By Ian Neubauer

Europe-based hotel network Worldhotels has reported a 40 per cent increase in MICE revenue for the first six months of 2008.

The worldwide network of almost 500 accommodation properties and hotel brands, including nine Stamford branded properties in Australia, reported its members had garnered $12.56 million in MICE revenue this year compared to $8.9 million for the corresponding period in 2007.

Worldhotels area director – sales and marketing, Christian Badenhop, attributed the result to the network’s meeting planner tool, Worldhotels.events.

“Worldhotels.events is one of the first comprehensive tools specially designed for meeting planners. Since its introduction, our MICE revenue has tripled… We predict another 30 percent increase in MICE revenue for 2008,” he said.

Worldhotel properties in Australia include the Stamford Plaza Adelaide, Stamford Grand Adelaide, Stamford Plaza Brisbane, Stamford Plaza Melbourne, Sir Stamford at Circular Quay, Sir Stamford Double Bay, Stamford Plaza Double Bay, Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport and the Stamford Grand North Ryde, Sydney.