In a landmark move for India’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, the Maharashtra Government’s Department of Tourism has announced the formation of the Maharashtra Convention Bureau (MCB)—India’s first state-led bureau dedicated to positioning the state as a top-tier destination for global business events. This announcement was made at IMEX Frankfurt, one of the most significant trade shows in the global MICE calendar.
Headquartered in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, MCB is envisioned as a catalyst for attracting large-scale international conventions and exhibitions. The initiative aligns with the Maharashtra Tourism Policy 2024 and aims to strengthen the state’s global reputation as both a business and tourism hub. MCB will serve as a vital platform to facilitate international collaborations, offer support to event organisers, and promote Maharashtra’s potential for high-impact business tourism.
Key figures representing the state at IMEX included Shri Indranil Naik, Minister of State for Tourism, Industries, Public Works, and other portfolios, alongside senior officials such as Mr. Atul Patne, IAS, and Dr. B.N. Patil, IAS. The leadership emphasized Maharashtra’s strong economic foundation—contributing nearly 15% of India’s GDP—and its readiness to scale new heights through global engagement.
MCB’s mission extends beyond tourism. It seeks to draw experts, delegates, and innovators from across the globe, fostering knowledge-sharing and advancing intellectual capital. Cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik will form the core of MCB’s operations, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure, venue diversity, and logistical ease.
The Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) in Mumbai will play a pivotal role in this transformation, having already hosted major global events including the G20 sessions, World Congress of Accountants, and the Miss World Grand Finale. Future events secured include the International Olympiad on Astronomy & Astrophysics 2025, ICANN Annual Conference, and the UIA International Forum of Architects 2027.
Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, hailed the creation of MCB as a landmark for India’s MICE sector. He noted it would elevate Maharashtra’s position on the global stage while setting a powerful example for other states.
As Maharashtra sets its sights on hosting even more international events, the MCB stands as a strategic and visionary step in driving inclusive economic growth, tourism, and innovation.
