Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Union Minister of Tourism, has said that India’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry is set to be a major economic driver for generating high-quality jobs.
Speaking at the Meet in India conclave on May 5, he said, “India’s MICE industry is rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse, fuelled by robust economic growth, world-class infrastructure and strong government backing. States across the country are unlocking tourism opportunities in their own unique ways—and now, it’s time for India to position itself firmly on the global MICE map.
“With iconic venues like Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi and Jio World Centre, and with MICE prioritised under the 'Incredible India' campaign, we aim to elevate at least 10 Indian cities into the world’s top MICE destinations. Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, and with states like Rajasthan leading through legacy and innovation, India is poised to become the world’s most admired tourism and events destination,” Shekhawat said.
More than 300 delegates and participants attended the event, which was organised by the Ministry of Tourism, the Rajasthan Department of Tourism, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on the sidelines of the 14th Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB).
Suman Bery, the Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, emphasised that tourism and hospitality are among the world’s largest employment generators. He highlighted the immense potential of the sector to create high-quality, skill-intensive jobs in India’s youthful, ambitious economy.
“At NITI Aayog, we view MICE tourism not only as a promotional opportunity but as a development imperative,” he said, while stressing the need for centre-state coordination, deregulation and the breaking down of silos across ministries to achieve this vision. Bery added that India must move towards a comprehensive tourism experience that integrates events, cultural infrastructure and global best practices to unlock its full potential.
“The vision laid out by Hon’ble PM during India’s G20 presidency has opened new pathways. It is now up to states to build on this momentum. From deregulation to concert tourism, India has the opportunity to become a global hub for events and experiences.”
Highlighting Rajasthan as an emerging MICE destination, Diya Kumari, the Deputy Chief Minister of the state, said, “Rajasthan is not just a heritage destination—it is a vibrant, future-ready hub for MICE tourism. With state-of-the-art convention centres, seamless connectivity, digital infrastructure and world-class hospitality, we are building a dynamic ecosystem that blends tradition with transformation.”
She added: “From our cultural richness to rural tourism circuits and new destination development, every part of Rajasthan is being equipped to host high-impact events. We believe in the power of strong public-private partnerships—from local artisans to luxury hoteliers, from grassroots logistics teams to global planners, everyone plays a role.”
Jyotsna Suri, a past president of FICCI and now a Chief Managing Director at The LaLit Suri Hospitality Group, highlighted that India is no longer just a leisure destination. She said, “We are now ready to take on the world as a leading MICE destination. With exceptional infrastructure, seamless connectivity and the proven capabilities we demonstrated during the G20, we have everything it takes to host large-scale global conventions. Through platforms like the Great Indian Travel Bazaar and Meet in India, we are not just showcasing our potential—we are inviting the world to collaborate, catalyse and say, ‘Let’s meet in India’."
The India MICE market generated a revenue of USD 49,402.6 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 103,686.5 million by 2030 while registering a growth of 13 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This growth is fuelled by the recent developments in MICE-ready destinations coming up in cities like Varanasi, Khajuraho, Kochi, etc.
Over the last decade, India has shown a tremendous growth curve in infrastructure, with the construction of roads over 1,50,000 km, new railway stations, semi-high-speed trains, inland waterways, more than 150 operational airports and over 2.48 million hotel rooms. Furthermore, India's hosting of the G20 nations has reinforced India’s growing venue network and regional tourism potential.
Suman Billa, the Additional Secretary and Director General of Tourism at the government of India, said, “A unified national strategy, skilled talent, digital tools and strong state-led promotion can propel us into the top five MICE markets by 2025.” He added that India has the potential to become one of the leading global MICE destinations by 2035.
Following the conclave, the 14th edition of GITB will commence from May 5–6 at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), Sitapura.
(With inputs from a press release)
