Long-hauls are seeing good incentive traffic

Jerry Cito, SVP Convention Development, NYC & Company, speaks about how the Indian market is evolving to now include long-destinations in the MiCE itineraries

What kind of MICE traffic does NYC record from India?

Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru are the key cities for MiCE business from India. However, we are seeing incremental business from other cities i.e. Chennai and Hyderabad. New York City welcomed 6.2 million delegates overall in 2017. The 2017 estimate indicates another increase (+8.4 per cent), to 349,000 visitors from India.

Is there a growing demand for long-haul destinations from India?

Yes, there is a wide-spread demand for long-haul destinations from India. Long-haul destinations work as a better incentive for corporate companies in all sectors. New York is extremely aspirational and fits perfectly with incentive movements. Numerous companies have covered Southeast Asia and are looking at long-haul destinations such as Europe, Africa and the US. MiCE travel is not just restricted to the meetings and events. Companies request for meetings in locations where the families of the employees can join them for vacations. Do you offer any incentives to big groups?

We offer expert advice to planners, and connect them to our network of approximately 1,700 members (some of whom offer incentives themselves) including hotels, attractions, tours, and restaurants across all five boroughs who add value to MiCE groups.

Is Indian/vegetarian food a problem in NYC?

Indian and vegetarian food is easily available in New York. There is diverse Indian cuisine available from many regions throughout the boroughs. There are many options available from the popular vegetarian Saravanaa Bhavan with good pricing to high-end fine dining, such as Indian Accent, Junoon, Dawat, etc.

Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru are the key cities for MiCE business