In the first half of 2025, Macau’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector saw a robust 29.3 percent year-on-year increase in events, reaching 918, according to the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC).
However, attendance declined by 11.2 percent to 428,000, primarily due to fewer non-local general exhibition attendees amid global economic uncertainties and shifting visitor consumption patterns. This drop in attendance led to a 26.5 percent decrease in MICE-driven receipts for non-gaming industries, totaling MOP1.65 billion, equivalent to $205 million.
The surge in MICE events was driven by a 29.6 percent rise in meetings and conferences, which totaled 863 events and attracted 82,000 participants, up 6.7 percent. Exhibitions grew modestly by 3.8 percent to 27, drawing 2,822 exhibitors and 24,690 professional visitors.
International exhibitors and professional visitors increased by 19.8 percent and 20.9 percent, respectively. Incentive events saw the strongest growth, rising 55.6 percent to 28. Events themed around Commerce and Management led the sector, accounting for 39 percent or 358 of total events, followed by Tourism with 114 events and Information Technology with 113 events, the latter two categories growing by 91 and 36 events, respectively.
In the second quarter of 2025, MICE events rose by 28.3 percent to 480, but attendance fell sharply by 24.1 percent to 228,000. Meetings and conferences reached 451 events, exhibitions totaled 15, and incentive events numbered 14, increasing by 102, 1, and 3 events, respectively, compared to the same period in 2024.
The decline in attendance and spending reflects broader challenges, including global economic headwinds and evolving visitor behaviors, which have impacted Macau’s non-gaming sector. It is also worth noting that, according to previously released data, Macau recorded a 12.8 percent year-on-year decline in per-capita visitor spending in the first half of 2025, despite a 14.9 percent surge in visitor arrivals to 19.2 million.
