Latest news with #IMEX
Daily Express
13-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Malaysia continues up the biz event ranks
Published on: Friday, June 13, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 13, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Malaysia moved up two places to 31st in the global country rankings and 9th in the Asia Pacific region, while Kuala Lumpur jumped six spots to 26th in the World City Rankings. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur continue their upward trajectory in the International Convention & Conference Association (ICCA) 2024 Country & City Rankings report, strengthening their profile as premier business events destinations in the global marketplace. Malaysia moved up two places to 31st in the global country rankings and 9th in the Asia Pacific region, while Kuala Lumpur jumped six spots to 26th in the World City Rankings. Advertisement In a statement, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) said that the rankings were supported by Malaysia hosting 129 international association meetings, with the Centre accommodating some of the city's 78 international association meetings that year. 'To promote the global profile of both Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur, the Centre maintains a strong partnership with the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) —- an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture —- regularly collaborating at international trade shows to attract business events to the country. 'In the first half of 2025, the Centre was part of MyCEB's delegation at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) 2025 in Melbourne and IMEX in Frankfurt,' it said. Key international trade shows on MyCEB's calendar that the Centre will also participate in later this year include The Meetings Show in London and the Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings (IBTM) in Barcelona. The Centre also said that as global business environments evolve, so too have delegate needs and expectations. It believes that flexibility is essential to meeting these demands, with personalisation and technology being key enablers in delivering effective solutions. Its general manager, John Burke, said the Centre's newly refurbished meeting spaces feature hybrid technology and upgraded audio-visual infrastructure, while a new shared workspace concept has also been launched to support delegates needing a convenient place to catch up on work and life between sessions. He said that with Kuala Lumpur International Airport, served by 79 airlines and visa-free access for 175 countries, Malaysia provides the great connectivity that global business events demand. 'On top of that, we have a mature supply chain aligned with global standards, wide English proficiency, and a favourable exchange rate. 'Combined with its rich cultural heritage and natural assets, Malaysia is a competitive choice,' said Burke. The Centre is located in the heart of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre precinct, beneath the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. It offers a world-class venue with 34,000 square metres of flexible, purpose-built space with multiple advantages under one roof. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Thailand makes "New High" in Convention Destination Ranking
Bangkok makes big leap to world's 7th spot, 13 Thai cities make entry in ranking table BANGKOK, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thailand becomes the top convention destination of the ASEAN region, according to ICCA Country & City Rankings for 2024 Report. A "New High" is achieved when Bangkok exhibits its best performance, ascending to the world's 7th spot as a city destination for international conventions, a big leap from the 15th place in 2023, while a total of 13 Thai cities make entry to the ranking table, the highest number the country has ever achieved. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) announced the release of ICCA's latest GlobeWatch Business Analytics – Country & City Rankings for 2024 at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 in Germany. The comprehensive report analyses data from over 11,000 conferences held globally in 2024, highlighting Asia's prominent status as the second most popular region for international meetings, following Europe. According to the report, Thailand hosted a total of 158 international conventions, an increase from 143 in 2023. The number resulted in Thailand moving from the world's 26th spot in 2023 to the 25th place in 2024, clinching the 5th place in Asia Pacific and claiming the number one spot in the ASEAN or Southeast Asian region. The best ever performance is Bangkok. Hosting a total of 115 international conventions, the Thai capital rises to the world's 7th spot as a city destination, a remarkable increase from the 15th place in 2023. In Asia Pacific, Bangkok is ranked 3rd and 2nd in the ASEAN region. The leading position of Bangkok is reiterated when Cvent also announced in IMEX Frankfurt 2025 its list of 2025 Top Meeting Destinations. For Asia Pacific region, Bangkok is ranked 2nd after Singapore. The result is based on more than $18B of global sourcing and request-for-proposal (RFP) activity through Cvent's sourcing platforms in 2024, including a