Following the reopening to fully-vaccinated visitors with no quarantine and testing requirements, Singapore’s Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry in Singapore is expected to post strong recovery strongly.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is riding on that momentum by launching an enhanced incentive programme for international MICE groups, and with a strong pipeline of events in 2022 and beyond, a full recovery for the MICE industry is expected in two to three years.
There are indications that industry recovery is picking up pace. Singapore hosted over 200 events attended by an estimated 49,000 delegates in 2021. In the first three months of this year (Jan – Mar 2022) alone, Singapore hosted more than 150 events attended by over 37,000 delegates.1 This number is set to increase, with at least 66 international events secured for the rest of 2022.
“The business community is eager for opportunities to meet and network in-person again. This desire, as well as the recent easing of our border restrictions, puts the MICE industry in good stead to recover strongly,” said Yap Chin Siang, Deputy Chief Executive, STB.
“We look forward to welcoming more business travellers and delegates back to our shores over the next few years, and we hope that the curated experiences under INSPIRE Global 2.0 will encourage visitors to enjoy all that Singapore has to offer.”
Under the In Singapore Incentives & Rewards (INSPIRE Global 2.0) programme by STB, qualified MICE groups can look forward to new experiences from dining and attractions to thematic tours and team building. They can choose from a selection of close to 80 complementary experiences that delegates can enjoy in Singapore – an increase from 54 experiences that were introduced under INSPIRE Global 1.0.
The Board will also continue to offer various assistance schemes to attract MICE events to Singapore. One example is the Business Events in Singapore (BEiS) scheme, which encourages the business events industry to innovate and anchor quality events in Singapore.
The positive outlook for MICE follows the recent relaxation of COVID-19 measures in Singapore, such as removing group size and event capacity limits. Since April 2022, Singapore has welcomed all vaccinated travellers, with no quarantine and testing requirements. These changes have made it more convenient for the world to meet in Singapore and stage larger events with greater opportunities for networking and other interactions.
“The reopening of our borders without quarantine and removal of event capacity and zoning requirements were truly the game changers that the industry has been looking forward to,” said Richard Ireland, President, Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS).
“With the robust event pipeline and launch of new meeting experiences, we are optimistic that we are on the right track towards the return of a vibrant and viable MICE scene in Singapore. SACEOS will continue working closely with the industry and Government to further strengthen Singapore’s long-standing position as an attractive and leading global MICE hub.”
The City-State continues to be recognised as the preferred destination for business events, even amid intensified global competition. In January 2022, Singapore received the 2022 Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Chair’s Award for its contributions to the business events industry in 2021.
A robust pipeline of events
This year marks the much-anticipated return of marquee international events, including Food and Hotel Asia – Food & Beverage (5–8 Sept) and Food and Hotel Asia – Food & Beverage and Food and Hotel Asia – HoReCa (25-28 Oct). The events are expected to attract more than 30,000 physical attendees each.
Singapore will also welcome a slew of new events this year, including Global Health Security Conference 2022 (28 Jun-1 Jul) and Cosmoprof + Cosmopack Asia (16-18 Nov).
“With over 40 years of delivering successful business with strong support from the Food and Hospitality industry in Asia, Food Hotel Asia (FHA) is recognised as the best international platform for branding opportunities to connect with business partners around the world. The recent relaxations in both Safe Management Measures (SMMs) and travel requirements into Singapore have seen a very positive response, and we strongly believe that FHA is set to cater to the growing demand in the food and hospitality industry. FHA welcomes the world to visit the events in Singapore,” said Ian Roberts, Vice President – Asia, Informa Markets.
“Singapore’s position as a global transport hub and its demonstrated regional leadership in strengthening preparedness and collaboration made it an obvious choice to host Global Health Security Conference 2022. We are thrilled to be working closely with the Singapore Government to ensure this event will inspire both current leaders and an entirely new generation to make the world safer, healthier and more inclusive,” said Professor Adam Kamradt-Scott, Chair of Global Public Health, European University Institute and Convenor of the GHS Conferences.
