Kerala has once again underscored its stature as a world-class hub for weddings and MICE tourism with the successful hosting of the Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave 2025 in Kochi. Curated by the Kerala Travel Mart Society in collaboration with Kerala Tourism, the conclave brought together leading voices and stakeholders from the travel, hospitality, and events sectors. More than just an industry gathering, it was a powerful showcase of Kerala’s timeless charm, cultural richness, and state-of-the-art infrastructure that together make the state a preferred choice for both grand celebrations and business events.
India’s First Wedding and MICE Conclave 2025 was held in Kochi, unveiling a new chapter in Kerala’s tourism landscape. The state that has long been celebrated as God’s Own Country has taken the lead in harnessing the vast potential of weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions). The event was held from August 14 to 16, 2025, in the beautiful and historic city of Kochi.
Join us as we take you through the highlights of the Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave 2025 and discover how Kerala continues to set benchmarks in experiential tourism.
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Kerala Sets the Stage for India’s Wedding and MICE Tourism Revolution | First Wedding and MICE Conclave in India
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has earmarked MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding tourism as dynamic growth engines poised to propel the nation’s tourism economy. With India’s rare confluence of world-class infrastructure, timeless heritage, and an extraordinary diversity of destinations, the ministry is vigorously championing these sectors to establish the country as a premier global hub for both corporate assemblies and opulent celebrations.
By hosting the country’s maiden Wedding and MICE Conclave in Kochi, Kerala has firmly positioned itself at the forefront of India’s tourism innovation. Kerala Travel Mart Society organised the pioneering event in collaboration with the Government of Kerala.
Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave 2025 – Reimagining Tourism | Kerala Wedding And MICE Conclave Highlights | First Wedding and MICE Conclave in India
Kerala made history by hosting India’s first dedicated Wedding and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Conclave, inaugurated by Tourism and Public Works Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas. Speaking at the opening ceremony at Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty, Shri Riyas described Kerala as the “most enchanting destination” for this growing segment, thanks to its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and professional expertise.
Shri Riyas highlighted Kerala’s distinction as a leader in hospitality, with the highest number of star hotels in the country, four international airports, cruise tourism, and the world’s first water metro. Weddings by the backwaters, receptions in heritage forts, and gourmet experiences that combine local flavours with global cuisines, he said, demonstrate how Kerala can transform events into unforgettable journeys.
Industries and Law Minister P. Rajeeve, who chaired the ceremony, underlined Kerala’s strong infrastructure and community participation through responsible tourism. Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, Suman Billa, pointed out that while the global wedding and MICE sector is valued at $1 trillion, India’s share remains just 1.8 per cent. He urged Kerala to establish a MICE Promotion Bureau, similar to models in East Asia, to capture a greater share of this lucrative market.
Other dignitaries, including Hibi Eden, MP, Tourism Secretary Biju K and Tourism Director Sikha Surendran, echoed the need for innovation and collaboration. KTM President Jose Pradeep welcomed delegates, calling the conclave a milestone in positioning Kerala as a wedding and MICE hub. In the words of KTM Secretary S. Swaminathan, the conclave exemplifies “public-private collaboration” at its best—one that promises to redefine Kerala’s future in tourism.
Other dignitaries who graced the inaugural event included Kochi Mayor Shri M Anilkumar, Kerala Tourism Additional Director (General) Ms Sreedhanya Suresh, KTM former presidents Shri Jose Dominic, Shri EM Najeeb, Shri Riyaz Ahmed, Shri Abraham George and Shri Baby Mathew Somatheeram.
The inauguration of the Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave 2025 in Kochi unfolded with a resplendent cultural showcase that distilled the very soul of Kerala’s artistic heritage. The evening was enlivened by the grandeur of Kathakali and the elegance of Mohiniyattam, interwoven with the sonorous strains of Carnatic music and the pulsating energy of traditional percussion. Together, these performances embodied Kerala’s timeless rhythm and affirmed its stature as God’s Own Country. Conceived as an immersive experience for delegates, the programme revealed how the state’s living traditions can lend weddings and corporate gatherings a rare blend of colour, grace, and authenticity, elevating every occasion into an unforgettable celebration.
Backwaters To Boardrooms – Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave 2025 | Kerala MICE Tourism | Kerala Wedding Tourism
The Keralal Wedding and MICE Conclave 2025 was a three-day event that spanned across two venues: the inaugural evening at Grand Hyatt Bolgatty was followed by business meetings, trade exhibitions, seminars, and networking sessions at Le Meridien International Convention Centre in Kochi from 15–16 August 2025. Following the conclave, the buyers set out on familiarisation tours across Kerala, experiencing firsthand the venues, properties, and facilities that position the state as a premier destination for Weddings and MICE tourism.
The exhibition section at the Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave 2025 in Kochi served as a dynamic showcase of Kerala’s vast potential as a premier event destination. Featuring 75 stalls, the exhibition brought together leading hotels, resorts, convention centres, travel operators, and event service providers under one roof. Kerala Tourism, KTDC, and the Union Ministry of Tourism also presented pavilions highlighting the state’s infrastructure and diverse offerings.
