Conference shines light on MICE in Macao

The 2024 UFI Asia Pacific Conference, which recently took place at The Parisian Macao on 7-8 March , shone a spotlight on Macao’s MICE capabilities.

This is the second UFI Asia Pacific Conference to be held in Macao after 2008, reflecting UFI’s endorsement of Macao’s business environment and the enclave’s MICE hardware and software capabilities.

The two-day event at The Parisian Macao drew over 300 MICE industry leaders, including exhibition managers, PEOs, and venue managers from mainland China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macao.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, president of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) Vincent U, highlighted Macao’s advantages of holding conventions and exhibitions and the goals of improving both quality and quantity for such events. The number of MICE activities is expected to increase by 50%, and more professional and international well-known conventions and exhibitions will be held in Macao in 2024.

U, who also represents the secretary for economy and finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, stated that Macao’s economy had recovered strongly, with GDP recording an 80.5% growth last year, and that Macao’s GDP is estimated to maintain a double-digit growth in 2024 (10.3%).

UFI MD/CEO, Kai Hattendorf, stated that the MICE industry had developed rapidly after the pandemic, and the Association has been actively responding to the new challenges in the industry.

At the opening ceremony, executive vice chairman of Sands China, Wilfred Wong, introduced its MICE software and hardware resources to the conference participants.

Cultural and sports activities, and local community tours were organised for international MICE visitors to gain an immersive experience of the multicultural charms of Macao after the conference.

To further grow awareness of Macao’s offerings and educate the trade on the latest MICE trends, IPIM has also joined hands with the Macao Government Tourism Office to participate in The Macao Tourism + MICE Product Updates Seminar & Travel Mart, which was held at Palace Hotel in Tokyo on 6 March.