MICE shines

Singapore has clinched the title of ‘Top International Meetings City’ for the third consecutive year, affirming Singapore’s standing as a leading business events destination, ahead of 1,653 cities.

Significantly, for the first time, Singapore also climbed a spot, from third position in the 2008 rankings, to be placed as the second ‘Top International Meetings Country’ out of 194 qualifying countries, behind the US in first place and ahead of France.

Furthermore, for the 26th consecutive year, Singapore remains both the top city and country to hold meetings in Asia.

“UIA’s accolade is a strong endorsement that underscores Singapore’s position as the world’s preferred business events destination. Our continued success can be attributed to sound business fundamentals and the unwavering support and hard work of our industry partners,” Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), commented.

Aw said that Singapore’s dynamism and constant innovation attracts events organisers to the city. She cited the two Integrated Resorts (IRs) and the re-developed Marina Bay area as highlights for 2010. The two new IRs in particular have increased the country’s MICE capacity and over 177,000 square metres of convention space to the market.

However, observers admit that Singapore’s MICE industry is facing rising competition as exhibition organisers look to other cities such as Shanghai and Hong Kong as they offer competition in terms of facilities, tourism attractions for MICE events and space, amongst other factors.

Michelle Lim, Vice President of Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers, said, “I think for small and medium sized events, what we have currently (is) right for the industry and what the industry can take. But if we talk about bigger events, maybe we may not have certain venues or skills to cater to them.”