{"id":29417,"date":"2026-08-03T16:02:52","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T10:32:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wowentrepreneurs.in\/index.php\/2026\/08\/03\/maharashtra-tourism-leads-global-conversations-on-tourism-mice-and-destination-weddings-at-wow-awards-asia-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-08-03T16:02:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T10:32:52","slug":"maharashtra-tourism-leads-global-conversations-on-tourism-mice-and-destination-weddings-at-wow-awards-asia-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wowentrepreneurs.in\/index.php\/2026\/08\/03\/maharashtra-tourism-leads-global-conversations-on-tourism-mice-and-destination-weddings-at-wow-awards-asia-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Maharashtra Tourism Leads Global Conversations on Tourism, MICE and Destination Weddings at WOW Awards Asia 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 1:<\/strong> As Maharashtra continues to strengthen its position as one of India\u2019s leading destinations for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE),<\/strong> the Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra<\/strong>, is actively investing in world-class convention infrastructure, destination promotion, policy support and strategic industry partnerships<\/strong> to attract large-scale business events, international conferences and destination weddings.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Reinforcing this vision, Maharashtra Tourism<\/strong> participated as the Principal Partner<\/strong> at the 17th edition of WOW Awards Asia 2026<\/strong>, held on 3 and 4 July<\/strong> at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai<\/strong>. Leveraging one of Asia\u2019s largest platforms for the experiential, MICE, live entertainment and wedding industries, the Department showcased Maharashtra\u2019s tourism strengths, promoted its convention-ready destinations and engaged with thousands of delegates, exhibitors, buyers and industry leaders from over 25 countries<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Government Leadership Sets the Vision<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The convention was inaugurated by Shri Sanjay Khandare, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra<\/strong>, and Shri Mangesh Joshi, IAS, Director, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra<\/strong>, in the presence of Ms. Tanuja Pandey, Advisor and Senior Consultant to the Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra<\/strong>, Shri Santosh Rokade, Deputy Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra<\/strong>, Shri Vijay Powar, Deputy Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra (Acting Managing Director, MTDC during the event)<\/strong>, and Shri Santosh Jadhav, Joint Director, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Addressing the gathering, Shri Sanjay Khandare, IAS<\/strong>, highlighted Maharashtra\u2019s commitment to strengthening its tourism ecosystem through world-class infrastructure, strategic partnerships and sustainable growth<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

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\u201cMaharashtra possesses an unmatched combination of world-class infrastructure, rich cultural heritage and strong public-private partnerships. Our vision is to position the state as India\u2019s foremost destination for tourism, conventions and global business events while creating sustainable opportunities for growth across the sector.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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\"Maharashtra<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Driving Conversations on India\u2019s MICE Future<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A major Day One highlight was the WOW Garage session<\/strong> presented by Maharashtra Tourism<\/strong>, \u201cIndia\u2019s Rise as a Global Meetings Destination: Infrastructure, Ambition & Opportunity.\u201d<\/strong> Moderated by Prateek N. Kumar<\/strong>, the discussion featured Anju Gomes, Senior Regional Director \u2013 Middle East, ICCA; Mayur Gujar, Senior General Manager, Jio World Convention Centre; Tanuja Pandey, Senior Consultant & Advisor, Maharashtra Tourism and Maharashtra Convention Bureau; and Vijay Sharma, Executive Director, JWC India & Southeast Asia.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The panel explored India\u2019s growing prominence in the global MICE industry and Maharashtra\u2019s role in driving the country\u2019s business events ecosystem.<\/p>\n

Maharashtra Tourism Pavilion Showcases the State\u2019s Diverse Offerings<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Throughout the convention, Maharashtra Tourism<\/strong> maintained a strong presence through extensive venue branding<\/strong> and its dedicated pavilion at the Asia Experiential B2B Expo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The pavilion showcased Maharashtra\u2019s tourism experiences, convention infrastructure, destination wedding venues, luxury hospitality, heritage circuits, coastal tourism and investment opportunities<\/strong> while serving as a platform for networking, destination promotion and business collaborations.<\/p>\n

