The Industrial Development Bureau of Hengqin has officially joined the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), a milestone that promises to open up global resource channels for the Macao-Hengqin MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. This 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 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 development opportunities presented by this milestone, emphasizing that Macao-Hengqin MICE cooperation has entered a stage of regularized and sustainable development, supported by an increasingly well-established framework spanning 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, 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 implications of this development are significant. By joining ICCA, Hengqin gains access to a global network of MICE professionals, event planners, and industry data, which can help attract more international conferences to the region. This aligns with the collaborative model between Macao and Hengqin, which continues to evolve, while efforts to develop a strong talent pipeline are 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, strengthening its voice in the global MICE industry. For local businesses and stakeholders, this means increased opportunities for economic growth, knowledge exchange, and positioning as a premier destination for international events. The formal integration into ICCA underscores Hengqin's commitment to aligning with global standards and best practices, which is crucial for competing in the highly competitive MICE market.