record-breaking $16.5B through the Cvent Supplier Network, one of the world's largest venue sourcing marketplaces. Another best ever performance of Thailand is that it is the first time that a high number of 13 Thai cities are listed in ICCA report. Apart from Bangkok, the 12 cities are Chiang Mai (12 conventions), Pattaya (10), Phuket (8), Chon Buri (3), Chiang Rai (2), Pathum Thani (2), Hua Hin (1), Khon Kaen (1), Samui (1), Nakhon Ratchasima (1), Nonthaburi (1) and Pattani (1). Mr. Puripan Bunnag, Senior Vice President and Acting President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), remarked that: "We are delighted with the overall performance of Thailand, especially Bangkok which made a noticeable rise in the ranking. In this respect, we feel grateful for international professional associations for their trust and confidence in Bangkok. It will further inspire the city and Thai MICE industry to deliver their best to maintain or upgrade their operating standards to meet the evolving needs of the market." TCEB is also proud of the total 13 cities listed in ICCA statistical table, representing the best performance of city diversification the country has ever achieved. It is a strong sign of Thailand's enhanced capacities for conferences. International associations and bodies can now maximize richer choices of locations in Thailand. Each city has their unique cultural setting, which can be crafted to deliver meaningful and memorable experiences for delegates. The establishment of TCEB regional offices in all key regions has now played a part in driving the cities in each region to tap into MICE market and inspiring them to have a position in the map of MICE industry. TCEB believes the result in the ICCA ranking table will be a substantial push factor for Thai cities to elevate themselves to another height, said Mr. Puripan. For more information, contact TCEB at: pr@ Thailand MICE – Meet the Magic About TCEB A LEADING AGENCY AT THE FOREFRONT OF THAILAND'S MICE INDUSTRY Established in 2004, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB – the government agency under the supervision of the Prime Minister – has been assigned a role to promote, support and develop business events industry – corporate meetings, incentive trips, conventions, exhibitions, mega events and world festivals. Serving as a strategic partner, TCEB helps deliver creative ideas and solutions to bring success and fulfill the requirements of business events. The overarching goal is to drive Thailand to become a global MICE and mega events destination that can drive the country's strategic industries and national economy. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Arabian Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai Secures Leading Position in Global Meetings Industry
Dubai is poised to make a significant impact at the upcoming IMEX event, reinforcing its status as a premier destination for global meetings and events. The city's persistent rise in the meetings and incentives travel sector has been highlighted by its sustained ranking as the top meeting destination in the Middle East and Africa, according to the latest industry data. The recognition by Cvent, a leading meetings management platform, confirms Dubai's continued dominance among the Top 25 Meeting Destinations across the region. This accolade reflects the city's comprehensive appeal to international event planners, offering world-class infrastructure, advanced technology integration, and a strategic geographical location that connects the East and West efficiently. Dubai's consistent ability to attract high-profile conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events underscores its role as a pivotal hub in the global meetings industry. Key factors driving Dubai's leadership include its expansive range of venues, from cutting-edge convention centres to luxury hotels equipped with the latest facilities. The Dubai World Trade Centre remains one of the region's most versatile event spaces, accommodating a broad spectrum of event sizes and formats. This flexibility is crucial in adapting to evolving industry demands, particularly with hybrid and virtual components becoming standard in event planning. ADVERTISEMENT Government initiatives and private sector collaboration have played a central role in fortifying Dubai's position. Authorities have implemented policies to streamline event permits and enhance visitor experience, ensuring a seamless process for organisers and delegates alike. Incentives, such as visa facilitation and dedicated support services, have been instrumental in attracting major international conventions. Dubai's strategic investments in digital infrastructure have enabled organisers to leverage data analytics, AI-driven matchmaking, and enhanced attendee engagement tools, which have become critical components in the competitive meetings landscape. These technological advancements allow event planners to tailor experiences, optimise networking opportunities, and maximise return on investment. The city's robust transport connectivity, including a globally recognised international airport and comprehensive public transport networks, further contributes to its appeal. Ease of access combined with a reputation for safety and hospitality has made Dubai a preferred choice for global