Northeast India emerges as a luxury destination for corporate events

The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism industry is witnessing a remarkable shift, with Indian corporate increasingly choosing Northeast India as their preferred destination for high-end events, according to a report by The Economic Times. This trend, as per the report is driven by the region’s unique natural beauty and largely unexplored ecosystem, making it an attractive option for luxury corporate retreats.

According to Pardeep Siwach, Dy. General Manager-Accommodation, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati, the North East region, in particular, is emerging as a significant player in this growth trajectory. “The North East’s attractiveness for MICE events is bolstered by the entry of major domestic and international hotel chains, showcasing the region’s potential. Notable events such as the Hornbill Festival, Bihu celebrations, and the hosting of high-profile events like the G-20 Summit have highlighted its unique cultural heritage,” Siwach told ET.

Meanwhile, industry players have also noticed a surge in demand for MICE activities in the Northeast. “One tourism segment that is growing and will only get stronger in the Northeast. I’ve been organizing many more events there post-COVID, which I rarely did before. A lot of people are now interested in exploring new luxury destinations, driven in part by the Prime Minister’s push to the region,” Abhishek Gupta, Co-Founder and Director of Trip Navigator was quoted by ET.

Gupta further highlighted that the region offers experiences akin to renowned luxury destinations abroad. “The desire to explore forests, wildlife, and similar experiences akin to what African countries like Tanzania offer as reasons behind the growing interest in the Northeast for MICE activities. For Indian corporates, the region presents an exciting opportunity to experience nature without the need for extensive travel abroad.”

This rising interest aligns with the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to promoting the Northeast through various development initiatives, such as the Swadesh Darshan scheme. To facilitate the growth of MICE tourism, the Ministry has undertaken several initiatives, including financial support for constructing a Convention Centre in Aizawl.

While traditional popular destinations like Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, and Hyderabad continue to dominate the MICE sector, industry players highlight the urgent need to develop infrastructure and create globally renowned spots to attract international visitors to India.

MT