Sustainability and technology driving growth
MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism industry is poised for significant growth, powered by advancements in technology and an increasing emphasis on sustainability. From eco-conscious resorts to tech-enabled event solutions, stakeholders in the hospitality, aviation, and cruise sectors are redefining the industry landscape. The integration of smart venues and sustainable practices is enhancing India’s inbound and outbound tourism appeal. With the government prioritising infrastructure development and international collaborations, the MICE market is set to unlock vast opportunities, establishing India as a global hub for business tourism while addressing the environmental and economic challenges of the future.
Bhagwati Pant
“By embracing sustainability, we as an industry can lead the way to a greener, healthier environment.”
Sustainability in hosting large-scale MICE events
Our property is committed to sustainability in hosting MICE events by reducing carbon footprints through eco-friendly measures. These include solar panel installations, eliminating single-use plastics, LED lighting, rooftop gardens, eco-friendly cleaning products, and encouraging towel and linen reuse. We focus on local procurement, staff training, and community engagement to promote green values. These practices not only address environmental concerns but also cut costs on water, electricity, and maintenance. Sustainability is essential for modern travellers, who increasingly seek eco-conscious destinations. As a result, “reduce, reuse, recycle” is becoming a vital principle for the future of the industry.
Attracting Indian corporates to host events
Our strategy to attract Indian corporates includes tailored corporate programmes, offering special group rates, exclusive facilities, and concierge services to encourage repeat bookings. We collaborate with airlines and service providers to deliver seamless cross-border packages, addressing the growing need for international corporate meetings. Strengthening partnerships with local suppliers ensures a comprehensive approach to event planning. Post-pandemic, businesses are prioritising value-driven, sustainable, and personalised experiences, and we aim to lead by offering innovative solutions, health-conscious initiatives, and long-term partnerships that meet these evolving expectations.
Technologies and trends shaping MICE tourism
Technologies and trends driving MICE tourism include smart technologies, energy efficiency via motion sensors and HVAC optimisation, and eco-friendly key cards. Staff training in sustainability is critical to implementing these strategies. Practices such as towel and linen reuse, replacing plastic bottles with glass, and composting food waste help reduce the carbon footprint. These innovations align with guests’ sustainability expectations and significantly reduce environmental impact.
Pankaj Nagpal
"The more MICE movements we see, the better it is, not only for our country but also for the destination countries."
Sustainability in the logistics and planning
Sustainability is crucial in MICE logistics, particularly in eco-sensitive areas. As a Destination Management Company (DMC) and ground handler, we adopt measures to minimise environmental impact. For transportation, we prioritise electric or green-fuel vehicles and optimise group transfers to reduce emissions by limiting the number of trips. We collaborate with venues that hold sustainability certifications, such as LEED, to ensure eco-friendly operations. Additionally, we reduce the use of printed materials, leverage digital tools like apps and messaging platforms, and promote recyclable materials. These practices enable us to contribute to a cleaner, greener world.
Role of the Indian corporate market
The Indian corporate market plays a significant role in driving MICE tourism growth. India’s sustained economic growth has propelled its corporate sector, leading to an increase in MICE activity. This growth benefits both India and destination countries by encouraging investments in infrastructure such as hotels and venues, which boosts GDP. MICE events, particularly incentive programs, motivate teams to achieve higher performance levels. They also foster networking and collaboration among global businesses, facilitating knowledge exchange and partnerships that stimulate economic development worldwide.
Innovating to deliver unique experiences
DMCs are embracing innovation to cater to evolving MICE industry trends. They leverage data analytics and client feedback to create personalized experiences, use advanced event management technology, and adopt eco-friendly initiatives by partnering with sustainable suppliers and venues. Unique local experiences, such as workshops with artisans or culinary sessions, add cultural depth. Wellness programs like yoga and mindfulness workshops are increasingly integrated, alongside creative event themes and formats, to engage attendees and ensure memorable, rejuvenating experiences.
A Krishna Mohan
“We utilize data analytics to provide personalized attendee experiences and measure event success in real-time.”
Sustainable Practices in MICE Services
At Southern Travels, sustainability is a key pillar of our MICE services. We minimise our carbon footprint by selecting green-certified venues, promoting digital resources to reduce paper waste and encouraging group transportation to reduce emissions. We also emphasise support for local communities by sourcing products and services locally. Collaborating with eco-certified partners, we advocate for sustainable practices throughout our operations, ensuring that each event is both environmentally responsible and impactful.
Leveraging Technology for Enhanced MICE Experiences
To enhance MICE experiences and improve operational efficiency, Southern Travels incorporates cutting-edge technology, including virtual and hybrid event platforms. These tools offer seamless engagement for both in-person and remote attendees, with features such as live streaming, interactive breakout rooms, and virtual networking opportunities. Our integrated event management systems streamline tasks like registration, ticketing, and agenda planning, reducing manual errors and saving time.
Emerging trends in the MICE industry
We are closely monitoring key trends shaping the future of MICE tourism, including the rise of hybrid events, experiential travel, and sustainability. Hybrid events, blending in-person and virtual elements, require advanced digital platforms and audio-visual technology to create seamless, inclusive experiences for all attendees. Experiential travel is another focus, where we design immersive itineraries that integrate business goals with cultural, adventure, and wellness activities, fostering deeper engagement and satisfaction.
Identifying and adapting to opportunities in new markets
To identify and adapt to new opportunities in underexplored destinations, we rely on a combination of research, collaboration, and innovation. We closely analyse emerging travel trends and assess the infrastructure and unique advantages of lesser-known locations to determine their potential for MICE events. Partnering with local tourism boards, government agencies, and stakeholders allows us to understand the regional landscape and create customised offerings that highlight the destination’s distinct appeal.
Rubin Cherian
" By blending cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, we aim to deliver seamless, impactful, and memorable experiences for all our guests and clients. "
Sustainability in hosting large-scale MICE events
At Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC, sustainability is at the heart of our operations. We have implemented a series of initiatives aimed at minimising our environmental impact, particularly for MICE events. In 2024, we replaced diesel boilers with LPG boilers, significantly reducing our carbon footprint, and installed liquor offtake systems to minimise waste. Water conservation is another critical focus area; we utilise treated water for flushing and cleaning open spaces. To power our property sustainably, we are planning to install 1 MW of solar panels, expected to generate 4,000 units of electricity daily.
Attracting Indian corporates to host events
Our approach to attracting Indian corporates is rooted in offering value, convenience, and exceptional service. Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC's strategic location, close to IT hubs and the airport, ensures ease of access for business travellers. We provide a one-stop solution for event planning, from state-of-the-art facilities to catering and accommodation, simplifying the process for corporate clients. We have cultivated strong partnerships with event management companies and corporate organisations, enabling us to host high-profile conferences, incentives, and exhibitions. To meet evolving client demands, we offer highly customisable event spaces and integrated virtual and hybrid event solutions.
Technologies and trends shaping MICE tourism
The MICE sector is undergoing a technological revolution, and we at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC are at the forefront of these advancements. We have invested in upgraded internet infrastructure with high-speed, secure connectivity to meet the demands of modern MICE events. Digital and interactive displays have enhanced event experiences, while cloud-based property management systems have streamlined operations. Looking ahead, we are exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to offer more personalized event planning services.
Sustainability and technology driving growth
