Kerala is set to make a strong pitch as India’s premier destination for both weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), with the country’s first Wedding and MICE Conclave kicking off in Kochi today. The three-day event is being organised by the Kerala Travel Mart Society in collaboration with the state government.
Tourism and Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas will inaugurate the conclave this evening at 5 pm at the Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty Island. P. Rajeeve, Minister for Industries, Law and Coir, will chair the opening ceremony.
The event will feature business meetings, networking sessions, and deliberations over the next two days at Le Meridien International Convention Centre. A high-profile gathering is expected, with dignitaries including Shri Hibi Eden MP, Kochi Mayor Shri M Anilkumar, Shri Suman Billa (Additional Secretary and Director-General, Union Ministry of Tourism), State Tourism Secretary Shri Biju K, Kerala Tourism Director Sikha Surendran, Additional Director Sreedhanya Suresh, KTM Society President Shri Jose Pradeep, and Secretary Shri S. Swaminathan.
The conclave has drawn 610 domestic buyers and 65 international buyers from across 20 countries, including the UAE, UK, Germany, USA, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Oman, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
From 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on August 14 and 15, structured B2B meetings will be held alongside a dedicated exhibition featuring 75 seller stalls, in addition to special showcases by KTDC, Kerala Tourism, and the Union Ministry of Tourism.
Two national seminars are also planned, focusing on emerging trends and the future outlook of destination weddings and MICE tourism, with leading international experts sharing insights.