Search Results forMICE
Saint Lucia mixes ‘MICE’ business with pure pleasure
Saint Lucia is a nation that may be small, but its influence in the luxury tourism sector is well-established. The island’s accessible luxury and varied resort infrastructure which is developing at pace, is bringing it attention from global event planners, always on the look-out for that elusive ‘X-factor’. The Saint Lucia Tourist Authority is tapping into this market by showcasing the Island’s all-inclusive credentials, alongside dramatic and volcanic landscapes, plus a plethora of cultural and active-adventure experiences to woo more MICE events to the island. “Saint Lucia’s MICE strategy is primarily focused on incentive travel, offering high-value experiences designed to reward and inspire, while also providing well-equipped meeting facilities to support business requirements. The island combines luxury resorts and intimate venues with striking natural surroundings and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including excursions to the world’s only drive-in volcano. By integrating nature, adventure, and CSR-aligned activities into programmes, Saint Lucia enables organisations to deliver experiences that are both impactful and memorable.” Stated Iana Fevriere-Jacobs, Sales & Marketing Manager, Saint Lucia Tourist Authority. The timing could not be better, as Saint Lucia still reverberates from Julien Alfred’s historic victory in the 100m sprint at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The home town girl, has become the perfect Tourism Ambassador for the tourist Authority. Her global profile is not only shining a light on sports travel, but is being used to leverage global awareness of the island’s most famous events. This includes a world-class jazz festival, Carnival and Nobel Laureate Festival celebrating two of the Island’s Nobel Laureates, Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir Derek Walcott. Add to this a cricketing legacy courtesy of former West Indies captain Daren Sammy, who has a stadium named after him and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ‘Pitons Mountains’, and the Island's offering is as impressive as it is compelling, especially across a footprint of 238 square miles with 180,000 residents. It is no wonder tourism officials are amplifying this momentum to new heights through brand campaigns and familiarisation trips for MICE planners from Europe and beyond. Allowing these trade professionals to properly understand the possibilities and to see new investments for themselves, could lead to the island becoming a MICE powerhouse in the Caribbean. Investments such as the new five-star adults only ‘Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa’, with its 355 rooms, suites and a ‘Preferred Club’ with exclusive amenities, alongside ambitious developments like A’ila Resorts’ $1.3 billion project in Rodney Bay, featuring the ‘Zenith Art & Conference Centre’ capable of accommodating up to 2,000 guests and set to open in 2027, are certainly turning heads. Add to this other property locations which balance luxury with authenticity, accessibility with exclusivity and relaxation with adventure and there is much to choose from. The island’s portfolio includes Hotel Chocolat and Cacao plantation where groups can experience their very own "Tree-to-chocolate-Bar" experience or Landings Resort & Spa, near the historical ‘Pigeon Hill’, offering captivating spots for events amidst the island’s colonial ruins. For pure luxury without limits Sugar Beach by Viceroy and Jade Mountain are ideal for C-suite level clients and A-list celebrities ready to consider buying-out their very own slice of paradise. Meghan Hockney, XSEM Agency stated: “All resorts offer many on-site amenities, including private/semi-private beaches, fitness classes, private dining venues, water sports, and luxury spa and wellness facilities. Overall, St Lucia is ideally suited to high-end incentive programmes for smaller groups and is a truly beautiful destination well worth considering.” But what truly differentiates Saint Lucia is its merging of beautiful landscapes and adventure with these dynamic resorts which form the base from which to explore. Along the postcard-perfect coastlines and rainforest interior, the island reveals a rich tapestry of experiences that blend nature, culture, history and adventure. No itinerary is complete without venturing onto, into and under the island's translucent waters. A coastal adventure can begin on a deep-sea fishing yacht, allowing guests to dive into the clear waters for a glimpse of vibrant marine life and on a speedboat zipping across the waves, taking in the island’s dramatic cliffs, Pitons Mountains and palm-fringed beaches. “In a destination such as Saint Lucia, I would always include a boat tour with a snorkelling experience in any incentive itinerary” mentioned Katie Lewis, Freelance Events Planner. Saint Lucia offers a captivating blend of natural wonders, including the iconic Pitons, bubbling sulphur springs, stunning waterfalls, lush botanical gardens, vibrant dive sites, historic cocoa plantations, and invigorating nature trails featuring zipline adventures through the rainforest canopy all presenting enticing active-adventure incentives or curating a rum cocktail-making workshop or a Creole cuisine masterclass. In the south-western region, the Qualibou Volcano draws visitors with its steaming, bubbling sulphur mud pools. While