The Industrial Development Bureau of Hengqin has officially joined the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), a move that industry experts say will open up global resource channels for 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 brought together more than 100 industry representatives under the theme “Global Bidding and Breakthrough Strategies for Emerging Destinations.”
The seminar, hosted by the MICE Industry Association of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, featured insights from Mr. Lin Yanjie, Head of the Culture, Tourism, Exhibition, and Trade Division, and Dr. Sherry Tan, Associate Professor at the Macao University of Tourism. They highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting that it marks a strategic step for the region to enhance its international presence in the MICE sector.
The timing is crucial as Macao-Hengqin MICE cooperation has entered a phase of regularized and sustainable development, with a well-established framework covering policy, operational models, and talent development. 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, 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. Additionally, enterprises obtaining ICCA accreditation for the first time will receive a one-off reward of RMB 200,000, strengthening support for MICE market players.
These incentives are designed to attract more high-quality international conferences to the region, leveraging ICCA’s global network and data resources. ICCA is a leading international organization in the MICE industry, and its membership is often seen as a mark of credibility and global reach. By joining ICCA, Hengqin aims to tap into these resources, boosting its competitiveness in bidding for international events.
The collaborative model between Macao and Hengqin continues to evolve, with both sides working closely to develop a strong talent pipeline. 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, according to officials.
This proactive approach is expected to enhance Macao-Hengqin’s international visibility and influence, while strengthening its voice in the global MICE industry. The move comes at a time when the global MICE market is recovering and competition for international events is intensifying. By aligning with ICCA standards and leveraging financial incentives, Hengqin is positioning itself as a formidable player in the region.
Industry analysts believe that this development will not only benefit the MICE sector but also have a ripple effect on local tourism, hospitality, and related industries, contributing to the overall economic diversification of Macao and Hengqin. The seminar underscored the importance of global bidding strategies and breakthrough approaches for emerging destinations, with experts sharing best practices and success stories.
As Hengqin continues to build its MICE infrastructure and international partnerships, the focus remains on attracting high-quality events that can showcase the region’s capabilities and drive sustainable growth. With the support of ICCA and the collaborative efforts of Macao and Hengqin, the future looks promising for the region’s MICE industry.
