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Dipak Haksar, Chairman, National Council for Tourism and Hospitality; and Chief Executive, ITC and WelcomHotels, elaborated, “According to the ITB World Travel Trends Report, MICE holds 54% of the travel market share. In 2015, North America had the largest share in the market, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific which is bound to grow. When it comes to India, it only shares one per cent of the global market share and globally ranked 35th MICE destination compared to 25th in 2012. MICE is a segment which is not sensitive to the seasonality factor. In that case, India can make as a lucrative destination with its world heritage sites and facilities.”
“We had a meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs a few days ago, we insisted on MICE e-visa as well, we have been trying hard for e-visa for MICE and medical and we are hopeful to have this e-visa to see the light of the day, particularly for business tourists to begin with, but we are insisting that ultimately the conference visa should also be done; we have been assured that it will be done, step-by-step,” highlighted Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.
Suman Billa, Chairman, ICPB; and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, suggested, “Taxes have been a huge issue when it comes to MICE travel. In order to promote tourism in the sector, tax rates should be brought down to global standards.”
Source: travelnewsdigest.in