Maharashtra Convention Bureau to Propel India as a Global MICE Destination

Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, a luxury hotel in Colaba region of Mumbai, India

The Maharashtra Government's Department of Tourism announced the formation of the Maharashtra Convention Bureau (MCB), India's first state-led initiative focused on cementing the state's position as a compelling destination for global conventions, exhibitions, and business events.

The Bureau was introduced at IMEX Frankfurt, which is one of the world's largest and most influential tradeshows of the MICE industry.

Based out of India's financial capital Mumbai, MCB will serve as a catalyst to attract and facilitate international events, building upon the state's global reputation as a businss and tourism hotspot. This initiative reflects the key focus of the Maharastra Tourism Policy 2024, highlighting the growing importance of MIC tourism, and aims to accelerate the growing visitor economy across the state.

Representing Maharashtra Tourism at IMEX was Shri Indranil Naik, Minister of State (Tourism, Industries, Public Works, Higher & Technical Education, Tribal Development, Soil & Water Conservation) of the Government of Maharashtra, alongside Shri Atul Patne, IAS, Principal Secretary (Tourism) and Shri Santosh Rokade, Deputy Secretary from the Department of Tourism, Maharashtra Government as well as Dr.B.N. Patil, IAS, Director, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra.

Maharashtrais ready to take the lead as India's foremost economic hub that contributes close to 15% of the country's GDP. The formation of MCB is strategic step towards expanding the country's intellectual capital by drawing delegates, professionals and experts from around the world to promote knowledge-sharing, innovation, and industry collaboration.

The formation of MCB is a significant step in this direction – leveraging world-class infrastructure, a thriving economy, and a robust service ecosystem to establishh the state as a top destination for high-impact international events. Its dynamic titles – the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur – will be at the core of this movement, creating a network of interconnected locations offering a diverse mix of venues, accommodation, and seamless transportation, equipped to support events of every scale.
 

© Maharashtra Tourism

"The establishment of MCB marks a transformative moment for our state's economic and cultural landscape. Maharashtra has long been a leader in industry, education, and innovation – and with this new bureau, we are unlocking the full potential of the business events industry to amplify that leadership on a global stage. Through strategic investment in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). we are creating a powerful platform for innovation, collaboration, and intellectual exchange," said Shri Indranil Naik.

He continues: "This initiative will serve as a catalyst across key sectors – from tourism and hospitality to higher education, manufacturing, and infrastructure. It will attract global thinkers, investors, and changemakers to Maharashtra, generating new opportunities for our youth, our entrepreneurs, and our communities. As Minister of State, I am proud to support this visionary step forward that will elevate Maharashtra as a premier destination not just for business, but for bold ideas and inclusive growth."

MCB will play an instrumental role in promoting the State for business travel by working closely with international event organisers, offering administrative assistanc, and providing resources to ensure the success and impact of events. Additionaly, the service Bureau will collaborate with key stakeholders, including hotels, venues, and service providers to ease the planning process and enhance the overall experience.

This announcement comes on the heels of India's G20 Presidency and its growing prominence in hosting global events, which have accentuated the country's rise on the world stage. As MCB charts the direction for the state's MICE sector, Mumbai emerged as a key contributor. The city's exceptional infrastructure – from world-class venues like Jio World Convention Centre to iconic hospitality giants such as Hyatt, Marriot, The Taj Hotels (cover photo), and the Oberoi Hotels, along with Asia's award-winning Mumbai International Airport - which has been a pivotal force in driving this transformation. Mumbai has already showcased its prowess by hosting global events like the 21st World Congress of Accountants 2022, the G20 Sessions 2023, the 141st International Olympic Committee Session 2023, and the Miss World Grand Finale 2024 at the Jio World Convention Centre. 

Mumbai's MICE ecosystem has been actively promoted at premier international events such as IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America, IBTM Barcelona, AIME Melbourne, the Meetings Show Singapore, and the UIA European Roundtable, whil also engaging with ICCA and UFI – effectively covering nearly all major global markets. 
 

© Maharashtra Tourism

The establishment of the MCB is a watershed moment for our nation, state and Mumbai city's global aspirations. This initiative reflects the growing importance of business travel in our economic landscape and reinforces our commitment to promoting Maharashtra as a premier destination for international conventions. We are proud that the Jio World Convention Centre is leading the way with hosting truly world-class events, and we are excited to bring the world to Maharashtra and Mumbai - the Gateway to India," said Shi. Atul Patne. 

These continued efforts are poised to bring marquee international events from across geographies. Through strategic outreach and persistents actions, Mumbai city has successfully secured future conventions such as the International Baccalaureate Congress 2026, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Annual Conference, International Olympiad on Astronomy & Astrophysics 2025, Asia Seed Congress 2025, and the UIA International Forum of Architects 2027, which will all be hosted at the Jio World Convention centre.

Mumbai has also recently bid for the International Astronautical Congress in 2028. Such large scale international events generate significate economic impact for the city, state, and the country. 

Underlining the immense potential for MICE events in India, Dr. Senthil Gopinath, ICCA CEO, said: "This initiative underscores Maharashtra's commitment to leveraging its world-class infrastructure, thriving economy, and diverse destinations to attract global conventions. By creating a dedicated burau, Maharashtra is setting a benchmark for other states to follow, fostering a culture of knowledge exchange, collaboration, and economic growth through international events. As ICCA, we are excited to see Mumbai and Maharashtra take their rightful place on the global MICE map."
 

Published by Meeting Media Group, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.