Macau re-enters global top 100 for international conferences

Macau has rejoined the world’s top 100 cities for international conferences, according to the 2024 annual market report by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

Macau climbed 31 places worldwide to rank 76th, tying with Beijing and Doha, marking its first return to the top 100 since 2019.

Regionally, Macau rose six spots to 14th in the Asia-Pacific, reflecting its growing status as a meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destination.

The Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) attributed this surge to Macau’s expanded portfolio of 33 ICCA-recognized events in 2024, a 50% increase from the previous year.

ICCA-certified conferences must meet strict criteria, including international association organization, regular scheduling, a minimum of 50 attendees, and rotation among at least three countries or regions.

This marks the third international award for Macau’s MICE sector this year. Previously, Macau was honored as “Best Destination for Annual Meetings” at the inaugural Asia-Pacific Corporate Annual Conference Expo (APCAC) in May, as well as receiving a “Brilliant Star” MICE Outstanding Destination award in April.

In the 2019 ICCA report, Macau climbed 23 places globally to 48th among cities worldwide and ranked 12th in the Asia-Pacific region.

That year, it hosted 54 ICCA-recognized international conferences.