Mice: The Way Forward

The Mice Space is Growing at a Robust Pace and is Expected to Triple Within the Next 2-3 Years. The Proposed New Venues at Delhi in Dwarka and the Ones to Be Expanded at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Pune, Etc is Expected to Provide a Boost to the Segment. Hotels and Convention Centres, Set Up Mainly to Promote Mice, Are Acting as Enhancers for Promotion of Mice. Ashok Malkani Takes a Look at Several Aspects of This Industry as Well as the Future of Mice in India.

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Events can be a daunting task not only for the event organisers but also for hotels which have to ensure that their venues provide the best services to the clients. This is all the more imperative as India’s MICE tourism is, according to a new report by industry body the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), growing at a rate of 8 per cent annually, The report states that economic growth coupled with rapid emergence of India on the global horizon is poised to drive the growth of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism at a much faster rate. India is a late entrant in the segment with a little share on the global scale. Of the total 12,563 international meetings in a year, it hosts only 175 - or just 1.4 per cent to rank 24th worldwide.

The global MICE tourism is estimated to be growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.5 per cent and reach 1.2 trillion dollars (about Rs 70 lakh crore) by 2023. Asia Pacific region is expected to lead this with 8.6 per cent growth.

MICE activities have a potential for growth and is becoming a focus area in the hospitality industry, putting a pressure on the hotels to deliver. The hotels have to meet the challenge of fulfilling all the needs of the organisers.

Nicholas Dumbel l , General Manger - Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel & Lakeside Chalet – Mumbai, Marriott Executive Apartments, disclosed “Owing to the ever-growing demand in this segment, rooms/venue availability during a good part of the year poses a challenge. Having said that, it only highlights the umpteen opportunities this segment holds for us and our city.