Jaipur Hosts Major MICE Event: Meet in India 2025

In a landmark event that reaffirms India’s ambitions to become a global hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), hosted the ‘Meet in India’ Conclave on May 4, 2025, in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The conclave took place alongside the 14th Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) and brought together top government leaders, global MICE experts, tourism professionals, and key industry stakeholders.

India’s MICE Industry: The Next Economic Driver

Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the transformative potential of India’s MICE sector. He emphasized that the MICE industry is not only poised to become a major economic driver, but also a creator of high-quality employment opportunities across the country.

“Shri Shekhawat stated, “India’s MICE industry is swiftly becoming a global powerhouse, driven by strong economic growth, top-tier infrastructure, and robust government support.”

He also outlined the government’s vision to elevate at least 10 Indian cities into global MICE destinations, leveraging iconic venues such as Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, and Jio World Centre. The goal is to place India on the global MICE map, with states like Rajasthan leading the way through a blend of tradition and innovation.

Rajasthan: Blending Heritage with Future-Readiness

Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ms. Diya Kumari, highlighted the state’s evolving MICE potential, emphasizing that Rajasthan has transformed beyond being just a heritage destination.

“Rajasthan 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 creating a vibrant ecosystem that blends tradition with transformation,” she said.

She added that Rajasthan sees MICE not as a short-term strategy, but a long-term engine for economic growth, innovation, and global visibility.

Industry Support and Visionary Leadership

Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, Shri Suman Bery, emphasized that India’s G20 presidency has laid the foundation for new opportunities in the MICE sector. From regulatory reforms to concert tourism, India now has the momentum to become a global events and experience leader.

Additional Secretary & Director General of Tourism, Mr. Suman Billa, added strategic insights to the discussion, stressing the need for:

• A unified national MICE strategy
• Skilled talent development
• Formation of city-level convention promotion bureaus
• A national MICE brand
• Digital platforms to streamline MICE operations

He stated that India already has the market demand and infrastructure, but coordination and strategy are key to propelling India into the top five MICE markets globally by 2025.

Industry Participation and Global Collaboration

The conclave saw the participation of more than 300 delegates, including:

• International and Domestic MICE companies
• Professional Conference Organizers
• Speakers and Industry Leaders
• Foreign Tour Operators
• Secretaries from States and Union Territories
• Members of Media, Tourism, and Hospitality Associations
• Local Stakeholders (Hotels, DMCs, Associations, etc.)

Notably, Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Past President of FICCI, highlighted India’s readiness to host global conventions:

“We are not just a leisure destination anymore. With our G20 performance, exceptional infrastructure, and connectivity, India is fully prepared to emerge as a leading MICE destination.”

The conclave also included a keynote by Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), who praised India’s initiatives and expressed his support for the country’s global ambitions in the MICE sector.

Key Sessions and Discussions

Three engaging sessions were conducted during the conclave, focusing on:

1. Fostering Growth: How Tourism Policies are Boosting MICE Opportunities
2. Unleashing India’s MICE Tourism Potential: Upgrading Convention Centres to Global Standards
3. Planning for Success: Policies and Marketing Strategies to Position India as a Global MICE Hub

Additionally, B2B sessions facilitated networking between international buyers and Indian sellers, furthering opportunities for collaboration and business.

Odisha Shines as a Promising MICE State

Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Smt. Pravati Parida, highlighted her state’s commitment to the MICE segment.

“”Whether it’s conferences or exhibitions, India is ready to host the world, with Odisha proudly leading the way. With spiritual gems like Puri and architectural wonders like Konark, we offer a blend of strong infrastructure and vibrant culture,” she said.

India’s MICE Market: Rapid Growth Ahead

India’s MICE market generated USD 49.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 103.7 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 13%. This surge is supported by new MICE-ready destinations like Varanasi, Khajuraho, and Kochi, and a booming infrastructure network including:

• 150,000+ km of roads
• New railway stations and semi-high-speed trains
• 150+ operational airports
• 2.48 million+ hotel rooms

India’s successful hosting of G20 events has further elevated its standing as a global events destination, showcasing its organizational capability and cultural richness.

Looking Ahead: 14th Great Indian Travel Bazaar

Following the conclave, the 14th edition of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) will be held from May 5–6, 2025, at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC). The event is anticipated to serve as a platform for showcasing India’s tourism strengths, with a particular focus on the MICE segment.

Conclusion: Let’s Meet in India

The Meet in India Conclave 2025 marks a significant milestone in India’s journey to becoming a global MICE powerhouse. With strong government vision, robust infrastructure, and collaborative efforts from both public and private stakeholders, India is well on its way to redefine global event experiences.

As Dr. Jyotsna Suri wisely stated, “We’re not just demonstrating our potential—we’re inviting the world to collaborate, create, and say, ‘Let’s Meet in India.’”