Department of Tourism Goa has secured a lifetime membership with the India Convention Promotion Bureau, marking a strategic step to position Goa as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
The partnership is aligned with Goa’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism portfolio beyond leisure travel and build a year-round ecosystem for corporate and business events. The membership certificate was formally presented at a ceremony held at Assembleia, Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and ICPB.
Goa has been strengthening its MICE infrastructure through the development of new convention facilities, including upcoming centres at Rua-de-Ourem Creek and Margao. Enhanced connectivity via Manohar International Airport is also supporting the state’s positioning as a business travel hub.
The state’s ability to host large-scale international events has been demonstrated through platforms such as the G20 meetings India 2023, reinforcing its credentials in managing high-profile gatherings. Alongside infrastructure, Goa is integrating heritage, eco-tourism, wellness, and hinterland experiences to cater to evolving “bleisure” travel demand.
As part of the collaboration, identified venues across Goa will be encouraged to obtain associate membership with ICPB, enabling closer integration with the national MICE network and expanding opportunities for local stakeholders.
Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism, said, “The Ministry of Tourism is fully committed to positioning India as a global MICE hub. Goa’s integration into the ICPB network as a Lifetime Member aligns perfectly with our national strategy. By synergizing local charm with world-class infrastructure, Goa is setting a benchmark for how states can diversify their tourism offerings.”
Neeraj Dhawan, Treasurer, ICPB, added, “Goa’s entry as a Lifetime Member is a tremendous boost to our collective efforts at ICPB. By collaborating directly with the Department of Tourism, Goa we can effectively showcase the state’s unique MICE infrastructure and vibrant venues to our global network. This partnership will undoubtedly pave the way for more diverse, high-quality business events in India and provide actionable value to our stakeholders.”
Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, said, “This lifetime membership with ICPB reinforces our commitment to positioning Goa as a leading destination for business and corporate events. We are focused on creating a robust ecosystem that blends world-class infrastructure with Goa’s unique experiential appeal, enabling us to attract high-value global events while driving sustainable tourism growth for the state.”
The partnership is expected to enhance Goa’s visibility among global event organisers and strengthen its role in India’s growing MICE ecosystem.
