MICE Pulse by exhibition showcase

An Initiative of India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB)

MESSAGE FROM THE DESK OF VICE CHAIRMAN

023 has been a progressive year for the Indian MICE industry. As we witness India developing as the preferred MICE destination, the future looks bright with ample opportunities for all of us. With the inauguration of major MICE infrastructure, India is poised to attract major international events of repute. As mentioned by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the vision of having a world-class infrastructure for hosting meetings, conferences and exhibitions in the country will be strengthened with the operationalization of our major convention centers like Yashobhoomi and Bharat Mandapam. He asserted that it is a call for India’s capabilities and new energy of the nation, it is a philosophy of India’s grandeur and willpower. Also, India’s G20 presidency has further boosted up discussions on pressing global issues and emerged with a consensus in the form of the Leaders’ Declaration. I am delighted to share that ICPB is organizing the 14th edition of the Conventions India Conclave at Mahatma Mandir Exhibition Center in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on the 7th-9th of December which will give numerous opportunities for building business connections and knowledge sharing for the MICE fraternity. We are also launching the ICPB Gujarat Chapter which will help in the development of MICE Tourism in Gujarat. The Gujarat government has highlighted the remarkable recovery of the tourism industry, which had been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, India received over 85.9 lakh foreign tourists, with Gujarat accounting for about 20.17% of the total. This resurgence in Gujarat's tourism industry is attributed to its diverse offerings, including mythological, historical, heritage, religious, environmental, and adventure destinations. To track tourist numbers, the Gujarat Tourism Corporation Limited (TCGL) launched the AATITHYAM portal, making Gujarat the first state in India to implement such a system. Various key tourist destinations in Gujarat, including Ambaji, Dwarka, Somnath, and the Statue of Unity, are increasingly becoming preferred choices for foreign and domestic tourists alike. We are thankful to the Gujarat Government for their gracious support towards the CIC and we look forward to welcoming stakeholders from all aspects of the MICE industry at the 14th edition of ICPB’s flagship event. State Partner

(Established in 1988)

India Conven on Promo on Bureau (Sponsored by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India)

Sustainable MICE

Empowering Events Towards A 5 Trillion Economy

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Industry News

14th India Conven on Promo on Bureau CIC to bring together the MICE industry on one pla orm India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB), the national apex body focused on promoting India as an attractive MICE destination, is organising its flagship event 14th Conventions India Conclave from 7 - 9 December 2023 at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat. The event is targeting over 150 buyers including international buyers. This is an exclusive MICE focused event providing ample opportunities for networking, B2B meetings and participation in the knowledge sessions during the conclave. Apart from the networking opportunities, the exhibitors will also meet the buyers in the pre-scheduled meetings. The conclave will be inaugurated by Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat who will grace the occasion as the Chief guest on 7th December. Eminent speakers like Shri Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, Shri Hareet Shukla, Principal Secretary Tourism, Govt. of Gujarat, Dr. Saurabh Zamsingh Pardhi, Managing Director, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, will address the participants and share their prospective on the MICE industry in India. Mr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) & Mr. Nakul Anand, Executive Director - ITC Limited are the Key Note speakers at the conclave.

Yashobhoomi phase 2: ₹20K cr private investment targeted After the inauguration of the INR 5,400 crore first phase of India International Convention and Exhibition Centre (IICC), the government now plans to attract private investments to the tune of nearly 20,000 crore for the second phase of the project which includes 3,500room hotels and with 4.50 million square feet of office and retail developments, according to officials aware of the matter. Yashobhoomi phase one having massive conference tourism infrastructure was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023. The total project area of Yashobhoomi is over 8.9 lakh square metres, making it one of the world’s largest MICE destination. Yashobhoomi boasts of a magnificent Convention Centre, multiple Exhibition halls and other facilities, Convention Center, with seating capacity of more than 11000 delegates, comprises of 15 convention rooms, the Grand ballroom and 13 meeting rooms. The convention centre has been built using materials and objects inspired from Indian culture, such as terrazzo floors with brass inlay representing rangolis patterns, suspended sound absorbent metal cylinders and lit up patterned walls.

Novotel Jaipur Conven on Centre opens its doors to welcome guests in the pink city Accor, a global hospitality leader, announced the launch of its 24th Novotel property in India, with the opening of Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre (NJCC), which is set to redefine Indian hospitality and become the preferred destination for both global business and leisure travelers alike. The hotel’s proximity to the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC), is renowned as South Asia’s premier purpose-built, state-of-the-art venue for exhibitions, conventions, and entertainment. A significant expansion in Accor’s capacity for hosting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. This strategic alignment enhances Accor’s ability to cater to the needs of business and conference travelers, offering them a comprehensive solution that combines high-quality accommodations with world-class event facilities. Page. 2

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Industry News

Bharat Mandapam’s maiden Trade Fair hosts 3,500 exhibitors in Delhi The 42nd edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) was inaugurated on Tuesday at the recently opened Bharat Mandapam, offering widespread business opportunities to over 3,500 exhibitors, both domestic and foreign. This year, the theme of the annual exhibition organised by the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: United by Trade’. Inspired by ancient Indian philosophy, it emphasised the significance of interconnectedness and cooperation in trade for achieving sustainable growth and well-being. Representatives from 13 countries — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Oman, Egypt, Nepal, Thailand, Türkiye, Vietnam, Tunisia, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Iran, and the UAE — are participating in the fair. A daily footfall of over 10 lakh visitors is expected at the event