it has been classified as dormant since its last eruption in 1766, ongoing geothermal activity adds an exhilarating aspect for those seeking relaxation in its warm, sulphur-rich waters. For the more adventurous, summiting the majestic Pitons Mountains is a must. The ‘Petit Piton’ offers a challenge for advanced hikers and climbers, while ‘Gros Piton’ can be tackled by most, providing an attainable goal for many. The reward for this endeavour is not only the breathtaking views but also the achievement of conquering Saint Lucia's volcanic spires, recognized as the island’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Event planners have already expressed excitement about the island’s potential for client groups they already received briefs from. The genuinely warm hospitality, combined with ambitious upcoming developments, solidifies Saint Lucia as a competitive choice for a diverse selection of luxury MICE events. “Saint Lucia is an outstanding destination with an exceptional range of offerings, from world-class five-star resorts to exclusive group experiences. Highlights include private boat tours along the coastline with breathtaking views of the Pitons, as well as a wide variety of water sports” Hockney concluded.
Dubai scales MICE capacity as regional competition for corporate travel intensifies
When one thinks about planning an event in the Middle East, the first destination that comes to mind is Dubai. It is very well connected, offers state of the art venues, advanced infrastructure and technology, luxury hotels and enriching hospitality and moreover Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) actively supports MICE events with incentives, streamlined visa processes, and offers world-class security. One of Dubai’s biggest advantages as a corporate event destination is the availability of world-class event management companies that specialize in creating seamless, impactful, and memorable experiences. According to Mordor Intelligence, the region’s meetings, incentives, conference and exhibitions (MICE) industry continues to expand at pace as investment in large-scale venues, infrastructure, and international partnerships accelerates. The UAE’s MICE market is forecast to grow to USD 9.26 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 8.96%. The Saudi Arabian market is projected to reach USD 5.33 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.93%. According to the Dubai World Trade Centre’s 2024 Economic Impact Assessment and broader industry data, inbound participation remains a key driver of growth, with strong travel flows between the GCC and wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets supported by short-haul connectivity and regional trade integration. Just for a moment forget the event planners, it’s the world’s who’s who that are heading to Dubai and making it their home, encashing tax benefits. The UAE has become a magnet for British millionaires and billionaires, attracting the world’s wealthy for its efficient tax system, stable politics and economy, and investor-friendly policies. Location and connectivity Dubai is one of the world's largest aviation hubs, offering maximum accessibility with direct flights from everywhere. Located just 6–8 hours from the UK, Asia, and Africa, Dubai is a true global hub. You can manage businesses across continents, fly in and out easily, and network with international investors and clients without borders. Dubai was ranked the world’s best-connected city for 2025, securing the top position in the Global City Access Index by Mozio. Dubai Airport hosts a vast majority of airlines, serving flights to and from all over the world. International airlines, domestic providers, conventional and budget air carriers offer their services at DXB Airport. Exceptional MICE venues Dubai hosts some of the world’s best MICE venues. Time tested Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) remains popular. DWTC is ideal for multifunctional exhibitions and congresses with a massive influx of visitors. Its main strength lies in the logistics with a dedicated metro station right next door. Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City, An ultra-modern venue, a legacy of the Expo 2020 world fair, designed for events that demand grandeur. DEC is the choice for global summits, mega-exhibitions, and international congresses. Designed to host large global events; recently used for events like Gulfood 2026. In terms of future expansion it is part of an AED10 billion master plan which will significantly increase capacity and amenities through 2031. InterContinental Dubai Festival City has launched an enhanced event space branded “Events by InterContinental”, including the waterfront Event Centre and Festival Arena. This upgrade adds new versatile meeting and conference spaces to Dubai’s MICE portfolio, catering for corporate conventions, exhibitions, and large-scale events up to 9,000 people. New MICE-Focused Hotels in Dubai Dubai’s hospitality sector continues to expand with several new and recently enhanced hotels strengthening the city’s MICE offering. Conrad Dubai has also expanded its MICE capabilities with the launch of The Avery, a contemporary indoor and outdoor event venue designed to host meetings, exhibitions and business functions. Among the latest hotel openings, Ciel Dubai Marina, now the world’s tallest hotel, caters to business and corporate travellers with modern meeting facilities and premium