Global Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by the CMI Team, the global Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market is expected to record a CAGR of 8.2% from 2024 to 2033. In 2022, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 451.3 billion. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 975.5 billion.

Market Share of Key Market Players

Source: According to International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)

The Inbound MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Tourism Market encompasses a broad spectrum of activities and services focused on attracting international business events and gatherings. Its nature is dynamic and multifaceted, catering to diverse industries and sectors seeking networking, knowledge exchange, and business opportunities on a global scale. Key trends in the market include the adoption of virtual and hybrid event formats, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to offer seamless connectivity and global accessibility.

Additionally, stringent health and safety protocols have become a primary focus to ensure the safe resumption of in-person events amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Sustainability practices and destination marketing efforts are also shaping the market’s landscape, as businesses and organizations prioritize eco-friendly initiatives and personalized travel experiences to attract MICE visitors. As the market continues to evolve, a balance between virtual and in-person interactions, alongside destination-specific offerings and enhanced safety measures, is likely to define the future of Inbound MICE Tourism.

Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market Growth Factors

The Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market presents significant growth opportunities due to several factors:

• Business Expansion and Networking Needs: The growing demand for international collaboration and business expansion drives the need for hosting meetings, conferences, incentives, and exhibitions on a global scale, attracting participants from diverse industries and regions.

• Technological Advancements: Rapid advancements in communication and digital technologies enable seamless virtual and hybrid event formats, expanding accessibility and reducing travel costs for participants, promoting the growth of Inbound MICE tourism.

• Government Support and Promotion: Governments of various countries actively support and incentivize MICE events to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth, offering favourable policies, financial aid, and infrastructure development.

• Cultural and Experiential Appeal: The allure of exploring new cultures, engaging in unique experiences, and participating in enriching exhibitions and conferences contributes to the rising interest in Inbound MICE tourism, attracting business travellers seeking a holistic and memorable experience.

• Sustainable Event Practices: Emphasizing eco-friendly and socially responsible event practices presents opportunities to attract environmentally conscious businesses and organizations seeking green-certified venues and sustainable event solutions.

• Destination Diversification: Exploring new and emerging destinations as MICE hosts creates opportunities to tap into unexplored markets, offering participants fresh experiences and widening the scope of Inbound MICE tourism.

• Virtual and Hybrid Event Platforms: Leveraging cutting-edge technologies for virtual and hybrid event formats opens doors for broader global participation, breaking geographical barriers, and providing opportunities for greater engagement and networking.

• Business Tourism Infrastructure Development: Developing and enhancing business tourism infrastructure, including state-of-the-art convention centres, conference facilities, and exhibition venues, attracts more international events and delegates, bolstering the Inbound MICE tourism market in host destinations.

Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

The Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market has seen several mergers and acquisitions in recent years, with companies seeking to expand their market presence and leverage synergies to improve their product offerings and profitability. Some notable examples of mergers and acquisitions in the Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market include:

• Marriott International and PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association): In 2019, Marriott International entered a strategic partnership with PCMA, aiming to enhance the overall MICE experience through joint research, educational programs, and collaborative event offerings.

• Hilton and Meeting Professionals International (MPI): In 2020, Hilton partnered with MPI to strengthen its MICE offerings, providing access to MPI’s educational resources and networking opportunities for its MICE clients.

• Accor and Global Business Travel Association (GBTA): In 2018, Accor joined hands with GBTA, offering GBTA members exclusive benefits and preferred rates at Accor’s properties, and fostering stronger ties with the business travel community.

• Hyatt and International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE): In 2021, Hyatt collaborated with IAEE to provide specialized event solutions and facilities for IAEE’s exhibitions, elevating the participant experience at various trade shows and exhibitions.

• Cvent and Kapow: In 2019, Cvent, a leading event management technology provider, acquired Kapow, an online marketplace for booking unique corporate events and experiences, expanding its offerings and capabilities in the MICE sector.

• Informa and UBM: In 2018, Informa, a global events and publishing company, acquired UBM, a prominent MICE event organizer, to create a more extensive portfolio of exhibitions and conferences across various industries.

• PCMA and Incentive Research Foundation (IRF): In 2021, PCMA acquired IRF, a research and education organization focused on incentive travel, reinforcing PCMA’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the incentive travel segment of MICE tourism.

• Hyve Group and Centaur Media’s Business Travel and Meetings Portfolio: In 2019, Hyve Group acquired Centaur Media’s Business Travel and Meetings Portfolio, which included leading MICE events like The Meetings Show, enhancing Hyve’s presence in the MICE sector.

These mergers and acquisitions have helped companies expand their product offerings, improve their market presence, and capitalize on growth opportunities in the Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market. The trend is expected to continue as companies seek to gain a competitive edge in the market.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market Significant Threats

The Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market faces several significant threats that could impact its growth and profitability in the future. Some of these threats include:

• Global Pandemics and Health Crises: The Inbound MICE Tourism Market faces significant threats from global pandemics and health crises, like the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupts international travel, leads to event cancellations, and instils travel hesitancy among participants.

• Geopolitical Instability: Political uncertainties, trade tensions, and geopolitical conflicts pose threats to the Inbound MICE Tourism Market. Sudden changes in visa regulations, travel restrictions, or security concerns can deter international participants from attending events in certain regions.

• Economic Downturns: Economic recessions and financial crises impact corporate budgets and discretionary spending, leading to reduced MICE activities, lower attendance, and financial strain on event organizers and host destinations.

