In a landmark step towards improving Delhi’s cultural and tourism potential, Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra held a roundtable with leading event industry professionals, senior officials from the Department of Tourism, Art, Culture and Language, and key representatives from national event associations. The initiative followed Mishra’s public commitment made at the Shows of India Conclave, a two-day event held on May 22 and 23, 2025, at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel in Delhi. It set the tone for Delhi’s transformation from an administrative capital into a globally recognised hub for events, culture, and destination weddings.
The closed-door meeting was attended by more than 35 key industry leaders, including Rajeev Jain of Rashi Entertainment, Samit Garg, President of EEMA, Ankur Desai of Saregama, and teams from BookMyShow, EVA Live, Zomato Live, and Percept. The discussion focused on how government policies can be improved to make it easier to organise events in Delhi and help grow the city’s event industry.
Speaking at the session, Kapil Mishra announced that the Delhi Government will soon launch a digital single-window clearance system for granting event permissions. This one-click permit system, aimed at simplifying the currently slow and complicated approval process, is expected to significantly reduce delays and red tape. He added that the government plans to work with private organisations to improve infrastructure and support for events in the city.
The Minister also said that the government is working to reduce high venue rental rates, especially at major public venues. He mentioned that a more transparent and consistent process for venue bookings will be put in place. As part of this effort, venues such as Chhatrasal Stadium and Burari Ground will be offered free of cost for approved events. This step is being taken in response to concerns about unpredictable and high pricing at venues like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi Stadiums, which many organisers have found difficult to afford.
As part of its plan to make better use of public spaces and support cultural activities, the government also announced that heritage sites such as Qutub Minar, Purana Qila, and Mehrauli Archaeological Park may be considered for cultural and private events. Mishra stated that out of the 70 to 80 heritage monuments in Delhi, many could be used for events like music performances or weddings. He also noted that any such use would follow strict heritage preservation guidelines to ensure the sites are protected.
The Delhi Government also shared examples of financial support for events. A sponsorship of ₹30 lakh was provided for a recent Himesh Reshammiya concert, and Mishra encouraged other organisers to submit proposals for similar support. He mentioned that the government is open to supporting events that contribute to tourism, culture, and public engagement.
Support for marketing and visibility was also discussed. Mishra said that organisers could be given access to government-managed spaces such as hoardings, bus shelters, and tourism-related platforms to promote their events. Officials also suggested listing government-supported events on commercial ticketing platforms like BookMyShow to help reach a wider audience.
Among other critical demands raised by industry leaders were:
- Easing permissions for events at heritage sites
- GST relaxations, especially to promote Delhi’s growing share in the ₹16,000 crore destination wedding sector
- A plan to support the MICE sector with marketing and financial help
- Development of a world-class convention centre to compete with global destinations like Bangkok and Dubai
- Repurposing vacant government land as public event spaces
Mishra responded positively, stating that many of these ideas would be taken directly to Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for policy integration. He assured attendees that the event industry was now recognised as a critical economic driver for Delhi, and that reforms would be not only proposed but implemented in a time-bound manner.
To close the session, Mishra shared his personal contact details with attendees, assuring that both he and his department would remain accessible to support organisers and facilitate approvals. His direct engagement and openness to feedback were widely praised by the industry.
The roundtable indicated a shift in how the Delhi Government is approaching event tourism, treating it as an area for planned development rather than just routine activity. It highlighted the growing understanding of the sector’s role in supporting employment, promoting the city’s image, and encouraging cultural exchange. While ideas such as hosting weddings at Safdarjung Tomb or music events at Qutub Minar are still being explored, the meeting laid the foundation for making Delhi a more organised and event-friendly city.