hospitality services. In addition, recently opened lifestyle and luxury hotels such as Mama Shelter Dubai and Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai offer dedicated meeting spaces suitable for smaller corporate events and business gatherings. New Tourist Attractions in Dubai Dubai continues to enhance its tourism offering with a mix of iconic landmarks, immersive experiences and family-friendly attractions. Highlights include Ciel Dubai Marina, the world’s tallest hotel, now a standout feature of the city skyline. The city has also introduced innovative experiences such as AYA Universe and other interactive digital attractions, alongside new leisure options like the boutique waterpark at Grand Hyatt Dubai and Swingers Crazy Golf at Bluewaters Island. New infrastructure and lifestyle destinations, including the Infinity Bridge over Dubai Creek and Dubai Harbour, add to the city’s appeal, while cultural venues such as the ARTE Museum and evolving attractions like the Museum of the Future continue to draw visitors. For outdoor experiences, Hatta Dam remains a popular nature and adventure destination. Bleisure and leisure Dubai offers the best of nightlife and the most extensive shopping experiences. From sleek rooftop lounges and glamorous beach clubs with glittering skyline views to high-energy nightclubs hosting world-famous DJs, the city comes alive after dark. Areas like Downtown, Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island are hotspots for evening entertainment, where you’ll find stylish bars, live music venues and late-night lounges serving craft cocktails and international cuisine. For a more relaxed night out, visitors can enjoy chic shisha lounges or elegant jazz bars, while party-seekers can dance long into the night at some of the region’s most exciting clubs. With its mix of luxury venues, beachfront vibes and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Dubai’s nightlife scene offers unforgettable evenings for both socialising and celebration. Dubai is a premier shopping destination, offering everything from luxury brands to traditional markets. Iconic malls such as The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates feature world-class retail alongside entertainment and dining, while historic souks like the Gold and Spice Souks provide a more authentic shopping experience. From high-end fashion to unique souvenirs, Dubai offers something for every shopper. Dubai has firmly established itself as the Middle East’s leading MICE destination, combining world-class connectivity, cutting-edge venues and an ever-evolving hospitality landscape with a pro-business environment that actively supports international events. Backed by government incentives, seamless visa processes and robust security, the city offers organisers confidence, scale and efficiency unmatched in the region. As global participation continues to rise and investment in infrastructure accelerates, Dubai is no longer just a convenient meeting point—it is a strategic hub where business, innovation and global networking converge. With its ability to deliver impactful events while offering delegates exceptional lifestyle, leisure and “bleisure” experiences, Dubai continues to set the benchmark for MICE destinations worldwide and remains the natural first choice for organisations looking to host truly global events.
‘Speed is the new luxury’: Cvent executive says AI is vital for MICE profitability
Asia’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is expanding rapidly, but many operators are struggling to convert demand into profit as response times lag behind planner expectations. According to Cvent’s hospitality cloud leader in the Asia Pacific Navodit Srivastava, speed has become a commercial differentiator as the planner profile shifts throughout the region. As he puts it: “Revenue isn't lost on price, it's lost on response time. Talking about MICE speed is the new luxury, and AI delivers that at scale in Asia Pacific.” Taking a “digital-first” approach Srivastava noted that planners are increasingly digital-first, saying: “Today, 76 percent of the planners are Gen Zs and millennials. They are highly responsive, and they are very comfortable with conversational technology.” Keeping this in mind, delayed replies can cost business before a sales team even engages. Srivastava says of this: “I imagine if a venue takes days to reply, the planner has already moved on.” Likewise, Cvent data suggests the push toward AI is accelerating, given how 82 percent of planners throughout APAC are considering an increased use of AI. However, Srivastava also warns that the real risk for MICE leaders is not about adopting AI. He said: “It's not adopting it and then quietly losing relevance.” AI’s revenue value comes from automating early-stage selling; as such, it enables instant responses with confident pricing, pre-qualified leads on venue websites and RFPs, and helps sales teams focus on high intent opportunities. The barriers are there, but… Nevertheless, barriers holding back the more widespread adoption of AI in the Asian MICE sector remain. As Srivastava explains: “Most AI challenges in MICE are not technical. They are operational and they are cultural, [tied in with] data fragmentation, stretched teams, as well as governance and trust.” In which case, he recommends that companies start small, focus on clear ROI, build a strong data foundation, and keep humans in the loop.
