Monday 29 July 2013

Singapore Retains Position as Top International Meeting Country and City in the Union of International Associations (UIA) 2012 Global Rankings

Singapore has retained its position as the leading meeting city and country in the world, according to the Union of International Associations (UIA) 2012 Global Rankings.

Named Top International Meeting Country for the second year running and Top International Meeting City for the sixth consecutive year, Singapore has once again reinforced its value proposition as a top choice international meeting destination.

Singapore's international appeal, strategic location and access to key Asian markets provide a strong impetus for organisers to move or locate their events in Singapore.

The UIA ranking is the latest in a list of accolades that include being named Asia's Top Convention City for the 11th consecutive year, by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Having hosted a record of 150 ICCA1 events in 2012, Singapore emerged as the only Asian city in the Top Ten Convention Cities in the world alongside other cities including Vienna, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona and London.

Kenneth Lim, Regional Director Oceania of the Singapore Tourism Board, commented: "We are elated to retain our position as the leading meeting city and country in the world. Building on Singapore's strength as an international meetings destination, we also want to encourage Australian business visitors to take the opportunity to explore the many leisure experiences Singapore has to offer. Mouth-watering dining options, world-class retail offerings, non-stop entertainment and unique experiences can all be enjoyed once the official business side is done."

In addition to the 18 World Congresses held in Singapore in 2012, some events were held for the first time in Asia such as the 4th International Congress of Zookeepers 2012, the International Conference on Next Generation Technologies for Bioenergy and Biomass Utilisation 2012, 33rd Annual International Association of Technological University Libraries 2012 and the World Congress on Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Infertility 2012.

In 2012, 952 of the meetings hosted in Singapore - almost ten per cent of UIA's database - met the stipulated qualifying criteria. This includes meetings that are organised or sponsored by international organisations or of significant international character.

Amidst the diverse business events held in the city-state, the inaugural UIA Associations Round Table will also take place in Singapore in October this year, as part of TravelRave 2013 - an established travel trade festival in Asia in its fourth year that draws attendees from across the travel and tourism industry with a line up of eight quality events.

Taking place for the first time in Asia, this milestone event is expected to build wider and stronger networks in the association community.

Jacques de Mévius, Secretary General of UIA, commented, "The Union of International Associations is happy to be bringing its Associations Round Table to Asia which will take place in cooperation with the Singapore Tourism Board and its partners and with the participation of internationally respected speakers." He added, "Drawing on its years of experience with its Associations Round Table in Europe, the UIA is looking forward to sharing this opportunity for training and networking with all international associations based in Asian countries or with an interest in Asia."

For information please visit http://www.yoursingapore.com/mice

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