Purpose - This study presents strategies to overcome the COVID-19-induced crisis in Korea's meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. It aims to quantitatively identify the environmental factors affecting the industry and their degree of influence, and derive optimal countermeasures. Design/methodology - The study applied the SWOT-AHP-TOWS framework. An AHP analysis was first performed within the SWOT frame, and then a TOWS analysis was conducted using the results of the SWOT-AHP analysis. In the AHP analysis, the number of pairwise comparison questions was limited to four for each SWOT factor to increase the consistency of responses by reducing the burden on respondents. Findings - The plunge in demand (threats factor) has had an overwhelming impact on the MICE industry, more than any other environmental factor. To overcome the crisis, the ST alternative that takes advantage of dynamic pop culture to minimize the business damage caused by the plunge in demand was the top priority measure. Based on the results, this study presents suggestions for overcoming the crisis in the MICE industry. First, the industry should develop profitable business models to supplement scarce financial resources by exploiting Korea's success with quarantine management. Second, the government must provide emergency relief funds or bailout support to protect MICE facilities and employees. Originality/value - Unlike previous work on the MICE industry, this study utilized the SWOT-AHP-TOWS framework to derive quick research results in an abnormal situation. This approach can be expanded to other countries with different industrial environments and situations. Additionally, when applying this method to MICE sub-sectors, countermeasures should be tailored to each field.
Crisis Management Strategy for the Korean MICE Industry Using SWOT-AHP-TOWS Analysis