‘The future looks very bright for the MICE industry’
The Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA) is a conglomeration of MICE operators from around the country who work together for the growth and betterment of the industry. Established in 2014, NIMA is the only not-for-profit network dedicated to the benefit of MICE operators in India, and it doesn’t charge any membership fees from its members. Jagdeep Bhagat, National Coordinator, NIMA, shares his views on the current MICE market sentiments.
The main objective of NIMA is to empower members with the desired knowledge, useful resources, and vital connect. The dual objective is to bring the large MICE facilities and resources available in India for the world to know India as a MICE-friendly destination and open up global opportunities for Indian MICE agents. NIMA solicits to have state tourism boards and convention bureaus as its destination partners with whom it will collaborate and contribute to mutual growth for the destination and the members.
While MICE stakeholders are anticipating demand and pick-up in MICE inquiries and queries in the past few months, Jagdeep says, “Though we are experiencing increased demand for MICE business in the last few months, it is a continuous challenge for our members to capture such opportunities due to ever-changing entry requirements and covid protocols by the countries. For domestic destinations, the guidelines are now somewhat streamlined, and hence the regular business can be seen.”
Jagdeep also informs that it was the weddings segment that led to the restart of the tourism industry in India after the pandemic. On the other hand, the demand for cruises is very low globally, and in India, it is no different.
“Till the time overseas destinations open up fully and airfares to international destinations come to pre-covid levels, domestic MICE business is the only and recommended option for all of us. Our expectation is that the MICE business in India which is showing a steady restart will gain momentum in Q3 and Q4,” shares Jagdeep.
NIMA works closely with all the leading organizers of Travel Trade Events in the country
and actively represents the Indian MICE industry during such events. NIMA had been instrumental in conducting various training sessions and knowledge workshops for the betterment of various strata of MICE.
Innovation is the key to adaptation to the new normal post-pandemic. NIMA has also been training its members during covid to embrace the latest technologies for smooth execution of events and conducting incentive tours.
Jagdeep concludes, “The future looks very bright for the MICE industry. Besides the successful conduct of conventional MICE business, the future will see more dependence on digital tools, hybrid platforms, and venues that can accommodate the necessary strength of delegates maintaining the social/physical distance in mind.”