Kochi to Welcome 400 Buyers for B2B Networking Platform
Kerala is set to host India’s inaugural Wedding and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Conclave in Kochi from August 14 to 16. This event, announced by Kerala Tourism Minister Mr. Mohamed Riyas, is designed as a business-to-business (B2B) networking platform to foster the integrated development of the state’s tourism sector.
Minister Riyas shared details of the upcoming conclave during a press conference at the Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The event is a collaborative effort between the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society and the Kerala State Tourism Department.
Among those present at the press conference were Tourism Secretary Mr. K. Biju IAS, KTM Society President Mr. Jose Pradeep, KTM Society Secretary Mr. S. Swaminathan, Immediate Past President Mr. Baby Mathew Somatheeram, and former presidents Mr. E. M. Najeeb, Mr. Abraham George and Mr. Jagadeesh Kumar, Additional Secretary, Kerala Tourism. .
So far, 360 domestic and 40 international buyers have registered for the conclave, with more expected to join. Additionally, 65 sellers from the MICE and wedding sectors have also confirmed their participation.
“The conclave’s primary goal is to harness Kerala’s immense potential in this rapidly expanding segment,” stated Mr. Riyas. “By leveraging the state’s unique advantages, we aim to transform Kerala into a global hub for MICE and wedding tourism.”
The conclave’s inaugural session will take place at the Grand Hyatt on Bolgatty Island, Kochi, on August 14 at 5:00 PM. Subsequent business meetings and exhibitions will be held at Le Meridien.
Strategic Growth in Post-COVID Tourism
Mr. Riyas highlighted the government’s proactive measures to sustain and develop the tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted the extensive marketing campaigns undertaken by the Tourism Department to promote Kerala as a prime destination for weddings and MICE tourism both domestically and internationally.
“Our efforts have yielded significant success, with an estimated 1,000 destination weddings held across various tourist locations in Kerala last year alone,” Mr. Riyas revealed. He also pointed out that Kerala’s tourist inflow graph in the post-COVID era surpasses both global and national averages.
Kerala’s appeal as a wedding and MICE tourism destination extends beyond its natural beauty, encompassing rich cultural heritage, panoramic beaches, backwaters, world-class hospitality, robust infrastructure, and excellent road connectivity.
To further boost tourism, the department plans to focus on developing homestays, PWD rest houses, and tourism guest houses, in addition to five-star hotels and resorts, as part of an integrated development strategy for the sector.
The Minister affirmed that KTM and the Tourism Department, in partnership with private enterprises, are committed to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all tourists visiting the state for destination weddings and MICE events. He emphasized that the growth of the tourism sector and the steady increase in tourist arrivals will significantly enhance the overall socio-economic well-being of the community, benefiting everyone from auto drivers to resort owners.
Conclave’s Vision and Activities
This upcoming conclave aligns with the state government’s ambitious plans to establish Kerala as a leading destination for wedding and honeymoon tourism, a vision articulated by Chief Minister Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan during the inauguration of the last Kerala Travel Mart (KTM-2024).
Mr. Jose Pradeep stated that the conclave, with “Center Stage Kerala” as its focal theme, seeks to capitalize on Kerala’s reputation as a globally preferred destination to escalate MICE and wedding tourism.
He elaborated that the conference will unite wedding organizers, corporate conference planners, large convention center operators, and tourism and hospitality service providers under one umbrella for a coordinated promotion of the segment.
The event will feature training camps, discussions on innovative marketing strategies, and insights into logistics and technology deployment in collaboration with major MICE and wedding companies, along with leveraging local supply chains.
An accompanying exhibition will provide a platform for businesses with extensive experience in the MICE sector to showcase their products. This includes wedding planners, luxury resorts, destination wedding venues, floral designers, photographers, catering units, and bridal service providers.
Registered buyers attending the conference will have the opportunity to visit various locations across the state, including Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Bekal.
The conclave will prominently feature attractive wedding tourism sites such as beaches, backwaters, and mountains, integrating Kerala’s cultural heritage, ancient architecture, and delicious cuisine into the event’s theme.
Business meetings at the conclave will adhere to a pre-arranged schedule. The event will also host expert-led training workshops and exhibitions highlighting all of Kerala’s offerings in the wedding industry.
Business meetings are scheduled from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM on August 15 and 16, alongside seminars featuring international experts.
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