What makes MICE market buzz?

From beach yoga sessions in Mahabalipuram to storytelling dinners in Madurai, India’s MICE landscape is evolving fast — with local flavour, seamless e-visa access and immersive cultural experiences redefining business events. Today’s MICE clients seek more than venues — they want experiential journeys. Despite infrastructure gaps, strategic investments and digital facilitation are bridging the gap.

TT Bureau

Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts
Our venues are as diverse as our destinations. In Chennai, guests can enjoy tech-enabled meeting rooms complemented by sea breeze dinners, while Madurai has heritage halls near ancient temples. At Radisson Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram, board meetings transition seamlessly into beach yoga sessions. For domestic groups, the brand offers regional menus and traditional games.

Jay Bhatia, MD, Tulsidas Khimji Holidays, (Winner of India Travel Awards 2024)
In today’s fast-paced corporate environment, ease of visa access is a make-or-break factor for MICE travel. E-Visas and simplified visa processes not only reduce lead times but also help agents build confidence among our corporate planners. When entry formalities are seamless, participation increases, planning becomes agile and destinations become more attractive for such business events.

Srijit Nair, General Manager, Rail Europe
Over the last 2–3 years, train travel requirements of Europe’s MICE clients have evolved, shaped by post-pandemic priorities, sustainability goals and demand for experiential travel. MICE planners now prioritise scenic and immersive journeys. Trains are part of the experience, not just a mode of transport. Popular rail offerings combine comfort and unique experiences.

Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & MD, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts
When it comes to international corporate groups, we have witnessed that adding a local touch is what makes a major difference. Packages that include cultural experiences like visits to heritage sites, not only enrich the trip but also create opportunities for team bonding. It turns a business trip into a ‘bleisure’ experience.

Bobby KS Sawhney, Hony. Secretary, ITTA
India’s rich cultural heritage and diversity make it an ideal MICE destination. However, high taxation makes it slightly expensive compared to our competitors. Inbound MICE can be cost-effective if we offer competitive pricing for venues, catering, and logistics. Domestic MICE is inherently cost-effective due to reduced travel costs.

Santosh Kanchan, Country Head – India, Cozmo Travel
In today’s fast-paced corporate environment, e-visa convenience and faster approvals have become game-changers for MICE travel. Our dedicated eVisa division and robust portal allow us to turn around large group visas efficiently. Destinations with simplified visa processes are seeing higher group movement due to less planning stress.

Rajay Thethy, CEO, Safari Trail
MICE is a major segment that Kenya is leveraging to shore up its numbers. The combination of business and leisure is key for the Indian market with groups spending up to 5 days in Kenya. Air connectivity to Kenya and its ETA facility are some of the attributes that have assisted in quickly turning around groups booking Kenya for MICE.

Saurabh Vyas, Managing Partner, Vyas Travels
E-visas are a major boost for MICE travel, enabling hassle-free, last-minute planning. I would like to say countries like Vietnam, Kenya and Georgia offer smooth processes, making them ideal for corporates. These destinations are gaining popularity among Indians. Nations with ease-of-visa rules have seen strong growth.

Dheeraj Ranjan Kumar, Founder & Director, Balitrip Wisata
The success of any MICE movement starts with hassle-free access. E-visa and simplified visa processes have been game changers cutting down planning time and eliminating uncertainty. For destinations like Bali, it’s the most critical enabler, especially for corporates working with tight timelines. It’s no longer a convenience, it’s a deal-maker.