BOTT brings together insights from more than 10 leading MICE experts who share their perspectives on the opportunities, challenges and priorities that will define India’s business events landscape over the next five years.
Priyanka Saxena Ray, Gunjan Sabikhi and Shreya Shimpi
Rajeev Kohli
Joint Managing Director, Creative Travel
India’s MICE sector is at a turning point. With new convention centres, better connectivity, and government backing, the opportunities are huge. We can attract more global events and position India as a must-visit destination for business travellers.
Now, I don’t want to name the generic challenges about visas, infrastructure, etc., because that narrative needs to be discarded. We must move forward. A significant mindset shift needs to happen within our state governments, where MICE needs to be called Business Events. These are not social events; these are events with clearly defined economic objectives.
They are no different from creating a manufacturing plant, no different from creating infrastructure. These are investments in human infrastructure at the national level and our standing at the international level. The minute we start thinking differently is the minute we start seeing changes to policies that enhance our attractiveness as a MICE destination.
We have the assets. We simply need to change our thinking. It can be as easy, or as complicated, as that.
Amaresh Tiwari
MD, A.T. Seasons & Vacations Travel and CEO, Meetings & Incentives World
India stands at a defining moment in the evolution of its MICE industry. The rapid expansion of world-class convention centres, improved air connectivity, digital infrastructure, upcoming State and City Convention Bureaus, and new hotels with dedicated convention and meeting facilities, along with initiatives such as “Meet in India”, the “Convention India Conclave”, and industry-led events, have created an unprecedented opportunity for the country to emerge as a leading global MICE destination. Over the next five years, India’s biggest opportunity lies in leveraging its economic growth, knowledge economy, cultural diversity, and competitive cost advantage to attract international association congresses, corporate conventions, incentive travel, and exhibitions.
However, infrastructure alone will not create a globally competitive destination. To position India among the world’s leading MICE destinations, the focus must shift from infrastructure development to destination competitiveness through a National MICE Strategy, stronger convention bureaus, streamlined approvals, enhanced connectivity, professional capacity building, and sustainable, technology-driven event delivery. Most importantly, India must move from selling venues to selling destination value through a unified national proposition backed by strong public-private partnerships.
Dharmendra Kumar
CEO, Geanis World & MICE
India is at an inflection point in its MICE journey. World-class convention infrastructure, rapidly expanding aviation connectivity, a robust digital backbone, and sustained government support have created a strong foundation to position India among the world’s leading business events destinations. Backed by its growing economic stature, the G20 legacy, and unmatched cultural diversity, the opportunity to attract international conventions, corporate incentive programmes, and association meetings has never been greater. Landmark developments, such as the upcoming ONGC ATI Convention Centre in Betul, South Goa, demonstrate that India is now building destinations designed specifically for large-scale global events.
However, infrastructure alone will not secure India’s rightful share of the global MICE market. The real challenges lie in fragmented destination marketing, limited international bidding capability, a shortage of skilled MICE professionals, cumbersome visa processes, and inconsistent collaboration among stakeholders. Over the next five years, India needs a unified national MICE strategy with a single, strong brand, supported by empowered city-level convention bureaus. Visa simplification, dedicated skill development, and a national bid-support fund for international events are essential to transform potential into performance.
Naveen Rizvi
Executive Director, ICE – Incentive Conference & Event Management
India today has a genuine opportunity to emerge as one of the world’s leading MICE destinations. Over the past few years, investments in landmark venues such as Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai and the International Convention & Expo Centre in Goa, along with the expansion of international hotel chains offering large convention facilities, have transformed our hosting capabilities.
The next five years, however, will not be defined by infrastructure alone but by execution. We need stronger international air connectivity beyond metro cities, simplified visa processes, trained manpower and closer collaboration between the Government, Convention Bureaus, and the private sector. Winning International Association Conferences and global Corporate Events requires sustained bidding support and a unified ‘Meet in India’ approach.
India’s greatest advantage is its diversity. We can seamlessly combine world-class business events with authentic cultural experiences, wellness, heritage and incentive travel. If we consistently deliver global standards with Indian hospitality, India will not just compete with established MICE destinations, but it will set new benchmarks for them.”
Rajesh Gupta
Founder & Head, HI Walk
India has all the ingredients to emerge as one of the world’s leading MICE destinations over the next five years. The investments being made in convention infrastructure, expanding aviation connectivity, digital transformation, and strong policy support have created a solid foundation for long-term growth.
