The Meeting Incentive Conference and Exhibition segment, better known as MICE, seems to be an attractive proposition for the hospitality sector in Chandigarh. MICE tourism is always considered lucrative by hoteliers considering revenue generated by this segment is 4-8 times more than leisure travelers.
Members from hospitality sector in Chandigarh believe the MICE tourism definitely holds better potential for them as per a report in Business Standard by Vikas Sharma
Now with the opening of JW Marriott at Chandigarh , part of Marriott International, few months back, definitely the MICE segment in Chandigarh seems heading for growth.
Deepak Manocha, GM, JW Marriott Chandigarh, says “we are here to play our role to add to the existing MICE tourism in Chandigarh.”
Marriott, being a global brand definitely holds more potential to woo MICE travelers across different regions into Chandigarh.
Even as, Marriot has started operations in Chandigarh recently, Manocha believes they see a huge potential in Chandigarh, emerging as great business destination in North India.
Commenting on the contribution towards MICE tourism, Manocha adds strengthening the MICE segment in Chandigarh would also have incidental impact on tourism in Chandigarh which is bound to grow with MICE travelers.
Chandigarh often is believed to be a transit-tourist destination and a gateway for Punjab , Himachal , Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand.
Hoteliers believe MICE segment would help Chandigarh emerge as a ‘tourist destination’.
Commenting on the business coming from MICE travelers Anil Madhok, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, maintain ,MICE segment is driving the growth and the curve has already gone-up by 30 per cent.
“We are already experiencing a revival in demand with rise in bookings and queries for the ongoing season. November and December are the peak seasons for MICE as well as for corporate travel.” Hotels in Bengaluru, Delhi—NCR and tier-II cities like Chandigarh and Ludhiana, are doing brisk business with an 8-10 per cent increase in domestic tourism.