The government of Andhra Pradesh plans to improve its MICE sector position through new infrastructure development and policy changes. State officials will create special offices in Visakhapatnam and Amaravati and Tirupati according to Minister Nara Lokesh. The international event organizers will receive support from these bureaus which provide them with a unified system to obtain necessary permits.
Lokesh visited Singapore to explore Suntec City while meeting Anandan Karunakaran who is the Director of DP Urban Architects. The officials aimed to investigate global benchmarks which exist in convention and exhibition facility construction.
The provincial government intends to develop Andhra Pradesh into a top MICE destination which includes Meetings and Incentives and Conferences and Exhibitions. The state government will develop a MICE policy to achieve this objective.
Lokesh reported that upcoming five years will bring major hotel room expansions throughout Andhra Pradesh. The total room capacity is projected to reach 20,000. Various national and international hotel chains are now developing projects within Amaravati.
The government of India approved four convention centers at Amaravati to provide facilities for business events and large public gatherings. The city of Visakhapatnam is developing a top-tier MICE facility which will host both domestic and international conferences.
The Visakhapatnam project aims to establish Andhra Mandapams according to Lokesh. The Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) will partner with the project to develop the venture, which operates under the Government of India.
The Visakhapatnam coast now sees major technology companies like Google and TCS and Cognizant expanding their operations. The government thinks that this development will enhance business tourism and corporate events throughout the area.
Karunakaran explained that his company designed Suntec City in Singapore using advanced technology and modern planning methods. The venue covers around 42,000 square meters and is located in Singapore’s central business district. He also noted that the Singapore Tourism Board actively promotes Singapore as a secure and reliable destination for international events.