Delegates explored curated displays of venues, décor, catering, and entertainment services that could transform weddings and corporate gatherings into extraordinary experiences. The exhibition fostered meaningful connections, enabling buyers to engage directly with service providers, hospitality brands, industry leaders and innovators.
Against the backdrop of Kerala’s unmatched charm, buyers and sellers came together for impactful one-on-one meetings that not only forged valuable business connections but also sowed the seeds of enduring partnerships, paving the way for Kerala to emerge as a premier global destination for weddings and MICE tourism.
Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave 2025 – Insights and Ideas
The seminars at the Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave 2025 offered invaluable insights from experts, focusing on trends, sustainability, and innovation. Discussions underscored Kerala’s unique strengths and the need for collaboration, positioning the state as a rising hub for destination weddings and international conferences.
The first seminar was titled “MICE in God’s Own Country: Unlocking New Avenues.” The session was moderated by Ms Tanuja Pandey, Founder and Director of MICE online. The panel members for the discussion were: Mr Venkatesan D., Tourism Regional Head for South India, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Mr Mukesh Makhijiani, Founder & Director, Stimulus Hospitality; Mr Sagar Pingali, Executive Vice President, Event Management Association; Mr Mufaddal Dahodwala, Founder, Incentives Conferences and Events; Mr Balaram Babu, President, Telangana Chamber of Events Industry.
The panel discussion highlighted how Kerala’s Responsible Tourism (RT) initiatives and sustainable practices have given the state a distinctive edge in the global MICE arena. Mr. Venkatesan D., Regional Director (South), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, noted that Kerala stands as a national model, owing to its exotic venues, community participation, and seamless hospitality. He urged diversification of infrastructure, stronger training programmes, and promotion of smaller venues in destinations like Palakkad, Wayanad, and Kasaragod.
Mr. Mukesh Makhijiani, Stimulus Hospitality, emphasised that “Kerala does not need to imitate others—it can rebrand itself as ‘business with nature.’”
Mr. Sagar Pingali, Event Management Association, stressed the strengths of the state: “Kerala can leverage boat races, wellness, art, and culture to craft unique MICE experiences.”
Mr. Mufaddal Dahodwala, Incentives Conferences and Events, opined that “Destinations like Kochi, Kumarakom, Kovalam, and wildlife parks hold immense potential beyond metros, and integrating Responsible Tourism and local crafts into marketing can elevate Kerala’s MICE profile.”
Mr. Balaram Babu, Telangana Chamber of Events Industry, felt that advance event calendars in hotels and airports can boost direct searches by 20–30%.”
Industry leaders echoed these sentiments, stressing Kerala’s ability to blend business with nature—from backwaters and wellness to art and cultural experiences. They emphasised curating structured information for agencies, marketing underrepresented destinations, and leveraging unique Responsible Tourism (RT) elements such as handicrafts. Speakers agreed that Kerala’s blend of world-class infrastructure, cultural richness, and responsible practices positions it not merely as a competitor but as a trendsetter in India’s MICE and wedding tourism.
Destination Weddings In Kerala – Weaving Dreams of Togetherness
The second seminar at the Kerala Weddings and MICE Conclave 2025 was titled “Sacred Vows & Scenic Views: Reimagining Destination Weddings in Kerala.” The panel discussion was moderated by Shri S Swaminathan, Secretary, KTM. The panel members for the discussion were: Smt. Sikha Surendran, Director, Kerala Tourism; Shri Rajeev Jain, Founder & Director, Rashi Entertainment; Shri Sumit Khetan, Artistic Director, Sumit Khetan Entertainment; Shri Pramod Lunawat, Founder, Millennium Events.
The discussion spotlighted the state’s growing stature as a premier wedding destination. The experts emphasised that Kerala’s breathtaking landscapes, combined with inclusivity and a sustainable tourism model, set it apart in a competitive global market.
Smt. Sikha Surendran, Director, Kerala Tourism, underscored that “what makes Kerala different from other destinations is the unique experience it provides in the amazing backdrop of inclusiveness and sustainability.” She added that the state’s progressive mindset and strong community participation have been instrumental in transforming it into a preferred hub for both weddings and MICE events. “Kerala is the leader in sustainable tourism, and we need to carry along the local community with this. The different experience, inclusiveness and sustainable model in weddings and MICE has positioned the state as a major wedding destination,” she affirmed.
Shri Rajeev Jain, Founder & Director of Rashi Entertainment, called for greater investment in infrastructure, noting, “Kerala can leverage the benefits of the humongous wedding industry by concentrating on increasing hotel rooms and branding. The state should adopt technology for conducting big weddings and social events.”
Highlighting evolving trends, Shri Sumit Khetan, Artistic Director of Sumit Khetan Entertainment, observed, “Entertainment is a vital factor in modern weddings, and there is now a cross-cultural exchange where rituals and customs are adapted irrespective of region.”
