Across destinations, global hospitality players are reshaping the business events landscape for Indian organisers
With scale, sustainability, and immersive experiences at the forefront, these venues go beyond ballrooms to deliver culture-rich, customised, and high-impact gatherings. While interacting with some key stakeholders, it is clear that the Indian MICE market is increasingly influencing global hospitality with its size, expectations, and evolving preferences.
Prashant Nayak
As Indian corporates expand their horizons, hotels and resorts are stepping up MICE offerings that combine connectivity and storytelling. What was once limited to boardrooms and banquets has now evolved into curated journeys that transform the global MICE experience.
Sri Lanka’s Iconic Beachfront MICE Destination – The Blue Water Hotel and Spa
Owned and managed by Union Resorts and Spas Sri Lanka, The Blue Water Hotel and Spa in Wadduwa has positioned itself as one of the country’s most sought-after venues for Indian MICE groups. Just 90 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport and a short drive from Colombo, the resort combines easy accessibility with a tranquil beachfront setting, making it ideal for corporates, wedding organisers, and incentive groups from India.
What makes The Blue Water stand out is the unique blend of scale, heritage, and customisation. As the last resort designed by Sri Lanka’s legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa, the property offers a setting steeped in architectural brilliance, cultural depth, and timeless design. Its sweeping courtyards, open spaces, and panoramic ocean views give every event a distinctive edge.
"Our MICE offering stands apart as a blend of stunning locations, facilities, and Geoffrey Bawa architecture, all within close proximity to Colombo. Indian organisers looking for exclusivity and heritage value will find The Blue Water both inspiring and practical." — Ashwin R Joseph Subramaniam, Director, Sales and Marketing, Union Resorts and Spas Sri Lanka.
The resort is well-equipped to accommodate large delegations under one roof, featuring 140 rooms, including 96 deluxe sea-view rooms and 44 spacious suites. Its Grand Ballroom can host up to 500 guests in round-table style, while the Sea Scape Ballroom caters to mid-sized gatherings of up to 200. Outdoor spaces add another dimension, with options for beachfront banquets, poolside receptions, and sundowner events that reflect the Indian market’s love for grand yet scenic celebrations.
Food plays a defining role in the success of Indian MICE events, and here, The Blue Water brings both authenticity and creativity. From vegetarian and Jain menus to themed buffets and live stations, the resort’s culinary team works closely with organisers to craft personalised dining experiences. "Our chefs understand the nuances of Indian cuisine and the importance of food in creating lasting memories."
Partnerships are another strength. The Blue Water collaborates with DMCs, tour operators, and event planners across India and Sri Lanka to curate itineraries that go beyond the ballroom, creating memorable experiences. These range from architectural tours of Geoffrey Bawa’s genius within the resort to river safaris, Colombo city walks, and private beach banquets.
Vietnam’s Coastal Escape – Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort
Just two hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort has emerged as one of Vietnam’s most versatile beachfront venues for MICE. Combining scale, flexibility, and resort-style luxury, the property offers Indian organisers a destination where business, leisure, and cultural experiences come together seamlessly.
The resort’s unique strength lies in its expansive venues, ranging from the Beach Garden, which can host over 500 guests, to beachfront lawns and terraces that set the stage for dramatic gala dinners and themed evenings. Indoor spaces are equally impressive, with natural light, modern AV, and flexible layouts designed to cater to conferences, product launches, and incentives of every scale.
"What differentiates us is the balance we bring: world-class event infrastructure paired with a relaxing resort-style environment." — Trang Le–Minnie, Director, Sales, Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort.
Accommodation is another highlight. With a wide inventory of rooms, suites, and beachfront villas, the resort can easily host large delegations while providing exclusivity for VIPs. Culinary offerings are tailored to Indian tastes, with specialised menus for vegetarian, vegan, and Jain groups alongside international and Vietnamese cuisines. A dedicated MICE support team ensures smooth coordination, from arrivals and check-ins to customised event setups and entertainment.
Collaboration with local DMCs, Indian tour operators, and event planners is central to the resort’s approach. This network allows Meliá Ho Tram to integrate cultural resonance into its offerings, whether through Bollywood-inspired entertainment, Vietnamese excursions, or hybrid weddings.
Bintan Resorts: Indonesia’s Island Advantage
Set against the backdrop of turquoise seas and palm-fringed beaches, Bintan Resorts is an integrated tourism destination on Bintan Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia. Featuring 23 world-class resorts along the northern coastline and four golf courses designed by renowned designers, the destination offers seamless accessibility, with a 60-minute catamaran ferry ride from Singapore.
Bintan Resorts is now strengthening its focus on the Indian MICE market while presenting itself as a convenient and versatile business events destination in Southeast Asia. Offering a growing range of meeting facilities and leisure options that extend beyond the boardroom, Bintan is positioning itself as a strong choice for Indian corporates seeking destinations that balance accessibility, scale, and a variety of comfortable and off-the-beaten-track experiences.
Adding to its growing infrastructure, Bintan is developing a five-hectare convention centre at Lagoi Bay, set to open in 2027. Designed to host up to 10,000-plus delegates, the centre will be one of the largest convention venues in the region and will further strengthen Bintan’s profile as a business events hub.
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree brings MICE in harmony with nature
Unveiled in April 2025, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree is a relatively new addition that is redefining Singapore’s MICE landscape by positioning sustainability and nature at the centre of business gatherings. Located within the 126-hectare Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the property offers event organisers and corporates an inspiring alternative to conventional meeting venues, where creativity and conservation go hand in hand.
The resort’s flagship venue, the 466 m² Meranti Ballroom, accommodates up to 300 guests in a pillarless setting designed to reflect the natural world. The ceiling, patterned after the rare Bridal Veil mushroom, symbolises creativity and interconnectedness. For smaller groups, the Kempas and Pulai rooms, named after native Singapore trees, provide versatile spaces for collaboration, reflection, and renewal.
"Nestled within Mandai Wildlife Reserve, our venues place sustainability and nature at the heart of every gathering." — Glen Cook, General Manager, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree.
The resort has also embraced technology without compromising its green ethos. Energy-efficient lighting, smart climate control, and waste minimisation practices are integrated into its design, while advanced AV systems and high-speed connectivity ensure that hybrid events run seamlessly.
IRIS Reps: Curating Global MICE Experiences with Soul
As the Indian MICE market expands into new geographies, there is a growing need for trusted bridges between Indian organisers and international hospitality brands. With a portfolio spanning the Maldives, Phuket, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Vietnam, and Africa, IRIS Reps positions itself not just as a representation company but as a curator of memorable experiences specifically designed for Indian groups.
"When it comes to Indian MICE, yes, the basics are non-negotiable, like connectivity, big meeting spaces, banqueting, and flexibility. But what excites me is when a property goes beyond the standard and adds its own soul." — Alefiya Singh, Director, IRIS Reps.
Handling logistics is equally critical. Indian MICE groups are large and diverse and have high expectations, especially when it comes to food. "Indians never come small, and we are talking big groups, big energy, and food at the heart of everything. That is why I ensure my properties can handle scale beautifully. Vegetarian, Jain, vegan, gluten-free – my teams know these are not requests; they are essentials."
Looking ahead, IRIS Reps is preparing for emerging shifts in the Indian MICE travel sector. Bleisure is on the rise, with corporates blending conferences and leisure for both delegates and families. Sustainability has become a priority, and immersive, experiential elements like island buyouts, cultural showcases, and private cruises are increasingly in demand.
For Alefiya, the future is about aligning each property’s unique strengths with these evolving needs: "It is not only about hosting events but about curating meaningful, memorable experiences that resonate long after the delegates return."