Meetings Industry is By-product of Make in India Initiative

A CITY soaked in centuries of tradition and technology-driven success, Hyderabad has an old world charm existing alongside its progressive thoughts.

One of the world’s leading convention bureau, Hyderabad Convention Visitors Bureau (HCVB) has attracted successful and larger conventions to the city, making Hyderabad the best MICE destination in Asia. To say the least, Gary Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Hyderabad Convention Visitors Bureau – India (HCVB), feels that MICE market has expanded business trade to the world while simultaneously promoting tourism and technology. 

“The Prime Minister wants to make India an IT country par excellence, and diversify from every working sector. Taking this agenda of the central government to our advantage, MICE industry has itself shown high yield tourism impact to the economy which is consequently ever-evolving. I am personally more inclined towards knowledge and networking opportunities that a congress brings to a city. Hyderabad being rich in technology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals presents plenty of opportunities for one-on-one exchange leading to unbounded business opportunities. With the impact of the multiplier effect on the economy, HCVB believes it is in line with the State Government’s vision of a robust city,” he said.

As healthy competition prevails in the industry in Hyderabad, it makes this market more compelling. At the helm of this competition, HCVB which is driven on membership, enables its members to establish a common dialogue in showcasing Hyderabad to global buyers. The venue and the PCOs who by default have arbitrary functions compete with cities nationally to bring an event to Hyderabad, in a unified voice. Thus, bringing all players under one umbrella to compete with cities in India and abroad.

So what about the larger issues in convention centres today? Khan points out that there is lack of ‘superstructures’ to support mega conventions and suit the conference organisers that wish to have the exhibition and plenary sessions under the same roof. “This infrastructure requirement has been acknowledged by various convention centres across India. There has been a spur of involvement by the private and public sectors to grow MICE arenas nationally.”

Hence, competition opens up India to the outside world, to the global congress organisers. “With competition, expenses of products and services provided to the organisers in the meetings industry become price competitive providing an advantage to India,” he says.

Therefore, the clients select a destination on the basis of venue with on par infrastructure, accessibility to and fro airports, wide range of world class accommodation options, influence of local players to boost delegate attendance for their respective congress, presence of the industry related to the theme of the congress, support provided by the state governments in giving provisions to the congresses and at times tourist spots.

In terms of the support provided by HCVB to face such challenges, Khan says, “HCVB promotes the ‘Whole of City’ approach to all congress organisers who are seeking venues in Hyderabad. While facing challenges, HCVB takes the support of the State Government, Department of Tourism in providing collaboration opportunities to the various organisers.”

By and large, the meetings industry is booming in Hyderabad and primarily in India, according to Khan. Even though each conference varies in magnitude and subject matter, it covers a wide scope and breadth of this dynamic MICE industry. “As members of this segment, we need to provide supportive documents and materials to the local and central government to further lay effective prioritisation to all international congresses coming to the country. Once a revenue model (that is borne out of this industry) is well absorbed by the officials, the importance of this industry will then be given paramount importance in all divisions. Our product – The India Meetings Industry is a by-product of the Make in India initiative.”

HCVB has numerous hotel members in the Bureau. These hotels offer the best MICE facilities that are pertinent to planners in planning conferences in the city.  Trident Hyderabad, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, AVASA Hotels, Taj Krishna, Marriott Hyderabad, Novotel Hyderabad Airport and Taj Falaknuma Palace for small high profile and niche incentive meetings.