Chennai: India’s Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse, fueled by robust economic growth, world-class infrastructure, and strong government backing. To further boost the MICE sector in the country there is a need to set up a city level convention bureaus as done worldwide.
“States across the country are unlocking tourism opportunities in their own unique ways — and now, it’s time for India to position itself firmly on the global MICE map. With iconic venues like Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, and Jio World Centre, and with MICE prioritised under the Incredible India campaign, we aim to elevate at least 10 Indian cities into the world’s top MICE destinations especially in South India.” Said Mr Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism , India while inaugurating a day long South India Thought Leaders Conference organised by the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) the apex national body of exhibition industry in the country in association with Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India
“India is poised to become the world’s most admired tourism and events destination but a lot needs to be done to further tap the global US $ 850 Billion market in which India has a share of about 5 % only. Setting up of the city MICE convention bureau’s autonomous body in various parts of the country will help boost and attract MICE tourism in the country helping Service, MSME and hospitality industry grow” said Mr Billa.
“Tamil Nadu having excellent infrastructure for conferences and exhibitions in the country has huge potential for MICE tourism. To further boost MICE tourism in the state the MICE tourism needs to be spread in other cities of the state including Kanchipuram, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Salem etc and gap needs to be bridged “ said Mr T. Christuraj , Director, Department of Tourism and Managing Director , Tamil Nadu tourism , Development Corporation speaking on the occasion
“India is a significant and rapidly emerging player in the MICE landscape. The global MICE market is valued at USD 870 billion and is projected to more than USD 1.4 Billion by the year 2030. The day-long MICE leaders Connect is being attended by Industry players including leading MICE organisations, hotels and venues, trade bodies. Several key state Govt officials from South India to create a roadmap for MICE sector in their states.” said Mr Dhawan.
Most speakers at the event were of the opinion that the government and the private exhibition industry has to work together to make India a centre of MICE tourism. Several events which are happening globally can be calendarized and brought here in India. Besides being a destination India, the country is also becoming a big Exhibition and conference hub with planned expansion in road, aviation and railway sectors along with expansion of the conference and exhibition sector, the country has a great future for economic growth
The others who spoke at the event included Mr Srikanth TG, Chairperson Southern region , IEIA, Dr Rajendra KV, commissioner, Department of Tourism, Karnataka, Ms Amarapali Kata, Managing Director, Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Development, Corporation, Ms Sikha Surendran, Director Kerala Tourism and MD, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, Ms Jyoti Kumari, Secretary Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar, Mr Gary Khan, CEO, Hyderabad Convention Visitors Bureau and Mr Vijay Sharma, Director, jwc, GMbH