Mickey won’t be the only mouse running into Shanghai over the coming years, with new developments expected to attract more meetings, conferences and events.
Mike Smith, the city’s tourism representative in Australia, told KarryOn that Shanghai is on a mission to become a global meetings and events centre – even planning to top major Asian competitors Tokyo, Beijing and Bangkok.
He said while the current market is growing, particularly from Australia, three new buildings will further boost the sector to new heights. Literally.
Shanghai Tower to be Shanghai’s tallest at 623 metres high.
One of the new developments is the Shanghai Tower, a Dubai-like building with 126 floors.
It will be China’s first ‘super’ high-rise building, exceeding 600 metres in height.
Designed with assistance from Marshall Strabala – the architect behind Dubai’s Burj – it will have unique commercial and event areas when it opens mid-next year. It will also have five-star accommodation on the upper levels.
New to Shanghai in 2015 will be Shanghai Disney Resort
New in 2015 will also be Shanghai Disney Resort – a major attraction Mr Smith expects will be popular amongst incentive and events groups.
Located in Pudong, the Magic-kingdom will have two themed hotels with over 1,200 rooms. There will also be shopping, dining and entertainment areas.
However, the biggest MICE trap in Shanghai will be the National Exhibition and Convention Centre.
When it opens next year it will have 400,000 square metres of indoor space and $100,000 square-metres outdoors.
Located in the heart of the Hongqai Business District, Mr Smith told KarryOn it will pave the way for events and make Shanghai a real global competitor.
“It will make the destination a MICE centre not just in Asia but worldwide.”
Mike Smith, World Trade Travel – Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administrations’ Australian representatives – general manager
As well as new buildings, Mr Smith said Shanghai is also making it easier for English-speaking travellers to visit the city by becoming more Western-friendly.
He said there are English websites, apps and signage around the city. English is even spoken in a lot of restaurants and shops.
Australia is one of the fastest growing MICE markets for the destination with “more enquiries coming in every day”. Other major Western market include the US and Germany.
