Kerala is gearing up to host India’s first-ever Wedding and MICE Conclave in Kochi from August 14 to 16, aiming to transform the state into a major global hub for destination weddings and corporate events. Organized by the Kerala Travel Mart Society (KTM Society) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the event will serve as a B2B networking platform for domestic and international buyers, wedding planners, event professionals, and hospitality stakeholders.

Announcing the conclave at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Tourism Minister Shri P.A. Mohamed Riyas stated that the initiative is part of a broader plan to promote integrated tourism development in Kerala. “The conclave aims to tap into Kerala’s immense potential in this fast-growing segment and showcase the state as a one-stop destination for high-end weddings and large-scale events,” he said.

So far, 360 domestic and 40 international buyers have registered, alongside 65 sellers from the wedding and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) sectors. The event will open with an inaugural session on August 14 at Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty Island, followed by business meetings and exhibitions on August 15 and 16 at Le Meridien, Kochi.

The state’s successful marketing campaigns post-pandemic have already begun to show results, with around 1,000 destination weddings hosted in Kerala last year alone, the Minister noted. With strong infrastructure, scenic diversity, and cultural richness, Kerala is fast becoming a top choice for wedding tourism.

The conclave will also promote government-supported accommodations like homestays, PWD rest houses, and tourism guest houses, in addition to luxury hotels and resorts, to cater to a wider audience.

KTM Society President Jose Pradeep highlighted that the event, themed ‘Center Stage Kerala’, is aligned with the state’s vision to become a premier destination for both weddings and business tourism. “It will bring together wedding planners, conference organisers, hospitality brands, and logistics providers to collectively shape the future of this sector,” he said.

The event will feature:

• Pre-scheduled B2B meetings

• Expert-led training workshops

• Exhibitions from destination wedding service providers

• Seminars featuring international speakers

• Familiarisation trips to top wedding and MICE destinations across Kerala including Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom, Wayanad, and Kovalam.

From showcasing Kerala’s serene beaches and backwaters to its historic architecture and cuisine, the conclave will provide a 360-degree look at the state’s offerings for unforgettable events.

“This is not just about high-profile weddings—it’s about inclusive growth,” Minister Riyas added. “When the tourism sector thrives, everyone from auto drivers to resort owners benefits.”

With high expectations and a strong industry response, the Wedding and MICE Conclave promises to be a landmark event in Kerala’s journey towards becoming a top-tier event tourism destination.

Thailand’s tourism sector continues its strong post-pandemic rebound, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced that over one million Indian tourists have already visited the country before the halfway mark of 2025.

This early milestone underscores Thailand’s enduring appeal for Indian travellers across leisure, luxury, wellness, and spiritual tourism segments. It also builds on the record-breaking momentum of 2024, when Thailand welcomed more than 2.1 million Indian visitors out of a total 35 million international tourists.

Several factors are fuelling this continued growth:

• A visa exemption programme allowing up to 60-day stays

• Strong air connectivity with multiple direct flights from cities across India

• The newly launched Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for smoother entry

• A broad and diverse set of tourism experiences—from beach escapes and spa retreats to food trails and festivals

What’s especially noteworthy is the surge in travellers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities such as Surat, Rajkot, Nagpur, and Nashik, reflecting a broader shift toward high-spend, experience-led travel from emerging markets.

In response to this growing demand, TAT is ramping up its engagement efforts with India through joint promotions, customised marketing campaigns, and trade events designed to promote longer stays and higher-value travel.

These initiatives are closely aligned with Thailand’s long-term strategy of encouraging sustainable and inclusive tourism, ensuring the country remains a top choice for Indian travellers not just now—but well into the future.

After a five-year pause, the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Sikkim’s Nathula Pass has resumed, marking a moment of cultural revival and international cooperation. The first batch of 33 Indian pilgrims was officially flagged off by Governor Om Prakash Mathur, along with two nodal officers and one doctor from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

At the flagging-off ceremony, Governor Mathur shared his pride in seeing this revered journey once again take the route through Sikkim. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reviving the pilgrimage and praised the Sikkim Government, ITBP, and Indian Army for their coordination in making it happen.

“It is a moment of immense pride for the state of Sikkim that this historic and spiritual journey is progressing through the sacred land of the state,” said the Governor, who also interacted with the pilgrims and wished them well.

The yatra, which was on hold due to the pandemic, is being seen not just as a spiritual revival, but also as a symbol of India-China goodwill. Pilgrims underwent strict medical screenings and a two-stage high-altitude acclimatisation process at the 18th Mile and Sherathang to prepare for the harsh conditions of the Himalayan region, where elevations cross 14,000 feet. An Indian Army official confirmed that all pilgrims had been medically cleared for the journey.

Sikkim’s Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia noted that this moment was historic and beneficial for regional tourism.

“After 5 years, history is being created that devotees from all over India are coming here and getting ready to start the Mansarovar yatra. It gives publicity to Nathu La and adds value to Sikkim tourism,” he said.

Pilgrims expressed deep gratitude for the arrangements. Shalanda Sharma, one of the participants, shared,

“This yatra is starting again after five years through mutual agreement between the Government of India and the Government of China. The arrangements, the hospitality, and the medical attention, we’re truly grateful.”

Another pilgrim, Indar Sharma, appreciated the efficiency of the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and supporting authorities:

“We are carrying blessings and hope this yatra strengthens India-China ties and allows more pilgrims in the future.”

As per plan, the group was expected to cross over into the Chinese side through Nathula by 9:15 AM, where immigration processes would be completed before heading toward the sacred sites of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake.

The yatra is being jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police, ensuring a secure and smooth journey for all pilgrims.