gatherings, despite challenges posed by shifting geopolitical dynamics and economic uncertainties worldwide. Analysts note that Dubai's ability to maintain its ranking amidst growing competition from other emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa signals effective strategic positioning and adaptability. Regional cities such as Riyadh, Cairo, and Cape Town have been investing heavily in their meetings infrastructure, but Dubai's early adoption of technology and sustained government backing provide it with a competitive edge. The upcoming IMEX event is expected to showcase Dubai's diverse offerings through dedicated pavilions, interactive demonstrations, and networking sessions. The event acts as a platform for Dubai to engage directly with industry stakeholders, present new developments, and explore collaborative opportunities. Dubai's participation reflects its proactive approach in maintaining visibility and relevance in a fast-evolving global meetings ecosystem. ADVERTISEMENT Dubai's commitment to sustainability also stands out in its meetings strategy. The city has integrated green initiatives into its event planning framework, aligning with global trends towards eco-friendly practices. This includes promoting sustainable venue certifications, waste reduction programmes, and energy-efficient technologies. Such efforts resonate well with international organisations increasingly prioritising environmental responsibility. Beyond infrastructure and logistics, Dubai's cultural diversity and entertainment offerings enhance its attractiveness. Delegates and visitors benefit from a rich blend of experiences that extend beyond business, from world-class dining to cultural festivals and outdoor activities. This holistic approach to hosting events adds a layer of appeal that complements the professional aspects of meetings and conventions. Industry insiders emphasise that Dubai's leadership is not solely based on scale but on quality and innovation. The city's event ecosystem supports tailored experiences that meet the distinct needs of various sectors, including finance, technology, healthcare, and hospitality. This sector-specific focus allows Dubai to attract specialised conferences that require sophisticated facilities and expertise. The synergy between Dubai's public and private sectors remains a cornerstone of its meetings industry success. Joint initiatives, marketing campaigns, and continuous feedback loops ensure the city adapts quickly to global trends and client expectations. This collaborative model fosters resilience, particularly amid global economic shifts that have impacted international travel and events. Looking ahead, Dubai plans to further expand its capacity and diversify its event portfolio. New projects are underway to upgrade existing venues and develop niche event spaces that cater to emerging markets such as esports and creative industries. These investments are aligned with Dubai's vision to remain at the forefront of the global meetings landscape.
Skift
29-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Top Destinations for Association Meetings
Vienna returns to top of ICCA's city rankings, while the U.S. once again tops the country rankings. But that's only one side to ICCA's newly released report and data on international association meetings in 2024. Association meetings, with their extended planning cycles are crucial targets for destination marketing organizations worldwide. They are also a key way convention bureaus track their success. Last week at IMEX Frankfurt, ICCA released its ranking of the countries and cities holding the most international meetings in 2024. According to ICCA's latest report based on 2024 data, the U.S. continues to top the country ranking, a position it has held since at least 1995. Several Western European countries, along with Japan and Canada, also make up the top 10. A notable shift saw France drop from fourth to sixth, likely due to capacity issues as Paris hosted the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. Vienna returned to the top of the ICCA city rankings, a position it also held two years prior, with Lisbon a close second, separated by just one meeting. Singapore dropped to third from second. Paris experienced the largest decline, falling from first to sixth, likely due to hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics. Prague dropped one spot, while Seoul rose three places and Rome two. Bangkok and Athens entered the top 10, replacing Madrid (11th) and Dublin (20th). 2024 ICCA Rankings for Countries 1. U.S. (709) 2. Italy (635) 3. Spain (536) 4. Germany (491) +1 5. United Kingdom (481) +1 6. France (432) -2 7. Japan (428) 8. Netherlands (295) 9. Portugal (290) 10. Canada (252) 2024 ICCA Rankings 2024 for Cities 1. Vienna, Austria (154) +3 2. Lisbon, Portugal (153) +2 3. Singapore (144) -1 4. Barcelona, Spain (142) +1 5. Prague, Czech Republic (131) +1 6. Paris, France (124) -5 7. Seoul, Republic of Korea (124) +3 8. Bangkok, Thailand (115) +8 9. Rome, Italy (114) -2 10. Athens, Greece (111) +5 A Bumpy Post-Pandemic Recovery Continues The International Congress and Convention Association's (ICCA) latest report sees the number of international association meetings reaching 11,099 in 2024, an increase of 9% from 2023. A positive step, but still significantly below 2019's