Barcelona: The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is participating at the International Business Travel Market (IBTM) World 2024, one of the leading global travel exhibitions dedicated to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. Held from November 19th to 21st in Barcelona, the exhibition serves as a vital platform to position India as a key destination for hosting conferences, conventions, and other large-scale events.
The participation in IBTM World 2024 underscores the Ministry’s strategic push to promote MICE as a niche sector that can help address the issue of seasonality in India’s tourism industry, by showcasing the country as a 365-days destination. This initiative aligns with the theme of IBTM World 2024, “People. Power. Potential,” reflecting India’s capacity to deliver world-class services and experiences for global meetings and events.
As part of the initiative, the Ministry of Tourism has introduced ‘Meet in India,’ a specialized sub-brand within the larger ‘Incredible India’ campaign. This sub-brand highlights India’s unique appeal as a MICE destination, with a focus on its state-of-the-art infrastructure, top-tier connectivity, vibrant knowledge hubs, and an abundance of cultural and tourist attractions. India’s growing reputation in the global MICE industry is further bolstered by the participation of prominent convention centers, such as the Hyderabad Convention Centre and Jaipur Convention Centre, which will showcase the country’s robust event-hosting infrastructure.
In his inaugural address at the Incredible India Pavilion, Shri Inbasekar Sundaramurthi, Consul General of India in Barcelona, emphasized the significance of MICE tourism in fostering international collaborations and showcasing India’s world-class event capabilities. He was joined by officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Indian Missions abroad, alongside key MICE stakeholders from India, all working together to enhance India’s visibility as a premier destination for global events.
The Ministry of Tourism’s focus on MICE is in line with its broader goal of increasing inbound tourism by offering world-class infrastructure and tourism experiences that cater to a diverse range of global travelers. In recent years, India has made significant strides in improving its infrastructure, including the development of global-standard hotels, enhanced air connectivity—even to remote areas—and the modernization of roads and highways. These improvements position India as an attractive destination for international business events.
India’s rising prominence in the global MICE industry is reflected in its rank of 7th in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranking for the Asia-Pacific region in 2023. This ranking highlights the country’s growing reputation as a hub for international conferences, conventions, and events, and further solidifies its status as a key player in the global MICE sector.
The Ministry’s participation at IBTM World 2024 is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s position as a global leader in MICE activities, and to attract international business events to the country. By showcasing India’s potential to host large-scale, high-impact events, the Ministry of Tourism is paving the way for a new era of growth in India’s tourism and event industries.