Singapore Raises the Bar for Global Business Events

City retains top Asia Pacific honours from ICCA and Cvent and signs strategic partnership with Informa Group Limited, the world's largest business-to-business event organiser  

SINGAPORE, 20 May 2026 — Singapore's business events industry is firing on all cylinders — from record tourism receipts to landmark partnerships and a packed events calendar stretching well into the next decade. Adding to this forward momentum is the Singapore Tourism Board (STB)’s announcement today of a strategic partnership with Informa Group Limited (Informa), a leading international B2B live events, digital services and academics markets group, affirming Singapore’s position as the destination of choice for global business events.

A Record-Breaking 2025

Singapore’s tourism sector recorded its highest-ever tourism receipts of S$32.8 billion in 2025, representing a 10% year-on-year increase from 2024 (S$29.8 billion). Singapore's Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry was a key driver of this growth. With MICE visitors typically spending significantly more than leisure visitors, MICE tourism receipts reached S$2.3 billion, a 35% increase from S$1.7 billion in 2024. This growth reflects Singapore's established reputation as a destination known for trust, accessibility and reliability. It is further exemplified with the quality and diversity of events that it attracts across sectors, ranging from healthcare and innovation to finance and green economy.

Singapore Retains Top Asia Pacific Honours from ICCA and Cvent

Reinforcing its global standing and bolstered by its strong network of local associations, Singapore has maintained the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) top Meeting City in Asia Pacific position for the 23^rd consecutive year, with 156 meetings in 2025, an 8% increase from 2024. Adding to this, Cvent has named Singapore its Top Meeting Destination in Asia Pacific for 2026, the eighth time since 2016 that Singapore has claimed this honour. These recognitions reflect Singapore’s proven ability to host the world’s most prestigious international business events, anchored by its global connectivity and reputation as a trusted, neutral global hub.

STB Deepens Partnership with Informa to Drive Further Growth in MICE

Deepening Singapore's positioning in the global MICE landscape, STB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Informa. The partnership is anchored on three thrusts — business development, experience development, and strategic interests, supporting Singapore’s Tourism 2040 target of tripling MICE tourism receipts.

The agreement will see the launch of three new events later this year: FundForum Asia, Pharmapack Asia, and BioProcess International Asia. Alongside these new launches, the partnership will accelerate the growth of existing events, for example, MRO Asia Pacific and the expansion of Asia Photonics Expo to incorporate a new Asia Semiconductor Expo component. This collaboration will also explore feasible new concepts over the course of the three-year partnership.

On the experience development front, the two parties will partner to pilot festivalisation initiatives for key business events to deliver immersive and high-impact experiences — aimed at driving destination vibrancy, enhancing the delegate experience, and strengthening Singapore's appeal as a destination for both business and leisure. The partnership also encompasses shared strategic interests, including the assessment of long-term initiatives such as sustainability and talent development.

Ms Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive, Industry Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “Our partnership with Informa Group Limited is founded on a shared belief: business events, organised with the right partners, can do more than bring people together — they can catalyse conversations, deepen connections, and leave a lasting impact on the communities that host them. At a time when the world is navigating through uncertainty, we see this collaboration as an opportunity to deliver outcomes that will open new avenues for growth, further strengthen our MICE industry, and reinforce Singapore’s position as the World’s Best MICE City.”

Mr Nick Cole, Chief Commercial Officer, Informa Markets, said: "Singapore is a leading global hub for business and trade. We deeply share Singapore’s belief in the power of live events to champion and drive growth and success, not just for the markets they serve, but for the local community and economy too. We have nearly 20 brands in Singapore, and are excited at expanding our activity through this deeper strategic partnership, which will help us serve our customers and markets in more ways while contributing to the further development of Singapore’s thriving economy.”

Building Momentum Towards Tourism 2040

Earlier this year, the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) Annual Conference made history as the first edition held outside North America in its 40-year history, drawing nearly 10,000 attendees. In April, MTX (Milipol TechX) 2026 attracted over 21,000 attendees from 89 countries, surpassing initial projections of 15,000 expected visitors. Come June, the Herbalife APAC Extravaganza 2026 will bring together 25,000 attendees, set to be Singapore's largest-ever meeting and incentive event. The second half of the year features two inaugural Asia editions — Passenger Terminal Expo Asia and Breakbulk Asia, as well as the return of the 23rd World Congress of Chinese Medicine, the world's largest Traditional Chinese Medicine event, to Singapore after 19 years.

Looking ahead, Singapore has already secured major events through to 2032, such as the Lions Clubs International Convention 2028 and the World Conference for Non-Destructive Testing 2032. The growing calendar of events reflects the continued demand for, and confidence in, Singapore as a global business events destination.

Singapore's physical capacity is also keeping pace with its ambitions, with approximately 200,000 sqm of gross exhibition space today and new infrastructure in the pipeline including a potential Downtown MICE Hub. STB is targeting S$4.5 billion in MICE tourism receipts by 2040, underpinned by the partnerships, pipeline, and ecosystem being put in place to get there.

For more information or to connect with STB, please visit www.visitsingapore.com/mice.

Image can be downloaded from this link.

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About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.