'MICE destinations can tap India's fast growing tourism

With the right offering, there are significant opportunities for corporate travel services like meetings and conferences in India's fast growing tourism market that generates 5.1 million tourists annually.
Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and luxury tourism is a primary driver in the domestic market, which has seen rapid growth over a number of years due to increased connectivity and a growing middle class in India, according to a statement released at the 5th Annual MICE India and Luxury Travel Congress (MILT).
Between 2005 and 2010, domestic tourism numbers doubled in India and in 2016, a double-digit growth of 15.5 per cent was recorded after 1.65 billion trips were taken in the country, it said.

Komal Seth, Country Representative, Sharjah Tourism, India Market, was quoted by the statement as saying that MICE buyers in the Indian market are looking for value for money, confirmed deliverables and quick transactions, both financial and operational.
"All buyers have destination knowledge and access to vendors and suppliers, but the key to tap this market is to offer commitment and efficiency, which drives the value of the services," Seth said.
Mamta Pall, Director of Sales India, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, expects the hotel's direct business from this market to generate growth of 25 - 30 per cent in 2018.
"We have worked extensively with Indian buyers, sometimes receiving MICE groups of up to 700 people. Indian buyers are mainly looking for a product that meets their expectations in terms of positioning, pricing and end to end requirements, plus a flexible approach from their partner - from enquiry to completion," said Pall.