The impact of the meetings, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) industry on the Canadian economy has always been significant, relating to short-term delegate expenditure and long-term job growth and economic development. These types of business events are also an ideal way to counteract seasonality because international business events take place throughout the year, ensuring a more consistent national visitor economy on an annual basis. The latest data, with an emphasis on US meeting and event business, shows:
- In 2017, MICE travellers totalled 1.3 million arrivals with a $1 billion impact on the Canadian economy (StatCan ITS 2017)
- Global MICE industry valued at $752 billion in 2016 (Allied Research Group)
- 57 percent of MICE travellers say they will take 1 – 2 extra days and stay for leisure purposes (Micer’s)
- US business visitors are growing at a faster rate than US leisure visitors: 10 percent vs 6 percent (StatCan, ITS 2016)
- US business visitors spend 2 x US leisure per night: $124 vs $250 (StatCan, ITS 2016)
How Canada’s National Meetings Strategy is Driving Regional Economic Growth (Business Events Canada / Skift website)
