Kerala, the New Hub for Event Tourism
Kochi Hosted India’s First Wedding and MICE Conclave – A Unique Experience for the Tourism Industry
Between August 14–16, 2025, the city of Kochi in Kerala hosted the very first Wedding and MICE Conclave ever organized in India. The event took place at Grand Hyatt Bolgatty Island and Le Meridien, bringing together tourism professionals, luxury hotels, event management companies, and government authorities. The main goal: to position Kerala as a top destination for luxury weddings and MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions).
The conclave welcomed more than 675 national and international buyers from over 20 countries – including the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, Romania, and many others. The program featured theme seminars, workshops, an exhibition with 75 booths, and over 6,600 business meetings in just three days.
calatoriaperfecta.ro/nextjourneys.com Participation
The calatoriaperfecta.ro/nextjourneys.com team had the honor to attend this landmark event for India’s tourism industry. We were actively present at B2B sessions, engaged in discussions with international brand representatives, and created numerous valuable connections with Kerala’s tourism professionals.
For us, it was an intense yet highly productive experience – an opportunity to better understand the enormous potential of event tourism in India and to build relationships with key stakeholders determined to place Kerala on the global map of premium destinations for events.
At the same time, it was an honor to represent Romania at such a prestigious gathering and to discover firsthand the unique hospitality and beauty of Kerala.
Kerala – the Perfect Destination for Weddings and Conferences
Organizers and officials highlighted why Kerala holds immense potential as a wedding and MICE hub:
- Spectacular landscapes – from Kovalam beaches to the Kumarakom backwaters.
- Rich cultural heritage – traditions, gastronomy, and unique festivals.
- Modern infrastructure – 3–5 star hotels, luxury resorts, and world-class convention centers.
- International accessibility – Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram airports connect Kerala directly with the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Strategic Goals and Event Outcomes
The conclave was officially inaugurated by P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Kerala’s Minister of Tourism and Public Works, marking a milestone in the state’s event tourism strategy. Among the key initiatives discussed:
- Establishing MICE promotion bureaus in Kerala’s major cities.
- Creating a unified global brand image for Kerala as a wedding and event destination.
- Strengthening international partnerships across the tourism industry.
The success of the event was confirmed by the record number of business meetings: 6,623 in just three days.
A Major Step for Tourism and a Memorable Experience for Us
For the calatoriaperfecta.ro/nextjourneys.com team, attending India’s First Wedding and MICE Conclave meant not only being part of a historic moment for Indian tourism but also building strong professional ties with partners from all over the world.
Kerala has proven to be more than just a holiday destination – it is a place where nature, culture, and infrastructure merge to deliver unforgettable events.
We returned from Kochi with valuable contacts, fresh ideas, and plenty of inspiration – along with the firm belief that Kerala’s event tourism is set to become a global benchmark in the years ahead.
