MICE Valley
Kashmir has long held its reputation as a destination for holiday-makers and honeymooners. Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) has, in the recent years, given it a new identity as a hotspot for business travellers. MICEtalk got into conversation with Farooq Ahmad Shah, Director, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism/SKICC, to find out why it is as big a name in the MICE business as its counterpart (read Hyderabad International Convention Centre) down south…
What are your plans for SKICC in this New Year?
We are participating in a number of international marts to create awareness about the venue. We are talking to those involved in MICE tourism to promote SKICC with them.
What makes Srinagar a great destination for business travellers?
There is plenty to do in the city. There are lots of opportunities for sightseeing and also shopping, something that most travellers like to do. Furthermore, SKICC as a venue offers its facilities at affordable rates for those choosing to come here for their meetings and conferences. We create tailormade packages for our guests to make their events a memorable one.
What would be the best time to come to SKICC for an event?
Kashmir is a year round destination, letting people enjoy a lot of activities. People usually prefer to come here between the months of April and October. For the winters, the venue is equipped with central heating, which makes our guests comfortable. SKICC remains open on all 365 days of the year.
What is the next big event that is being organized by SKICC?
Several events are being planned at the venue in the near future. From April 1, 2012, the state will be organizing Kashmir Haat, which is a big event of local handicrafts by the local artisans. Guests at the SKICC will be able to experience the beauty of Kashmir at that time. We will guide them on where they can find the best products. In general, we have a professional team that assists the groups during their shopping expeditions.
From which part of the country does SKICC get most of its MICE guests?
Generally, guests come from all across the country but mainly from– Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, MP and Rajasthan. We are working to ensure that people come to SKICC from other states also.