by Julie-Ann Sherlock

With stunning scenery, welcoming people and a reputation as a global digital hub, India has a lot to offer as a world-class business tourism destination. In 2021, the Indian Ministry of Tourism (MoT) released a white paper examining the potential for business tourism (BT) in the country; with the Government firmly behind the idea of developing the country as a BT host, there's a lot of activity currently in the pipeline.

According to Chairman and Managing Director of Thomas Cook India Madhavan Menon, “business travel has witnessed a big bang return; we are currently running at 90% of pre-covid levels” and the sector has returned to profitability. But why exactly should companies choose India as their next corporate destination, and what lies in store for the years ahead?

Most popular MICE centres
MoT Secretary and Chairman of the India Convention Promotion Bureau Rakesh Kumar Verma explains that they are "working on the strategy to position India as a MICE destination in the world and a hub of mega conferences and exhibitions". New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru are three of the most obvious destinations, boasting some of the country's best facilities, easy accessibility and a keen business focus. 

Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, houses numerous tech companies, while Mumbai has some of the biggest corporations in India. The bustling capital of New Delhi is just a two-hour train ride away from one of the world's most iconic landmarks, the Taj Mahal, as well as a plethora of glamorous five-star hotels.

Outside these three big hitters are other (possibly more beautiful?) options, such as the stunning beachside resorts of Goa, the calm beauty of the Kerala backwaters and the serenity of the deserts of Rajasthan. These states have well-connected cities such as Vasco de Gama, Kochi and Jaipur, respectively—with a wealth of luxurious accommodation, unimaginably beautiful tourist attractions and a tradition of looking after delegates in a welcoming, traditional Indian way.

New developments and investment
As the government continues to support the post-pandemic tourism sector, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) are now a high priority. Activities include expanding conference and event facilities, building hotels capable of hosting large delegations and offering incentives to those building MICE-orientated facilities or planning events and conferences in India. 

The contemporary India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC), designed by IDOM and set to open later this year, will host events with a capacity for 11,000 across two exhibition halls, an auditorium and numerous conference rooms. The campus is also home to a hotel with accommodation for 3,500 guests, shopping and entertainment facilities, while a new metro line connects the development to the airport and the city.

For MICE organisers and planners, state-of-the-art facilities and technology is only one component of a successful event—an essential ingredient is culture and a sense of uniqueness. While India is still not as visible as a BT destination on the world stage as other nearby nations like Singapore and Thailand, it’s doing its utmost to get there. From stunningly colourful backdrops to some of the best food on the planet, this high-tech, innovative and rapidly expanding country is one to watch.