peak of 13,269 meetings, suggesting over 2,000 meetings have been lost. The 2024 figures are similar to the total number of meetings counted in 2012, which stood at 11,150. The 17.8% shortfall is significant. Even taking an average of meetings between 2016 and 2019 of 12,752.5, the shortfall stands at 13.9%. The economic impact of these meetings is substantial, generating $11.6 billion in immediate economic impact according to ICCA's estimates. Attendee spending has risen 24% since 2015, going from $2,518 to $3,127, although it actually decreased from $3,832 in 2022 and $3,146 in 2023. While this is clearly positive, this increase is slightly lower than global inflation, which rose 25% during the same period. Looking at where the economic impact comes from, large meetings (1,000+ attendees) represent just 8% of total meetings but account for $6.9 billion (59.4%) of the impact. Mid-sized meetings (150-999 attendees) make up 53% of all meetings and contribute $5.5 billion (47.4%), while smaller meetings (50-149 attendees) represent 39% of meetings but only $884 million (7.6%) of the total impact. Limited Focus of Data Understanding ICCA's methodology is crucial for interpreting these rankings. The data only includes meetings organized by associations with over 50 participants that rotate between at least three countries. This methodology, while consistent since ICCA's founding, excludes significant meeting segments. For instance, many U.S. associations rotate between East Coast, Midwest and West Coast destinations without crossing international borders, and so these often large meetings are not taken into account. Similarly, non-rotating association meetings are also not included, meaning massive events like CES, are also omitted. Top performing city, Vienna, exemplifies this limited view that the rankings offer. While ICCA attributes 154 rotating international association meetings with 101,886 participants to Vienna in 2024, Vienna's own statistics count 781 international congresses with 260,000 participants. The Union of International Associations (UIA) offers an alternative perspective. It counts meetings of any size, with or without a regular cadence and regardless of whether they rotate at all. It also takes into consideration meetings driven by intergovernmental organizations as well as associations. Their most recent ranking based on 2023 data, — the 2024 rankings will be released shortly — ranked Belgium first with 708 meetings, followed by the U.S. (633) and Japan (488). Brussels led cities with 620 meetings, followed by Vienna (298) and Tokyo (226). Alternative Rankings ICCA itself shares alternative rankings in its report. One ranking considers the immediate economic impact of the meetings held in a city over 2024. ICCA calculates this impact based on an average registration rate for the city, which is then used as a multiplier to calculate the total direct spend. It estimates registration rate represents on average 22% of the immediate economic impact per attendee. Looking at the big earners, Barcelona is clearly the winner, attracting around $360 million in direct spend, significantly more than London ($289 million) in second place and Singapore ($290 million) in third. City Ranking by Immediate Economic Impact Barcelona, Spain ($360 million) London, UK ($298 million) Singapore, Singapore ($290 million) Madrid, Spain ($288 million) Vienna, Austria ($247 million) Milan, Italy ($237 million) Amsterdam, Netherlands ($230 million) Bangkok, Thailand ($221 million) Copenhagen, Denmark ($209 million) Rome, Italy ($200 million) Destinations Ranked by Size of Meeting A different view of the ICCA rankings emerges when focusing on the size of meetings. For gatherings exceeding 1,000 delegates, Korea rises to fourth (from 12th overall), and Australia climbs to ninth (from 17th). Conversely, Germany drops to seventh (from fourth overall). In this large-meeting category, Lisbon leads among cities, followed by Barcelona and Singapore. Vienna, the top-ranked city overall, falls to fourth, tied with Seoul and Milan (which ranks 14th overall). Notably, Cape Town (seventh) and Melbourne (joint eighth) perform significantly better in this ranking of large meetings compared to their overall positions (35th and 31st respectively). Analyzing only mid-sized or small meetings does not produce substantial shifts from the complete ranking. However, Athens, Madrid, and Tokyo see an improvement in the mid-sized category, while Brussels and Stockholm rank higher when considering only smaller meetings. Country Ranking for large meetings (1000+) 1. U.S. (71) 2. Italy (57) 3. Spain (57) 4. Republic of Korea (37) 5. United Kingdom (34) 6. France (34) 7. Germany (32) 8. Portugal (31) 9. Australia (27) 10. Netherlands (24) City Ranking for large meetings (1000+) 1. Lisbon (22) 2. Barcelona (21) 3. Singapore (19) 4. Vienna (18) 4. Seoul (18) 4. Milan (18) - 14th overall 7. Cape Town (15) - 35th overall 8. Paris (14) 8. Bangkok (14) 8. Rome (14) 8. Melbourne (14) - 31st overall Country Ranking for Mid-Sized Meetings (150–999 attendees) 1. U.S. (397) 2. Italy (298) 3. Spain (287) 4. United Kingdom (239) 5. Germany (222) 6. France (220) 7. Japan (220) 8. Portugal (156) 9. Netherlands (150) 10. China-P.R. (141) City Ranking for Mid-Sized Meetings (150–999 attendees) 1. Lisbon (79) 2. Singapore (79) 3. Barcelona (76) 4. Athens (73) - 10th overall 5. Seoul (68) 5. Bangkok (68) 7. Vienna (67) 8. Paris (60) 8. Rome (60) 10. Madrid (58) - 11th overall 10. Tokyo (58) - 16th overall
