The Industrial Development Bureau of Hengqin has officially joined the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), a move that is set to enhance the global competitiveness of the Macao-Hengqin MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. This membership was announced during the Macao-Hengqin MICE Enterprises & ICCA Bay Area Members Seminar 2026, held at Tianmu Qintai in Hengqin on August 21, 2026. The seminar, themed "Global Bidding and Breakthrough Strategies for Emerging Destinations," was hosted by the MICE Industry Association of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and attracted over 100 industry professionals.
The significance of this membership lies in the access it provides to ICCA's extensive global network, which includes key decision-makers and international conference organizers. By joining ICCA, the Industrial Development Bureau of Hengqin can now tap into a wealth of resources, including market intelligence, bidding support, and networking opportunities, to attract more international conferences to the region. This aligns with the strategic goal of positioning Macao-Hengqin as a premier MICE destination in the Asia-Pacific region.
During the seminar, Mr. Lin Yanjie, Head of the Culture, Tourism, Exhibition, and Trade Division, and Dr. Sherry Tan, Associate Professor at the Macao University of Tourism, shared insights on the development opportunities arising from this milestone. They emphasized that Macao-Hengqin MICE cooperation has entered a stage of regularized and sustainable development, supported by an increasingly well-established framework spanning policy, operational models, and talent development. This collaborative approach between Macao and Hengqin is expected to drive innovation and growth in the sector.
Policy support has been a key driver. The revised Measures for Supporting the Development of the MICE Industry in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, issued in January 2026, provide subsidies of RMB 800 per participant for international conferences included in ICCA statistics, with a maximum subsidy of RMB 1 million per event. Additionally, enterprises obtaining ICCA accreditation for the first time will receive a one-off reward of RMB 200,000. These incentives are designed to encourage more organizations to host international events in Hengqin and to foster the growth of local MICE market players.
The implications of these developments are far-reaching. Over the next two years, Hengqin plans to attract more than ten international conferences eligible for inclusion in ICCA statistics. Applications for 2027 conferences in key fields such as artificial intelligence and materials science have already entered the bidding process. These efforts will not only enhance Macao-Hengqin's international visibility and influence but also strengthen its voice in the global MICE industry. The integration of Hengqin into the ICCA network is a strategic move that promises to yield long-term benefits, driving economic diversification and positioning the region as a hub for knowledge exchange and business innovation.
