Jose Sebastian, GM, Lulu International Convention Center and Garden Hotels, Thrissur, talks about convention centers in India while highlighting Lulu center’s platter of MiCE offerings
Tell us a bit about your company. What is your USP?
Lulu International Convention Centre and Garden Hotels, Thrissur, one of the largest convention centres in Kerala, was launched in 2006 and is part of globally recognised Lulu Group owned by Padmashri Yusuff Ali M.A. It has played a pivotal role in changing the face of the city by developing the hitherto unknown destination as a most sought-after MiCE destination.
What have the trends been for outbound MiCE for 2017?
India is estimated to generate 6.5 Million outbound luxury and MiCE tourists annually by 2020, reinforcing the country’s influence as a key source market for MiCE and luxury travel. The largest and fastest growing segments in India’s outbound market are large groups, weddings, incentives and events. Not only is the market growing in volume and value but, following the introduction of more direct flights to key cities across the world, Indian travellers now venture further than ever before. The growth in the Indian outbound market is unmatched. India is emerging as the world’s fastest growing outbound market second only to China. The growth of the Indian outbound travel industry is now at a very exciting phase.
What have been the trends as far as incentives for corporates are concerned for 2017?
For many decades, managers and business owners have used the promise of travel to appealing or exotic destinations as a motivational tool for their employees, salespeople, and channel partners. Businesses continued to use incentive travel to reward and recognise their top performers in 2017 also due to the increasing demand for noncash rewards and recognition. As business in general continues to expand internationally, the same is true for incentive travel reward and recognition programmes. With growing business, the incentive budgets also continue to grow and with more luxury hotels and properties with ample meeting space are coming online; it seems this segment of the industry is going gangbusters.
Which are the main MiCE events lined up for 2018?
MiCE events lined up for 2018 includes AKCOG – 2018 (Medical Conference), Mela 2018 (Rotary Conference), 2nd Edition of Shaping Young Minds Programme by Thrissur Management Association (Convention), Oscar Carnival (Exhibition), HIFF (Furniture Expo), TOGSICON (Medical Conference) etc to name a few. Lulu International Convention Center, _rissur, successfully conducted the first ever ecofriendly medical conference on February 9-11, 2018. ‘Best of India Records’ (BIR) has certified the processes, facilities and products used during this conference and have awarded the certificate for conducting ‘The First Eco Friendly Medical Conference’.
