Singapore set to hold largest Mice events since start of pandemic

VTLs, relaxed rules to give sector boost, help draw large number of local, global visitors

- Adeline Tan

The Republic is expecting to hold some of its largest meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) events this year since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, bolstered by vaccinated travel lanes (VTLs) and the relaxation of safe management measures (SMMs).

One of the events slated is expecting as many as 35,000 visitors, surpassing the previous record at the Singapore Airshow last month, which saw close to 13,000 trade attendees and almost 600 exhibitors.

The relaxed rules, which took effect from last Tuesday, mean that the capacity of larger events is now subject to 50 per cent of the venue’s capacity limit, instead of specific capacity limits. Zoning requirements have also been scrapped.

Food&HotelAsia, which is holding its food and beverage show in September and another show for hotels, restaurants and cafes in October, is expecting about 35,000 visitors for the September show and 30,000 visitors for the one in October.

The relaxed rules will help greatly in attracting a large number of local and international attendees, said Mr Martyn Cox, Informa Markets’ event director of hospitality, food and beverage for Singapore.