- Accomplished 425+ events in Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre; 600+ shows and events in Leela and 12 big events happening in Kevadiya during the last year and also in other destinations like Runn of Kutch, Science City, and more.
- Focusing on the new brand ‘Meet in India’ and hosting big global conferences in India, launching ICPB’s Gujarat chapter, besides the signings of MOUs.
- UNESCO adds Gujarat’s Garba dance to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
With strategic initiatives and proactive actions, Gujarat is ambitiously looking to position itself as the epicenter for global events and conferences, fostering a dynamic environment that seamlessly merges cultural richness with international appeal. In the pursuit of this goal, the State is implementing comprehensive strategies to elevate its standing on the global stage.
Welcoming all the guests and dignitaries at the 14th Convention India Conclave (CIC), ICPB’s flagship annual event, that took place in Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Center, Hareet Shukla, IAS- Secretary, Gujarat Tourism, Govt of Gujarat, highlighted how the potential of Gujarat is uplifted as the tourism center of India with the vision of PM Narendra Modi.
“PM Modi initiated the celebration of tourism year in 2006, and since then tourism has been the epicenter of developmental initiatives in the State. According to India Tourism Statistical Report released last year, Gujarat is said to be the first preference for international travelers coming to India. Also, Gujarat is in the top 5 with regards to domestic tourism. In addition, Gujarat has been recognized as one of the best tourism villages in India 2023 by UNWTO for Dhordo”, says Shukla.
He further draws light on a plenty of other developmental initiatives and strategies, and also towards establishing Iconic Destinations and special tourism zones in Gujarat. “We have hosted wholesome number of G20 events in Gujarat, Defence Expo, cricket matches, many more and now it is a pleasure as we head towards the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024. Along with all these global events from diverse segments, we are also focused in boosting the MICE segment. And we are looking forward to seeing Gujarat as a top destination for MICE, both domestically and internationally”, says Shukla.
According to Shukla, Gujarat has been very successful in creating new events and destinations and Gujarat continues with the effort. And on the same lines, Shukla adds “It is a matter of great pride for every Indian as UNESCO adds Gujarat’s Garba dance to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. We can now showcase the beauty of the Garba dance on the global stage, which is famous worldwide as the world’s longest dance festival.”
Talking about executing successful events in Gujarat, Shukla says that in the past few years Gujarat successfully accomplishes more than 425 events in Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre. “In Leela, we have conducted 600+ shows and events in the last one year. Similarly, in Kevadiya, we have witnessed 12 big events happening during the last year and also in other popular destinations in Gujarat like Runn of Kutch, Science City, and more. And we will be working harder to promote these destinations on the global stage through MICE, by focusing on the new brand ‘Meet in India’ and hosting big global conferences in India and specially in Gujarat. Besides, ICPB and Gujarat joining hands to launch the Gujarat chapter, with the signings of MOUs”, concludes Shukla.
Gujarat’s Vision: Emerging As Global Hub for MICE Events
