(Photo by Economic Development Bureau of Hengqin)
The "Multi-venue event" mode in Hengqin, particularly in the context of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), refers to an innovative approach where events are coordinated across multiple venues within Hengqin and sometimes extend to neighboring regions like Macao. This model allows for the sharing of resources and facilities between different locations, creating a more flexible and dynamic environment for hosting a wide range of MICE activities.
As the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin marks the third anniversary of its administrative organizations' inauguration, the "Multi-venue event" model has also shown promising results. Currently, the cooperation zone boasts more than 20 conference and exhibition venues capable of hosting various domestic and international events. Since January 2024, nearly 500 events have been held in the zone, utilizing over 230,000 square meters of space and attracting more than 60,000 participants.
Notable events under this model include the Macao International Tourism (Industry) Expo, the China (Macau) High-quality Consumption Exhibition (CHCE) & the Hengqin Global Bay Areas Forum, and the Beyond International Technology Innovation Expo.
Additionally, the integration of multiple transportation networks that will enhance visitor convenience across these regions is also progressing, with the Macao Light Rail Extension to Hengqin expected to be operational later this year. Meanwhile, the second phase of the Zhuhai Urban to Zhuhai Airport Intercity Railway will connect to the Hengqin station.
(Photo by Economic Development Bureau of Hengqin)
To increase the global visibility of the Hengqin-Macao exhibition industry, in the first half of this year, Hengqin and Macao jointly promoted the "Multi-venue event" model abroad. Delegations visited Singapore, Thailand, Germany, and Spain, and participated in international events such as the Asia Incentive, Travel & Conventions Expo, the European Incentive & Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition, the 2024 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference, and the IMEX Frankfurt.
On the domestic front, promotional activities were conducted in cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Shanghai, further expanding their reach.
The implementation of policies that facilitate multiple entries and group travel between Hengqin and Macao has also benefited numerous companies in the sector, encouraging more tourism and exhibition projects to establish a presence in Hengqin.
Looking ahead, Hengqin plans to introduce a dedicated bus line for cultural and tourism exhibitions to meet market demand following the launch of the Macao Light Rail Extension. This will further support the development of multi-stop travel routes and promote the integrated growth of the Hengqin-Macao cultural and tourism exhibition industry.
Reporter: Eastbrook
Editor: Nan, Monica, James
