Tourism

With strong air connectivity, world-class infrastructure, and a diverse range of experiences spanning wildlife, luxury, culture, and adventure, Australia continues to position itself as a highly attractive destination for India’s rapidly growing MICE segment. In a strategic initiative to inspire its top corporate clients, SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company, partnered with Tourism Australia to host a high-impact MICE engagement in Mumbai. The event witnessed strong participation from CXOs and senior executives representing leading multinational corporations and Indian corporate houses across sectors including BFSI, paints, automotive, FMCG, electronics, manufacturing, and trade. The engagement brought together key stakeholders from Tourism Australia and SOTC Travel, creating a dynamic platform for meaningful interactions and deeper engagement with the Australian tourism ecosystem. Representatives from Tourism Australia, along with partners including Singapore Airlines and Business Events Sydney, showcased Australia’s evolving MICE offerings and enhanced accessibility for Indian travellers. With Indian corporates increasingly seeking unique and experiential destinations for global offsites and incentive travel, Australia stands out for its seamless connectivity, premium venues, and distinctive experiences. The initiative aligns with SOTC Travel’s strategic focus on expanding its MICE portfolio and driving demand for high-potential long-haul destinations such as Australia. SOTC Travel has, in the past, delivered customised programs incorporating unique experiences such as Harley‑Davidson city rides, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, Sky Feast Fusion dining at Sydney Tower, and exclusive gala dinners at iconic cricket stadiums including the MCG and SCG with celebrity cricketers. Corporate itineraries have also featured curated city explorations in vintage cars, helicopter experiences along scenic coastal routes, heritage train journeys such as the Puffing Billy, and bespoke winery engagements in the Yarra Valley. These thoughtfully curated experiences have enabled organisations to create valuable moments for corporate groups and employees, leaving a lasting impression well beyond the program itself. The event format enabled a seamless blend of business and networking, featuring engaging discussions and one-on-one interactions that allowed participants to explore destination opportunities and customized MICE solutions. Mr. SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, said, “India’s MICE segment is evolving rapidly, with corporates looking beyond conventional destinations, seeking experiences that inspire, engage and deliver lasting value. This engagement marked our focused effort to strengthen Australia’s positioning within the competitive MICE landscape. With its extraordinary landscapes, vibrant cities, and world-class MICE infrastructure, Australia offers a compelling proposition for Indian corporates. At SOTC Travel, we remain committed to delivering customized MICE solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our clients, while ensuring seamless and memorable experiences. We believe this initiative will further reinforce Australia’s appeal as a preferred destination for MICE programs, with significant potential for growth in the years ahead.”

PANAJI, 26 March, GOA – In a strategic move to position the state as a premier global destination for corporate travel and large-scale business events, Department of Tourism, Goa has officially secured a Lifetime Membership with the India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB). This milestone collaboration marks a significant step in Goa’s ongoing initiative to expand its tourism portfolio beyond its world-renowned beaches and firmly establish itself as a 365-day hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). To mark this significant partnership, the official Lifetime Membership certificate was handed over to Department of Tourism, Goa by Mr. Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Mr. Neeraj Dhawan, Treasurer, ICPB, andDr. Poonam Rajput, Executive Director, ICPB at a formal ceremony at Assembleia, Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Goa has been rapidly transforming its tourism landscape to cater to the growing demand for “bleisure” (business combined with leisure) travel. The state is actively developing its business-ready infrastructure, including upcoming convention centers at the Rua-De-Ourem Creek and Margao, alongside the enhanced global connectivity provided by the Manohar International Airport (MOPA). Building on the success of flawlessly executing high-profile international gatherings, such as the G20 working group meetings, Department of Tourism, Goa is actively promoting a sustainable, regenerative tourism model. By integrating the state’s rich heritage, eco-tourism, wellness offerings, and hinterland attractions into the corporate travel experience, Goa provides an unmatched, holistic environment for modern event planners. To further strengthen the ecosystem, identified venues in Goa will be encouraged to take up Associate Membership under ICPB, with active support from the Department of Tourism, ensuring deeper integration with the national MICE network and greater opportunities for local stakeholders. Mr. Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism, emphasized the national alignment: “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.” Mr. Neeraj Dhawan, Treasurer, ICPB, welcomed the partnership, stating: “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.” Speaking on the development, Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble 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 lifetime partnership with ICPB unlocks a range of strategic advantages designed to elevate Goa’s standing in the global MICE industry. The membership will significantly enhance Goa’s visibility across national and international platforms, promoting the state’s MICE capabilities to leading event organizers and corporate decision-makers.