Blending business with Kerala’s warmth and wellness, Crowne Plaza Kochi is fast becoming a preferred choice for corporates seeking meaningful meetings, cultural experiences and strong value beyond metro cities.
By Janice Alyosius
As India’s MICE map continues to expand beyond tier I destinations, Crowne Plaza Kochi is emerging as a dynamic and value-driven events hub. With close to 60 per cent of its overall business now coming from the MICE segment, the hotel reflects how tier II destinations are reshaping corporate meetings by combining scale, technology, culture and wellness with a distinctive regional character.
Dinesh Rai, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Kochi, said, “Over the past three years, MICE has increasingly driven both occupancy and F&B revenue for us. Corporates are now looking for venues that seamlessly integrate business with leisure, and Kochi fits into that vision perfectly.”
Culture and connection
Crowne Plaza Kochi positions itself at the intersection of business and well-being — a growing priority for corporates designing meetings that allow space for rejuvenation and local immersion. The property houses Kerala’s largest spa spanning 13,644 sq ft, alongside two swimming pools, a fitness centre and five award-winning dining outlets.
“Blended travel is the future, and our brand is designed around it. We curate cultural performances like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu for small gatherings and even offer snake boat race experiences right from our backwaters. These authentic touches transform meetings into memorable experiences,” Rai said.
Kochi’s growing appeal
With scenic backwaters, improving air connectivity and competitive pricing, Kochi is steadily strengthening its position as a MICE destination for corporates seeking value without compromising on quality. “Unlike tier I cities where costs are evidently higher, Kochi allows large-scale events with the same global standards at far better value,” Rai explained.
Investing in technology
Responding to post-pandemic expectations around hybrid and digitally enabled meetings, Crowne Plaza Kochi has upgraded its event infrastructure. All meeting spaces are equipped with advanced AV systems, high-speed connectivity and platforms that support seamless virtual participation.
“The demand for large-scale meetings has not declined; it has evolved. With that in mind, our venues are designed for flexibility — ergonomic layouts, smooth guest flow and technology that supports both physical and virtual attendees,” Rai noted.
On pricing, the hotel follows a partnership-driven approach. “While our rates have increased in line with national trends, we tailor packages for repeat clients and long-term partnerships. Our objective is to build value through premium facilities and loyalty benefits via IHG One Rewards,” he said.
Sustainability adds to RoI
Sustainability and operational efficiency are integral to the hotel’s MICE proposition. “We replaced single-use plastic bottles with an in-house glass bottling plant that produces 1,000 bottles a day, eliminating over 30,000 plastic bottles a month. This supports environmental goals while optimising costs for our clients,” Rai shared.
With a business mix tilted 60:40 in favour of MICE, Crowne Plaza Kochi demonstrates how tier II destinations are rewriting India’s corporate travel and business events narrative. By combining advanced meeting infrastructure, flexible event solutions and an authentic Kerala experience, the hotel continues to attract larger conferences, repeat corporate clients and high-value groups.
“Corporates today want more than meeting spaces; they want experiences that balance productivity with purpose. At Crowne Plaza Kochi, we have built exactly that balance, where work, wellness and culture come together effortlessly,” Rai said.