Tourism Breaking News
21-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Dubai participates at IMEX 2025 highlights the city's position as a premier destination for international business events
Post Views: 77 Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city's official convention bureau and part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism successfully participated at IMEX Frankfurt joined by key stakeholders. At IMEX, a delegation of 30 stakeholders from across the sector has joined DBE in showcasing Dubai's credentials as a premier global hub for business events. The delegation includes leading hotels, venues, DMCs, airlines and other service providers including Emirates, Expo City Dubai, and Dubai World Trade Centre, together highlighting Dubai's ability to deliver dynamic world-class events at the intersection of innovation, knowledge-sharing and sustainable growth. This comes as Dubai continues to earn global recognition, this week being confirmed as #1 globally for highest attendee number per association meeting in 2024, and once again ranking #1 in the Middle East for the total number of association meetings hosted during the period, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Cvent has this week also confirmed that Dubai maintained its #1 position among the Top 25 Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa. The accolades further demonstrate the city's ability to both host prolific events and facilitate event growth for associations, allowing them to tap into the market and increase global access to members. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: 'As we engage with the global industry at IMEX Frankfurt, we are reinforcing Dubai's position as a strategic destination for impactful business events. Our consistent top rankings from ICCA and Cvent, and growing pipeline of major international events, are the result of a focused and collaborative approach with our stakeholders, as we work collectively to reinforce the emirate's position as a premier global hub for the MICE industry. Business events are integral to our tourism strategy and are increasingly driving progress across key sectors. They are playing a vital role in advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 – to position Dubai as one of the world's most innovative, inclusive and future-ready cities, as guided and championed by the visionary leadership of the UAE.' Dubai's participation aligns with this year's IMEX theme – Impact 2.0: Activating the Future – emphasising the global events community's responsibility to address major global and community challenges while driving positive change through events, partnerships and initiatives. In line with this vision, Dubai continues to attract business events that not only grow visitation but also support innovation and deeper engagement across its economic sectors. This directly contributes to the D33 economic agenda, which aims to place Dubai among the top three global cities for business and leisure. Dubai's momentum was further underscored by a record 437 successful bids secured in 2024 to host international conferences, congresses and incentive programmes, a 20% year-on-year increase. These events are set to attract over 210,000 delegates to Dubai in the coming years, significantly contributing to the city's business and tourism ecosystem. Among the high-profile events won: Amway ESAN 2025, the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums 2025, the Global Symposium on Health Systems Research 2026, the World Congress on Medical Informatics 2027, ISAPS Olympiad World Congress 2027, Forever Living Products Global Rally 2026, the Scientific Assembly and Associated Events of the Committee on Space Research 2028 and The International Conference on Computer Vision 2029. Dubai continues to see strong growth in tourism aligned with its MICE strategy. In 2024, the city welcomed a record 18.72 million international overnight visitors, a 9% year-on-year increase. That momentum has continued into 2025, with 5.31 million international visitors arriving between January and March, marking a 3% increase compared to Q1 2024. Business events have been a key contributor to this sustained growth, generating economic impact across sectors and further strengthening Dubai's global brand. Further enhancing the city's capacity to meet rising demand in the events space, a key development includes an expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. As part of broader urban development initiatives including the Al Maktoum International Airport expansion, the project is a strategic investment aimed at reinforcing Dubai's position as a global platform for major conferences and exhibitions, enabling the city to host larger and more complex events that deliver long-term value that meets increasing demand and attendance. IMEX remains a cornerstone of DBE's global engagement strategy, providing an essential platform to connect with international associations and networks. Dubai continues to use such platforms to strengthen global partnerships and attract events that support its economic, social and sustainability priorities.
