Business tourism, also called MICE tourism (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions), is gaining momentum in Kolkata and other parts of Bangla on the back of improved connectivity, the presence of several five-star hotels and a world-class convention centres
The sprawling Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, which has several halls and other modern infrastructure, situated at New Town, adjoining Kolkata, has already got 46 bookings for 2020, and is doing good business.
The capacity of high-end hotels in Kolkata and adjoining areas has increased to 5,000 rooms from 3,800 in just a couple of years.
Kolkata has always been known as a friendly, intellectual and vibrant city, rich in culture and heritage. With the number of hotel rooms rapidly increasing, these aspects are playing a big supporting role in making Kolkata a favourable MICE destination.
Besides infrastructure, New Town now also has big IT, financial and educational hubs. Importantly too is the fact of its proximity to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
Destinations other than Kolkata are being rapidly developed by the Trinamool Government. Private players are also getting a lot of opportunities in terms of convenient rules and regulations.
For the last few years, a successful business is being annually taking place in Siliguri. Then, a best-in-class convention centre has been built by the government in Digha, named Dighashree Bangla International Convention Centre by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Dighashree is expected to have a big impact on MICE tourism in Bangla.
Source: Millennium Post