India’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is rapidly emerging as one of the most promising sectors in the country’s services economy. On May 4, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), hosted the Meet in India Conclave in Jaipur, showcasing India’s ambition to lead in the global MICE ecosystem.

Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in his keynote address, outlined that the MICE sector is set to become a key economic pillar, contributing substantially to GDP and employment. He emphasized how India's robust economic trajectory, modern infrastructure, and proactive governance are fuelling its evolution into a global MICE powerhouse.

Economic Growth and Projections

India’s MICE market generated Rs. 4,16,217 crore (US$ 49.4 billion) in revenue in 2024 and is projected to reach Rs. 8,73,559 crore (US$ 103.7 billion) by 2030, reflecting a 13% CAGR. This growth is aligned with the country’s overall economic expansion and rising global interest in India as a business and conference destination.

The hosting of G20 events during India’s presidency played a transformative role, not just in projecting India's soft power but also in upgrading regional infrastructure, venue capacity, and connectivity. These efforts have reinforced India’s standing as a compelling MICE destination.

Infrastructure and Destination Development

India’s infrastructure boom over the past decade has laid the foundation for its rise in the MICE segment. The country now boasts:

• Over 150 operational airports

• A road network exceeding 1.5 lakh km

• Modernized and digitally integrated railway stations

• Semi-high-speed trains improving inter-city travel

• More than 2.48 million hotel rooms across categories

These advances enhance India's ability to host large-scale, international MICE events with logistical ease. Emerging MICE-ready destinations like Varanasi, Khajuraho, and Kochi are leading the way, offering a unique mix of cultural richness and modern amenities.

Government Support and Strategic Vision

Mr. Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision from the G20 presidency — using events as a catalyst to redefine India as a global experiential hub. His remarks reinforced that the government is committed to positioning India in the top five global MICE markets by 2025.

Ms. Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, highlighted Rajasthan’s transformation into a future-ready MICE hub, with state-of-the-art convention centres, seamless digital infrastructure, and an evolved hospitality sector. Her statements underlined the shift in perception from Rajasthan being a heritage-only destination to a dynamic MICE leader.

National Strategy and Stakeholder Collaboration

Mr. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General of Tourism, stressed the need for a unified national strategy, suggesting that a coordinated approach involving:

• Skilled talent development

• Digital tools adoption

• Aggressive state-led promotion campaigns

...is critical for unlocking the sector’s full potential.

He further emphasized that public-private partnerships, regional cooperation, and strategic branding are vital in creating a consistent value proposition for global organizers.

Industry Perspective and Private Sector Involvement

Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Past President of FICCI, declared that India is now fully equipped to compete globally. With exceptional infrastructure, advanced tech readiness, and policy-driven facilitation, the industry can expect accelerated inbound business tourism.

Sessions during the conclave focused on:

• Catalysing growth in India’s MICE sector

• Unlocking India’s regional tourism potential

• Building destination readiness and promotional strategies

Opportunities and Job Creation

The MICE sector doesn’t just promise economic returns; it offers immense potential for high-quality job creation. From event management professionals to hotel and travel staff, digital solution providers, and venue operations teams, the sector is expected to generate lakhs of jobs over the next five years.

As the demand for customized, large-scale, and immersive experiences grows globally, India is uniquely positioned to deliver — thanks to its cultural diversity, cost advantages, and logistical preparedness.

Key Takeaways

• India’s MICE industry is a strategic priority with strong policy backing and infrastructure readiness.

• There’s a pressing need for a national-level roadmap to ensure consistency in branding, capacity building, and regional support.

• By enabling institutional partnerships, training initiatives, and global outreach, India can soon achieve its ambition of becoming a top global MICE destination.

Conclusion

India’s vision to emerge as a global MICE leader is not just aspirational — it is grounded in robust planning, government commitment, and industry momentum. With its economic resilience, rapid infrastructure development, and a supportive policy environment, India is on track to transform MICE tourism into a significant driver of GDP and job creation.

As the country capitalizes on global opportunities, the collective effort of the government, private sector, and civil society will be key to realizing this transformative goal. The Meet in India Conclave is a powerful reaffirmation that India is ready — not just to host the world, but to lead it in the realm of business events and experiential tourism.

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