Okinawa prefectural government released a basic concept of a large-scaled meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition (MICE) facility totaling 103,500m2 floor space to be built by 2020. A selection of the sites is now under discussion and it will be decided in July. Aiming to start construction by fiscal 2017, the prefecture will start a study on possibilities of private participation in development.

The facility will have a capacity to hold events with up to 20,000 participants, having a multi-purpose hall, an exhibition space, small and medium size meeting rooms, offices etc. When completed, the complex is expected to attract more MICE and visitors, adding 150 events a year to be taken place and 770,000 more people visiting Okinawa. The effect on local ecnomies is estimated at approximately 40 billion yen per year. (2014/05/22)