Maharashtra Invites Global Organisers for MICE Tourism Under New Convention Bureau
The Maharashtra government has issued a global invitation to event organisers, delegates, and industry stakeholders to host major events across the state, aiming to establish Maharashtra as a leading international hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
The global outreach comes one year after the state introduced targeted fiscal and administrative frameworks under the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024. The initiative is anchored by the Maharashtra Convention Bureau, which is headquartered in Mumbai and operates directly under the leadership of the Additional Chief Secretary of Tourism.
First officially announced at IMEX Frankfurt in May 2025 as the first institutional body of its kind created by an Indian state government, the bureau has now transitioned into a fully functional, centralised facilitator. The bureau's initial promotional and operational focus spans the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.
Designed as a unified platform, the bureau connects government regulatory authorities with private hospitality and logistics sectors to streamline licensing and approvals. International organisers and industry stakeholders can now access single-window clearances directly through the Department of Tourism. In addition to administrative support, the bureau has rolled out dedicated workforce certification programs to upskill local event personnel and is offering targeted fiscal incentives under the 2024 policy framework.
According to Maharashtra Tourism, MICE delegates generate significantly higher average daily expenditure than leisure travellers across aviation, hospitality, local transport, and dining, in addition to venue bookings. Business travellers also frequently extend their stays for leisure, helping generate wider regional tourism revenue across the state.
Additional Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Tourism Sanjay Khandare stated that the convention bureau provides a single point of facilitation to make planning and hosting events simpler.
"Through the Maharashtra Convention Bureau, we are providing organisers with a single point of facilitation and a collaborative platform that makes planning and hosting events easier," Khandare said. "With strong connectivity, diverse destinations, modern venues and a supportive policy framework, Maharashtra is well positioned to host global business events. We invite organisers from India and across the world to partner with us and experience the opportunities the state has to offer."
