Kerala’s Inclusivity, Sustainable Model Make it a Unique Wedding Destination: Experts at Wedding & MICE Conclave

KOCHI:
The picturesque landscape, along with practices of inclusivity and sustainable model tourism, gives Kerala a distinctive competitive edge over its competitors as a wedding destination, said experts at an international conclave here today.

They were speaking at a seminar on ‘Sacred Vows & Scenic Views: Reimagining Destination Weddings in Kerala’ at the August 14-16 Wedding and MICE conclave, organised by Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society in collaboration with the State Tourism Department.

Sikha Surendran, Director, Kerala Tourism, said what makes Kerala different from other destinations is the unique experience it provides in the amazing backdrop of inclusiveness and sustainable model to the visitors.

She also highlighted the progressive mindset of people as a positive factor that has transformed the state into a preferred wedding destination.

“Kerala is the leader in sustainable tourism and we need to carry along the local community with this. The different experience, inclusiveness and sustainable model in weddings and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) has positioned the state as a major wedding destination,” she added.

Rajeev Jain, Founder & Director, Rashi Entertainment, said Kerala can leverage the benefits of humongous wedding industry by concentrating on increasing infrastructure like hotel rooms and branding. The state should adopt technology for conducting big weddings and social events, he suggested.

Noting that entertainment is a vital factor in modern weddings, Sumit Khetan, Artistic Director, Sumit Khetan Entertainment, said a cross-cultural exchange is happening in this sector regarding adaptation of rituals and customs irrespective of regions.

Pramod Lunawat, Founder, Millennium Events, said Kerala has riveting spots for destination weddings and the state has hardly any need to imitate others. “We have to focus on what we have. Kerala can tap on the huge market of intimacy and celebration weddings,” he opined.

S Swaminathan, Secretary, KTM, was the moderator. KTM’s former president Riyaz Ahmed, who is also Chairman of the Seminar Committee, and Nirmala Lilly, Vice Chairman, Seminar Committee, also spoke.