The Maharashtra Tourism Pavilion<\/strong> emerged as one of the convention\u2019s key networking destinations, welcoming Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon\u2019ble Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India; Smt. Himgauri Aher-Adke, Hon\u2019ble Mayor, Nashik Municipal Corporation; and Shri Rajdeep Sardesai, Senior Journalist and Consulting Editor, India Today Group<\/strong>, along with senior officials from the Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The pavilion also hosted prominent leaders from the hospitality, tourism and experiential industries, including Deepak Choudhary, Promoter & Curator, WOW Awards Asia; Mohomed Morani, Founder & Managing Director, Cineyug and Dome Entertainment; Nikhil Nair of the Morani Group; Ankur Kalra, Managing Director, Vibgyor Experiential and General Secretary, EEMA; Sushma Gaikwad, Co-founder, ICE Global & Wizcraft MIME; Pramod Gaikwad, CEO & Partner, ICE Global; Puneet Narula, Business Head, Jio World Convention Centre; Rakhee Kankaria, EEMA; Girish Vasudev Kulkarni, Founder, Temple Connect; Rutika Channawar, Founder, Quebetta; Emre Kirazci, representing Bahrain Tourism; Naveli Deshmukh, Youth Ambassador for Maharashtra Tourism<\/strong>, along with destination wedding planners, event organisers, hospitality professionals and international delegates.<\/p>\n

The interactions reflected Maharashtra Tourism\u2019s commitment<\/strong> to building strategic partnerships and positioning the state as India\u2019s preferred destination for MICE, mega events and luxury weddings.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\"Maharashtra<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Celebrating Maharashtra\u2019s Cultural Tourism<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The convention also spotlighted Maharashtra\u2019s cultural and spiritual tourism potential through a keynote by Smt. Himgauri Aher-Adke, Hon\u2019ble Mayor, Nashik Municipal Corporation<\/strong>, who highlighted the significance of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela<\/strong> as one of the world\u2019s largest spiritual gatherings and an important driver of tourism for the state.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe Simhastha Kumbh Mela is not only a celebration of faith but also an opportunity to showcase Nashik and Maharashtra\u2019s rich cultural heritage, hospitality and organisational excellence to the world.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The session highlighted Maharashtra\u2019s ability to host mega-events<\/strong> while preserving its rich cultural heritage and creating memorable visitor experiences.<\/p>\n

Launch of the Maharashtra Convention Bureau<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the convention\u2019s most significant announcements was the launch of the Maharashtra Convention Bureau (MCB)<\/strong> by the Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Established as a dedicated institutional platform, the Bureau will spearhead Maharashtra\u2019s efforts to attract national and international conventions, exhibitions, corporate meetings and incentive travel programmes.<\/strong> Working closely with convention centres, hotels, airlines, destination management companies and industry associations, it will support global event bids, strengthen destination marketing and position Maharashtra as India\u2019s premier MICE destination.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Bureau will also promote convention-ready cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and the Konkan region<\/strong>, helping drive business tourism, generate employment, attract investment and contribute to the state\u2019s long-term tourism growth.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\"Maharashtra<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Positioning Maharashtra on the Global MICE Map<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Through strategic policy initiatives, thought leadership, a high-impact exhibition pavilion, the launch of the Maharashtra Convention Bureau<\/strong> and meaningful engagement with stakeholders from over 25 countries<\/strong>, Maharashtra Tourism<\/strong> successfully leveraged WOW Awards Asia 2026<\/strong> to reinforce its vision of making the state India\u2019s leading destination for tourism, conventions, destination weddings and global business events.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Further recognising Maharashtra\u2019s leadership in the business events and experiential tourism ecosystem, the Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra,<\/strong> was honoured with the Best State for MICE, Weddings & Live Events<\/strong> award by Ramesh Patil, Business Head of EVENTFAQS Media<\/strong> at WOW Awards Asia 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The award was received by Shri Mangesh Joshi, IAS, Director, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra<\/strong>, on behalf of the Department, acknowledging the state\u2019s sustained efforts in developing world-class MICE infrastructure<\/strong>, promoting destination weddings and strengthening its ecosystem for live events and business tourism.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The convention demonstrated Maharashtra\u2019s continued commitment<\/strong> to building a globally competitive tourism ecosystem, one that combines world-class infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, strong industry partnerships and forward-looking initiatives<\/strong> to drive the next phase of growth in the tourism and MICE sectors.<\/p>\n

If you object to the content of this press release, please notify us at pr.error.rectification@gmail.com. We will respond and rectify the situation within 24 hours.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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