Kerala tourism industry eyes POST-COVID-19 MICE revival
KOCHI: Taking a leaf out of the success of the 25th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), both in Trivandrum and in Kochi, state’s tourism industry is eyeing on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) for revival ater a year-long COVID shutdown.
The week-long extravaganza of films concluded here successfully on Sunday. If film festivals, where large number of people converge, could be conducted successfully while observing strict COVID protocols, then such meetings and functions in connection with tourism could as well be organised.
MICE tourism, which has been stalled for a year, will hit a revival path if implemented with diligence, industry players feel.
Till the pandemic took over, Kochi used to be one of the most important destinations in India for MICE Tourism.
Hotels and conference halls with five star facilities were built in the city to meet the emerging demand.
According to reports, the national and international conferences with atendance of up to 1000 people were held in Kochi several times a year. Hotel rooms, transportation facilities were much in demand then.
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the scenario and tourism came to scratching halt. Industry players were devastated as COVID threat slowly became a permanent feature of daily life.
Kerala had gained global atention for its efforts in the health sector when the COVID pandemic struck. The tourism industry is now looking to ride the positive wave created across the global arena by the state’ s health sector.
Travel industry stakeholders feel that Kochi could lead the way by organizing events, meetings and exhibitions by strictly observing COVID protocols.
MICE tourists spend more money than regular leisure travellers.
According to industry sources, a conference tourist spends $1400-1500 while a regular tourist spends $500 per day.
If the state’s tourism sector could send a message to the business community that conferences, events and functions could be organised in Kerala without the risk of contracting COVID-19, things could change for the beter.