at conferences and fairs where the latest trends in the sector are presented.
- Improving the work environment: In business tourism, events such as team building are organized that improve team cohesion.
Corporate tourism: activities
Although business trips are usually focused on work, more and more companies are incorporating other activities into meeting tourism. The objective is to encourage disconnection and networking in a relaxed environment. Some of the most popular options are:
- Guided city tours
- Gastronomic events and tastings
- Cultural and tourist routes
- Sports and adventure experiences
- Gastronomic experiences
Next, we will tell you why cooking experiences have become one of the star activities within business tourism.
Ideal cities for business tourism with culinary MICE experiences
Some cities stand out as business tourism destinations for their gastronomic offer and infrastructure for corporate events:
- Madrid: Home of large international fairs, with a wide range of gastronomic experiences.
- Barcelona: With an excellent network of hotels and event spaces, in addition to its Mediterranean culinary tradition.
- Valencia: Ideal destination for conferences, with paella as the main protagonist in its cooking experiences.
- Bilbao: A benchmark in gastronomic tourism, with Basque cooking workshops and pintxos tastings.
- Seville: Perfect for business events with a touch of Andalusian culinary tradition.
Experiencias
Cooking experiences at Cocinea Madrid: An added value for events tourism activities
Gastronomic experiences are booming in business tourism. Not only do they allow participants to relax after a day of meetings, but they also encourage teamwork and creativity in a relaxed atmosphere.
Why including culinary experiences in business tourism?
- Promoting teamwork: Cooking requires coordination, task assignment and cooperation, which improves group dynamics.
- Connection with local culture: Through gastronomy you learn about the tradition and customs of the destination.
- Disconnection and stress reduction: Group cooking is a fun and relaxing activity.
- Creating shared memories: Strengthens ties between employees or clients.
Type of events with cooking experiences for companies
Below are some types of business tourism with cooking experiences that we organize at Cocinea:
- Cooking workshops: An opportunity to learn authentic recipes as a business tourist activity with experience of paella, tapas, themed cuisine,…
- Cocktail workshops: Perfect to close a work day with a fun activity.
- Masterchef-type culinary competitions: They encourage collaboration and a healthy competitive spirit.
How to arrange a successful business tourism event?
To ensure a business trip is productive and memorable, it is important to follow certain key steps:
1. Advance planning: Define the objectives of the event and choose a destination with good infrastructure and transport connections.
2. Selection of complementary Activities: Choose experiences that reinforce networking and learning, such as cooking classes or tastings.
3. Choosing appropriate accommodation: Opt for hotels with meeting rooms and services adapted to executives.
4. Integration of local culture: Include activities that allow participants to learn about the gastronomy and traditions of the destination.
5. Post-event evaluation: Collect feedback to improve future experiences and optimize investment in business tourism.
Business tourism has evolved to become an experience beyond work. Cooking experiences provide differential value by allowing travelers to immerse themselves in local culture and strengthen ties with their colleagues. Including these types of activities in corporate trips guarantees not only a successful event, but also an unforgettable experience for participants.
If you are looking for an original and enriching activity for your next business event, a culinary experience may be the key to achieving it.
