Bali’s reputation as a bulletproof paradise just got an impressive upgrade. It’s now officially one of the top destinations in the world for MICE tourism. That’s Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions, for those unfamiliar with the acronym.
According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Bali has climbed its way up to 38th place globally in 2024. Just last year, it was sitting at number 66. Not bad, right?
What Fueled Bali MICE Tourism Growth?
Vinsensius Jemadu, Deputy for Tourism Products and Event Organizers at Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, shared the exciting update earlier this June. He noted, “Bali hosted 54 meetings in 2024, up from 34 in 2023.”
That 59% increase helped push Bali up nearly 30 spots in the global rankings, proving that the island is becoming a major player in international business tourism.
A Quick Look at Bali MICE Tourism Growth
Bali’s rise hasn’t happened overnight. Here’s a snapshot of its MICE evolution:
- 2019: Ranked 63rd with 42 events
- 2020–21: Held 22 events, ranked 50th
- 2022: 24 events brought Bali to 54th place
- 2023: Bundled 34 events for 66th
- 2024: A bold leap to 38th with 54 events
This steady improvement shows how the island is becoming a serious player in the global MICE scene.
The International Stage
The 2024 ICCA data showed the usual top three cities that are still hard to beat: Vienna (154 events), Lisbon (153), and Singapore (144). Rivals in the region include Bangkok at 8th with 115 events and Malaysia at 26th with 78. Surprisingly, Jakarta didn’t make it into the top 105, which makes Bali shine even brighter in comparison.
More Than Just Business
MICE tourism isn’t just about suits and PowerPoint presentations. It brings in real economic value for the island. Jemadu mentioned that Bali attracts over 40% of all international tourists coming into Indonesia. That’s more than Jakarta and the Riau Islands combined.
So when international organizations choose Bali for their conferences or exhibitions, it means more business for local hotels, restaurants, transport services, and even small creative vendors. Everyone wins.
Why Expats Should Care
A flourishing MICE industry means greater demand for local services, including housing, transportation, catering, event planning, and translation/interpreting assistance.If you’re living in Bali, this boost in MICE tourism is actually good news for you too. Here’s why:
- There will be more international events happening right in your backyard
- You’ll see new venues and better infrastructure popping up
- More business tourism means more opportunities for collaboration, networking, or even finding new clients if you’re working remotely or running a business here
- Plus, these events often bring in cool side experiences like food festivals, art showcases, and wellness pop-ups
While it’s great to celebrate Bali’s success, it’s also worth keeping in mind that the island still faces some classic challenges. Traffic, over-tourism in peak areas, and pressure on local infrastructure are all still real. That’s why sustainable growth and careful planning will be key to keeping Bali beautiful and functional for everyone
TL;DR
Bali just moved up to 38th in the world for international MICE tourism. That means more big events, better facilities, and fresh opportunities for everyone living here. Whether you’re into business or just enjoy the buzz of international culture, there’s a lot to look forward to for us calling Bali home.
Sources: Antara, Liputan6. Featured Image.