• Competition from Virtual Events: The rise of virtual and hybrid event formats presents a threat to in-person MICE tourism, as organizations and participants may opt for cost-effective and accessible virtual alternatives, leading to a potential decline in attendance at physical events.

Report Scope

Category-Wise Insights

By Event Type :

• Inbound Meetings Tourism: Inbound Meetings Tourism refers to the segment of the MICE market focused on attracting international business meetings and gatherings. It involves hosting corporate conferences, seminars, and workshops where delegates convene for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. Trends include the integration of virtual meeting technology, personalized event experiences, and sustainability initiatives to enhance participant engagement and reduce environmental impact.

• Incentives Tourism: Incentives Tourism involves hosting corporate incentive travel programs to reward and motivate employees or clients. It offers unique and luxurious experiences, such as incentive trips to exotic destinations or team-building activities. Trends include the incorporation of authentic cultural immersions, wellness-focused incentives, and purpose-driven travel experiences that align with the values of participants.

• Conferences Tourism: Conferences Tourism encompasses hosting international conferences and congresses, gathering delegates from various industries and professions. It fosters knowledge sharing, professional development, and industry advancements. Trends include the adoption of hybrid event formats, interactive conference technologies, and sustainability practices to create memorable and impactful experiences for attendees.

• Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism: Exhibitions Tourism involves organizing trade shows, exhibitions, and expos that showcase products, services, and innovations to a targeted audience. It facilitates business networking, B2B interactions, and market exploration. Trends include the use of virtual exhibition platforms, themed exhibition pavilions, and experiential exhibition designs to attract exhibitors and visitors while accommodating diverse industry sectors.

By Application

• Hospitality: In the Inbound MICE Tourism Market, hospitality encompasses hotels, resorts, and accommodation providers. They play a vital role in hosting conference delegates, incentive travel groups, and event attendees, offering tailored packages, amenities, and event spaces to enhance participants’ experience and promote seamless networking opportunities.

• Transportation: Transportation services, including airlines, railways, and ground transportation providers, are crucial in facilitating the movement of MICE participants to host destinations. The market trends show a focus on eco-friendly and efficient transportation options, offering seamless connectivity and enhanced travel experiences.

• Retail: Retail establishments, such as shopping malls, boutiques, and duty-free stores, benefit from Inbound MICE Tourism as participants engage in leisure activities and shopping. Trends indicate personalized shopping experiences, exclusive discounts, and culturally immersive retail offerings to attract MICE visitors and boost spending.

• Entertainment: Inbound MICE Tourism Market drives the demand for entertainment venues, theme parks, cultural performances, and leisure activities. The market trends highlight an emphasis on unique entertainment experiences, live-streaming options for virtual participants, and engaging cultural showcases to provide memorable and diverse entertainment choices.

Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market Regional Analysis

The Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market is segmented into various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Here is a brief overview of each region:

• North America: In the Inbound MICE Tourism Market, North America showcases a trend towards innovative technology integration, offering advanced virtual and hybrid event solutions. Major players in the region include Cvent, Marriott International, Hilton, and Hyatt, known for their cutting-edge event management technologies and extensive network of upscale properties.

• Europe: Europe’s Inbound MICE Tourism Market witnesses a trend of sustainable practices and green event initiatives. Dominating market players in this region are Informa, Reed Exhibitions, Accor, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), renowned for their eco-friendly event venues and commitment to responsible event management.

• Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific Inbound MICE Tourism Market is driven by the rapid growth of emerging destinations and experiential travel offerings. Key players include Pico Group, China International Exhibition Center Group (CIEC), Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, and Accor Asia Pacific, leading with culturally immersive event experiences and state-of-the-art convention centres.

• LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa): The LAMEA region experiences a trend of destination diversification, focusing on attracting MICE visitors with unique offerings. Dominating market players in this region include MCI Group, Hilton Worldwide, Radisson Hotel Group, and Meliá Hotels International, renowned for their diverse event portfolios and personalized event planning services.

Competitive Landscape – Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market

The Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market is highly competitive, with a large number of manufacturers and retailers operating globally. Some of the key players in the market include:

• CWT Meetings & Events
• BCD Meetings & Events
• American Express Global Business Travel (GBT)
• The Interpublic Group of Companies (IPG)
• Maritz Global Events
• Creative Group
• ATPI Ltd.
• BCD Travel
• Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT)
• Conference Care Ltd.
• Others

These companies operate in the market through various strategies such as product innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships. For example, In 2021, Eventbrite, a leading event management platform, partnered with Zoom, a popular video conferencing platform, to integrate their services and provide seamless virtual event experiences. This partnership enables event organizers to easily manage and host online events, expanding the reach and accessibility of virtual gatherings.

Several new players have entered the Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market with innovative approaches and developments. These new entrants leverage advanced technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, to enhance attendee experiences and offer unique event solutions. They also focus on sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices and promoting socially responsible events.

However, the Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market is primarily dominated by key players with established market presence and extensive resources. These dominant players have a wide network, strong industry partnerships, and a proven track record of successful event management. Their market dominance is reinforced by their ability to deliver comprehensive event solutions, attract top clients, and provide end-to-end event planning and execution services.

The Inbound Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market is segmented as follows:

By Event Type

• Inbound Meetings Tourism
• Incentives Tourism
• Conferences Tourism
• Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism

By Application

• Hospitality
• Transportation
• Retail
• Entertainment

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America