Indian Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) along with Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) had recently organised an event in New Delhi to discuss the current scenario of MICE tourism in the country and the available opportunities for the way forward in the industry. The aim of the event was to come up with time bound strategy and a road map to achieve the desired objective.
Talking about MICE tourism, Dipak Haksar, chairman, National Council for Tourism and Hospitality; and chief executive, ITC and WelcomHotels, elaborated, “According to the ITB World Travel Trends Report, MICE holds 54 per cent of the travel market share. In 2015 North America had the largest share in the market, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific which is bound to grow. When it comes to India, it only shares one per cent of the global market share and globally ranked 35th as a MICE destination compared to 25th in 2012. MICE is a segment which is not sensitive to the seasonality factor. In that case, India can make as a lucrative destination with its world heritage sites and facilities.”
“The average expenditure by a delegate is US$ 278. A conference delegate spends 2.5-3 per cent more than an average traveller,” said Chander Marsharmani, vice chairman, ICPB. Talking about steps to promote MICE tourism, he added, “There is need for better infrastructure facilities and we shall recognise the potential of the cities based on their economic value. ICPB suggests that 20 per cent of the global budget should be dedicated to MICE and there shall be ease in the visa process for conference delegates.”
Vinod Zutshi, secretary, Ministry of Tourism, was invited as the chief guest. He highlighted the subject of visa facilities. Zutshi informed, “We had a meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs a few days ago, we insisted on MICE e-visa as well, we have been trying hard for e-visa for MICE and medical and we are hopeful to have this e-visa to see the light of the day, particularly for business tourists to begin with, but we are insisting that ultimately the conference visa should also be done; we have been assured that it will be done, step-by-step.”
Suman Billa, chairman, ICPB; and joint secretary, Ministry of Tourism, suggested, “Taxes have been a huge issue when it comes to MICE travel. In order to promote tourism in the sector, tax rates should be brought down to global standards.”
There were three sessions held involving panellists from across the industry discussing ways to develop infrastructure and develop India as a top MICE destination.
