IN INDIA’S MICE circles, Andhra Pradesh state is earning kudos for launching the country’s first regional CVB, Hyderabad Convention Visitors Bureau (HCVB), which is making its first appearance at IMEX.
“The Delhi government doesn’t give a d**n to MICE and tourism,” said Rajeev Kohli, director, Creative Travel India’s joint managing director, when asked why Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, and not New Delhi, the capital city of India, is leading the way in creating a CVB.
“Few states in India care about tourism, let alone MICE,” Kohli added. “Not more than four or five states have a consistent policy, among these Rajasthan or Kerala. The private sector of any state can establish a CVB, but if you don’t get the state playing along, no CVB will succeed.”
HCVB was initiated by the state government and funded by both the state and private sector, its CEO, Jalil (Gary) Khan, said in an interview with TTG Asia e-Daily. It is registered as a society, and thus has new members and office bearers elected by members. Its first president is Paul Archer, regional general manager Andhra Pradesh of Accor, which operates four hotels and the Hyderabad International Convention Centre.
Khan said: “The idea of HCVB is to promote the entire city in one uniform voice, and to act as a one-stop shop to assist planners and provide value-added support such as package tours or transfers. Our role is to facilitate meetings, to be the entity planners turn to, so that it will be as easy and seamless as possible for them to bring their meetings to Hyderabad.”
“This is the first time Hyderabad is promoted anywhere in the world,” he said, referring to the individual stand at IMEX. “Hyderabad has all the assets. Now it is time to go out and show the world it has arrived.”
The “assets” include an award-winning international-class airport, purpose-built venues and good air access.
