To gradually resume economic activities, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will start accepting applications for organising MICE events on pilot basis from October 1, 2020. STB and other government departments will review all MICE event proposals, and event organisers may proceed only upon obtaining the approval. Organisers applying for pilot events must demonstrate their ability to implement safe management measures to meet a set of health and safety outcomes.

According to a MICE Economic Impact Assessment commissioned by STB in 2019, the industry supported more than 34,000 jobs with an economic value-add of USD 3.8 billion, or nearly one per cent of Singapore’s GDP. Business travellers also spend almost double that of leisure travellers, making them high-yield visitors. The gradual resumption of business events is aimed to help maintain Singapore’s position as a leading MICE hub and retain critical capabilities, while safeguarding jobs and livelihoods in the international tourism industry and other related sectors.

“The safe and gradual resumption of MICE events will safeguard jobs and core capabilities. It will also help those in related sectors such as hospitality and aviation. Public health and safety remain our utmost priority, and we have worked closely with the industry to create strict protocols and develop new ways of organising events,’’ says Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board.