Publication Details
Abstract
Background: The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is a fast-growing segment of the global tourism sector that significantly contributes to economic development and job creation. As destinations seek to diversify their tourism offerings, MICE tourism emerges as a catalyst for year-round demand, higher spending, and skilled employment opportunities. Despite its potential, the role of the MICE industry in boosting employment has not been sufficiently examined, especially in emerging markets. Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of the MICE industry on employment growth within the tourism sector and to identify key trends shaping its development. The research seeks to clarify how MICE tourism supports direct and indirect job creation, enhances human capital, and influences related service sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and event management. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data analysis of employment statistics in MICE-active regions with qualitative interviews from industry professionals. Secondary sources included tourism board reports, labor market data, and international MICE trend studies. The analysis focused on countries where MICE infrastructure has been strategically developed over the last decade. Results: The findings show that the MICE industry significantly contributes to employment generation, particularly in urban centers with developed infrastructure. For every large-scale event, a multiplier effect was observed—creating jobs not only in hotels and convention centers but also across logistics, catering, and creative services. The study also identified emerging trends such as hybrid events, sustainability-focused planning, and digitalization, which are reshaping workforce needs and skills development. Destinations with strong institutional support and public-private collaboration showed higher employment resilience and growth. Conclusion: The MICE industry plays a critical role in expanding employment in the tourism sector by creating high-value, year-round job opportunities and stimulating service-sector development. As global demand for business and event travel recovers, countries that invest in MICE infrastructure, workforce training, and innovative event solutions will gain a competitive advantage. Policymakers are advised to recognize MICE tourism as a strategic lever for economic and employment growth, particularly in post-pandemic recovery strategies.