Study of the Contribution of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions Tourism to the Hospitality Economy of Abuja

This study examines the contribution of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions tourism to the hospitality economy of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria within the North Central geopolitical zone. Abuja's status as Nigeria's administrative capital, combined with its growing infrastructure, positions it as the country's most developed MICE destination. A mixed-method research design is adopted with secondary data sourced from the Federal Capital Territory Tourism Board, the Nigerian Convention Bureau, and hotel financial reports, supplemented by structured interviews with 12 conference facility managers and event planners. MICE contribution dimensions assessed include hotel room night generation, food and beverage revenue from events, ancillary services income, and multiplier effects through participant spending. Findings reveal that MICE events generate an estimated 41 percent of total hotel room revenue in Abuja during peak conference seasons. The average conference delegate spends significantly more than the leisure tourist on accommodation, dining, and services. However, competition from newer MICE destinations in West Africa, particularly Accra and Dakar, is identified as a growing threat. The study recommends establishment of an Abuja Convention Bureau with dedicated MICE marketing resources, investment in purpose-built international convention infrastructure, and streamlined visa facilitation for conference delegates. Training of hospitality professionals in MICE event logistics is also proposed. Keywords: MICE tourism, conference facilities, hospitality economy, Abuja, business tourism