India has yet to tap into its full potential as a conventions destination, said delegates at the recently-concluded Conventions India Conclave.
India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) vice-chairman Rajeev Kohli said the country's share of the meetings market is just 1.1 per cent, which means there is much room for growth.
He noted that 87 per cent of events attract from 500 to 1,000 people, a size that India, even with its lack of big convention centres, could easily accommodate.
Moreover, 63 per cent of meetings are held during India's lean season from April to September and this could provide the country with off-season business.
ICPB chairman and Ministry of Tourism additional director general Devesh Chaturvedi encouraged entrepreneurs and developers to avail themselves of financial assistance schemes for building convention halls.
For example, under the Market Development Assistance scheme, incentives are offered to Professional Conference Organisers bidding for international congresses.
Chaturvedi said the ministry had identified five to six potential markets where India Tourism offices could step up promotions for MICE.
“Incredible India has done very well. Now, we have to market products. Keeping that mother brand, we will go into niches. Here, MICE can come into play.”
