As India gears up to make its ITB (Internationale Tourismus-Börse — one of the world’s largest tourism trade fairs) debut in April this year, the country’s position as a MICE hub for corporates around the globe strengthens. As per the recent report by International Congress and Convention Association (a prominent organisation in the world of international meetings), India stands at the 28th position in the global meetings market worldwide and at the seventh spot in the Asia Pacific region.
Expressing his views on this upsurge, Rakesh Mitra, corporate general manager, sales and revenue, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group says, “It is an Asian century. The MICE market is shifting to Asia and the world is looking towards India and China for business. There has been an increase in the inbound movement over the years and with many multinational corporations coming to develop their businesses in India, the MICE sector’s share in the overall revenue of the country has steadily picked up.”
An enhanced infrastructure, diverse conference venues and a fast growing start-up scene are a few factors driving mid- and large-scale MICE projects in India. “The MICE sector is emerging as the most significant sub-sector of the travel industry owing to its greater per capita consumption contrasting to leisure tourism, and furthermore its role in growing a destination’s profile,” says Pankaj Wadhwa, director of sales and marketing, Sofitel Mumbai BKC, a prominent MICE hotel in Mumbai.
Key hotspots
Along with Sofitel Mumbai BKC, Mumbai boasts an array of state-of-the-art MICE hubs — The St. Regis Mumbai; Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai; The Oberoi, Mumbai; Jio World Garden and Bombay Exhibition Centre. These premium venues combined with talented event planning companies make Mumbai a preferred choice among international travellers.
However, preceding Mumbai in India’s MICE sector is New Delhi. What makes the national capital a favourite is its heritage and offbeat offerings. Elaborating on this, Suman Julka, director of sales and marketing, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi says, “MICE events are organised, with the idea of giving unique experiences to the visitor. Here, the ideal location of our hotel helps as the traveller looks at pre-and post-tours as well. Organisers try to schedule itineraries where they can take their guests out for an event for a city tour or a cultural tour experience.”
Talk about MICE, and the mention of the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru and the tech hub, Hyderabad comes innately. When asked about Bengaluru’s popularity in MICE, Saharsh Vadhera, director of sales and marketing at Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru says, “Bengaluru is the hotspot for larger MICE events especially from defence/civil aviation, pharmaceuticals as well as manufacturing industries. The city boasts advanced infrastructure including the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, enhanced connectivity with various international destinations and adequate lodging options. We definitely are giving tough competition to several leading destinations.”
Likewise, Hyderabad has made its name among the top four Indian MICE cities with the help of hospitality giants like Accor and the Hyderabad Convention Visitors Bureau (HCVB), a city specific convention bureau working towards promoting and bringing MICE events to the city.
Going further south, we have Chennai which as Ranjith Reddy, director of sales and marketing, The Leela Palace Chennai points out is gaining prominence in the segment due to improved flight connectivity of the city, superlative hotel infrastructure, economical tariffs and a wide choice of sightseeing options.
What do guests want?
Corporate events are no more about grand banquet facilities and an expansive F&B. The demand for high-end audio visuals is growing at a fast pace. Agreeing to this, Manish Dayya, general manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) says, “MICE venue like ours get requested for the in-house tech expertise. These include facial recognition for guest count and special entry for VIP guests. In one such event, the global CEO of a leading MNC wanted an impactful entry and wanted to come to stage on a zip line. Well there is no limitation to creativity at HICC and with a 40 feet ceiling height and rigging points, all this is possible.”
MICE events are also characterised by customisation and unique team building exercises. Siddharth Sathe, hotel manager, The St. Regis Mumbai says, “Guests are no longer content with just a banquet space for their events. Décor is of key importance to them and the banquet spaces at The St. Regis Mumbai are designed keeping that in mind. They also look for creative ideas for team-building activities such as cookery or movement classes.”
Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru is also known for hosting local and culturally enriching experiences like themed coffee breaks. The hotel’s director of marketing, Vijay Ramamoorthy says, “The delegates visiting India are keen to try authentic Indian cuisine and some regional specialties, which our culinary teams are adept at curating. Wellness has become a big focus for MICE groups and other recreational features such as a spa experience definitely help.”
Similarly, Andaz Delhi has interesting immersions such as a gin master class and photo walks based around the 401 Reasons to Fall in Love with Delhi book for its guests.
Road ahead
Although, in the last decade, India’s growth trajectory in terms of MICE is commendable, a few industry experts think that there is still a long way to go. Ahemer Shaikh, director of catering sales, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar explains, “Currently we are lacking the infrastructure for hosting big ticket MICE events, even though we have great inventory of rooms.”
Adding to this, Amiya Mehta, commercial director at Conrad Pune says, “A report by the International Congress and Convention Association stated that India is losing MICE business because of tough competition from countries like Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. In order to bring the odds in our favour and beat competition, India must upgrade its infrastructure, invest in more world-class convention centres and adopt a more holistic approach to promote MICE tourism.”
