At the recently held Meet in India Conclave — an event organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan and FICCI — industry leaders spotlighted the remarkable growth trajectory of India’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. Held alongside the 14th Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) in Jaipur, the conclave brought together over 300 stakeholders from the MICE ecosystem, including international and domestic event planners, foreign tour operators, media, and government officials.
A major highlight of the discussions was the projection that India’s MICE industry is on track to more than double in value, reaching USD 103.7 billion by 2030, with a robust CAGR of 13% — underscoring its growing importance to the country’s tourism and economic development strategy.
During the event Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, set the tone, underscoring the vast potential of India’s MICE landscape. “India’s MICE industry is rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse, fuelled by robust economic growth, world-class infrastructure, and strong government backing. States across the country are unlocking tourism opportunities in their own unique ways — and now, it’s time for India to position itself firmly on the global MICE map,” he said.
With iconic venues such as Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, and Jio World Centre, India is charting a bold course to elevate at least ten cities into world-class MICE destinations. “Guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, and with states like Rajasthan leading through legacy and innovation, India is poised to become the world’s most admired tourism and events destination,” the Minister added.
The numbers reflect this vision. In 2024, the India MICE market was valued at USD 49.4 billion, driven by infrastructure leaps like the construction of over 150,000 km of roads, semi high-speed trains, new railway stations, and more than 150 operational airports. Additionally, India boasts over 2.48 million hotel rooms, further strengthening its credentials as a global events hub.
Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, Shri Suman Bery, emphasized the long-term vision behind India’s MICE push, stating, “The vision laid by Hon’ble PM during India’s G20 presidency has opened new pathways. It is now up to states to build on this momentum. From deregulation to concert tourism, India has the opportunity to become a global hub for events and experiences.”
Rajasthan — the host state of the conclave — positioned itself as a model for others to follow. Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari highlighted Rajasthan’s transformation into a MICE-ready destination: “Rajasthan is not just a heritage destination — it 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 building a dynamic ecosystem that blends tradition with transformation.”
Odisha, too, showcased its readiness to be a part of India’s MICE journey. Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida stated, “Whether it’s conferences or exhibitions, India is ready to welcome the world — and Odisha stands proudly among the leading states. From the spiritual serenity of Puri to the architectural marvel of Konark, our state offers not only robust infrastructure but also a rich cultural tapestry for all to experience.”
Key to the sector’s long-term success, said Additional Secretary & Director General of Tourism, Suman Billa, is coordination and a national framework. “A unified national strategy, skilled talent, digital tools, and strong state-led promotion can propel us into the top five MICE markets by 2025,” he noted, adding that city-level convention promotion bureaus, skill academies, and a seamless digital portal were essential to sustain momentum.
Representing the private sector, Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Past President of FICCI, reiterated that India’s global MICE moment is now. “India is no longer just a leisure destination and we are now ready to take on the world as a leading MICE destination. With exceptional infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and the proven capabilities we demonstrated during the G20, we have everything it takes to host large-scale global conventions. Through platforms like the Great Indian Travel Bazaar and Meet in India, we are not just showcasing our potential — we are inviting the world to collaborate, catalyse, and say, ‘Let’s meet in India’.”
With strategic backing from the central and state governments, strong participation from industry stakeholders, and the foundations of a world-class infrastructure, India is no longer merely participating in the global MICE race — it’s shaping its future. As the world looks eastward for business and cultural convergence, India’s MICE industry is firmly on track to become a $100 billion-plus powerhouse by 2030.
