The Industrial Development Bureau of Hengqin has officially become a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), a move that is set to open new global resource channels for the Macao-Hengqin MICE industry. The announcement was made during the Macao-Hengqin MICE Enterprises & ICCA Bay Area Members Seminar 2026, held at Tianmu Qintai in Hengqin, under the theme 'Global Bidding and Breakthrough Strategies for Emerging Destinations.' The event, hosted by the MICE Industry Association of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, attracted over 100 industry representatives.
At the seminar, 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 insights into the development opportunities presented by this milestone. Their discussions highlighted the growing collaboration between Macao and Hengqin, which has now entered a phase of regularized and sustainable development, supported by a robust framework encompassing 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 offer substantial financial incentives, including a subsidy of RMB 800 per participant for international conferences that are included in ICCA statistics, with a maximum subsidy of RMB 1 million per event. Additionally, special incentives are provided for enterprises obtaining ICCA accreditation for the first time, including a one-off reward of RMB 200,000. This strengthened support is designed to foster the growth of MICE market players and encourage more international events to choose Macao-Hengqin as their host destination.
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 that are 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 significance of this development cannot be overstated. By joining ICCA, Hengqin's Industrial Development Bureau gains access to a vast network of global MICE professionals and resources, which will facilitate knowledge exchange, best practice sharing, and potential partnerships. This membership, combined with the attractive subsidies and rewards, positions Macao-Hengqin as a competitive destination for international conferences and events, ultimately driving economic growth and diversification in the region.
