Singapore is now ranked among the world’s top three cities for meetings, based on the Union of International Associations’ (UIA) latest rankings - boosting its position as a leading forum for international exchange and a key destination for companies in the region looking to stage major corporate events.
As part of the efforts to spur the growth of the sector, the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB), the MICE arm of STB, launched a comprehensive incentive sheme which enables the local MICE industry to competitively bid for and attract Middle Eastern companies to assist in sustaining a robust business events pipeline.
The significant global ranking is based on statistics prepared by the well-respected group in its recently released International Meetings Statistics report for 2006, which placed Singapore in the top three of the International Meeting City category for the first time, alongside Paris and Vienna.
Singapore’s strong showing serves as a resounding endorsement of its continued draw as a leading Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) destination, in the company of some of the most established and competitive cities in the international meeting arena.
Companies from across the Middle East region are increasingly looking to host their corporate events in Singapore, as the city-state offers some of the most integrated and advanced conference and meeting facilities in the world.
Singapore also offers an excellent environment for travelers from the Middle East to do business, with a strong tourism offering to support its corporate facilities that includes Muslim-friendly activities and cuisine.
“Singapore is a top MICE destination of choice that offers world-class venues capable of accommodating all types of events for companies from the Middle East, and is an ideal location for travelers from the region to exchange ideas in an environment that is conducive to both business and leisure,” said Ke-Wei Peh, Area Director for the Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.
The ranking further validates the strong performance of Singapore’s MICE industry last year, which accounted for 28 per cent or 3 million of total visitor arrivals to Singapore, and 35 per cent or SGD 4 billion of total tourism receipts.
Last year saw Singapore host 298 meetings, representing a significant 62 per cent annual growth. Among these meetings were several prestigious global events including both the 2006 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank held in September.
Singapore is ramping up its efforts to capture a bigger slice of the Business Travel and MICE market, with exciting new venues in development include two business and tourism developments which will enhance Singapore’s MICE capabilities.
Recent MICE awards received by Singapore include ‘Best Business Destination City’ by the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Award 2007, and ‘Best Overall City for MICE Experience and Facilities’ by CEI Asia Pacific 2007 Annual Industry Survey Readers’ Choice Awards.
About Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is an economic development agency for one of Singapore’s key service sectors – tourism. The mission of the Board is to develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth for Singapore. The STB aims to differentiate and market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering enriching experiences through the “Uniquely Singapore” brand. For more information, please visit www.stb.com.sg or www.visitsingapore.com.
