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MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) is a type of tourism that combines conferences, seminars, exhibitions, and events, as well as incentive travel for employees and partners. MICE stands for Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition. While MICE tourism experiences are familiar in many countries, this type of travel has only recently become popular among office workers in Vietnam.
There are many ways to participate in a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) trip. One way is for it to be a reward from company management to employees after a year of dedicated service. After a year of hard work dealing with contracts, paperwork, and data, employees receive their 13th-month salary at the end of the year. This money is outside of living expenses and is a perfect way for the company to reward them with an overseas trip.
With KPI performance consistently ranking #1 for all four quarters of 2024, my team and I were rewarded by the company with a 4-day, 3-night MICE trip to Taiwan through a Taiwan-based travel agency. The Quan Hong visa policy was very flexible, requiring no proof of financial means or employment, so my group of seven received visas quickly, within just one week, thanks to the sponsorship of TourOne travel agency.
What I appreciated most about starting this trip was the flight time. The Starlux flight departed at 11:40 AM and arrived at Taoyuan Airport at 3:40 PM, just in time to check into the hotel and have dinner. Unlike previous trips where I had to plan a detailed itinerary but it was always disrupted due to unfamiliarity with traffic and directions, this trip was very smooth and quick thanks to the tour company's support. The group was greeted at the airport by a representative of the travel company with an eye-catching yellow sign. After checking into the hotel, the whole group had an hour to rest before going to the restaurant the tour had booked at Taipei 101.
Taipei welcomed me with the most ideal weather of the year.
In the festive atmosphere of the year-end, the streets of Taipei seemed to be adorned with a dazzling array of lights. The early arrival of Christmas and the chilly air created an absolutely wonderful winter scene. The weather in Taiwan wasn't too cold, making it convenient to wear beautiful winter clothes while still feeling light and comfortable. This is why all the women in the group couldn't hide their excitement when they learned that the company's reward was a trip to Taiwan.
Taiwanese cuisine is renowned for its distinctive flavors and health benefits, and the group enjoyed a delicious and beautifully presented dinner at Umami restaurant located in Taipei 101. Umami impresses everyone who steps inside with its elegant and luxurious ambiance.
Taiwanese seasonal dishes, prepared with exquisite skill by the chefs, perfectly capture the flavors, not only impressing the taste buds but also delighting everyone in the group, who happily took photos to share with family or on social media. In particular, the freshly brewed draft beer was a perfect choice for traveling with friends. The first day flew by quickly; after dinner, the group visited the night market and returned to the hotel to rest, preparing for the next day's journey.
Steamed Shrimp and Abalone Dumplings - a favorite at 85TD
The second day's itinerary was the longest of the holiday. The morning in Taipei was a bit chilly, but the weather warmed up as we traveled down to Taichung. This was ideal weather for experiencing grape harvesting and enjoying a relaxing time surrounded by nature. Visitors can participate in activities such as picking fresh grapes, enjoying afternoon tea under the vines, and taking part in DIY craft workshops. Lunch or afternoon tea here is not only delicious but also visually stunning, with picturesque scenery all around.
In addition, the farm organizes outdoor workshops and is a great place to take memorable photos with its romantic scenery, reminiscent of French vineyards. It's the perfect destination to enjoy a peaceful rural life and get closer to nature. With excellent support from the tour company, we had our first experience traveling on the Unicorn Bus – a 5-star luxury vehicle. The bus exceeded our expectations with its comfortable, spacious, spaceship-like reclining seats, and staff serving tea and snacks throughout the journey. This amazing experience was something we only knew about when participating in MICE tours.
A one-of-a-kind experience on the Unicorn Bus.
While independent travel is suitable for 2-3 people, MICE tourism is ideal for groups of 7 or more. Without the support of a travel agency, large groups are prone to mistakes and delays. With an experienced travel agency planning the trip, everyone's preferences are taken into account. That's why the group's third day was dedicated to enjoying time at the hot springs: Yang Ming Shan Tien Lai Resort and Spa.
Lunch at the vineyard
Yang Ming Shan Tien Lai Resort and Spa is a wonderful destination located in the Yangming Mountain area, famous for its natural scenery and high-quality hot springs. The hot springs here are sourced from the Sihuangping spring, with a gentle pH of 5-6, offering relaxing and health benefits. Amenities include an outdoor bath, hot tub, and sauna, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The hot spring area is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, so you can relax and unwind after a tiring day of sightseeing anytime.
The 4-day, 3-night trip flew by quickly, but the memories of my first MICE trip will be unforgettable. With this amazing journey, I believe our group will inspire many colleagues in the company, helping them boost their morale and achieve higher KPIs next year, so they can enjoy similar experiences. Thank you, Taiwan, for giving me such a unique and valuable MICE experience!
