Maharashtra is the first Indian state with a dedicated MICE convention promotion bureau, officials said at the IEIA MICE Industry Leaders Connect: Focus West at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, as reported on 19 October 2026. The bureau aims to help Mumbai win major international conventions and exhibitions.
Suman Billa, Secretary at the Union Ministry of Tourism, called for similar bodies in other Indian states and cities, and said India currently accounts for about 1% of the global MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) market.
What Will the Maharashtra Convention Bureau Do?
Officials describe it as the country’s first state-level convention promotion bureau, developed under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the state’s tourism authorities. Its stated aims are to strengthen international destination promotion, support bids for major conventions and exhibitions, and position Mumbai as an international business events hub. It is also expected to improve coordination between government departments, convention venues, hotels, event organisers and other tourism stakeholders. The report does not give the bureau’s budget or leadership.
Which Convention Centres Is Maharashtra Planning?
Sanjay Yadav, Secretary of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said a convention centre in Nagpur is expected to open in 2027. Further convention facilities are planned for Pune, Kolhapur, Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
What Is the Proposed Western Region MICE Task Force?
The event discussed a proposed Western Region MICE Task Force linking Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Goa. Other participants included Devendra Bharma, CEO of Jio World Convention Centre; Abhay Arvind Bedekar, Additional Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board; and Saumil Ranjan Chaubey, Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board.
Industry Reaction and Expert Commentary
Sooraj Dhawan, President of the Indian Exhibition Industry Association, said: “India has a significant opportunity to strengthen its position on the global MICE map.” No market or investor reaction was found.
What Happens Next?
Watch for the Nagpur convention centre’s 2027 opening, further facilities in the other cities named, and whether the Western Region task force is formally constituted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has India’s first MICE convention promotion bureau?
Maharashtra, according to officials speaking at the Mumbai event reported on 19 October 2026.
What share of the global MICE market does India hold?
About 1%, according to Suman Billa of the Union Ministry of Tourism.
When will the Nagpur convention centre open?
It is expected to open in 2027, according to Sanjay Yadav, Maharashtra’s Secretary of Tourism.
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