The Industrial Development Bureau of Hengqin has officially joined the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), a move that is set to 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. The event, 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 representatives.
The seminar 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, who discussed the development opportunities arising from this milestone. Their presentations highlighted the growing synergy between Macao and Hengqin in the MICE sector, which has now entered a phase of regularized and sustainable development, supported by a well-established framework covering policy, operational models, and talent development.
A key driver of this progress is 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 subsidies of RMB 800 per participant for international conferences included in ICCA statistics, with a maximum subsidy of RMB 1 million per event. Additionally, special incentives are offered, including a one-off reward of RMB 200,000 for enterprises obtaining ICCA accreditation for the first time. These financial incentives are designed to strengthen the growth of MICE market players and encourage more international events to choose Macao-Hengqin as their destination.
The collaboration between Macao and Hengqin continues to evolve, with efforts to develop a robust talent pipeline advancing in parallel. 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 initiatives are expected to enhance Macao-Hengqin's international visibility and influence, while strengthening its voice in the global MICE industry.
The official membership of the Industrial Development Bureau in ICCA marks a significant step in this direction, providing access to a global network of industry professionals and resources. This move is likely to boost the region's competitiveness in bidding for international conferences and events, potentially bringing economic benefits and increased global recognition. For stakeholders in the MICE industry, this development signals a more integrated and internationally connected Macao-Hengqin, offering new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
As the MICE industry continues to recover and evolve globally, the strategic alignment of Macao and Hengqin positions them as emerging destinations capable of hosting world-class events. The combination of financial incentives, policy support, and now ICCA membership creates a compelling proposition for event organizers seeking a dynamic and well-supported venue in the Asia-Pacific region.
