Tourism & MICE
What is “MICE Tourism”?
The tourism industry has significant economic ripple effects and job creation impacts, greatly contributing to the economic growth of Japan. MICE is broadly categorized under “tourism.” MICE tourism is a type of business travel where people go to different places for professional or educational events such as meetings, incentive travels, conventions, and exhibitions/events.
Tourism Promotion by Attracting MICE
Features of MICE
- Predictable year-round demand
- Conventions are less susceptible to economic downturns.
- MICE participants are considered ‘quality visitors.’
- High rate of repeat attendance
- Continuation of events through online platforms even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MICE: A Strategy Implementation Tool for Development as a Tourism Nation
Japan’s Basic Plan for the Promotion of a Tourism-Oriented Nation is formulated under the Tourism Nation Promotion Basic Act and approved by the Cabinet following deliberations by the Tourism Subcommittee of the Transport Policy Council.
Noriko Takeuchi, President and CEO of Congrès Inc., participated in the discussions leading to the formulation of the Plan as a member of the Transport Policy Council and contributed her views throughout the process.
Under the Fifth Basic Plan, tourism is recognized as a strategic industry that drives both regional and national economic growth. The Plan notes that tourism has grown into Japan’s second-largest export industry after the automotive industry (JPY 17.6 trillion) and highlights its increasing contribution to the Japanese economy.
MICE is also positioned as an important policy measure for stimulating regional economies, promoting international exchange, and enhancing Japan’s global competitiveness.
- A total of 12,438 international conferences were held worldwide in 2025, up 12% from 2024.
- Japan hosted 491 international conferences, a 15% increase from 428 in 2024, ranking 6th globally and achieving its highest-ever position.
- In the Asia-Pacific region, Japan ranked 1st for the fourth consecutive year since 2022.
- Nineteen Japanese cities, including Tokyo (3rd, 119 meetings) and Kyoto (10th, 53 meetings), were ranked among the top 85 cities in the Asia-Pacific region.
International Conference Statistics
ICCA International Conference Statistics
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) conducts annual surveys based on its statistical criteria, with the cooperation of its members, destination partners, and international associations worldwide. The statistics provide insights into the number of international conferences held globally and trends among leading destinations and countries.
Number of Conferences by Country (2025)
Number of Conferences by City in the Asia‑Pacific Region (2025)
