India’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) sector is expected to grow at 12-14 per cent annually over the next 3-5 years, Network of Indian MICE Association (NIMA) national coordinator Dr Nitin Mittal said on Thursday.
“The country’s MICE and destination-wedding industry is witnessing strong momentum, with corporate MICE growing by 10-15 per cent year-on-year and destination weddings expanding at an even faster 15-20 per cent, taking the combined segment to around 12-15 per cent growth over the previous year,” Mittal said at the 3-day TTF (Travel & Tourism Fair) Mumbai 2026, which began on Thursday.While established hubs such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai continue to lead, tier II and III destinations including Goa, Udaipur, Jaipur, Kochi, Varanasi and Indore are emerging as attractive alternatives, driven by their infrastructure, cultural appeal and cost advantages, he stated.”Over the next 3-5 years, the sector is expected to grow at 12-14 per cent annually. Strengthening connectivity, streamlining visas, developing city-level convention bureaus and introducing targeted incentives for global events will be critical to positioning India as a leading global destination for MICE and weddings,” Mittal added.Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) Chairman, Western Region, Rajesh Poddar said, “The travel trade is witnessing strong momentum in domestic and Far East markets, with changing global dynamics and visa challenges for the EU and US, influencing traveller preferences.”India recorded over 4.3 billion domestic tourist visits in 2025, while 32.83 million Indian nationals travelled abroad, registering 6.3 per cent growth year-on-year, reflecting the sector’s continued expansion, he said.“Travellers are increasingly seeking offbeat and lesser-known destinations, while affordable and hassle-free visa options are opening new opportunities, including in the luxury segment. Government support through easier visas, tourist-friendly infrastructure and dedicated tourist police can further accelerate growth,” Poddar stated.However, he said, the West Asia crisis has created fresh headwinds for international travel, with flight disruptions, longer routes and higher airfares affecting outbound demand.He said, this has been compounded by the sharp rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), with international ATF prices increasing nearly 2.5 times in last three months.”As fuel accounts for around 40 per cent of airline operating costs, the increase has put significant pressure on airline finances and ultimately travel costs. While strong domestic demand provides an important cushion, maintaining affordable air connectivity and supporting alternative international routes will be critical for the travel trade in the months ahead,” he added.Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) Chairman-Western Chapter Jay Kantawala said, “India’s travel trade continues to witness strong, broad-based growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, expanding air connectivity and a growing appetite for experience-led travel.Outbound, MICE, luxury and experiential travel are among the fastest-growing segments, with many businesses witnessing double-digit growth as travellers increasingly seek premium, personalised and immersive experiences, he said.”This shift is also transforming the role of travel agents from itinerary providers to experienced designers. Looking ahead, significant opportunities lie in luxury and experiential travel, MICE, tier II and III markets, and attracting higher-value international travellers to India,” Kantawala added.
