India has achieved considerable progress in building world-class convention and exhibition facilities, yet a pronounced disparity persists between overall infrastructure growth and the capabilities of its tourism and hospitality sectors. Closing this gap is viewed as vital for realizing the country’s full promise in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) arena, according to insights from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Modern Venues and State Initiatives
Addressing the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) MICE Industry Leaders Connect: Focus West at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) on 16 October 2026 in Mumbai, Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary and Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the nation’s evolution. He noted that India now possesses state-of-the-art convention centres capable of accommodating sizable international gatherings, a competence sharpened by experiences such as the country’s G20 presidency. Facilities including Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi and JWCC illustrate the expanding ability to host large-scale business events, Billa said.
Billa lauded the creation of the Maharashtra Convention Bureau as a key step toward making Mumbai and the state more competitive on the global MICE environment. Under the direction of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Maharashtra Tourism, the bureau seeks to boost destination-focused promotion, aid in securing international convention bids, and deepen cooperation between governmental bodies and industry participants.
Given that India presently contributes only about 1% of worldwide MICE activity, Billa stressed that the nation stands ready for rapid expansion, anchored by its growing inventory of venues. He urged the establishment of dedicated convention bureaus in additional states and major cities to capture a larger portion of overseas trade shows and corporate meetings.
Regional Collaboration and Future Projects
Sanjay Yadav, IAS, Secretary of Tourism for the Government of Maharashtra, suggested forming a Western Region MICE Task Force to support regional cooperation among Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Goa. Enhanced coordination among western Indian stakeholders, he argued, could promote knowledge exchange, joint international outreach and collaborative bidding efforts.
The opening session featured Devendra Bharma, CEO of Jio World Convention Centre, together with regional representatives such as Dr. Abhay Arvind Bedekar, IAS, Additional Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, and Saumil Ranjan Chaubey, IAS, Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board.