PRS Oberoi: The man who redeﬁned Indian hospitality P R S (Biki to friends) Oberoi (1929-2023) was the doyen of the Indian hotel industry in the truest sense of the word. He was the senior-most hotelier in the country by age and length of service and the chairman emeritus of the third-largest Indian hotel chain. Much more importantly, he introduced the concept of luxury hotels in India even when the country was hardly on the itinerary of international travellers with deep pockets and Indian business and holiday travel emphasised economy over comfort. Oberoi, who passed away on 14 Nov 2023, leaves a legacy that has, at its core, exemplary attention to detail and hard work. The chairman emeritus of Oberoi Group, P R S Oberoi, was 94 and retired only recently from the positions of executive chairman of EIH, the group flagship, and chairman of EIH Associated Hotels. The hotelier inherited the business from his father, Mohan Singh Oberoi, the pioneering founder of the group that now operates 32 hotels and has a presence in seven countries under multiple brands.

IHCL Opens Doors of Third Taj Property in Kolkata Leading hospitality chain Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) of the Tata group, has announced opening of the doors of a Taj property located at New Town which will be its third luxury hotel in the metropolis after Taj Bengal and Taj City Centre. Christened Taj Taal Kutir, the property has been developed by the Ambuja Neotia group at a cost Rs 160 crore, and is the second such hotel in New Town. Taj City Centre in New Town has also been developed by the Ambuja Neotia group. Taj Taal Kutir will have 75 rooms along with an adjacent convention centre. Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO of IHCL, said with the opening of the new Taj property, IHCL is addressing the growing demands of emerging micro-markets in the metropolis. 'West Bengal has been the launchpad for the eastern region of the country with seven properties being operational in the state under different brands like Taj, Vivanta and Ginger and SeleQtions. There are several properties under development in the state, he said, adding that the West Bengal government's decision to grant industry status to the hospitality sector will fuel growth in this segment creating numerous job opportunities. IHCL is also working closely with the West Bengal government to develop homestays in the state. Page. 3

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DESTINATION GUJARAT Vibrant Gujarat:

A Unique MICE Destination Gujarat is a state along the western coast of India. With a 3500year-old heritage and diverse, natural, cultural, and geographical history, Gujarat occupies 6% of India's geographical area, making it the fth largest Indian state. Its strategic location, long coastline, natural beauty, and globally recognised heritage sites are gifts that make the state stand out. Centuries-old sculptures, handicrafts, arts, and festivals make the state of Gujarat culturally rich. The economy of Gujarat is the fourth-largest in India, with a gross state domestic product (GSDP) of Rs.16.55 trillion (equivalent to Rs. 19 trillion or US$230 billion in 2023) and has the country's 10th-highest GSDP per capita of Rs. 215,000 (US$2,700). Gujarat ranks 21st among Indian states and union territories in human development index. Gujarat is one of the most industrialized states in the country. There are many Indian and global companies located in Gujarat and the area has seen double digit GDP growth in past decade. It is also known as "Growth Engine of India". Gujarat's major cities include Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Bhavnagar. A new tourism policy 'Gujarat Tourism Policy 2021-2025' for Gujarat has been announced on January 12, 2021. Under this policy, the goal of "Vocal for Local" will be encouraged. Secondly, unique and less explored products displaying the art and culture of Gujarat will be promoted. This policy offers a wide range of incentives and subsidies to tourism development projects in the State. The vision of this policy is to position the state of Gujarat as the foremost tourist destination in India by developing it in a sustainable, responsible, and inclusive manner with a focus on investment and livelihood opportunities

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Destination Gujarat

STATUE OF UNITY: THE WORLD'S TALLEST STATUE

he Statue of Unity is the world's tallest statue, with a height of 182 metres (597 feet), located near Kevadia in the state of Gujarat. The Statue of Unity represents more than a colossal structure facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the river Narmada. It depicts Indian statesman and independence activist Vallabhbhai Patel (1875–1950), who was the first deputy prime minister and home minister of independent India. It is an iconic symbol of the ‘Iron Man’, who played an important role in the political integration of India. The elucidation of the Statue directly correlates with the meaning and value of unity. While it is one of the finest interpretations of the designers with its modern construal, it also symbolises and describes the quintessence of the statue to visitors. The nearest Airports to the Statue of Unity are Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara International Airports. These airports have international flight paths and connect all major airports globally.

Beaches

oasting a 1600 km stretch, Gujarat's shoreline is the longest among India's nine seaside states' shores. The underwater adventures in Gujarat are nonetheless stunning!

Gujarati Cuisines

ne of the thrills of traveling to Gujarat is its multi cuisine. The traditional Gujarati Thali is one of the best ways to know the Gujarati Cuisine.

