MICE industry

People try tropical fruit at the trade fair of Ledong's harvest festival. [Photo by Chen Ruolong/Hainan Daily]

"With the start of winter, the best season in Hainan, the provincial capital has been holding more events, such as the China International Conference Industry Festival, the Deep Sea Energy Conference, the Hainan International Tourism Island Carnival, the International Tropical Agricultural Products Winter Trade Fair and the International Coffee Fair," said Cai Qiao, director of the Haikou bureau.

More than 120 activities were held during the 2018 Hainan International Tourism Island Carnival, the 19th time the festival has been held. The month-long extravaganza attracted millions of visitors with its art performances, food festivals, sports competitions, exhibitions and celebrations staged across the whole island.

"Apart from its natural climate and beautiful environment, the central government's decision to designate the entire island of Hainan as a pilot free trade zone has produced positive results, inspiring enthusiasm among domestic and international convention companies, who are eager to hold exhibitions and meetings in Hainan," said Cai.

"The MICE industry is growing into a 'green engine', boosting the development of Hainan's pillar industries through the in-depth integration of key sectors, including tourism, high-efficiency tropical agriculture, and the medical and health industries," he said, adding that the fast growth of the sector has also boosted the development of related companies, such as exhibition equipment companies, advertising firms, design companies, and printing companies.