Top Conference Centers and Venues for MICE Tourism in Asia

Top Conference Centers and Venues for MICE Tourism in Asia

The post-pandemic world has seen a drastic shift in the economic capacities of different countries, with new centers of power emerging. While Europe has been the traditional economic center, Asia has rapidly risen to become the next big center for business lately. This changing situation is well-reflected in the gradual development of state-of-the-art MICE tourism centers across Asian countries.

Developing economic powerhouses like China, Singapore, India, Thailand, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and many more have established several internationally renowned event venues. With their strong economic comeback in the post-COVID era, these countries have seen a boom in local businesses that now seek global attention. Several nations now wish to attract more foreign businesses and investments in public infrastructure projects. Such aspirations have provided a much-needed boost to the development of MICE travel facilities across Asia.

Some of the best centres for MICE tourism in Asia can be found in the pre-pandemic economic powers of China, Singapore, and Dubai. More recent entries in the sector include India, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and even Uzbekistan. While India and Thailand are popular tourism hotspots, the Middle Eastern nations have started channelling their traditional petroleum-focused industries towards business tourism.

What has made a difference is that all these Asian economies have begun to recognise the scope of MICE travel and its positive influences. Governments and private entities have collectively begun to push for developing adequate infrastructure and other facilities required for the field. Several MICE companies have also found a footing in the competitive travel industry, further encouraging the smooth organization of events.

Here is a comprehensive list of the top MICE conference centers and venues across Asia:

  1. Yashobhoomi, Delhi, India: Among the newest additions to the MICE tourism sector in Asia is the Yashobhoomi convention centre. The facility was opened in 2023 as the largest convention centre in Asia and is among the world’s biggest MICE centres. Yashobhoomi has easy accessibility from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport which means smoother travel for international delegates.

    The government-backed venue can host multiple events at its fifteen convention centres that can host up to 11,000 people. The underground parking area has space for 28,000 vehicles while the campus has a dedicated metro station.

  2. Bharat Mandapam, Delhi, India: Another new addition to the MICE travel industry in India is the Bharat Mandapam, where the 2023 G20 New Delhi summit was held. The newly constructed facility can host up to 7,000 people and has great connectivity to the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Several events, both private and government-backed, are regularly organised at the Bharat Mandapam.

    The halls are perfectly equipped for hosting conclaves, cultural events, congregations, summits, and meetings on an international scale. Located in India’s capital city of Delhi, the centre covers all kinds of travel and accommodation requirements for delegates.

  3. Singapore EXPO, Singapore: Famous as Singapore’s largest purpose-built MICE tourism venue, the Singapore EXPO has won several awards for its innovative design and business value. The conference centre has 10 halls and 32 meeting rooms that can accommodate business events of any scale and size.

    Singapore EXPO boasts 20 years of expertise in events and exhibitions, which is reflected in its extensive array of services catering to leisure and business. It is located a few minutes away from Changi Airport and the city centre, making it one of the top MICE centres in Singapore.

  4. Sentosa, Singapore: An island full of leisurely entertainment in all forms, Sentosa has rapidly emerged as one of the best MICE tourism centres in Singapore. With 1,900 hotels, 120 dining options, and a total venue space of 20,000 sqm, Sentosa brings the out-of-the-boardroom experience to life.

    The venues ensure sustainable practices and offer end-to-end services for security, transport, landscaping, and branding. The premier Singaporean destination is perfect for team-building events, incentive trips, conferences, exhibitions and much more with state-of-the-art facilities.

  5. Queen Sirkit National Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand: As one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, Bangkok’s rise as a MICE leader is no surprise. One of the best MICE tourism centres in the city is the QSNCC, which has been expanded to a size five times bigger than the original.

    The centre is the largest in central Bangkok and is ideal for all kinds of MICE events. QSNCC has also hosted the APEC 2022 Thailand summit and the Bangkok Active Lifestyle Mall which attracts millions of visitors.

  6. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong: With a track record of hosting hundreds of world congresses and local conferences, HKCEC is among the world’s most famous MICE centres. The centre stands in the heart of Hong Kong’s Central Business District and overlooks the Victoria Harbour.

    HKCEC has won numerous titles, including CEI Asia magazine’s ‘Best Convention and Exhibition Centre in Asia-Pacific’. Its massive space of 91,500 sqm allows the organisation of major conventions and events in a concurrent manner.

  7. Shanghai International Conference Centre, Shanghai, China: Established in 1999, this conference centre single-handedly transformed Shanghai into a MICE tourism powerhouse 25 years ago. It has hosted several major events, conferences, and exhibitions that have brought immense economic success to the city.

    Apart from this, Shanghai has several major venues, such as the National Exhibition and Convention Centre and the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre. The city has hosted major expos and has dedicated action plans to enhance its international standing as a MICE powerhouse.

  8. Dubai, UAE: Only a few cities can match the aura of Dubai when it comes to leisure as well as business tourism. The city’s skyscrapers, including the Burj Khalifa, host a diverse range of events and conferences. With over 600 hotels with a hundred thousand rooms to welcome guests, Dubai has top-notch facilities and state-of-the-art venues. The Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Expo City Dubai can host concerts, conferences, award ceremonies, trade shows and much more.

Asia’s rise as a MICE tourism hub is driven by these prominent cities, as well as major destinations like Malaysia and Japan. Several centers are being developed in different regions, while infrastructural developments have also kick-started across the continent to attract business leaders.