MICE sector growth slows as staff burnout triggers widespread labor shortage
With the global business events sector growing at a compound rate of 6.4 percent per annum, it’s not surprising that it is one of the most lucrative aspects of the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. It is estimated that, at any given time, there are at least several thousands of business events of varying magnitude throughout the world, powered by the intrepid efforts of the event management and MICE professionals who organise them and make them work. Likewise, the pandemic gave rise to the concept of hybrid events: a livestream could be broadcast from the physical venue, enabling those who are unable to attend in person to get in on the action on the floors. This has enabled events to boost their attendance numbers as well as revenues streaming from both in-person and virtual participation. But such success has its drawbacks, particularly where the mental health and wellbeing of events management personnel are concerned. Burnout hits hard According to a report from the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), over a third of event planners worldwide declared that they were exhausted and burnt out from the job. Cumulatively, a 2023 report from The Culture Collectors pointed out that 79 percent of event professionals now find their roles more stressful than ever before. Small wonder then that MICE and events management in general are now currently ranked third among the world's most stressful occupations, not too far behind military service and home-based medical care services. That said, event management companies, MICE suppliers, and even government organisations tasked with handling large-scale conventions and exhibitions need to find ways to keep their people from inevitably burning out and losing their passion for the job. What’s fuelling burnout in the industry? UK-based events management company Goho reports that around 42 percent of events professionals have jumped ship, many of whom cite increasing stress and pressure in the workplace as their reason for quitting. The same report points out that up to 28 percent say that their burnout is driven by the lack of work-life balance in their profession, as seen in the constant need to be ready for any eventualities before, during, and even after an event. Another reason for burnout that should be given serious attention is that event management personnel tend to take care of the needs of event attendees before their own, with some even showing up even when ill to ensure that there are enough to take care of matters on the event floor. As selfless as this sounds, taking one for the team even when one’s mind and body are screaming for rest benefits no one, least of all the individual. SOS for event professionals One of the most striking talks I’ve personally encountered on the subject is the one from Penang Adventist Hospital’s Dr Prem Kumar Chandrasekaran at BE @ Penang 2025. In his talk The Unbroken Wave: Mastering Boundaries and Workload to Future-proof Mental Health, Chandrasekaran called out the way event professionals sacrificed their personal well-being to ensure desired outcomes. That said, his sage advice was for professionals to safeguard both their mental and physical health by ensuring a proper work-life balance. This would involve learning to say no as a means of preventing burnout, along with opting to clock off professional responsibilities at a reasonable time. To be honest, that is a challenging proposition, especially if companies do not offer their people the proper resources with which to improve both their mental and physical health. Now what? If we go by Chandrasekaran, the best way by which event management companies can take proper care of their people is by giving them the necessary medical, psychological, and, whenever necessary, spiritual measures they need. But there are a number of more practical methods by which to achieve this end: Allow for ample post-recovery time Organising events is certainly not a light undertaking, often taking weeks and even months to plan and involving everyone from office staff to suppliers to ground crews. All that effort mandates ample time off to rest and recuperate from both the physical and mental rigours of the job. By giving people enough rest, you get a team that is rejuvenated and ready to get back in the field; Refrain from scheduling back-to-back events One of the challenges of contemporary MICE and business events is that events need to be scheduled one after another in immediate succession, something that may be lucrative but also exhausting and detrimental in the long-term for the health of most people involved. Proper scheduling needs to be taken into consideration to manage time, people, and resources in the best manner possible; Automate wherever necessary With all the technology available at our fingertips, relying on people to do all the usual paperwork is now seen as impractical and inefficient. Tech teams can develop filing and inventory solutions that can help teams keep track of things without too much paperwork involved, and less human intervention also means less mistakes will be made; Open dialogue matters We cannot underestimate the importance of post-mortem discussions following an event as these are the best venues wherein to discuss areas of improvement along with any issues encountered by the team in the process of organising and staging the event. Open dialogue also encourages events professionals to candidly discuss their needs with management, enabling both parties to find ways through which to address key concerns; and Know your limits At the end of the day, let us remember that event professionals are humans rather than machines and there is only so much that can be done by either people or organisations. Knowing your limits also enables all parties involved to properly manage expectations for an event from start to finish, resulting in great outcomes and much less stress for everyone.
