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. This development was highlighted 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," brought together over 100 industry representatives and was hosted by the MICE Industry Association of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
The seminar served as a platform to discuss the opportunities arising from this milestone. Mr. Lin Yanjie, Head of the Culture, Tourism, Exhibition, and Trade Division, and Dr. Sherry Tan, Associate Professor at the Macao University of Tourism, shared their insights on the development prospects. Their discussions underscored the significance of Hengqin's ICCA membership in enhancing the region's global standing in the MICE sector.
Macao-Hengqin MICE cooperation has entered a phase of regularized and sustainable development, supported by 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 subsidies for international conferences. Specifically, events included in ICCA statistics can receive RMB 800 per participant, with a maximum subsidy of RMB 1 million per event, along with additional special incentives. Moreover, enterprises obtaining ICCA accreditation for the first time are eligible for a one-off reward of RMB 200,000, further strengthening support for MICE market players.
The collaborative model between Macao and Hengqin continues to evolve, with parallel efforts 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. These initiatives are expected to enhance Macao-Hengqin's international visibility and influence, while strengthening its voice in the global MICE industry.
The significance of this development lies in the potential economic and reputational benefits for the region. By joining ICCA, Hengqin gains access to a global network of MICE professionals, which can lead to increased business events, tourism, and investment. The subsidies and rewards aim to incentivize local enterprises to pursue international standards, thereby improving the quality and competitiveness of the MICE offerings in the area.
Furthermore, the focus on attracting conferences in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and materials science positions Macao-Hengqin as a hub for innovation and knowledge exchange. This aligns with broader regional strategies to diversify the economy and foster high-tech industries. As the MICE industry grows, it is likely to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and contribute to the overall development of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone.
For industry stakeholders, this news signals a commitment to internationalization and excellence. It provides clarity on the support available for organizing large-scale conferences and encourages collaboration between Macao and Hengqin. The move is also a testament to the region's proactive approach in building a robust MICE ecosystem that can compete on a global scale.
As the Macao-Hengqin MICE industry continues to develop, the impact of Hengqin's ICCA membership will be closely watched by industry observers and potential event organizers worldwide. The coming years will likely see an increase in international conferences hosted in the region, further cementing its reputation as a premier destination for business events.
