by Nomita Dhar
Delegates from around the world participated in the Conventions India Conclave, presenting India’s world-class MICE options and showcasing Gujarat’s hospitality and infrastructure. Inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, it highlighted sustainable tourism’s economic impact. It also included seminars, exhibitions, and vibrant cultural showcases of music, dance, local cuisine, and sightseeing tours, emphasizing Gujarat’s diverse attractions
THE 14th Conventions India Conclave, ICPB’s annual flagship event, was held on 7-9 Dec 2023 at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre at Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat. The Conclave, a run-up to the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Summit, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
The conference attracted a prestigious gathering that included domestic and international buyers, from places like Argentina, Spain, France, United Kingdom, United States and Singapore. Organized jointly by ICPB and Gujarat Tourism,the Conclave included, a three-day Seminar, an Exhibition, Business match-making sessions and was followed by post event fam tours organized by Gujarat Tourism.
Aptly themed “Sustainable MICE: Empowering Event Towards the $ 5 Trillion Economy” the event served as an excellent platform for buyers and exhibitors to network and share knowledge for exploring possibilities of bringing more people, conferences, and events to Gujarat. Several MoUs were also signed at the conclave.
Addressing the august gathering CM Patel said: “The success of Vibrant Gujarat Summit, which commenced in 2003 under Prime Minister Modi has shown Gujarat’s ability to successfully organise global events”. The CM further pointed out that: “Over 40 percent of the revenue in the tourism sector is derived from the MICE industry, and this sector also has the potential to generate employment.”
(Below): B2B meetings between travel trade buyers and sellers
Gujarat, as the host state to the Conclave, pulled out all the stops, to support the event. The cultural programme which put the spotlight on the rich and varied culture of the state along with the post tours to experience the many iconic tourist attractions of the state was appreciated by all.
The show stopper at the cultural programme was the Garba dance, at which foreign delegates at the event danced along with professional Garba dancers. The dance of Garba has been added to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s Representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. Celebrating the recognition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Inspires us to preserve and promote our heritage for future generations”.
Executive Director at India Convention Promotion Bureau, Ms Madhu Dubey, on the occasion shared that: “There has been tremendous development in infrastructure in Gujarat. Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, has world-class facilities, which Global MICE players should consider.” Sustainability is a hallmark of the venue which sprawls over 34 acres; it has a capacity of over 15,000 and state-of-the-art exhibition centres, seminar, and meeting rooms. Built on a railway station it is connected by a suspension bridge to The Leela Hotel and the unique eye-catching Dandhi Kutir, which houses a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and commemorates the historic march, which holds special significance in
India’s independence.
One of the participants, content creator and destination expert from Spain, Ms. Isabel Gil, who runs Mi Viaje a la India, said, “This is my first time in Gujarat and I am pleasantly surprised at the development of the state, The Mahatma Mandir, Exhibition Convention Centre, is beautiful and a world-class convention centre, we are grateful for India’s warmth and generous hospitality.”
On being asked, why India? She said, “India has huge monuments, amazing culture, lovely food something for everyone.” She added, however, “It is the people that makes me and my clients come back to India. It is how India makes you feel that makes it special. To all international travellers I would like to say, come experience India at my invitation and I can promise you will come again and again on your own, as India makes you feel at home.”
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