Company: THE COMPASS | Travel & Communication
Interviewed person: Jesús Somonte
Position: CEO and Founder
Web: www.thecompass-agency.com

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How did the idea to found THE COMPASS come about, and what is the mission of the company?

I have worked for many years promoting Spain as a destination for events, conferences and incentives in Germany, as I believe we have spectacular potential, good infrastructure, access, transport and the perfect conditions for organising memorable events. That is why I wanted to continue this work with my own company, entering the Dutch and Belgian markets.

What services do your company offer and for what type of clients?

I offer representation and networking event organisation services in Germany and the Benelux countries for Spanish institutions and companies in the MICE sector (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) with the aim of bringing Spanish offerings and infrastructure closer to event organisers in these countries, including corporate clients, agencies and associations.

Why have you included Belgium among the countries where you operate?

Belgium, and especially Flanders, belongs to a market with needs very similar to those of the Netherlands, particularly in terms of understanding the requirements of MICE agencies and their mindset when choosing a specific infrastructure for their corporate events abroad.

You offer Spanish clients the opportunity to promote their destination or service in Belgium. What are the main tasks you have to carry out with these clients?

On the one hand, personal contact with MICE agencies and Belgian companies is essential to inform them about Spain’s MICE offerings and infrastructure and to offer them our free, personalised advisory service for their requests in Spain. On the other hand, Spanish clients are interested in having a connection that is familiar with both Spain’s offerings and Belgian clients, and that is where THE COMPASS service comes in.

What are the main challenges facing tourism marketing in Europe?

The lack of time and staff in MICE companies and agencies, as well as excessive workloads, hinder face-to-face meetings and real business opportunities that arise as a result of genuine interaction and personal connections between parties.