Bengal to Showcase Hospitality Sector During Bengal Global Business Summit, Eyes on MICE Industry Growth

Kolkata, January 25 - The Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) is gearing up to be a spotlight for the hospitality sector in the state as it promises to transform Calcutta into a premier MICE destination, according to industry insiders.

The upcoming event, which will take place on February 5 and 6, aims to create buzz around the existing infrastructure and pipeline of hospitality projects across Bengal. According to sources, the state boasts an inventory of approximately 4500 rooms spread across different categories - including 5-star, 3-star, and 2-star hotels.

This aggregate count is expected to push the room number in the state closer to 10,000 once the ongoing projects are completed. Top hotel chains, including IHCL, Park, ITC Hotels, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Lemon Tree, are among those poised to expand their operations across Bengal.

The focus on MICE, which stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions, is a part of the state's broader efforts to promote various forms of tourism. Besides promoting religious and heritage tourism, the government aims to boost tea tourism as well.

The BGBS will also coincide with the India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) organized MICE conclave on February 4-6. According to Amaresh Tiwari, immediate past vice president and board member IPCB, several convention centres and exhibition areas have been developed in the state - including the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre and Dhano Dhanyo auditorium.

"We're excited about hosting this conclave in Calcutta," said Tiwari. "The venue has everything we need to host a successful event."

With India's share of global MICE business still being below 1 per cent, Tiwari emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to expand the country's MICE prospects and attract more MICE activities back home.

"Sudesh Poddar, president of HRAEI (Hospitality Restaurants and Allied Establishments) noted that there is immense thrust on tourism, especially MICE tourism. The Bengal Global Business Summit promises everything our members need to take their business forward," said Tiwari.

Sudesh Poddar also shared his sentiments on the growing importance of promoting Bengal as a preferred destination for conferences and exhibitions.

"The state has truly transformed its MICE infrastructure over recent years. We aim to make it one of India's leading destinations under this initiative," he concluded.