India set to become MICE tourism capital of the world, says Union Culture Minister

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat being felicitated at the inaugural ceremony of the Seminar on India: The land of Exponential growth organised by Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA), at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Friday.
| Photo Credit: ANI

India is poised to become the global capital of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Friday.

“New segments of tourism are emerging, with MICE tourism being the most important and fastest-growing segment in the country. The exhibition and conference infrastructure across the nation, including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Jaipur and even small cities post-G-20 summit indicates that India stands at the threshold of strong opportunities in this sector,” Mr. Shekhawat said while inaugurating a two-day seminar here.

The seminar, titled ‘India: The land of Exponential Growth’, was organised by the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA), the apex national body of exhibition industry in the country.

The Union Minister said that the government and the private exhibition industry must collaborate to establish India as a centre of MICE tourism.

“Several global events can be scheduled and hosted here in India. Beyond being a tourist destination, India is becoming a major exhibition and conference hub. With planned expansions in road, aviation and railway sectors alongside growth in the conference and exhibition industry, the country has a promising future for economic growth,” he added.

He mentioned that since after 2014, India has shown a tremendous growth curve in infrastructure, including over 1,50,000 km of roads, new railway stations, semi high-speed trains, inland waterways, and more than 150 operational airports.

“All these developments have enhanced India’s capabilities in hosting MICE events. Confidence has also grown following India’s successful hosting of the G-20 nations. The world is watching India with awe and curiosity. In the coming times, India will emerge as the MICE capital of the world,” he said.

The 14th edition of the IEIA Open Seminar is expected to attract over 700 leading industry players at decision-maker levels, including top exhibition and event organisers, heads of trade bodies, sectoral associations, and key government officials.