BE @ Penang 2025 dares MICE professionals to “Be The Wave”
The ninth edition of BE @ Penang challenges today's MICE professionals to change the game by making the most of the latest innovations whilst taking both sustainability and inclusivity into consideration. The event officially opened today, 10th December, at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Centred on the theme Be the Wave, discussions and interactive sessions at the event will revolve around game-changing concepts that will drastically revamp the way business events are staged in Asia and beyond. From the use of artificial intelligence in events planning to a frank discussion on leadership and management in the 21st century, this year's event is giving participants much to think about to create, stage, and promote highly effective events. Becoming the wave In the science of physics, a wave is essentially a force that comes rushing in, essentially sweeping everything in its path and changing the form of the area it surges through. In the context of MICE, being the wave is about changing the way things are done, revising processes involved in the organisation, management, and presentation of events, regardless if these are small meetings or expositions on a grand scale. Penang is currently riding the crest of this wave, given how it has evolved into a major hub for commerce and industry, particularly where information technology is concerned. In his opening remarks Penang Convention and Exhibitions Bureau CEO Ashwin Gunasekaran remarked: "Penang continues to evolve as a powerhouse of innovation and economic progress. This reflects the same wave of progress that is reshaping the business events industry, where new technologies, creative strategies, and global connections are opening up to unprecedented opportunities." PCEB chairman Wong Hon Wai echoed these sentiments whilst inviting delegates to embrace the spirit of this year's conference . Wong said: "Be the wave, the wave that carries new ideas across borders, the wave that lifts and empowers others; the wave that inspires transformation not only within the organisation but across the communities we love and serve." Pride of place Cutting-edge ideas notwithstanding, the exhibitions aspect of BE @ Penang made a strong case for Pulau Pinang as one of Malaysia's centres for cultural tourism. The exhibition hall immediately outside the convention venue featured booths touting indigenous crafts from wayang kulit puppetry and the intricately designed crafts of the region, to traditional sweets and batik garments that present indigenous patterns in a more contemporary form. Inclusivity was also part of the exhibition through basketry produced by visually impaired artisans, a women's empowerment advocacy pushing for gender budgeting on both community and national levels, and a coffee company that offers cups for two ringgit apiece, with all proceeds going to local youth charities. BE @ Penang runs until tomorrow, 12th December; Travel Daily Media will be posting from the floors of the event, so keep posted on our site for fresh updates.
