The global geopolitical situation is severely impacting the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry, with cancellations and disruptions affecting long-term business planning, said Nitin Mittal, CEO, Hotel N Apartment and newly appointed National Coordinator for MICE.
Mittal noted that MICE events, which are planned 12–16 months in advance, are particularly vulnerable to sudden conflicts. “A year’s effort can collapse overnight due to geopolitical instability,” he said, highlighting significant cancellations linked to tensions in key hubs like the Middle East.
He emphasized that the sector faces a “huge blow,” as global airline networks and transit hubs get affected, disrupting travel worldwide.
As a way forward, Mittal advised stronger contractual safeguards for MICE operators and a shift toward safer alternative destinations, including India. He also called for industry resilience, urging stakeholders to adapt quickly and explore domestic opportunities to sustain business continuity.