However, infrastructure alone will not define our success. The real opportunity lies in delivering a consistently seamless delegate experience. This requires stronger collaboration between convention centres, hotels, destination management companies, transport providers, civic authorities, and local administrations. The future of MICE will be shaped by integrated destination ecosystems rather than individual venues.
At the same time, sustainability, technology, and personalisation will increasingly influence client decisions. Global organisers are looking beyond capacity; they seek measurable impact, operational excellence, and destinations that can deliver memorable experiences with efficiency and responsibility.
India possesses an unmatched blend of culture, hospitality, business potential, and geographic diversity. If we continue investing in skill development, global marketing, service standards, and public-private partnerships, I firmly believe India will not merely participate in the global MICE landscape, but help define its future.
Vibha Bhatia
President, MMACTIV Sci Tech Communication
Over the next five years, India has a unique opportunity to establish itself as one of the world’s leading MICE destinations. With world-class convention centres, enhanced air connectivity, modern infrastructure, and increasing government focus on the business events sector, the country has all the ingredients to achieve this ambition. Our rich cultural heritage, diverse destinations, and expanding hospitality sector further strengthen India’s global appeal and competitive advantage.
The opportunity before us is immense, and so are the expectations. To compete with established international MICE destinations, we must address key challenges through strategic thinking and reforms. For instance, introducing a single-window clearance system to simplify permissions, streamlining approvals for organisers, simplifying visa processes, investing in talent development, strengthening international marketing and participation, and embracing technology and sustainable event practices will be critical. Equally important is stronger collaboration among government, industry associations, convention bureaus, venues, airlines, and event organisers. With a unified long-term strategy and consistent execution, India can not only become one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for international business events but also establish itself as a trusted, globally competitive hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.
Sunu Mathew {MS}
Chief Executive Officer, C World Holidays India
India’s MICE sector is at a decisive inflection point. Iconic mega-venues like Yashobhoomi and Bharat Mandapam, alongside rapid air and transit expansion, offer an unprecedented stage to capture high-value global trade summits. Yet, infrastructure alone will not secure leadership. High event tax rates, fragmented city-level branding, and a shortage of specialized event management talent continue to push major international congresses toward established hubs like Singapore and Dubai.
To capitalize on this momentum, India must shift from building physical hardware to perfecting ecosystem execution. The strategic blueprint requires establishing autonomous City Convention Bureaus for single-window clearances, streamlining business visas, and embedding ESG-certified sustainability across venue networks. By pairing state-of-the-art facilities with agile governance, India can transition from hosting regional events to defining the global business travel landscape.
India stands at a defining moment in the evolution of its MICE industry. The next five years must focus on seamless visitor experiences, simplified visa processes, skilled event professionals, sustainable practices and stronger global destination branding.
Pratul Trivedi
Owner, Letz go Travels
India’s MICE industry is poised for remarkable growth, driven by world-class convention infrastructure, improved air connectivity, and strong government support. However, one of the biggest challenges is the surge in domestic destination weddings, which has significantly increased hotel and venue costs, reducing India’s price competitiveness for international MICE events. Rationalising GST and introducing targeted tax incentives for global conventions, similar to successful international models, can make India a more attractive destination.
Equally important is sustained global promotion and destination marketing to position India beyond its traditional tourism appeal. The successful hosting of the G20 Summit demonstrated India’s capability to organise world-class events while showcasing Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as emerging MICE destinations. Building on this momentum by bidding for large international conventions will be crucial. Finally, seamless technology adoption, faster e-visa approvals, and efficient immigration processes are essential to deliver a superior delegate experience. With a coordinated long-term strategy, India has the potential to emerge as a leading global MICE destination.
Amit Thadani & Nikita Thadani
Directors, Nik N Ami Travels
India has a tremendous opportunity to emerge as one of the world’s leading MICE destinations. Improved convention infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and strong government support are encouraging more companies to host meetings, conferences, and incentive events in India. However, challenges such as high hotel rates during peak seasons, infrastructure gaps in certain destinations, and the need for faster approvals still need to be addressed.
To accelerate growth, the government and the travel industry must work together to promote India globally, enhance service standards, develop new MICE destinations, and simplify the event planning process. At Nik N Ami Travels, we believe India has the right combination of hospitality, infrastructure, and talent. With the right policies, collaboration, and strategic planning, the next five years can establish India as a preferred global destination for MICE events.
Ajay Vinayak
CEO, Palomino Hospitality
India is witnessing a significant boom in business events, driven by world-class convention centres such as Bharat Mandapam. Over the next five years, the biggest opportunities lie in the emergence of new convention hubs and the growing demand for experiences that combine business with leisure travel.
