More than 60 percent of Russian corporate meetings are now held abroad, according to figures from the Moscow International MICE Forum. 

International destinations now account for more than 65 percent of Russian M.I.C.E. budgets as Russian businesses seek ever more exciting and memorable venues for their events.

The Russian M.I.C.E. market is currently worth $150 million per year, around 20 percent of the overall business tourism market. The most popular destination for M.I.C.E. events last year was Turkey with 8.5 percent of the overall market, followed by France with 7.1 percent then Germany with 6.4 percent.

"It is easy to explain why Turkey is so popular," explains Olga Wolf from Elite Groups, which organizes sporting M.I.C.E. events in Turkey.

"Turkey is only a three hour flight away from Moscow, cheap charter flight tickets are available and there are no visa requirements. Levels of service are very good, especially in the Antalya region where hotel staff are experienced at dealing with groups and a lot of hotels have staff who speak Russian."

More exotic locations such as the Maldives and Jordan and Jamaica were also represented. The Dominican Republic held a separate presentation the same day at the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, promoting the republic as an ideal location for  conferences and incentive trips.

"The Dominican Republic has one of the best telecommunication systems on the continent, as well as good infrastructure and nine international airports," said the Dominican Ambas­sador, Jorge Luis Pérez.

M.I.C.E. specialists defended the costs of sending employees to distant countries to take part in corporate events, claiming that such trips raise staff spirits and help to foster teamwork:

"MICE provide an opportunity to encourage creativity as well as giving staff time to recharge their batteries," commented Oleg Barannik, marketing director for Aero Club Tour.