More Than a Trip, It's a Mosaic: Japan's Regional Diversity Earns It Top Incentive Honors
By Yousuf Basil and Jennifer Z. Deaton
(Las Vegas, USA) All the exhibitors at IMEX America 2025, held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, came eager to showcase their businesses and make deals. Japan, though, stood out—marching into the show already a winner. Even before the opening ceremony, before the first handshake on the floor, Japan had been crowned “Best Incentives Destination (Asia)” for 2025.
The honor comes from the M&C Asia Stella Awards, which recognize outstanding performance and innovation across the MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions). Japan earned the majority of votes in the incentives category—clear validation of its reputation for quality experiences and high visitor satisfaction.
This prestigious recognition highlights world-class infrastructure, exacting service standards, rich culture, and diverse incentive experiences that make Japan a standout destination in Asia.
On the IMEX America exhibition floor, Japan’s pavilion is buzzing—an energy you can’t miss.
Why Japan
Mr. Lewis Ream, with the Japan National Tourism Organization, told TTW that Japan’s “secret” is the seamless connectivity between its diverse cultures and destinations.
“One of Japan’s main strengths is the diversity of options for host cities for incentive trips and conferences,” he said. “Japan has so many regional cultures and traditions, giving travelers the chance to visit several cities and connect with different cultures in a single itinerary.”
In a statement, the M&C Asia Stella Awards organizing body added:
“The result reflects that Japan is highly regarded by incentive planners in the Asia region for offering high-value-added experiences, quality facilities, and excellent service in the field of incentive travel.”
If there’s one quality that sets Japan apart, Mr. Ream tells me is The Attention to Detail—a value deeply embedded in the country’s collective culture. On that point, there’s little debate.
The unbeatable streak: Chicago crowned America’s best big city for a historic ninth year
As Condé Nast Traveler readers reaffirm Chicago’s dominance, the city’s record-breaking tourism numbers and resilient spirit tell the real story.
By Yousuf Basil and Jennifer Z. Deaton
Chicago occupies a singular place in the nation’s culture, history and politics. Headlines often skew political—and negative—but the lived experience of millions of visitors tells a different story. This month, Condé Nast Traveler readers named Chicago the Best Big City in the U.S. for the ninth consecutive year, a streak unprecedented in the awards program’s more than 30-year history.
“While critics try to paint Chicago as something to fear, the rest of the world knows the truth—this is the best big city in America,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said, underscoring the gap between perception and on-the-ground reality. Mayor Brandon Johnson dedicated the honor to residents: “This recognition is a testament to the people of Chicago—their welcoming spirit, creativity and grit. Chicago’s strength has always come from its residents, whose hard work and pride shine through in every neighborhood.”
A counter-narrative of success
The award arrives at a complex political moment, which may be exactly why it resonates. Condé Nast Traveler, a leading travel publication, surveyed 750,000 readers; Chicago again rose to the top—evidence that travelers keep choosing the city with their itineraries and their dollars.
The proof: a record-breaking summer
The “Best Big City” title isn’t just sentiment—it’s supported by performance. Choose Chicago reports the city’s hotels posted their strongest summer on record. In a year when many destinations faced headwinds, Chicago bucked national trends.
June–August 2025 (Choose Chicago):
More than 3.56 million hotel room nights sold (up 4.3% vs. 2024)
More than $948 million in hotel revenue, surpassing last year’s record
Travelers are voting with their wallets—and they’re choosing Chicago.
Why Chicago?
A world-class hospitality engine. From hoteliers to tour guides, the city’s hospitality workforce anchors the visitor experience. “Your creativity and dedication make every stay… an experience that makes people want to come back again and again,” said Michael Jacobson, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association.
An unbeatable cultural and culinary scene. From the Art Institute to neighborhood jazz clubs—and a globally acclaimed restaurant community—culture and cuisine remain powerful draws. “I’m convinced that it’s our chefs, servers, restaurateurs… that make this city’s food scene so special,” said Sam Toia, Illinois Restaurant Association.
Top-tier infrastructure for business and events. With McCormick Place, Navy Pier and two major airports, Chicago remains a convention powerhouse, generating more than $3 billion in economic activity last year.
A city celebrating itself
“This award affirms what we know to be true: Chicago is a world-class city with unmatched beauty, culture and hospitality,” Kristen Reynolds, president and CEO of Choose Chicago, said. She noted the broader impact: tourism supports about $20 billion in annual economic activity and more than 130,000 local jobs.
The celebration is spilling into the public square. Choose Chicago is inviting residents and visitors to share their stories using #NeverOutdoneChi and #AllForTheLoveOfChicago—a fitting tribute to a city that isn’t done winning people over.