Singapore is exploring the development of a new downtown hub dedicated to meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE), as part of its strategy to capture a larger share of this fast-growing sector. The proposed venue aims to meet rising global demand while appealing to delegates seeking “bleisure” – a blend of business and leisure. Minister-in-charge of trade relations, Grace Fu, announced the plans during the Tourism Industry Conference, highlighting that the hub would leverage synergies with existing MICE venues and nearby attractions.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is targeting a threefold increase in tourism receipts from the MICE sector by 2040. Given that MICE visitors typically spend twice as much as leisure tourists, this segment is considered highly valuable. With the global MICE industry set to double in value over the next decade and the Asia-Pacific region among the fastest-growing markets, Singapore is positioning itself as a key destination through infrastructure enhancements and capability building.
According to STB officials, the future hub will feature large-scale expo spaces and be integrated with hotels, lifestyle offerings, and public transportation networks in areas like Orchard, Marina Bay, and the Civic District. The initiative is expected to boost footfall for local businesses and contribute to a dynamic business ecosystem. STB’s assistant chief executive Ong Huey Hong noted that the goal is to have the new MICE hub operational by 2040, creating new opportunities for both MICE operators and nearby establishments.
Source: The Business Times