The Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA) has devised a strategy of individually approaching state governments to create a dedicated policy roadmap for the promotion of MICE Travel. Some of the key areas that NIMA is urging the state governments to consider are industry status for the tourism sector, special incentive policies, infrastructure development for MICE activities, focus on MICE for smaller, niche groups, and training and skill development. 

Sharing the association’s plans, Jagdeep Bhagat, National Coordinator, NIMA said, “We have realised that because of the vastness of the MICE vertical, the focus has always been on large conventions. What is missing is the importance accorded to the high-end incentive groups or niche corporate group movement of 40-50 pax. Moreover, the MICE segment is in dire need of skill development which is currently missing. Therefore, we decided to approach each state individually to root for our cause of creating a policy framework for the MICE sector. We have already started talking to the state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir will soon join the list.”

Moreover, the National Governing Committee of NIMA has done away with the individual chapters to avoid creating a conflict centre. “We had existing chapters in Telengana, Vizag and a newly-launched in Mumbai. However, there has been a realisation that these sub-groups would only further complicate the process while making representations to the government with the sheer number of associations approaching them. We decided to create a representation with the local administration and states as an umbrella body so that the process is effective.”

He was of the view that fractured representation of issues was only diverting the attention of the government leading to the scratted allocation of resources, and there was the need for a common working ground for an adequate and effective approach.