Chennai: Tamil Nadu will soon be on the global MICE (meetings, incentives, conference and exhibitions) map if a plan by the tourism department fructifies. The department has plans to tie up with various agencies to showcase the potential.
As per industry estimates, about 25 per cent of the inbound tourism (to India) pertains to MICE and business tourism.
TN has excellent convention centres with capacity ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 persons.
States like Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, West Bengal, Gujarat and New Delhi, too, are in the race to share the pie.
The presence of airport with easy access to Chennai Trade Centre, hotels across all categories, tours, and also availability of translators are among the key drivers of MICE.
“MICE tourism has got lot of potential in Tamil Nadu. We will organise a mega event soon to showcase the state as an ideal destination for MICE segment,” says tourism commissioner Hemant Kumar Sinha. “We are focusing on promoting infrastructure over the last couple of years and we foresee the establishment of premium resorts,” he told this correspondent.
He claims that the roadshows conducted by the tourism department in various international forums, particularly, WTM, ITB and PATA, have drawn good response. The roadshow in Paris showcased the unique attractions of the state.
Envisaging more visitors to its boathouses, which are the favourite haunts of locals and tourists alike, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation has proposed to upgrade all its boating yards spread across the state and also refurbish its hotels and drive-in restaurants.
“They will be aesthetically designed,” Sinha added.
