Meetings & Incentives in Jammu Kashmir

Meetings & Incentives in Jammu Kashmir - Jammu is the latest entrant into India's MICE market. As economic activity gets a boost from FMCGs setting up production facilities here and tourists' pour in on their way to Katra, Patnitop, Sanasar and Kud, business in Jammu is booming.

Hotels in Jammu see a year-round occupancy of around 60 to 70%, with a larger chunk of customers from the corporate and MICE segment. Pilgrims account for just 10 to 15% of customers for these hotels. Better connectivity with Mumbai and Delhi has further enhanced the flow of tourists to Jammu.

The Welcomgroup's Fortune stepped in last year to meet the growing demand from the corporate segment with the city's first branded hotels. The new establishment has been doing brisk business, with Fortune hosting two or three events from Mumbai-based corporates, and Hotel Asia, Jammu's only heritage hotel hosting five to six local conferences every month.

At the same time, Katra is also expanding its market base. The pilgrim town is emerging as a serious contender for Jammu as a MICE destination, ever since star category hotels established their presence here. The four star Carlson's Country Inn and Suites was Katra's first branded hotel in 2007. Since then, White Orchid with a 200 room facility, KC Residency Plaza and Devi Grand have added to its star category room inventory. KC Hospitality is setting up another facility in the town, and Ginger would be joining the ranks soon.

Keeping pace with these new hotels are established ones like the Asia Grand which is refurbishing its facilities with TV screens, in-room refrigerators and air conditioners. KC Hospitality boasts of a spa, conference facility, leisure zone, shopping arcade, three restaurants, a helicopter service and round the clock buffet spreads for pilgrims. White Orchid's facilities include four restaurants, a gym, health spa, club floor and swimming pool.