MICE Spotlight: Malaysia steps up its game to become a global venue of choice
Over the past decade, particularly following the pandemic, Malaysia's popularity as a global MICE venue of choice has grown by leaps and bounds. With a variety of world-class convention centres within its capital Kuala Lumpur, as well as in key destinations like Melaka, Penang, and Sabah, the Southeast Asian nation is certainly making its presence felt within the MICE sector. Indeed, as Datuk M Gandhi, president of the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS), stated at BE in Sabah earlier this year, Malaysia ought to position itself as a gateway to global markets, serving as a gathering place for a diverse range of industries as well as special interest organisations. As we gear up for BE @ Penang, the 2025 edition of one of Malaysia's foremost business events conferences, we at Travel Daily Media invite our readers to take a closer look at the country's rapidly evolving MICE sector to see why it is becoming a most favourable location for events on any scale. Everything according to plan To understand Malaysia's drive towards prominence in global MICE, let us go back to the midpoint of the pandemic years in 2021. Back in 2021, Abdul Khani Daud, then-CEO of the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), declared: “Malaysia is working towards making its business event industry the top five in the world within ten years in line with the Malaysia Business Events Strategic Marketing Plan (SMP) 2021-2030.” Daud pointed out at the time that the SMP 2021-2030 would create a pathway for both business and international sporting events in Malaysia, enabling the country’s business event industry to reemerge stronger than was prior to the pandemic. As such, MICE travellers would make up three percent of the total number of traveller arrivals to Malaysia by 2030; likewise, Malaysia’s MICE sector would generate up to 25,833 employment opportunities by the end of the decade. Daud declared: “The SMP 2021-2030 signals the sector’s and government’s commitment to work together for the upcoming decade by identifying new strategies and new opportunities for expansion and building on our current presence in existing markets.” While Daud has since retired from MyCEB, his vision is coming into fruition as Malaysia hosted the 47th ASEAN Summit along with its related sub-events earlier this year. The country also served as the venue for several industry-centric global conferences, including Global Travel Meet which was staged in October, the International Sourcing Programme at the Malaysia International Building and Construction Industry Showcase, as well as the World Tourism Conference back in September. Malaysia has also announced that it will be hosting the Global Health Security Conference 2026, Energy Tech Summit Asia 2026, and the 85th FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2027. What Malaysia has going for it in terms of MICE There are numerous reasons why Malaysia’s popularity as a MICE venue has surged over the past several years. These include: Exceptional venues with world-class infrastructure, including the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in the capital and Penang’s Setia SPICE Convention Centre, all set against a unique historical and cultural backdrop; A great location in the heart of Southeast Asia bolstered by air, land, and sea connectivity; Ample government and private sector support by way of organisations like MACEOS, MyCEB, and Tourism Malaysia which encourages an excellent environment in which to do business; Numerous options for post-event tourism thanks to Malaysia’s rich cultural offerings which include a variety of halal-compliant choices in terms of accommodations and dining; and Exceptional value as the country’s venues and event organisers provide reasonable rates for events on any scale. With so much going for it, we will not be surprised if, as the decade draws to a close, Malaysia stands at the forefront of the regional MICE sector thanks to its emphasis on service of exceptional quality and infrastructure that can easily match the best the world has to offer.
Dubai focuses on MICE at IBTM World 2025
Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, has concluded its successful participation at IBTM World 2025 in Barcelona, further reinforcing Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic business events destinations. The city’s presence highlighted its strong global rankings, expanding pipeline and alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. DBE participated alongside a delegation of 32 industry partners, representing hotels, venues, DMCs, planners and major entities including Emirates, Expo City Dubai, Coca Cola Arena and Dubai World Trade Centre. Together, they showcased Dubai’s collaborative, business-ready ecosystem for hosting major global gatherings. This year’s IBTM theme, ‘People. Power. Potential.’, aligned with Dubai’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections, advancing knowledge exchange and empowering global collaboration. DBE’s participation at IBTM followed its presence at other strategic industry events in 2025, including EPEX, IMEX Las Vegas, the ICCA Middle East Summit in Bahrain and the ICCA Congress in Porto. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “IBTM World 2025 provided an excellent platform to engage with international partners and reaffirm Dubai’s growing influence on the global stage. The strong interest we saw at the show, supported by our leading international rankings and the results achieved this year, underlines the world’s confidence in Dubai as a destination that consistently delivers meaningful and high-impact business events.” Dubai’s international recognition has continued to grow in 2025. According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Dubai remained #1 globally for highest attendee numbers per association meeting, and #1 in the Middle East and Africa for number of association meetings hosted. Cvent also named Dubai the #1 meetings destination in the region, reaffirming the emirate’s strength in delivering high-impact events and supporting international associations in deepening their global reach. Dubai’s H1 2025 results demonstrated sustained momentum. DBE secured 249 successful bids, a 29% year-on-year increase, for events taking place through 2029. These conferences and congresses are expected to attract over 127,000 delegates, a 35% rise year-on-year, supported by an improved 64% conversion rate and the continued growth of the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme, now comprising more than 370 ambassadors. The strength of Dubai’s MICE sector reflects the city’s broader tourism performance. Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest international airport for the 11th consecutive year in 2024, welcomed 70.1 million passengers in the first nine months of 2025, up 2.1% year-on-year. The emirate also received 13.95 million international overnight visitors during the same period, a 5% year-on-year increase, underscoring the synergy between leisure and business travel. Looking ahead, Dubai is bolstering its readiness for future business events growth through the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai and ongoing city-wide infrastructure and airport development. These enhancements will further strengthen the emirate’s ability to host large-scale, global events.
