Global MICE tourism sector impact

An Oxford Economics study released in late July 2026 estimated that the global meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) sector generated about $3.2 trillion in total economic activity in 2025, supporting 24 million jobs and involving 1.65 billion participants across more than 180 countries. Direct spending was $1.3 trillion and the sector added roughly $1.8 trillion to worldwide GDP, with hotel group bookings near pre‑pandemic levels and a modest outlook for direct spend to rise to $1.6 trillion by 2028.

Two days later the World Travel & Tourism Council issued a policy brief urging sustainable destination management, citing the same Oxford Economics figures and emphasizing that tourism overall supports one in ten global jobs and contributes about 10% of world GDP. The WTTC highlighted the strategic importance of MICE tourism for high‑value travel, knowledge exchange and broader economic activity, and outlined seven principles for ensuring tourism growth benefits residents and businesses.

Together the snapshots show the sector’s rapid post‑pandemic recovery, its massive economic footprint, and a push by industry bodies to embed sustainability and stakeholder collaboration as the sector continues to expand.