Addressing the session, ‘Meet in India: Emerging Hub for Business and Social Events’ at EXPO 2020, Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India said, “MICE industry is an important contributor to national economies as it contributes to income generation and creates huge employment opportunities, provides an impetus to hospitality services including sectors like accommodation, food and beverages, convention services, transportation, tourism, and entertainment.”
“India possesses excellent convention and hospitality infrastructure, unparalleled cultural, natural attractions and a rapidly growing economy all of which act as catalysts to India emerging as a hub of business and social events,” he added.
He added that India is also a very attractive market for exhibitions keeping in view the rapid economic growth and rising demand from consumers and industry destinations. Another crucial sector that Verma highlighted is that of Wedding Tourism.
“Wedding is another important niche area which is growing rapidly, many destinations in the country are emerging as wedding destinations and industry is getting more organized,” he explained.
Talking about the roadmap of MICE Tourism in India, Verma said, “Ministry of Tourism is working on the strategy to position India as a MICE destination in the world and a hub of mega conferences and exhibitions. It is working towards creating enabling conditions and institutional framework at the central, state and city level for the growth of MICE industry. The short-term goal of the Ministry is to enhance India’s share in MICE business to 2% from the current share of approximately 1% to promote the growth of MICE industry in the country.”
