The 2018 Xiamen International MICE Week opens in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province on Nov 24. [Photo by Lin Ting/chinadaily.com.cn]
The annual Xiamen International MICE Week kicked off in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province on Nov 24.
The five-day event gathered more than 200 businesses and organizations specializing in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, which collectively fall under the MICE umbrella, from over 20 countries and regions worldwide.
Among them are some juggernauts in the sector, which include the Asian Federation of Exhibition & Convention Associations, UFI, International Association of Exhibitions and Events, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence and Professional Convention Management Association.
A raft of activities such as forums, corporate matchmaking events and various exchange programs that revolve around MICE are underway in the city.
Now in its fourth year, the event is gaining wider recognition and expects to infuse new vitality to the MICE industry in Xiamen. Local authorities estimated that a key economic driver, MICE is set to post 40 billion yuan in revenue in Xiamen in 2018, with attendees exceeding 1.86 million.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
