India Unveils Ambitious Plans to Position Visakhapatnam as South India’s Leading MICE Destination with World-Class Infrastructure and Global Appeal

Published on November 21, 2025

India’s groundbreaking vision to establish Visakhapatnam as South India’s ultimate MICE destination is set to revolutionize the region’s business tourism landscape. With significant investments in state-of-the-art convention centers, luxury hotels, and world-class infrastructure, the city is poised to attract international events, conferences, and exhibitions. This ambitious transformation, spearheaded by the Indian government and key private sector partners, aims to make Visakhapatnam a major global player in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. The project will not only enhance the city’s appeal to business travelers but also generate substantial economic growth, positioning it as a premier destination for both corporate and leisure tourism in South India.

The Indian government’s recent decision to fund the development of Andhra Mandapam in Visakhapatnam is set to be a game-changer for the city’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism sector. Modeled after the iconic Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, the ambitious project is a significant step in transforming Visakhapatnam into the MICE capital of South India. With the new infrastructure, the Andhra Pradesh government aims to establish the city as a premier destination for business tourism, further boosting its profile on the national and international stage.

Visakhapatnam, currently lacking the facilities to host large-scale MICE events, has often seen prominent events relocated to other cities like Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad due to the absence of suitable venues. This has been especially true for high-profile destination weddings and corporate conferences. Recognizing the gap, the Andhra Pradesh government is making bold moves to address the city’s infrastructure needs and make it a key player in the MICE industry.

The project will see the construction of the Andhra Mandapam at Harbour Park, a world-class convention center. The Abu Dhabi-based LuLu Group has already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state government to develop the facility. The proposed center will feature 600,000 square feet of convention space, a 2-million-square-foot multiplex, and a luxurious five-star hotel, all spread across 14 acres with picturesque sea views. This multi-purpose facility will cater to the growing demand for high-end event spaces in the region and elevate Visakhapatnam’s status as a business hub.

At the CII Partnership Summit, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu unveiled plans to further enhance the city’s MICE potential by allocating a hilltop site with scenic sea views for another international convention center, should funding be secured from the central government. The idea has been strongly backed by Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, who underscored the importance of developing an Andhra Mandapam to create a state-of-the-art venue for global business events.

The proposal has already gained considerable attention from both local stakeholders and international partners, who see it as a strategic opportunity to boost business tourism and foster economic growth in the region. With major investments lined up, including the upcoming international convention center and new hotel developments, Visakhapatnam is poised to become a key business tourism destination in South India, attracting global companies and international delegates.

The Star Hotels’ Association of Andhra Pradesh has also proposed a bold new vision to repurpose an existing high-end residential complex, previously used by the state government, into the Chief Minister’s office. With modifications, this building could be transformed into a centralized hub for MICE tourism, streamlining operations and providing a focal point for major events. The state government is currently reviewing this proposal, which could further accelerate the development of Visakhapatnam’s MICE infrastructure.

Despite the positive strides being made, Visakhapatnam’s lack of world-class venues has created challenges for hosting events in the past. The city’s existing infrastructure simply isn’t equipped to meet the demand for large-scale conventions, exhibitions, and weddings. Consequently, makeshift venues have been set up in places like Harbour Park or the Andhra University Engineering College Grounds, using temporary air-conditioned structures. These temporary solutions have been necessary but fall short of offering the world-class facilities that international delegates expect.

The introduction of the Andhra Mandapam and the ongoing development of convention facilities at Harbour Park are set to change this. The new infrastructure will provide permanent, state-of-the-art venues capable of hosting high-profile events with ease. The improved facilities will not only benefit MICE tourism but will also provide a significant boost to the local economy by attracting international visitors and generating substantial revenue for the hospitality, transportation, and service sectors.

The proposed developments have been warmly received by industry leaders, who see them as essential for competing with other South Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru. With these enhancements, Visakhapatnam is expected to host large-scale international conferences, corporate meetings, and destination weddings, filling the gap that currently exists in the region’s MICE offerings.

In addition to catering to business tourism, the development of Andhra Mandapam will also provide much-needed infrastructure for leisure tourism. Visakhapatnam is already a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beaches, historical landmarks, and rich cultural heritage. With a more robust MICE infrastructure, the city is expected to attract a greater number of international tourists, driving further growth in the region’s tourism industry.

India’s vision to make Visakhapatnam South India’s premier MICE destination is set to reshape the region’s business tourism scene. With world-class infrastructure and strategic investments, the city is poised to attract global conferences, driving significant economic growth.

Ultimately, the Andhra Mandapam project and related developments represent a significant milestone in the transformation of Visakhapatnam into a premier MICE and tourism hub in South India. The bold investments in infrastructure and government support are laying the foundation for a new era of business tourism that will have a lasting impact on the city’s economic future. By creating world-class facilities and expanding its tourism offerings, Visakhapatnam is set to become a key destination for international business and leisure travelers alike.