Atout France, the France Tourism Development Agency, in collaboration with Visit Paris Region and Linkeus – Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Convention Bureau, organised its first-ever MICE Conclave and Workshop in Mumbai on September 24 and 25, 2026. The two-day initiative aimed to strengthen France’s positioning as a preferred destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), corporate events and destination weddings among Indian travellers. The event brought together a delegation of eight French stakeholders representing the diverse MICE offerings of Paris and the South of France. The initiative sought to foster stronger connections between French tourism partners and Indian corporate travel managers, MICE specialists and wedding planners, while exploring opportunities in a segment that has witnessed growing interest in both destinations.
The conclave opened with a panel discussion on emerging trends in the MICE sector, featuring experts from leading organisations, including SBI Life Insurance, Cipla, Reliance Industries and Beyond Axis. The discussion explored the key factors influencing destination selection for corporate travel and events, alongside industry experiences and perspectives. Vishal Nagdev of Experiential Planner, the knowledge partner for the event, moderated the session. A cocktail networking evening followed in the presence of Patrick Leverino, Consul General of France in Mumbai, and Agnès Silva, Deputy Consul. The gathering provided an opportunity for French delegates to engage with Indian corporate travel managers and wedding planners, exchange insights and gain a deeper understanding of the Indian market’s evolving requirements.
On the second day, the French delegation participated in targeted one-to-one meetings with Indian travel companies specialising in MICE and corporate events. The interactions enabled buyers and suppliers to present their offerings, discuss business opportunities and explore tailored solutions for Indian corporate groups and destination weddings.
Sheetal Munshaw, Director, Atout France India, said, “We are very pleased with the outcome of our very first MICE Conclave & Workshop co-organised with Visit Paris Region & Linkeus – Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Convention Bureau. The timing is opportune, considering the uptake in corporate events taking place in France. Paris and the South of France remain top favourites for MICE activations and weddings. We are confident that these productive sessions will contribute to this momentum. Sincere thanks to our partners for their support and confidence in the market.”
Baptiste Orlandini, CEO, Choose Paris Region, said, “We are very happy to have organised this MICE workshop along with our partners, Atout France and Linkeus. Paris is a beloved and iconic destination for Indian travellers and corporate events. It is also a destination that keeps reinventing itself and offering new experiences that take visitors beyond their expectations. India is a strategic market for us, with spending growing 16% and overnight stays 17% in 2025. This is why we opened an office in Mumbai two years ago, managed by Axel Guyon, and this MICE workshop is a direct result of our efforts to better understand and meet Indian stakeholders where they are. We look forward to more engagements with the Indian travel trade in this segment.”
Fabrice Lavergne, President Linkeus – Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Convention Bureau, added: “We came to India to listen, and we have understood what Indian planners need: large-scale capacity, tailor-made Indian F&B, flexibility on timing and seamless logistics. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is ready to deliver on each of these points. Beyond the Côte d’Azur, planners can combine Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon and Arles in one single trip, and together with Paris, we can build joint Paris + South of France programmes – the perfect ‘two Frances’ experience for MICE groups and destination weddings. Linkeus is the single-entry point: one contact to reach over 250 event professionals, from venues to caterers. Our message to Indian agencies is simple: bring us your clients’ briefs, and we will find the right answer.”