Global Perspective: Security and engagement set to be key to further growth in meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) industry

Countries and regions across the world have long understood the potential of the MICE segment as a vehicle to drive high-value tourism and economic development. In recent decades this has led to significant investment, with nations working to position themselves as centres for the industry, both regionally and globally, aided by greater air connectivity.

At the same time, the industry has been shaped by new technologies and rising security concerns, as well as budget constraints brought on by such things as the 2008 global financial crisis and the lower oil price environment that emerged in mid-2014. Nonetheless, there are plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about MICE, which is predicted to grow steadily over the next few years.

Performance

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), a global industry network, reported in its “Statistics Report 2016” that the MICE industry has experienced exponential growth, with the number of meetings held around the world doubling from just under 6000 in 2006 to over 12,000 in 2016.

The ICCA’s global rankings of annual meetings per country were dominated by developed Western markets: the US, Germany, the UK, France and Spain comprised the top five. Notable emerging economies that performed well in the ranking included Argentina at 19th, Mexico (21st) and Thailand (24th).

Read the full Global Perspective in The Report: Philippines 2018