Kochi Set to Witness Wedding & MICE Conclave Extravaganza
India’s First Wedding and MICE Conclave to be Held in Kochi from August 14–16
India’s first Wedding and MICE Conclave will be held in Kochi from August 14 to 16, offering a focused B2B networking platform aimed at supporting the integrated development of Kerala’s tourism sector. The event is being organized by the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society in association with the State Tourism Department.
Tourism Minister Shri P. A. Mohamed Riyas, while addressing a press conference at Mascot Hotel, said the conclave is an effort to tap into the growing potential of wedding and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism.
Key officials including Tourism Secretary Shri K. Biju, KTM President Shri Jose Pradeep, Secretary Shri S. Swaminathan, and former presidents Shri Baby Mathew Somatheeram, Shri E. M. Najeeb, and Shri Abraham George were present at the briefing.
So far, 360 domestic buyers and 40 international buyers have registered for the event, alongside 65 sellers from the MICE and wedding sectors. These numbers are expected to increase in the coming days.
The inaugural session will take place on August 14 at 5 PM at the Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty Island. The business meetings and exhibitions will be held at Le Meridien, Kochi, on August 15 and 16, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Minister Riyas highlighted that Kerala has witnessed over 1,000 destination weddings across various locations over the past year. He noted that the Tourism Department has been actively promoting Kerala for destination weddings and MICE events across other states and countries.
The conclave will feature training sessions, marketing strategy workshops, and discussions with industry professionals, aiming to bring together wedding planners, corporate event organizers, venue operators, service providers, and local businesses.
Buyers attending the event will also explore key tourist destinations including Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Bekal. The event will highlight wedding-friendly locations such as beaches, backwaters, and hill stations, along with Kerala’s architecture, culture, and cuisine.
The conclave’s theme, “Center Stage Kerala,” focuses on promoting the state as a viable destination for organized wedding and MICE tourism. The exhibition segment will allow businesses to showcase services including event planning, floral design, photography, catering, and bridal solutions.
This initiative is part of Kerala’s broader tourism development strategy, which also includes support for homestays, guesthouses, and PWD rest houses to ensure a wider reach and benefit to local communities. The government believes that tourism growth can positively impact diverse groups—from auto drivers to resort operators—by creating broader economic opportunities.
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