Kerala Set to Host India’s First Wedding & MICE Conclave

Kerala is ready to take center stage in India's booming tourism landscape with its first-ever Wedding and MICE Conclave, scheduled to be held from August 14–16, 2025, in Kochi. Organized by the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, the conclave is poised to position the state as a leading global hub for destination weddings and MICE tourism.

Announcing the details at a press meet in Thiruvananthapuram, Tourism Minister Shri P. A. Mohamed Riyas shared that the conclave will serve as a strategic B2B networking platform for the integrated development of Kerala’s tourism sector. “Kerala’s breathtaking natural beauty, cultural richness, and world-class infrastructure present an unmatched opportunity to tap into the booming wedding and MICE segment,” the Minister said.

With 360 domestic and 40 international buyers already registered, and 65 sellers from the wedding and MICE sector on board, the conclave is gaining momentum. The inaugural session will be held at Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty Island, while the business meetings and exhibitions will unfold at Le Meridien, Kochi.

KTM President Mr. Jose Pradeep and key members including Mr. E.M. Najeeb, Mr. S. Swaminathan, Mr. Baby Mathew Somatheeram, and Mr. Abraham George were also present at the press conference. Highlighting the theme “Center Stage Kerala,” Mr. Jose Pradeep emphasized that the conclave will unite wedding planners, conference organizers, luxury venues, and hospitality providers under one roof to promote the state holistically.

The event also promises training camps, expert-led seminars, and an exhibition of destination wedding services—from floral décor to photography and catering—while showcasing Kerala’s scenic wedding venues across Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom, Kovalam, Wayanad, and more.

The Minister also pointed out Kerala’s post-COVID tourism resurgence, with over 1000 destination weddings hosted last year alone, and a tourist inflow exceeding national and global trends. Plans to strengthen the sector include promoting homestays, PWD rest houses, and guesthouses in addition to five-star venues.

With government backing, private participation, and KTM’s proactive efforts, the conclave aims to uplift not just the tourism industry but every stakeholder in the ecosystem—from auto drivers to resort owners—ensuring inclusive growth and a globally appealing Kerala.