Goa remains one of the most popular MICE destinations in the country despite tough competition from big cities and the many other challenges that the hospitality industry continues to face here By Sudipta Dev
India’s original MICE destination Goa continues to be the most popular getaway in the country despite stiff competition from metro cities like Hyderabad, Delhi and now Chennai which offer larger rooms inventory and better infrastructure. One of the highlights of FHW Goa was a discussion on the ‘Evolution of Goa as a MICE destination’ with special guest Pooja Patti, general manager, Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Goa Candolim. Reema Lokesh, editor, Food & Hospitality World, conducted the discussion.
“Delhi is the hub of business with Aerocity coming up and so many hotels, it is easier than Goa to get business,” said Patti, acknowledging that in Goa, rate valuation kills the business. She however pointed out that Goa is special because it is a relaxing destination for delegates attending conferences. The fact also cannot be denied that it is also developing as an international MICE destination.
Though Goa does not host very large conference groups, Patti believes that the destination’s conferencing offerings will develop in the future. “There are hotels which have good conferencing facilities,” she remarked, adding that, the concentration of hotels for MICE in Goa is primarily in South Goa, apart from Grand Hyatt and Marriott. Dealer conferences, motivation seminars, etc, are the common MICE events held in Goa. This apart, casinos in Goa are an attraction for MICE business. “I hope to see MICE on cruise soon,” she remarked. Patti affirmed that five years down the line surviving just on FITs will not be enough for Goa’s hospitality and tourism industry. “We have to depend on MICE considering the rooms inventory coming up in Goa,” she added. Her own property which currently has 100 rooms is adding another 20.
One of the challenges of MICE in Goa is the fact that the organisers are not ready to shell out more money on F&B due to options available outside most properties. While the destination is still popular with MICE crowd, Patti remarked that the revenues generated from this segment is not the same as in Bengaluru or Delhi, however she is hopeful that the scenario will improve in the future.
New trends
Then there is the concept of Green MICE or eco-friendly MICE, which Patti pointed out is a developing market for such vendors. The fact that logistics is often a problem for hotels in Goa has given fillip to sourcing from nearby locations. There is also a demand for organic and vegan food. “With the increasing number of Gujaratis and Jains visiting the the destination there has been a growing demand for food that is preferred by these communities. In terms of vendors we still have to get a lot of things from Mumbai and Delhi, particularly in terms of F&B. Some raw materials are in place but imported stuff are not in the market,” stated Patti.
Destination weddings is another segment that Goa has become synonymous with. “Goa is a dream wedding destination, particularly South Goa. However North Goa is still to develop, be in terms of infrastructure or other aspects,” she said. “Senior citizens are another potential segment,” she mentioned, further stating that children are an ever growing market for most hotels which would like to provide them special facilities.
This is Patti’s second stint in Goa and she has already witnessed some change that has come about in the attitude to do business. “People are now more forthcoming and want to deviate into other areas as they know with increasing competition they will not get business automatically,” she averred.
