Kochi: Concerted efforts by all stakeholders were imperative to project the country as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) centre on the world stage, said experts in the tourism sector. Lot of things need to be done, including developing basic infrastructure, to attract international exhibitions, conventions and conferences to India, they opined. Though MICE tourism is making waves in other countries, India still has a long way to go as its share in this sector is a miniscule 0.5 per cent.
The Conventions India Conclave, which was recently held here under the aegis of Indian Convention Promotion Bureau, discussed the opportunities of MICE tourism in India. The conclave deliberated that Indian cities, including Kochi, could scale new heights in MICE tourism if due stress was given to develop basic infrastructure. The active involvement of the city administrations was needed to promote MICE tourism, said ITC CEO and CII Tourism and Hospitality National Committee chairman Dipak Haksar.
“The government should actively intervene in promoting MICE tourism as the future of tourism sector lies in this field. The government should support MICE tourism and requisite tax cuts should be incorporated,” he added.
Global MICE meet
A Global MICE meet would be held to showcase India's potential as MICE tourism destination before foreign travellers and projects should be envisaged to promote MICE tourism with coordination among central ministries, said former secretary to Ministry of Tourism Vinod Sushi. A task group should be put in place for MICE tourism like those formed for cruise tourism and adventure tourism. Apart from major cities, two-tier cities should also be given their due share in MICE tourism.
“The most important thing is to portray whole of India as a MICE tourism brand,” he added.
