Asia Pacific’s MICE Sector Defies Global Headwinds with Strong Growth | News
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 (TMS APAC) concluded its third edition on a high note, reinforcing Asia Pacific’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic and resilient markets for the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. Held from 14–15 April 2026 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore, the show demonstrated strong growth, with deeper regional participation and a significant uplift in business outcomes, underscoring the industry’s continued momentum amid a challenging global landscape.
Organised by Northstar Travel Group and co-located with the inaugural Global Travel Marketplace (GTM) Luxury Asia Pacific and second edition of Business Travel Show Asia Pacific, TMS APAC brought together 1,913 meetings and travel professionals, with over 600 buyers from more than 80 countries, marking a 10% increase from 2025.
“The Meetings Show Asia Pacific has become a powerful barometer for where the global MICE industry is heading,” said Jason Young, CEO of Northstar Travel Group. “The level of business activity, engagement and innovation seen here reflects the strength of Asia Pacific and its growing influence in shaping what comes next for our industry. Across the show floor and throughout the programme, what stands out is the confidence, adaptability and partnership mindset driving the region forward, even in a complex global environment.”
Irene Chua, Vice President and Group Publisher, Asia, Northstar Travel Group, added: “The strong growth and quality of engagement at this year’s show highlight Asia Pacific’s continued importance to the global MICE industry, with TMS APAC serving as the leading MICE trade show for industry professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and drive meaningful business outcomes.”
In her opening address, Guest-of-Honour, Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive of the Industry Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board, noted that the MICE industry continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, finding innovative ways to bring people together to collaborate. She added that Singapore remains committed to providing a stable, reliable platform for global organisations to partner and build for the future, and called on the industry to forge new connections, dream boldly and drive innovation.
A key value driver of the event was its curated Buyer Programme, which facilitated high-quality connections and tangible business opportunities. Reflecting the breadth of the industry, new participants such as Korea Tourism Organization, Hilton, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Budapest Convention Bureau – HUNGEXPO Budapest Congress and Exhibition Centre, Destination Vancouver, Spain Tourism Board, Aichi Sky Expo, AYANA Resort Bali, Banyan Group, and Bintan Resorts brought fresh energy to the show.
They joined a strong line-up of returning and key exhibitors, including Japan National Tourism Organization, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, JTB Meetings & Events, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts, Singapore Tourism Board, Business Events Sarawak, Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR (IPIM), Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, Jeju Tourism Organization, Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau, ProColombia, and Visit Monaco, collectively reinforcing the depth and diversity of the show floor.
Building on the success of its previous editions, TMS APAC 2026 continues to expand both in scale and strategic relevance. Mandy Pham, Director of Sales at New World Hotels & Resorts Vietnam noted that since participating in the inaugural show, they have generated many potential leads, with a good number already converted into business, underscoring the event’s effectiveness in driving tangible business outcomes.
Returning exhibitor Yasuhiro Umeda, Specialist, Bidding and Promotion Division, Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau, observed that discussions progressed rapidly from initial engagement to fully developed event concepts, highlighting how effectively TMS APAC connects needs with solutions within a short time frame.
Insook Lee, Executive Director, Korea MICE Bureau, Korea Tourism Organization, shared: “It is our first time attending TMS APAC. A total of 21 organisations form our pavilion to promote Korea to global buyers. We found the event very meaningful as a platform to showcase Asia as a hub for MICE events and meetings.”
Cynthia Sitompul, Assistant Director of MICE and Wedding, AYANA Resort Bali, expressed her positive experience at the show as a first-time participant: “TMS APAC has been very productive. The show’s size strikes the right balance for buyers and sellers to come together. Singapore remains a strong hub, and the timing and location of the show have been ideal for us to showcase our upcoming AYANA Convention Centre.”
Richard Soo, Managing Director of MEP Meeting & Exhibition Planners, Malaysia, commented: “At TMS APAC, I have been able to build the right connections and partnerships. The show brings a high concentration of credible suppliers and key players in Asia Pacific. The region is the place to be for the business event industry, and this is where we will have the greatest impact.”
As Asia Pacific’s leading MICE trade show, TMS APAC will return on21-22 April 2027 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore.
Industry professionals are invited to register their interest early at: https://www.themeetingsshow-apac.com/register-interest.
For more information and updates, please visit www.themeetingsshow-apac.com/.
image as: Copyright ©Northstar Travel Group
