Goa, Rajasthan, Kerala See Record Hotel Bookings As Weddings And MICE Travel Soar

Published on November 10, 2025

The wedding season in India is in full swing, and the country has just began the slow recovery phase of MICE, meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, which means that India’s hospitality industry is in for quite the economic boost during the months of November and December. Goa, Rajasthan, and Kerala, and other such favorable tourist spots, leading the country in hospitality, are witnessing unreasonable demand for hotel bookings, which has allowed for a drastic increase in room prices. Based on the way the industry is performing, the year ends do seem to be pretty strong, which is a promising trend to follow.

Surge in Wedding Tourism

India’s wedding season has always been a significant driver of tourism, and this year is no exception. With an estimated 4.5 million weddings scheduled for the final months of 2024, destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala, and Goa are experiencing an influx of bookings. These locations are known for their vibrant cultures, royal palaces, and scenic beauty, making them prime choices for destination weddings. Rajasthan’s heritage hotels, Kerala’s backwater resorts, and Goa’s beachfront properties are particularly popular among couples looking for a unique and luxurious wedding experience.

The wedding tourism market is not only elevating hotel occupancy but also bolstering the local economy. According to government sources, weddings in these regions are contributing significantly to the demand for high-end services, including event management, catering, and travel services, enhancing the overall tourism sector’s performance.

MICE Travel Boosts Hotel Occupancy

In addition to weddings, the MICE sector is playing a crucial role in driving tourism growth. The rise in business and corporate travel, including conferences, seminars, and incentive programs, has led to increased bookings in both metro and non-metro cities. Destinations such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad have seen a significant uptick in demand for convention centres, business hotels, and event spaces.

The government’s push towards infrastructure development, particularly in Tier II and Tier III cities, has also enhanced the appeal of these regions as MICE destinations. Cities like Pune, Jaipur, and Kochi are emerging as hotspots for both corporate events and leisure tourism, attracting business travellers and tourists alike.

Record Hotel Rates Expected

The combined demand from weddings and MICE events is expected to push hotel room rates to record levels. In particular, high-end and luxury hotels in destinations like Goa, Kerala, and Rajasthan are experiencing full occupancy. The Hospitality and Tourism Department has reported that many properties are already seeing peak booking levels for the coming months, and this trend is expected to continue through the year-end.

The government is also optimistic about the sector’s continued growth, highlighting that the country’s tourism industry, supported by strong domestic travel demand, is on track to outperform previous years. While international travel has rebounded post-pandemic, the strong domestic market, driven by events like weddings and MICE travel, continues to play a pivotal role in the hospitality sector’s recovery.

The Economic Impact of Weddings and MICE Tourism

The influence of weddings and MICE tourism goes beyond just hotel bookings. The tourism industry’s contributions to local economies, particularly in the hospitality, transport, and service sectors, are significant. The government’s initiatives to improve infrastructure and connectivity in various regions have helped sustain the growth of both wedding tourism and MICE travel.

In 2024, the Indian government’s efforts to enhance travel connectivity, promote regional tourism, and support digital marketing campaigns for domestic destinations have led to an increase in both wedding and business travel bookings. State tourism boards are also leveraging the appeal of India’s diverse culture and heritage to attract tourists for weddings and corporate events.

Key Destinations and Their Growth

Goa, with its scenic beaches and vibrant nightlife, remains one of the top wedding destinations. Hotels in North and South Goa have reported a strong rise in bookings for destination weddings, catering to both domestic and international clients.

Rajasthan, known for its royal palaces and forts, has always been a wedding hotspot. In 2024, Jaipur and Udaipur have continued to lead as top venues for luxury weddings, attracting affluent families from across the country. The region’s expansive resorts and heritage hotels offer the perfect backdrop for grand celebrations.

Kerala, famed for its tranquil backwaters and serene landscapes, has seen a surge in demand for weddings and corporate retreats. The state’s hospitality sector is thriving, with many new boutique hotels and resorts offering personalised services for both business and leisure travellers.

Outlook for the Future

The improvement of India’s tourism sector, particularly with businesses and the wedding ceremonies the sectors in 2024, portrays the wedding and MICE sector activities. Extending the infrastructure, new investment, and effective marketing strategies can multiply business tourism. The Government of India’s MICE tourism strategy aims to promote the country as a destination for business travel throughout the year, a growing reality with the surging demand for business travel.

The end of 2024 is approaching, and India is on the ride of attaining the wedding tourism and MICE travel with business. This will further prosper India’s hospitality industry, setting the tone for even better achievements in 2025.