The Industrial Development Bureau of Hengqin has officially joined the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), a move that industry experts say will open global resource channels for the Macao-Hengqin MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. This milestone was announced during the Macao-Hengqin MICE Enterprises & ICCA Bay Area Members Seminar 2026, held at Tianmu Qintai in Hengqin, which drew more than 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. They highlighted the development opportunities that this membership brings, emphasizing that Macao-Hengqin MICE cooperation has entered a stage of regularized and sustainable development, supported by a well-established framework spanning policy, operational models, and talent development.
The significance of this development is underscored by recent policy incentives. In January 2026, the revised Measures for Supporting the Development of the MICE Industry in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin were issued. These measures provide subsidies of RMB 800 per participant for international conferences included in ICCA statistics, with a maximum subsidy of RMB 1 million per event, along with additional special incentives. Enterprises obtaining ICCA accreditation for the first time will also receive a one-off reward of RMB 200,000, further strengthening support for the growth of MICE market players.
The impact of these initiatives is expected to be substantial. 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 are projected to enhance Macao-Hengqin's international visibility and influence, while strengthening its voice in the global MICE industry.
For the MICE industry, this development signals a competitive edge for Macao-Hengqin as a destination for international events. The collaboration between Macao and Hengqin continues to evolve, with a strong focus on developing a talent pipeline. This strategic alignment with ICCA is seen as a crucial step in positioning the region as a premier hub for global conferences and events, potentially attracting more business and academic gatherings that could have far-reaching economic and cultural impacts.
