India’s MICE Industry

The Meet in India Conclave 2025, held in Jaipur alongside the 14th Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB), reflects India’s serious strategic push to become a global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) hub. This initiative, backed by the Ministry of Tourism, the Rajasthan government, and FICCI, is not just about tourism but a broader economic and infrastructural growth vision.

Key Takeaways:

India’s MICE Sector as a Growth Engine

• Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized MICE as a high-value, employment-generating industry.
• The sector generated USD 49.4 billion in 2024, projected to more than double to USD 103.6 billion by 2030, with a 13% CAGR.

Global Positioning & Infrastructure

India is setting its sights on positioning 10 Indian cities among the top MICE destinations worldwide. Enablers include:

• World-class venues: Bharat Mandapam (Delhi), Yashobhoomi (Dwarka), Jio World Centre (Mumbai).
• Upcoming MICE-ready destinations: Varanasi, Khajuraho, Kochi — all rich in heritage and connectivity.

Infrastructure Boom

Over the past decade, India has created a strong foundation for MICE tourism:

• 1.5 lakh+ km of new roads
• Modernized railway stations and semi-high-speed trains
• 150+ operational airports
• 2.48 million hotel rooms
• Growth in inland waterways and regional air connectivity

G20 Presidency as a Catalyst

India’s hosting of G20 meetings across 60+ locations showcased:

• The diversity of venues
• Regional tourism strength
• India’s capability to host large, logistically complex events

Strategic Importance:

• Economic Multiplier: MICE visitors typically spend 2–3 times more than leisure tourists.
• Job Creation: The sector supports direct and indirect employment in hospitality, transport, logistics, event management, etc.
• Soft Power: Showcasing India’s culture, innovation, and infrastructure to global delegates.

(Source: PIB)