Adapting quickly and staying future-ready for MICE business
India has emerged as one of the most sought-after MICE destinations in recent years. The country provides impressive accommodation and other conference support facilities to hold successful MICE events. The cities of India are proving to be the best MICE destinations, with excellent amenities and services of international standards. High-tech facilities matching global standards are offered at conference and meeting venues in India. With the hospitality business coming back on track, we at TTJ explore the current MICE perspectives, expectations, and trends of a few hotels in different cities across India.
The MICE industry is growing exponentially, and companies are emphasising the need of providing a personalised experience for their employees and other attendees. A good event and comfortable stay are always remembered and cherished by the people, and this is what MICE businesses opt for these days!
Today, the MICE industry stores a high growth potential, bringing along large industry associations with great opportunities for employment, which in turn enables efficient utilisation of assets by the Government. The Indian government recognises that stateof-the-art convention centres and an extensive network of allied infrastructure, including ample room inventories, excellent connectivity to the venue, a well-developed air, road, and transportation network, skilled and trained staff, and tourist attractions, can ensure the longterm sustainability of the conference business.
Before a pandemic, the country was keen to increase its inbound corporate travel. Thus, hotels and convention centres witnessed massive expansion programmes to make India a leading corporate meetings destination and hub. India still is in the constant process of upgrading its MICE facilities.
Presently, as the pandemic fear wanes and international travel opens, many companies are now gathering their steam and teams together for various activities such as team building, strategic planning, and rewards and recognition events, which have been on halt for the past two years. If things go smoothly, there will be a pick-up and escalation in demand for MICE events in the second half of 2022.
Novotel Visakhapatnam from the Accor Group is one of the largest hotels in Andhra Pradesh. The property is located in front of the famous RK Beach in Visakhapatnam. It is centrally located adjacent to the Inox movie theater and a walkway to the Submarine and Aircraft Museum. Novotel has the largest pillarless indoor Convention center with the maximum number of breakout rooms and a separate banquet entry with 300 car parking spaces. All the facilities such as restaurants, spa, gym, rooms and other meeting halls are facing towards the pristine beaches. Novotel Visakhapatnam is a well-planned hotel and they have not laid off any employees due to the ongoing pandemic situation.
We asked Ravi Rai, Cluster General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort whether they noticed the demand or pickup in MICE inquiries and queries in the past few months. Ravi says, “Demand started increasing in September 2020 for MICE and wedding queries. We have a set of team members who are always ready to cater to the increasing demand. Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach is always prepared as a destination for MICE and social events.”
Accor is one of the largest international hotel chains with a strong presence worldwide. In India, they have NSO and GSO teams that help drive MICE business in domestic and international markets. “As we have witnessed a huge demand for MICE, all pending dealers meet, business conclaves, investment meets, annual summits, partnership summits, and major exhibitions all have started and are getting back on track. We also see a high demand for destination weddings,” shares Ravi.
Accor India has taken the initiative of Vivaah at Novotel along with Shagun by Novotel, where they deliver exquisite, handcrafted gift hampers to relatives and friends in faraway cities. Dawat by Novotel
lets guests savor the same culinary experience served at the host hotel, delivered to their homes. If a large number of guests are expected in a particular city, in that case, one can book a banquet in that city, project the wedding on a big screen and let guests indulge in the same culinary offerings served at the wedding.
Pride Plaza Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi resonates with true Indian hospitality. The hotel incorporates the five senses of a traditional Indian welcome with tikka/garland/ flowers (if the guest approves), rustic fragrance, music, regional Indian paintings and frescoes, and mouth-watering Indian kitchen specialties.
Shoeb Mohammad, AVP, North India, Pride Plaza Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi, says, “We have witnessed an uptick in demand during this season. Pride Plaza Hotel, Aerocity New Delhi, exemplifies a luxurious brand with its banquet and conference facilities, reinforcing itself as the one-stop destination for MICE. We have a dedicated team of experts who can efficiently manage multiple events ranging from small conferences, themed weddings, and corporate conclaves to large incentive groups. The events are seamlessly managed to ensure that every detail is impeccably envisioned, created, and executed.”
With tastefully designed banquet halls with attached pre-function areas, well-equipped meeting/ conference rooms, luxurious guest rooms, and a delicately chosen menu from separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian kitchens, Pride Plaza Hotel, Aerocity New Delhi is a perfect venue to host all social and corporate events. Their MICE team comprising sales, operations, and personal event managers, offers tailor-made packages as per their client’s requirements.
“The domestic MICE segment has staged a remarkable recovery, and most of the conferences and events have shifted to India. We would be extensively focusing on the domestic market. Also, as we are getting used to the new normal, we are continuing to demonstrate agility and innovation to win back the MICE segment. To welcome our guests to a safe and clean hotel environment, we have rolled out enhanced technological measures like contactless checkin and check-out services. We offer digital advancement events to facilitate both physical and virtual corporate interactions such as online registrations, live streaming, and virtual reality booths,” shares Shoeb.
Speaking about the upcoming trends and future outlook for the MICE business in the Indian hospitality industry, Shoeb says, “Customisation holds the key as customers value services exclusively tailor-made for them. Advancement in technology by using custom-made applications, QR codes for registration, and ultra-speed modern 5G technology will be the future of MICE.”
Sayaji Kolhapur hotel has a magnificent structure and is considered the best business hotel in the city and one of the most important landmarks in South Maharashtra. Sayaji Kolhapur combines the warm hospitality of Kolhapur with the immaculate service of the Sayaji brand. Designed by the finest architects with 120 rooms, Sayaji Kolhapur succeeds in mesmerising the onlooker. The plush rooms, world-class amenities, ambient fine-dining restaurants, and grand banquets make it the perfect destination for the esteemed guests of the city. Understanding their geographical presence, they are focusing on the domestic MICE market, as the city is well connected through rail and surface.
Mukesh Rakshit, Director of Operations, Sayaji Kolhapur, shared, “Post-COVID lockdown, there is a surge in all hospitality sectors, whether rooms or MICE. The corporates have resumed their offices, started their meetings, and launched their products. We have witnessed modest growth in this segment compared to pre-COVID times. Along with corporate events, there is some noticeable growth in social events. Understanding the business demand and expectations of our guests and clients, our focus area is hygiene, a clean environment, and good food and services. We at Sayaji Kolhapur are also focusing on the training of our staff to fulfill the requirement of our guests.”
Sayaji Kolhapur has a wide range of venues to cater to the different needs of the MICE business. They have ten banqueting venues and have extensively managed doctor’s conferences, association meetings, and product exhibitions.
Presently, the hospitality industry is paying attention to the requirement of guests and adapting towards the same. According to Mukesh, the major challenge which comes post-COVID is to make guests feel satisfied with the hygiene and cleaning practices. Their premises are sanitised and well equipped with sanitation stations to make the premises free from infections.