The Conclave is designed to showcase the potential of Kerala’s wedding and MICE tourism sector (Photos: India & You/Palak Chawla)
India’s first-ever Wedding and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Conclave began on an exciting note on August 14 with a grand inaugural ceremony at the Grand Hyatt, Kochi.
The event, hosted by the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society, in collaboration with the State Government and the Department of Tourism, aims to position Kerala as the country’s premier destination for destination weddings and business events.
The three-day conclave, running from August 14 to 17, is designed to showcase the immense potential of Kerala’s wedding and MICE tourism sector and promote it on both national and international stages.
The conclave inaugurated by lighting of the ceremonial lamp
The event was officially inaugurated by Kerala’s Minister for Tourism and Public Works, P A Mohamed Riyas, alongside Minister for Industries, Law and Coir, P Rajeeve, President of KTM Society Jose Pradeep, Kochi Mayor M Anil Kumar, Secretary Kerala Tourism Biju K, Union Tourism Ministry Additional Secretary Suman Billa and Kerala Tourism Director Sikha Surendran.
Welcoming the delegates, Pradeep of KTM Society, said the summit would bring together all stakeholders in the wedding and MICE ecosystem and lay the foundation for Kerala’s dominance in this emerging sector.
The inauguration ceremony began with a traditional sobanam sangeetam performance, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Speeches by key dignitaries, starting with Minister Rajeeve and followed by Minister Riyas and other senior officials.
Addressing delegates from across the globe, Riyas remarked that while Kerala has long been celebrated as God’s Own Country, the state is now ready to be recognised as India’s most enchanting destination for weddings and MICE events.
The event featured cultural showcase with Kerala’s dance performances
“Kerala has always been celebrated as God’s Own Country, but today I wish to highlight another shining facet of our charm, Kerala as India’s most enchanting destination for weddings and MICE events. Our State offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and professional infrastructure, making it a place where dreams are not just celebrated, but truly come alive. From the serene backwaters to golden beaches, from heritage palaces to lush hill stations, our venues are not just locations, they are experiences,” said Riyas.
He further pointed out Kerala’s position as the Indian state with the highest number of star-rated hotels and resorts, offering unmatched hospitality and comfort for every kind of event.
“Whether it is an intimate celebration, a grand international convention, or an incentive trip for your top performers, Kerala delivers experiences that are distinctive and unforgettable,” he said.
Chairing the ceremony, Minister P Rajeeve reiterated Kerala’s leadership in hospitality infrastructure, stating that the state has 94 five-star hotels, 420 four-star hotels and 607 three-star hotels, placing it at the top nationally.
He highlighted the importance of community participation in tourism through responsible tourism initiatives, which have helped Kerala maintain its edge. He further described the summit as a reflection of Kerala’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
“The state is a safe space for tourists, has a good social environment and a government fully prepared to work with the tourism industry,” he said.
According to a press statement, infrastructure milestones, including four international airports, the world’s first water metro and cruise tourism, adding that an investment of INR 37.6 billion in canal development will transform the state’s transport and tourism landscape.
In his keynote address, Suman Billa suggested that Kerala should consider establishing a dedicated MICE Promotion Bureau, similar to successful models in East Asian countries.
He noted that the global wedding and MICE industry is valued at USD 1 trillion, with India contributing just 1.8 pc, a number poised to grow. He urged the state to build a strong tourism ecosystem to fully tap into this opportunity. Member of Parliament Hibi Eden stressed the need for special attention to be given to the unique tourism offerings of West Kochi, particularly the culturally rich twin towns of Mattancherry and Fort Kochi. He also highlighted the unified political support for Kerala’s emergence as a global wedding and MICE hub.
Biju K of Kerala Tourism gave a detailed presentation at the event, outlining the potential of the state as a world-class wedding and MICE destination. In her address, Surendran said that the long-standing collaboration between the government and tourism stakeholders has helped the sector explore new and promising avenues.
The two-day conclave will be attended by trade and media partners
The business sessions of the conclave will be held over the next two days and these sessions include B2B meetings, exhibitions, and all-day networking events.
The organisers say that over 675 buyers have registered for the event, including 610 domestic participants and 65 international delegates from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Oman, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine and Vietnam.
The statement adds that a total of 75 exhibition stalls have been set up for sellers, including those from KTDC, Kerala Tourism and the Union Ministry of Tourism. Additionally, two national seminars will be held as part of the conclave, focusing on current trends and the future of the wedding and MICE industry. These seminars will feature renowned international experts who will share insights into global best practices and emerging opportunities in the sector.
The organisers add that Wedding and MICE Conclave marks a significant step for Kerala in tapping into a rapidly growing segment of tourism. With the support of both public and private stakeholders, the state is making a strong case for itself as the ideal destination for world-class celebrations and business gatherings, says the statement.
Swaminathan, Secretary, KTM, in his vote of thanks, called the event a shining example of public-private partnership in tourism.
The evening concluded with a vibrant cultural programme showcasing Kerala’s diverse traditions, followed by a networking dinner.