However, challenges remain, including complex regulatory processes and the need for consistent service standards across destinations. To establish itself as a global MICE leader, India must simplify approvals, strengthen its international destination marketing, and place greater emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly events.
At Palomino, our USP is delivering seamless, stress-free travel experiences by managing every detail with precision. Leveraging our local expertise, we curate customised business travel programmes that include private aviation, exclusive experiences, and immersive cultural journeys, enabling global companies to explore India with ease. The result is a powerful synergy: participants enjoy unforgettable, culturally enriching experiences, while the destinations they visit benefit from sustainable economic growth and renewed cultural vitality.
Vikrant Gulani
Director – Pinkerton (India)
India’s MICE story is finally catching up with its potential. New convention centres in Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad, better air connectivity to tier-2 cities, and a government that’s actually chasing global association business — this is a different landscape than five years ago.
The opportunity over the next two years is clear: India can capture large-scale association conferences that used to bypass us for Singapore or Dubai, provided we back it with faster visa processing and consistent GST treatment for event services. Skilled manpower remains the real bottleneck — we’re building venues faster than we’re building the professional workforce to run them.
My near-term wish list: a unified national MICE promotion body, crucial sustained investment in destination marketing abroad, and stronger public-private coordination on bid support for global conventions. Get these right, and India moves from host nation to preferred destination.
Neeraj Dhawan,
Director, Falcon Exhibitions, Hon. Treasurer, ICPB
I ndia’s MICE sector has already captured global attention. According to UFI (Global Associ- Lation of the Exhibition Industry), exhibitions alone contributed over $300 billion to global GDP in 2024. India now accounts for 5.7% of the global MICE market, valued at $49.4 billion in 2024 and projected to more than double to $103.7 billion by 2030, growing at a robust 13% CAGR. ICCA data ranked India 7th in Asia-Pacific, hosting 141 international association meetings in 2024. Delhi NCR has emerged as India’s premier MICE destination, supported by world-class infrastructure including Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, IEML, and Aerocity’s expanding 5-star hotel ecosystem catering specifically to business events.
Beyond Delhi NCR, tier-2 cities such as Jaipur, Kochi, Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam are emerging as alternative hubs, while the Government’s “Meet in India” initiatives further strengthen competitiveness. However, standardization across venues, technology integration and specialized talent devel- opment remain critical gaps. To consolidate India’s global position, we must establish unified MICE facility certifications, upgrade digital capabilities across venues, develop skilled event management professionals, and maintain cost competitive- ness with quality assurance.
Vikram Kajaria
Proprietor, Makson Travels
India is rapidly gaining recognition as a leading MICE destination. One of the country’s greatest strengths is its rich cultural heritage and timeless appeal. Complementing this are significant investments in world-class convention centres, expanded hotel capacity, and improved air, road, and rail connectivity. Coupled with India’s growing popularity as a bleisure destination—where business and leisure seamlessly blend—these factors are making the country increasingly attractive to global event organisers.
Despite these opportunities, several challenges remain. In addition to geopolitical uncertainties affecting global travel and business sentiment, India continues to face high operational costs and taxation, inadequate last-mile connectivity, fragmented coordination among key stakeholders, and the lack of sustained international destination marketing. Equally important is the need for more measurable, outcome-driven initiatives in sustainability, carbon neutrality, waste management, and environmentally responsible event practices, which are becoming increasingly important considerations for international MICE planners.
With continued investment, stronger public-private collaboration, policy reforms, enhanced global branding, and a greater commitment to sustainability, India is well positioned to emerge as one of the world’s most preferred MICE destinations.
Gopal Thatte
AGM – International Division, Trinity World Holidays
India’s MICE industry is entering an exciting phase of growth, driven by world-class convention centres such as Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, Hyderabad International Convention Centre, Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, and several new venues across the country.
Improved air connectivity, expanding infrastructure, and government initiatives such as Meet in India, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and NITI Aayog’s tourism-focused programmes are strengthening India’s position as a competitive global MICE destination. Our rich cultural heritage, diverse experiences, warm hospitality, competitive pricing, and expanding hotel portfolio provide a strong foundation for attracting international conferences, incentive groups, meetings, and exhibitions.
To fully realise this potential, India must continue simplifying visa and immigration procedures, strengthening destination branding, enhancing safety and security, and ensuring seamless collaboration between government and industry. Equally important are investments in skilled talent, consistent service standards, sustainable event practices, advanced event technology, and exceptional delegate experiences. Strategic partnerships among tourism boards, airlines, convention centres, hotels, and the private sector, supported by incentives for large international events, will accelerate growth.
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