Tourism News
Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas with dignitaries at the inauguration of India’s first Wedding and MICE Conclave held at Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty Island, Kochi
Inaugural session of India’s first Wedding and MICE Conclave at Grand Hyatt, Kochi
Wedding & MICE Conclave Inaugurated in Kochi with National and State Leaders
Kochi witnessed a landmark moment in August as it hosted the country’s first-ever Wedding and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Conclave. The three-day event, held from August 14 to 16 at the Grand Hyatt on Bolgatty Island, was backed by Kerala Travel Mart and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. It set the stage for exploring Kerala’s strengths in positioning itself as a leading hub for destination weddings and large-scale business events.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by national and state leaders, senior officials, and industry experts. Shri Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the transformative role of the Weddings and MICE sector in boosting economic growth, generating employment, and establishing India’s identity as a premier global events destination. He underscored how this sector integrates tourism, hospitality, culture, and commerce, creating opportunities that extend far beyond traditional leisure travel.
Kerala’s strong commitment to this vision was evident in the presence of key dignitaries including Shri P. Rajeeve, Hon’ble Minister for Law & Industries, Government of Kerala; Shri P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister, Kerala Tourism, Government of Kerala; and Shri Hibi Eden, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Ernakulam. Shri Biju K., IAS, Secretary, Kerala Tourism, also joined alongside senior officials and tourism industry leaders. Their participation highlighted the government’s dedication to advancing event tourism as a pillar of Kerala’s growth strategy.
The conclave was designed as a high-impact B2B platform, bringing together more than 400 registered buyers and 65 sellers, including wedding planners, corporate event organizers, luxury resorts, convention centre operators, and service providers. The agenda included business meetings, networking sessions, and expert-led seminars on global event trends, innovative marketing strategies, logistics, and the use of new technologies in event management. Training workshops developed in partnership with leading wedding and MICE companies added further value for participants.
Delegates also toured Kerala’s premier destinations for events and weddings ranging from Kochi and Munnar to Kumarakom, Kovalam, Wayanad, and Bekal, highlighting the state’s unique blend of beaches, backwaters, hill stations, and heritage venues. This immersive experience was designed to give stakeholders a firsthand look at Kerala’s diverse offerings and hospitality infrastructure.
By hosting this pioneering conclave, Kerala positioned itself as a frontrunner in India’s event tourism sector. The collaboration of government, private players, and global experts signalled a strong push to integrate Weddings and MICE tourism into Kerala’s larger tourism portfolio. As Tourism Minister Shri P. A. Mohamed Riyas noted during the proceedings, Kerala’s natural beauty, coupled with its robust hospitality and cultural richness, makes it an ideal canvas for high-value event tourism. With this inaugural edition, Kochi not only made history but also charted a path for the state to emerge as a global player in this rapidly expanding segment.