BTI picks of MICE venues in India
Andaz Delhi
Due to its strategic and prime location in Aerocity, Andaz Delhi has hosted several prominent conferences for international clients. Their meeting venues, spanning across 3,483 sqm, feature fluid layouts and functional design that create an environment for innovation. The Andaz Studios, here are ideal to host small events or mini-conferences, as they are an effortless cross between an event venue, a conference centre and a hotel business lounge. andazdelhi.com
Conrad Pune
Inspired by Art Deco architecture, Conrad Pune is a two km drive from Pune’s popular Koregaon Park. From the hotel’s total revenue, 12-15 per cent is earned via MICE. For corporate and social events, there is a plush ballroom that can be divided into multiple sections. There are pre-function areas and breakaway rooms available; and a space for up to 1,200 guests. conradhotels3.hilton.com
Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru
For this Four Seasons property, an average of 40 per cent revenue is received from MICE. With its modern design, infrastructure to cater to the ever-changing demands and requirements, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru is fast evolving as the preferred location for business events. Keeping in mind Bengaluru’s cool weather, there is an al fresco event terrace as well. fourseasons.com
ITC Grand Chola
Event facilities at this palatial ITC property in Chennai include meeting rooms, banquet halls and conference rooms. The Rajendra ballroom can be divided into eight separate spaces and has its own private pre-function area and an exclusive entrance. Twenty five to 3,000 guests can be accommodated here. itchotels.in
JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar boasts a coveted location near Mumbai’s business centres, the airport and Nesco. The hotel offers spacious and convenient conference venues with space to accommodate up to 900 attendees. At the very heart of JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is its sprawling Executive Lounge —which can be divided into several cosy work spaces and meeting areas, where you can work, or host small meetings. marriott.com
Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre
The unique combination of the hotel and convention centre, both managed by Accor, with state-of-the-art infrastructure, offers an indoor and outdoor event space of over 9,290 sqm. A high-end bleisure experience can be enjoyed here wherein post an exhilarating conference at HICC, guests can rejuvenate at the adjoining Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre that houses multiple leisure amenities. novotelhyderabad.com; hicc.com
Pullman New Delhi Aerocity
Located in the heart of Delhi and Gurugram, Pullman New Delhi Aerocity houses one of the largest ballrooms in Aerocity, in its vicinity. MICE groups can take advantage of the ‘Meet and Play’ facility by Pullman, comprising appealing MICE packages. This Pullman property, combined with the adjacent Novotel New Delhi Aerocity offers an inventory of 670 suites and rooms. pullman.accor.com
Sofitel Mumbai BKC
At Sofitel Mumbai BKC, an estimate of 14 per cent of total revenue comes from MICE events. The property has a dedicated floor of meeting spaces that not only hosts nine venues including a grand salon ballroom, but also a full-service business centre and a loft kitchen. There is the brand’s well-known Magnifique Meetings team that will guide you in creating extraordinary events, customised to reflect one’s plans and strategies. sofitel.accor.com
Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru
The hotel sits between the business district and historic attractions of Bengaluru. Offering stunning skyline views, Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru’s event venues include a large ballroom, a sunlit junior ballroom with a foyer, and seven flexible function rooms covering a total of 1,996 sqm space. The in-house events team assists in planning and conducting meetings that cater to international standards. shangri-la.com
The Lalit Golf and Spa Resort Goa
One of the highlights of The Lalit Golf and Spa Resort Goa is its beautifully landscaped outdoor garden, offering a picturesque backdrop for a MICE event. Indoor venues include Braganza Hall for 600 guests; Francisco and Rajbaga Halls for meetings of up to 280; and Talpone, Vasco and Afonso Halls for small groups. thelalit.com
The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi and The Leela Palace Chennai
Both these Leela properties are known for their magnificent façades. Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi enhances its MICE offerings by incorporating local elements and the city’s heritage. Likewise, The Leela Palace Chennai, through its banqueting amenities and regal vibe allows the international clientele to get a glimpse of the rich history of Chettinad, Tamil Nadu. theleela.com
The St. Regis Mumbai
Choose from over 20 event venues spanning over 5,574 sqm and space for up to 1,000 guests. Keeping sustainability at the core of its functioning, The St. Regis Mumbai focuses on energy and water conservation, waste minimisation and environmentally responsible purchasing and enhanced indoor environmental quality during big events. marriott.com
An Offbeat MICE venue
Fairmont Jaipur serves as an interesting offbeat location for MICE. The convention centre here is a bespoke venue for premier product launches or gala dinners while the spacious lawns add to the convention hall, which is supported by five individually styled, state-of-the-art meeting rooms. fairmont.com/jaipur
