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 announcement was made during the Macao-Hengqin MICE Enterprises & ICCA Bay Area Members Seminar 2026, held at Tianmu Qintai in Hengqin.
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 and attracted over 100 industry representatives. 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, who shared insights into the development opportunities arising from this milestone.
The significance of this membership cannot be overstated. By joining ICCA, Hengqin gains access to a vast network of international MICE professionals, resources, and bidding opportunities. This is particularly important as Macao-Hengqin MICE cooperation has entered a phase of regularized and sustainable development, supported by a robust framework covering policy, operational models, and talent development.
One of the key drivers of this growth 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. Furthermore, enterprises obtaining ICCA accreditation for the first time will receive a one-off reward of RMB 200,000, strengthening support for the growth of MICE market players.
The collaborative model between Macao and Hengqin continues to evolve, with efforts to develop a strong 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 significantly enhance Macao-Hengqin's international visibility and influence, while strengthening its voice in the global MICE industry. The ICCA membership is a testament to Hengqin's commitment to becoming a premier MICE destination in the region, and it is poised to yield substantial economic and strategic benefits.