Echoing the sentiment of authenticity, Shri Pramod Lunawat, Founder of Millennium Events, emphasised Kerala’s natural advantages: “The state has riveting spots for destination weddings and hardly needs to imitate others. We must focus on what we have. Kerala can tap the huge market of intimacy and celebration weddings.”
Closing of Kerala Wedding And MICE Conclave 2025 And Key Takeaways
India’s first Wedding and MICE Conclave concluded in Kochi with a call for a comprehensive policy to position Kerala as India’s foremost destination in this growing sector. Kerala Tourism Director Sikha Surendran, inaugurating the valedictory session, highlighted suggestions for establishing MICE Promotion Bureaus in major cities, beginning with Kochi, and for drafting a global marketing strategy to project Kerala’s strengths as an ideal hub for weddings and MICE tourism.
Organised by Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society in association with the Department of Tourism, the three-day event (August 14–16) hosted seminars with international experts and over 6,600 business meets. Smt. Surendran urged KTM to prepare a detailed report with recommendations and a roadmap to sustain the momentum, assuring that the government would act on key takeaways. She emphasised that Kerala’s edge in this sector lies not just in its natural beauty and cosmopolitan culture, but also in strong institutional support.
KTM President Jose Pradeep hailed the conclave as a benchmark-setting initiative, while past presidents and officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the state’s global presence in the sector. The event closed with acknowledgements to organisers and stakeholders, with optimism that Kerala is now firmly on the path to leadership in wedding and MICE tourism.
India’s maiden Wedding & MICE Conclave in Kochi signalled a strategic leap for Kerala—a visionary diversification of its tourism narrative. The conclave not only convened global stakeholders but also cemented the state’s intent to become a distinguished venue for both momentous personal celebrations and global business assemblies.
Our Video – Kerala Wedding And MICE Conclave 2025 At Kochi
Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave 2025 marks a milestone moment, empowering event tourism in India by showcasing Kerala’s unique blend of culture, heritage, and hospitality. Watch our YouTube video to relive the highlights of the Kerala Wedding And MICE Conclave 2025 from Kochi.
With bold plans for marketing, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement, Kerala is poised to redefine what “destination wedding” and “MICE tourism” mean in the Indian—and global—context.
The Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave 2025: Shaping Event Tourism has truly positioned the state as a frontrunner in both wedding and corporate event tourism. As we look back at the Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave Highlights, it is evident that this gathering showcased the immense potential of Kerala Wedding Tourism and the growing opportunities in Kerala MICE Tourism. Being the First Wedding and MICE Conclave in India, the event marked a milestone in redefining Kerala’s stature on the global map of event destinations.
We hope this post – Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave 2025 offered you an insightful glimpse into the conclave’s significance. Please share this post about the Kerala Wedding & MICE Conclave on your social media and join us in celebrating Kerala’s journey towards becoming a world-class hub for weddings and events.
Where Celebrations Meet Destinations — And Memories Take Flight
Picture a land where serene backwaters mirror the sky, where palm-fringed beaches glow like golden silk, and where centuries of culture weave seamlessly into modern elegance. This is Kerala — a canvas where weddings transform into timeless tales and events become extraordinary milestones. The Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave 2025 has reaffirmed this vision, showcasing how Kerala is not just a destination, but an experience that touches every heart.
Moments Beyond Meetings — Journeys Beyond Weddings
In Kerala, an event is never confined to its venue; it spills into landscapes, flavors, and stories that linger long after. From curated wedding experiences rooted in tradition to global-standard MICE facilities that inspire innovation, Kerala crafts journeys as memorable as they are meaningful. This is where Kerala Wedding Tourism and Kerala MICE Tourism redefine the art of hosting.
Travel With Us: From Conclaves to Celebrations
At Travel With Sandy & Vyjay, we bring these stories alive — weaving words and images into soulful journeys. Whether it is capturing the grandeur of the Kerala Wedding and MICE Conclave Highlights or discovering hidden gems beyond the spotlight, we invite you to walk with us as we explore the spirit of destinations that celebrate both people and possibilities.
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Because Every Journey is a Celebration
The First Wedding and MICE Conclave in India is only the beginning of Kerala’s new chapter. Are you ready to discover destinations that awaken your soul and design celebrations that last a lifetime? Write to us at [email protected], and together we will craft travel stories that echo long after the last curtain falls.
Because in Kerala — travel is not just where you go.
It is what you celebrate along the way.
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Sandy & Vyjay are a husband and wife duo who are travel content creators. They are co-founders of this travel website and are one of the leading travel content creators in India.
Sandy & Vyjay quit their successful corporate careers to pursue their passion for travel and writing full-time. Their dedication has earned them the “Best Travel Writer” award and numerous accolades on both national and international stages. Focusing on India’s destinations, heritage, and culture, they are passionate advocates for nature and the environment. Through their content, they promote ecotourism and sustainable travel, inspiring others to explore and preserve the beauty of India.
