India’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry is poised to become a significant economic driver, offering high-quality employment and strengthening the country’s tourism sector, said Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at the Meet in India Conclave in Jaipur. The event, held alongside the 14th Great Indian Travel Bazaar, brought together over 300 stakeholders from across the globe, including MICE operators, tour organizers, government officials, and tourism professionals.
Shekhawat highlighted India’s rising stature in the global MICE arena, attributing it to robust economic growth, world-class infrastructure, and visionary leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With state-of-the-art venues like Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, and Jio World Centre, India is working to transform at least 10 cities into top international MICE destinations. States like Rajasthan are blending heritage with innovation to lead this movement.
The Indian MICE market, which generated USD 49.4 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 103.7 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 13%. This surge is driven by improved infrastructure, including upgraded roads, high-speed trains, 150+ airports, inland waterways, and a growing hotel sector with over 2.48 million rooms.
India’s successful hosting of the G20 Summit has boosted its global reputation, proving its capacity for managing large-scale international events. NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Suman Bery and Tourism DG Suman Billa emphasized the need for a coordinated national strategy, city-level convention bureaus, a dedicated MICE brand, skill-building initiatives, and a digital platform to streamline operations.
Dr. Jyotsna Suri of FICCI noted India’s evolution from a leisure destination to a global event host, while ICCA CEO Dr. Senthil Gopinath shared global insights in the post-inaugural keynote. The conclave featured thematic sessions on tourism policy, marketing strategies, and infrastructure development, along with B2B meetings to foster industry collaboration.
