The Industrial Development Bureau of Hengqin has officially joined the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), marking a significant step in the integration of the Macao-Hengqin MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry into the global arena. The announcement was made during the Macao-Hengqin MICE Enterprises & ICCA Bay Area Members Seminar 2026, held at Tianmu Qintai in Hengqin, which brought together over 100 industry representatives.
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. Key speakers included Mr. Lin Yanjie, Head of the Culture, Tourism, Exhibition, and Trade Division, and Dr. Sherry Tan, Associate Professor at the Macao University of Tourism, who shared insights on the development opportunities arising from this milestone.
The ICCA membership is expected to open up global resource channels for the Macao-Hengqin MICE industry, enhancing its ability to bid for international conferences and events. This move aligns with the region's strategic plan to attract more international conferences and boost its visibility on the world stage.
Supporting this initiative, the revised Measures for Supporting the Development of the MICE Industry in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, issued in January 2026, provide substantial incentives. International conferences included in ICCA statistics can receive subsidies of RMB 800 per participant, with a maximum of RMB 1 million per event, plus additional special incentives. Enterprises obtaining ICCA accreditation for the first time are eligible for a one-off reward of RMB 200,000, further strengthening support for MICE market players.
These measures are part of a broader strategy to foster regularized and sustainable development of Macao-Hengqin MICE cooperation. The collaborative model between Macao and Hengqin continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on talent development to support the industry's expansion.
Over the next two years, Hengqin plans to attract more than ten international conferences eligible for inclusion in ICCA statistics. Bidding processes for 2027 conferences in key fields such as artificial intelligence and materials science have already commenced. These efforts are expected to enhance Macao-Hengqin's international influence and strengthen its voice in the global MICE industry.
The ICCA membership and supportive policies underscore the region's commitment to becoming a premier MICE destination in the Asia-Pacific region, leveraging its unique advantages as a bridge between mainland China and the international community.
