Kerala is set to take a significant step in transforming itself into a premier destination for weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism with India’s first Wedding and MICE Conclave, scheduled from August 14 to 16 in Kochi.
Tourism Minister Shri Mohamed Riyas announced at a press conference at Mascot Hotel that the conclave, organised by the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society in collaboration with the State Tourism Department, will serve as a B2B networking platform aimed at the integrated development of the state’s tourism sector.
So far, 360 domestic buyers and 40 international buyers have registered for the event, alongside 65 sellers from the MICE and wedding sectors. “The conclave aims to tap Kerala’s potential in this fast-growing segment, leveraging the state’s unique advantages to transform it into a global MICE and wedding tourism hub,” Shri Riyas said.
The inaugural session will be held at the Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty Island, on August 14 at 5 pm, with business meetings and exhibitions continuing at Le Meridien on August 15 and 16.
Shri Riyas highlighted the state’s robust recovery from the pandemic, citing that tourist inflow in Kerala has surpassed both national and global averages in the post-COVID era. “An estimated 1,000 destination weddings were held in Kerala last year alone,” he noted.
Beyond natural beauty, Kerala offers rich cultural heritage, panoramic beaches, serene backwaters, world-class hospitality, and improved infrastructure, positioning it as a highly attractive destination for weddings and MICE tourism.
The government is also focusing on developing homestays, PWD rest houses, and tourism guest houses to cater to diverse tourist needs. “From auto drivers to resort owners, everyone stands to benefit from the growth in tourism,” the minister emphasized.
Jose Pradeep, President of the KTM Society, said the conclave will unite wedding organizers, corporate event planners, convention center operators, and hospitality service providers under one roof. “With ‘Center Stage Kerala’ as the focal theme, the conference aims to strategically promote the MICE and wedding segment,” he said.
The conclave will include training workshops, discussions on innovative marketing strategies, logistics, technology deployment, and an exhibition featuring businesses such as luxury resorts, destination venues, wedding planners, floral designers, photographers, caterers, and bridal service providers.
International buyers attending the event will tour key destinations across Kerala, including Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Bekal, experiencing the state’s diverse wedding tourism offerings — from beaches and backwaters to mountains, cultural heritage, and cuisine.
Business meetings will run from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on August 15 and 16, complemented by seminars featuring global experts in the wedding and MICE industries.
The conclave follows the state government’s ambitious vision to establish Kerala as a leading destination for wedding and honeymoon tourism, as announced by Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan during the last edition of the Kerala Travel Mart.
With a strong collaborative push from government and private enterprises, the Wedding and MICE Conclave is poised to place Kerala firmly on the global map as an ideal venue for grand celebrations and corporate gatherings alike.
