Quick takes

Global business travel industry spending to reach US$1.8 trillion by 2027

According to the latest 2023 GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook – Annual Global Report and Forecast published by the Global Business Travel Association, the global business travel industry is recovering more quickly than anticipated. Pre-pandemic spending levels of US$1.4 trillion are expected to be surpassed in 2024, before growing to nearly US$1.8 trillion by 2027.

Japan unveils strategy to elevate global MICE standing

According to a new national government strategy, Japan aims to become the top destination for business events in Asia, and a top five global destination by 2030. The action plan aims to attract visitors interested in business, academia, culture, arts, sports and nature; as well as attracting more international conferences to Japan.

InterContinental opens at Shenzhen WECC

The InterContinental Shenzhen WECC has opened in the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cooperation Zone of Bao’an District – just 800 metres from the Shenzhen International Convention and Exhibition Center. The hotel offers 359 guestrooms and suites, as well as 3,300 m2 of meeting space including a 1,200 m2 pillar-free ballroom.

Macao visitor arrivals triple in Q2 2023

Macao’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) reported 6,697,519 visitor arrivals in the second quarter of 2023, representing year-on-year growth of 322%. The average length of stay per visitor also rose by 0.2 days to 1.2 days. Total visitor spending (excluding gaming expenses) leapt by 355% year-on-year to MOP 17.5 billion.