Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) President Vincent U U Sang told reporters yesterday that 1,524 MICE* events were held in 2024, achieving a year-on-year growth of over 31 percent and seeing a return to the 2019 pre-pandemic levels, being a “historical peak”.
U made the remarks after yesterday morning’s dissemination and clarification session on the CEPA Amendment Agreement II on Trade in Services at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre.
U said that the number of MICE activities held in 2024 had exceeded their target of 1,500 events. Meanwhile, in terms of consumption, the average spending per exhibitiongoer dropped from 4,823 patacas in 2023 to 4,323 patacas in 2024, seeing a decline of over 10 percent.
U added that IPIM’s biggest goal this year was to enhance internationalisation and professionalism. On the point of internationalisation, U said that IPIM hopes to achieve a specific target of a 15 percent increase in international exhibition visitors to Macau this year.
Moreover, on professionalism, U said there will be special emphasis on professional training for Macau’s exhibition industry staff, such as by focusing on internationally recognised qualifications.
U also noted that IPIM is working to introduce more specialised conferences, noting that in recent years, it has been able to organise more medical conferences with the support of the Health Bureau (SSM), along with medical professionals.
*MICE tourism stands for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, according to Wikipedia.
Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) President Vincent U U Sang speaks to reporters after yesterday morning’s dissemination and clarification session on the CEPA Amendment Agreement II on Trade in Services, at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre in Nam Van. – Photo: MPDG