Unlocking a $1.5 Trillion MICE Industry with AI Innovation
Speaking at the TDM Global Summit Singapore 2025, Navodit Srivastava, hospitality cloud leader, Asia Pacific for Cvent stated that: " The MICE industry is heading towards a trillion dollar economy globally, and it's growing at eight to 10% growth rate on an annual basis. That means, in next three to five years, we're going to be 1.3 to $1.5 trillion industry." "76% of planners are Gen Z or Millennials. These generations expect digital-first, speed, and transparency. They prefer self-service, conversational interfaces, and instant answers. AI aligns perfectly with their expectations. If we don’t adapt to them, we lose relevance. Why does AI matter in hospitality right now? On the same he added, "Because for the first time in decades, we’re seeing a transformation that cuts across every department, every process, and every guest interaction. AI isn’t just another technology trend — it’s the new foundation for how hospitality will operate, grow, and compete. According to the 2025 Skift Research report, 76% of hotel executives believe AI is fundamentally changing our industry, and 79% already report positive business impact from AI adoption across multiple functions. That’s not future-looking — that’s happening today." "You think about marketing. They want it for better prospecting, better leads. You talk about sales. You want to connect to more relevant planners or booking into your markets and not booking into you talk about operations. We want automation every aspect of our business. AI is that connecting here, and it is getting smarter and smarter as we feed AI with content and data." Future ready, AI assisted Events and MICE "Planner describes the event, AI will build it, system auto-sources venues, compares, negotiates. Execution tools handle rooming, diagrams, BEOs. AI gives insights, predicts success, personalises service. All of this leaves humans to focus on relationships and strategy — not admin." "Our industry is constantly changing, facing new challenges, And that’s where AI shines -- helping us adapt in real time to an ever-shifting market. Not in the future – right now! It IS the most effective way to stay competitive and to keep winning business. So how do we thrive in that kind of environment? The leaders who win are the ones who adapt, who innovate, and who never lose sight of the fundamentals." concludes Srivastava
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Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.
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Where the business events world meets in Asia Pacific The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event – AIME – is
ITE HCMC 2025
The 19th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City – ITE HCMC 2025 is set to return from September 4th to 6th, 2025, in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Indonesia 2025
Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.
ITB India 2025, Mumbai India
What is ITB India ITB India is an annual 3-day business-to-business trade show and convention curated to connect you to the
ITB Asia 2025, Singapore
ITB Asia, Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show,is an annually held B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry; it is designed to be the
IT&CMA and CTW APAC 2025 – Bangkok, Thailand
IT&CMA and CTW APAC continues to solidify its position as the leading global platform for the MICE and Corporate Travel industries, offering the most extensive exhibition showcase of Asia-Pacific’s MICE and Corporate suppliers.
IT&CM China and CTW China 2025
Since 2007, as The Leading International MICE Event in China, IT&CM China is co-located with CTW China – China’s Leading Corporate Travel Management Conference. Together, the events deliver a unique proposition as China’s Only Doublebill Event In MICE and Corporate Travel.
ITE Hong Kong 2025 – 12 June (Thu)-15 June (Sun) 2025
The 20th MICE Travel Expo co-locating with the 39th ITE Hong Kong will be held from 12 to 15 June 2025 at Hall 1 of the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.