India’s MICE industry sets its sights on the global arena

India's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry in 2026 is poised for strong and sustained growth, driven by proactive government initiatives such as Convention Promotion Bureaus, rapid adoption of hybrid event formats, expansion into Tier-II cities, and deeper integration of advanced technologies such as AI. Together, these forces are reshaping India's global market share, with the sector increasingly focused on delivering sustainable, technology-driven and diversified offerings.

According to industry stakeholders, the creation of city-level Convention Promotion Bureaus and stronger destination marketing frameworks are helping professionalise the sector while making India more accessible to international organisers. The Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA), which recently organised a MICE summit, believes that a robust public-private partnership (PPP) model will play a crucial role in reducing entry barriers for global players by offering verified local networks, standardised processes and reliable on-ground support.

India’s MICE industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8–10%, over the next few years, driven by resilient domestic corporate demand and rising international interest. The overall market is expected to cross Rs35,000–40,000 crore, with domestic events accounting for nearly 70% of total activity. Exhibitions and conferences remain the fastest-growing segments, generating significant tourism revenues, employment opportunities and destination branding benefits across the country.

IEIA estimates India’s MICE market, valued at US$49.4 billion in 2024, could expand to US$103.7 billion by 2030. The association has emphasised that the creation of professional city bureaus, along with the adoption of national standards, will be critical to sustaining this growth momentum and building long-term credibility in the global marketplace.

Sustainability has emerged as a strategic pillar within India’s evolving MICE ecosystem. Nearly 50% of large venues have adopted green practices such as paperless operations, energy-efficient infrastructure and waste-reduction systems. While multinational corporations increasingly mandate ESG-compliant events, domestic enterprises are also embracing sustainable event models, reinforcing India’s image as a responsible and future-ready MICE destination.

On the domestic front, MICE growth is no longer confined to traditional metros. Tier-II and emerging cities now account for nearly 35–40% of domestic MICE activity. Destinations such as Jaipur, Kochi, Indore, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati and Visakhapatnam are gaining prominence due to improved air and rail connectivity, new convention infrastructure and competitive pricing. Meanwhile, major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru continue to host large-scale global exhibitions and conventions, supported by world-class venues and extensive hotel inventory.

Another significant development shaping India’s MICE landscape in 2026 is the growing role of inbound international MICE from Asia, the Middle East and Europe. India is increasingly being chosen as a host for regional congresses, association meetings and rotating international exhibitions, owing to its cost competitiveness, skilled event management ecosystem and expanding air connectivity. Improved visa facilitation, increased direct international flights and targeted destination marketing have contributed to a steady rise in inbound delegate arrivals.

Overall, 2026 is emerging as a defining year for India’s MICE industry, marked by the convergence of strong domestic demand and growing global confidence. With expanding infrastructure, rising city-level capabilities, and increasing international participation, India is strengthening its position as a competitive, reliable, and scalable MICE destination. A continued focus on innovation, sustainability, and policy alignment will enable long-term economic impact and elevate India’s standing in the global business events landscape.

Technology is emerging as a major growth catalyst, reshaping both domestic and international business events. By 2026, over 60% of large conferences and exhibitions in India are expected to adopt hybrid formats, enabling wider global participation while strengthening domestic engagement. AI-powered delegate management systems, smart networking platforms, data analytics and immersive technologies are enhancing operational efficiency, audience reach and return on investment for organisers and exhibitors.

According to Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, over the past decade, India has operationalised 157 airports, launched 517 new air routes, and expanded its national highways to nearly 145,000 km, significantly enhancing accessibility. Sector-specific exhibitions in renewable energy, agri-tech, pharmaceuticals, defence, and textiles are on the rise, driven by the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and industrial growth. Additionally, immersive experiences using AR/VR, live demonstrations, and interactive setups are becoming standard, delivering deeper engagement and value for both exhibitors and attendees.

To strengthen regional efforts, the ministry is working with state governments to establish City MICE Bureaus, aimed at enhancing the attendee experience through local ecosystem support. Industry bodies such as the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) and the India Convention Promotion Bureau are also playing vital roles by championing professional development, sustainability, women leadership, and international promotion of India as a premier MICE destination. The legacy of India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 has further boosted the sector by upgrading infrastructure in over 60 cities and raising the country’s global profile as an emerging MICE hub.

India is strategically positioning itself as a value-driven, culturally immersive, and infrastructure-ready destination for international MICE events, particularly exhibitions. The country boasts world-class MICE infrastructure across more than 65 cities, supported by streamlined visa processes, including e-visas for business visitors issued within 24 to 48 hours.