Rann Utsav

uring the full moon night of the winters amid the awe-inspiring and contrasting landscape each year a three day festive extravaganza brimming with hospitality, vigor and traditional flavor of the area, is hosted and known as the Kutch or Rannutsav. This three to four day carnival organized at the various locales within Kutch takes one around the natural grandiose while introducing the visitor to the indigenous cultural and ethnical flavor of the people. Rannutsav is to take place from 10th November 2023 to 25th February 2024. Page. 5

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Destination Gujarat

Vibrant Gujarat 2024

ibrant Gujarat Global Summit, conceptualised in 2003 under the visionary leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India (the then Hon'ble Chief Minister of Gujarat), has today evolved as one of the most reputed global forums for business networking, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships for inclusive growth and sustainable development. The 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, themed 'Gateway to the Future,' is scheduled to be held from January 10-12, 2024, at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. This "Tenth Edition" of Vibrant Gujarat will celebrate "20 Years of Vibrant Gujarat as the Summit of Success". Various seminars and events will be organized to showcase Gujarat's distinctive accomplishments, strengths across sectors, and its preparedness to lead the visions of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show 2024, to be held from 9th January 2024, will showcase 'TECHADE and Disruptive Technologies' with a focus on Champion Services Sector including Digital India initiatives, India Stack, Emerging technologies (Industry 4.0, Smart manufacturing, Al/ML to name a few), Smart Infrastructure / Smart Cities, Consumer technology as well as application of technology in various service sectors such as financial services, healthcare, education, environment, tourism & hospitality.

MICE VENUES Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre

ocated in the capital of India's vibrant state of Gujarat and in close proximity to the country's first world heritage city by UNESCO, the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre Managed by The Leela is India’s one of the largest purposebuilt Convention Centre. Close to 22,000 sq.mt. of air-conditioned facilities sprawled across 34 acres and built to accommodate 15,000 delegates, The Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre is an integrated development comprising of a Heads of States Centre, Convention facilities, Exhibition halls, an open-air amphitheatre, expansive lawns, retail shops and easy access to Dandi Kutir, India's largest and only museum on the life and principles of Mahatma Gandhi and the 318 room luxury hotel, The Leela Gandhinagar. Inspired by the tenets of Mahatma Gandhi, this architectural marvel has an abundance of natural light and airy spaces. While the innovatively designed spinning wheel generates energy that helps illuminate the complex, access to the moundshaped Dandi Kutir by way of a suspension bridge is symbolic of the Dandi March that played a significant role in India's Independence Movement. The Convention Centre consists of main convention hall and the VIP Viewing Galleries can accommodate 5500 delegates in theatre style. There are also 20 additional meeting venues to accommodate parallel sessions ranging from 6-1000 delegates. The Exhibition Centre provides 3 pillar-less air-conditioned Exhibition halls with extensive Viewing Galleries and State-of-art sound system. The venue has convenient accessibility to airport, train station and ground transportation hub. Page. 6

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Destination Gujarat

Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar

elipad Exhibition Centre (HEC) is Gujarat’s one of the largest Exhibition Centre. It has over 100,000 sq. m. exhibition area including 13 exhibition halls of 6 varying sizes to suit different needs like exhibition, conference, private events, etc. It was built to provide Gujarat a state-of-the-art infrastructure to host reputed international exhibitions. HEC has witnessed some of India’s most exciting summits and exhibitions. It is strategically located amidst the lush green, peaceful environment of Gandhinagar, the wellconnected capital of Gujarat.

Narendra Modi Stadium

he Narendra Modi Stadium, also known as Motera Stadium, is an international cricket stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Located near the Banks of Sabarmati river, Narendra Modi Stadium is the Largest Cricket Stadium in the world. The stadium was constructed in 1982 to flourish cricket talents in the province. Earlier, the stadium had a seating capacity of housing 49,000 cricket fans. In October 2015, Gujarat Cricket Association under the visionary leadership of the then GCA President and current Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi decided to reconstruct the stadium and make it the largest Cricket Stadium in the world. In February 2020, the redevelopment task was completed and it is now capable of accommodating more than 1.3 lakh cricket fans.

Gujarat University Convention and Exhibition Centre

ith state-of-the-art facilities and best in class infrastructure – spreading across more than 60 acres of land, situated in the heart of the city, Ahmedabad; GUCEC is one of the best exhibition & convention facilities across the country. The GUCEC can accommodate thousands of attendees & is suitable for major trade shows, political & business conferences, exhibitions, banquets, sports meet, concerts, theatre performances, educational lectures and seminars. GUCEC is strategically located in the middle of Ahmedabad, right next to the BRTS Stand and the Metro Rail Service. The largest exhibition hall of GUCEC, which spreads across more than 4,300 Sq. mts, offers flexibility and customization to suit every kind of exhibitions and events. The column-less feature of this hall lends it the highest degree of optimization, apart from its immaculate configuration and superior cooling system, multiple entry and exit doors, materials, flexible seating options, to name a few. Spread across 1,550 sq. ft., GUCEC conference halls offer you choices for every kind of conference, complemented with latest technology.

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State Partner

(Established in 1988)

India Conven on Promo on Bureau (Sponsored by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India)

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