Top Asian Destinations for MICE Business Events
Don’t you just miss in-person MICE business events? MICE is an acronym that stands for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. Anyone who has ever attended MICE events before the pandemic probably relish going back to how it used to be.
However, as Covid-19 hit, in-person events had to be cancelled. Top business events destinations around the world weren’t able to extend their hospitality, culture and cuisine to their delegates, and had to rely on virtual screens. One positive outcome is that many agencies created new propositions, recovery packages and digital solutions as well as host virtual business events.
Whether you’re attending a hybrid, virtual or in-person event, here are 12 business events destinations in Asia you should consider for your next MICE.
1. Malaysia
Sarawak has proven itself to be one of the topmost destinations in Asia for MICE events. On top of its range of top-notch MICE facilities and warm hospitality, the State also offers many attractions for visitors to experience, especially in terms of Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festival. Thanks to the State’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) https://mtcp.sarawak.gov.my/, Sarawak is also one of the best biodiversity hotspots in the world. A combination of these makes Sarawak a truly unique destination for international MICE events. Of course, with high impact conventions and exhibitions successfully held thus far, Business Events Sarawak’s (BESarawak) https://businesseventssarawak.com/ have proven itself again and again with its track record in business events, surpassing expectations due to Sarawak’s capacity for innovation.
2. Thailand
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) (https://www.businesseventsthailand.com/en) and its stakeholders have been working hard to ensure that once borders reopen, Thailand is safe and ready to welcome business travellers. TCEB’s current initiatives include ‘Ease Up’ for meetings and incentives, ‘Re-energising Exhibition’ for exhibitions, ‘Convene Plus’ for conventions and ‘Thailand Power-Up’ for mega events and festivals.
3. South Korea
The capital city of Seoul’s Tourism Organisation (STO) (http://www.sto.or.kr/english/index) have been continuously moving forward in preparation for business events in the new normal. One of the most engaging digital assets introduced by STO is Virtual Seoul (https://virtualseoul.or.kr/), a platform to host online meetings that in-person attendees can also join in during hybrid events.
Besides Seoul, Jeju Convention & Visitors Bureau (Jeju CVB) too has attained impressive progress within the industry, such as support programmes and information services. Jeju currently focuses on building it up its reputation as a top MICE destination as well as moving forward with its goal of being a green host city.
4. Japan
Japan’s gourmet capital, Sapporo, is known for its diverse natural surroundings and lure of outdoor adventures. Sapporo Convention Bureau (https://www.conventionsapporo.jp/) has continued to evolve, evident by their new business events facilities and improvement in making use of the extraordinary Hokkaido nature.
Yokohama, the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture, is fast becoming Japan’s leading convention city, thanks to state-of-the-art facilities like the newly built Pacifico Yokohama North, alongside nearby world-class accommodation. Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau (YCVB)’s https://business.yokohamajapan.com/mice/en/ vast experience in event organization, supported by financial support from the city makes it a standout choice as a MICE and business events destination.
5. Philippines
As Asia’s pioneer in conventions, the Phillipines Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) (https://www.tpb.gov.ph/) can easily host international events thanks to years of experience and creative approaches. Throughout the pandemic, TPB showed more agility and creativity in marketing tourism, even motivating local partners to work through guidelines at the same time.
6. Taiwan
MEET Taiwan’s (https://www.meettaiwan.com/en_US/index.html) abundant capacity for holding exceptional business events makes Taiwan one of the ultimate destinations for MICE Events. Through their Business Events in Surprising Taiwan (BEST) Rewards programme, MEET Taiwan hopes to provide generous support for MICE activities in Taiwan.
7. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is already an attractive destination with a combination of its strategic location, dynamic business environments and provision of professional support. It’s no surprise that it is still an ideal location for MICE events despite the pandemic. Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) https://mehongkong.com/eng/index.html have been rolling out new attractions and experience alongside stringent hygiene guidelines, ready to welcome international visitors.
8. Indonesia
Indonesia’s scenic natural landscapes, unique culture and genuine hospitality leave visitors wanting more. Their Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE) http://www.indonesia.travel/ introduced the InDOnesia CARE initiative, which prioritizes mandatory safety precautions as well as the wellbeing of its visitors by event organisers.
9. New Zealand
New Zealand (https://businessevents.newzealand.com/en/) has everything from stunning landscapes to world-class venues and a variety of activities. Its unique culture, charming hospitality as well as professional support from the Conference Assistance programme makes tailored bidding and marketing assistance all the more attractive to organizers.
10. Australia
There is nothing quite like Australia for business events. Thanks to Tourism Australia https://businessevents.australia.com/en , there is never a lack of diversity and possibility of experiences. From large-scale international conferences to small groups of incentives, the business events industry in Australia has managed to exceed all expectations.
Sydney, Australia’s most cosmopolitan city has a reputation for attracting and delivering large-scale business events, thanks to state-of-the-art facilities, strengths in key industry sectors and flexible accommodations. At the heart of it all is the acclaimed International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), which is able to host any convention, exhibition as well as hybrid events.
