Maharashtra has unveiled the Maharashtra Convention Bureau (MCB)—a dedicated agency designed to position the state as a leading global hub for MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
What makes this launch remarkable is the speed: the Bureau was conceived and operationalised in just three and a half months, an unusually fast turnaround for a public-sector initiative. The announcement was made at IMEX Frankfurt, one of the world’s most prestigious MICE exhibitions, highlighting Maharashtra’s ambition to capture global attention.
Quick Execution, Strong Leadership
The initiative was driven by Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai and Tourism Principal Secretary Atul Patne (IAS), supported by Minister of State for Tourism Indraneel Naik and Dr. B. N. Patil, Director of the Directorate of Tourism.
“Business events and MICE tourism are the future,” Mr. Desai remarked. “With world-class infrastructure and unmatched connectivity, Maharashtra is ready to lead India’s MICE revolution.”
Mumbai Leads, But Other Cities Rising
While Mumbai—home to JIO World Convention Centre, NESCO, and CIDCO Exhibition Centre—remains the state’s flagship for global events, the Bureau is also expanding opportunities across Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and Aurangabad.
“These cities are witnessing rapid growth in hotels and convention centres,” said Dr. Patil. “The idea is to decentralise business tourism and spread economic benefits across the state.”
A Single-Window Facilitator
MCB is structured as a facilitative and promotional body, not a regulator. Its role will include:
- Attracting and supporting international bids
- Coordinating between stakeholders
- Streamlining logistics for large-scale events
- Offering single-window assistance to global planners
“The Bureau will reinforce Mumbai’s role as the ‘Gateway to India’ for world-class conferences and exhibitions,” noted Mr. Patne.
Economic & Global Impact
The initiative aligns with Maharashtra’s broader vision of using MICE as an economic growth engine. International events fuel demand for hotels, transport, catering, logistics, and professional services while creating jobs in tourism and event management.
Beyond economics, hosting global gatherings boosts Maharashtra’s international visibility, fosters partnerships, and supports professional development within the state.
Capturing the Post-Pandemic Opportunity
With business travel recovering after COVID-19, event organizers now demand efficiency, dependability, and streamlined facilitation. Maharashtra intends to showcase its readiness to deliver all three.
“The urgency was intentional,” said a senior official. “Once the decision was taken, all stakeholders aligned quickly to ensure we didn’t miss the opportunity window.”
Why MICE Matters
- Economic Driver: Generates high-value tourism and jobs
- Infrastructure Growth: Strengthens facilities for both business and communities
- Global Recognition: Puts Maharashtra on the international business map
- Knowledge Exchange: Brings training, networking, and skill development
- Cultural Promotion: Highlights Maharashtra’s heritage and modern appeal
With its hard infrastructure already in place and now a streamlined facilitative body, Maharashtra is betting big that MICE tourism will become a cornerstone of its global identity and economic strategy.
