The news: According to UFI (the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry), Asia-Pacific has overtaken Europe in the number of world's largest exhibition venues. Global exhibition capacity has reached 45.2 million square meters, with Asia-Pacific's share growing significantly as new mega-venues come online across the region, particularly in China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Why it matters for MICE operators: This shift signals a major competitive opportunity and threat for Indian exhibition organisers. As Asia-Pacific's exhibition infrastructure expands, India's venues and operators must upgrade standards and technology to remain competitive. However, the growth also indicates rising demand for exhibitions across Asia — meaning more international events may be sourced to India, creating new business opportunities for DMCs, hotels, and service providers supporting exhibition clients.
The takeaway: Exhibition-focused PCOs should audit their venue partnerships and invest in upgrading facilities to meet international standards as competition intensifies.
Source: Travel Daily News International (via Google News)