The Industrial Development Bureau of Hengqin has officially joined the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), marking a pivotal step in expanding the global reach of the Macao-Hengqin MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. The announcement was made during the Macao-Hengqin MICE Enterprises & ICCA Bay Area Members Seminar 2026, held at Tianmu Qintai in Hengqin, which convened over 100 industry representatives under the theme "Global Bidding and Breakthrough Strategies for Emerging Destinations."
This membership is expected to provide the region with access to a vast network of international event organizers and industry professionals, potentially leading to an increase in bids for global conferences and events. According to Mr. Lin Yanjie, Head of the Culture, Tourism, Exhibition, and Trade Division, and Dr. Sherry Tan, Associate Professor at the Macao University of Tourism, the move will enhance the region's ability to compete on an international scale, leveraging ICCA's resources to attract high-profile events.
The significance of this development is underscored by the recent implementation of the revised Measures for Supporting the Development of the MICE Industry in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, issued in January 2026. These measures provide a subsidy of RMB 800 per participant for international conferences that are included in ICCA statistics, with a maximum subsidy of RMB 1 million per event. Additionally, special incentives are available, and enterprises obtaining ICCA accreditation for the first time will receive a one-off reward of RMB 200,000, strengthening the support framework for MICE market players.
The partnership between Macao and Hengqin has been evolving, with a robust framework now in place covering policy, operational models, and talent development. Over the next two years, Hengqin plans to attract more than ten international conferences that meet ICCA criteria, and applications for 2027 conferences in key fields such as artificial intelligence and materials science are already in the bidding process. These initiatives are designed to elevate the international visibility and influence of the Macao-Hengqin region, giving it a stronger voice in the global MICE industry.
The ICCA membership and the supportive policies are expected to create a more favorable environment for international event organizers, potentially boosting the local economy and positioning the region as a premier destination for business events. The collaboration between Macao and Hengqin continues to deepen, with a shared vision of becoming a leading hub for MICE activities in the Asia-Pacific region.
