India’s first Wedding and MICE Conclave, scheduled from August 14 to 16 in Kochi, will serve as a dedicated B2B networking platform to elevate Kerala’s standing in the global tourism sector, Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas announced at a press conference held at the Mascot Hotel.
Organised by the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society in association with the Kerala Tourism Department, the conclave aims to catalyse the integrated development of the tourism sector by tapping into the rapidly growing destination wedding and MICE segments.
“The conclave aims to position Kerala as a premier destination for weddings and MICE tourism by leveraging our unmatched natural beauty, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, and hospitality services,” said Shri Riyas. He emphasised that this initiative forms part of a broader post-pandemic revival strategy that has already resulted in over 1,000 destination weddings being hosted across Kerala in the past year.
Key Highlights:
- Inaugural Ceremony: August 14, 5 PM at Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty Island
- Business Meetings & Exhibition: August 15–16 at Le Meridien, Kochi
- Participation: 360 domestic and 40 international buyers registered, along with 65 sellers from the wedding and MICE sector
- Showcased Destinations: Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Bekal
The event will bring together wedding planners, event organisers, luxury resorts, floral designers, photographers, caterers, and bridal service providers under one roof. A special exhibition will offer these stakeholders a platform to showcase products and services to potential buyers.
KTM President Jose Pradeep said the conclave, themed “Centre Stage Kerala,” will focus on building Kerala’s brand as one of the most preferred wedding and MICE tourism destinations globally. The event will feature training workshops, seminars by international experts, logistics planning, and technology showcases in collaboration with leading industry players.
Tourism Secretary K. Biju, KTM Secretary S. Swaminathan, and past presidents Baby Mathew Somatheeram, E.M. Najeeb, and Abraham George also attended the press meet and expressed support for the conclave’s vision.
Riyas added that efforts are underway to upgrade homestays, PWD rest houses, and tourism guest houses to provide diverse accommodation options as part of an inclusive tourism growth strategy. “From auto drivers to resort owners, everyone stands to benefit economically as Kerala grows into a wedding and MICE powerhouse,” he noted.
The conclave is a direct response to the Kerala government’s vision, as laid out by Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan during KTM 2024, to make Kerala a top destination for wedding and honeymoon tourism.
