The Jamaica Think Tank session brought together senior leaders from Jamaica Tourism and heads of corporate MICE travel from leading Indian organisations
The energy was palpable at the first Corporate Think Tank Session of 2025, held on January 9 at the Pullman New Delhi Aerocity. Powered by the Jamaica Tourist Board and organised by OptiMICE Events Pvt. Ltd, this landmark event brought together a stellar gathering of senior leaders from Jamaica Tourism and influential corporate stakeholders from across India.
What made this session truly remarkable? It was not only the exchange of ideas but the shared vision of transforming the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. The spotlight on Jamaica, the gem of the Caribbean, unveiled its unique charm and world-class infrastructure, setting the stage to emerge as a premier corporate travel destination for the dynamic Indian corporate MICE market. Designed to position Jamaica as a premier destination for corporate travel, the session underscored the Caribbean nation’s unique offerings and its readiness to cater to the Indian market.
Leadership and Structure
The session was chaired by Rajeev Nangia, COO of TRAC Representations India Pvt. Ltd, with an interesting showcase by Harshima Bakshi, Manager, TRAC Representations India, and moderated by Kamal Gill, Executive Editor of Today’s Traveller and Managing Director of Gill India Group. This collaborative format aimed to facilitate meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange among industry professionals.
The evening began with an engaging presentation by John Woolcock from the Jamaica Tourist Board. Woolcock highlighted Jamaica’s exceptional hospitality, cultural richness, and world-class infrastructure, emphasising its potential as a destination for corporate events, incentive travel, and large-scale conferences. His address painted a compelling picture of Jamaica’s ability to meet the demands of the Indian corporate travel market, showcasing its connectivity, safety, and diverse experiences tailored to MICE travellers.
Key Themes and Discussions
The two-hour brainstorming session provided a dynamic platform for exploring critical themes shaping the future of MICE travel. The insightful presentation was followed by lively discussions. Through collaborative dialogues with representatives of the Jamaica Tourist Board – John Woolcock. Rajeev Nangia and Harshima Bakshi – attendees explored how Jamaica’s pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and seamless facilities make it the ultimate blend of business and leisure. The event showcased potential—it was a call to reimagine corporate travel in a way that’s as inspiring as it is effective.
Adding to the occasion, the think tank was attended by the heads of corporate MICE travel from leading Indian organisations from pan-India, including cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Hyderabad, who emphasised the growing importance of MICE travel in fostering employee engagement, enhancing client relationships, and driving business growth. Their insights reinforced the critical role of corporate leaders in shaping innovative travel strategies that align with evolving industry trends.
Emerging Trends in MICE Travel
Participants discussed the evolving preferences of corporate MICE travellers, including the rising demand for experiential itineraries, wellness retreats, and technology-driven event solutions. Jamaican destinations were evaluated for their ability to align with these trends, with a focus on creating memorable, personalised experiences.
Safety and Sustainability
Safety and sustainability emerged as essential factors in selecting MICE destinations. Attendees highlighted the importance of responsible tourism practices, ensuring that destinations meet global standards for environmental and traveller safety. Jamaica’s initiatives in these areas were well-received, reinforcing its position as a forward-thinking destination.
Preferred Itineraries and Activities
Indian corporate leaders expressed enthusiasm for Jamaica’s potential to host a variety of MICE programs, including incentive trips, cultural immersions, and team-building activities. The island’s natural beauty and vibrant cultural landscape were recognised as key attractions for hosting diverse corporate groups.
Leveraging Technology
Technology’s role in enhancing MICE experiences was a recurring theme, with discussions on the use of digital platforms for seamless event planning, virtual components for hybrid events, and innovative tools to enrich the overall travel experience.
Interactive Q&A Session
A dedicated Q&A segment allowed attendees to seek specific insights from Jamaica Tourism representatives. Questions covered Jamaica’s infrastructure for large-scale events, visa policies, connectivity, and the availability of specialised services for corporate groups. The responses demonstrated Jamaica’s preparedness to host Indian corporates, emphasising the country’s robust MICE infrastructure and tailored solutions for diverse group needs.
Key Takeaways
- Jamaica’s Appeal as a MICE Destination – The event showcased Jamaica’s cultural vibrancy, diverse attractions, and ability to host large-scale corporate events. Attendees were particularly impressed by the island’s hospitality and its potential for unique team-building activities and incentive programs.
- Focus on Emerging Trends – The session underscored the growing importance of experiential travel, sustainable tourism, and innovative event-planning solutions. Jamaican destinations were identified as capable of meeting these demands, making them highly appealing to Indian corporates.
- Collaborative Spirit – The discussions emphasised the need for close collaboration between tourism boards, corporate travel planners, and event organisers. This approach ensures the seamless execution of MICE programs, benefiting all stakeholders involved.
Networking and Collaboration
The session concluded with an informal networking segment, accompanied by cocktails and dinner. This setup encouraged participants to deepen connections with Jamaica Tourism representatives and fellow corporate decision-makers. The atmosphere of collaboration fostered meaningful discussions on potential partnerships and outbound MICE travel opportunities.
Setting the Stage for Future Collaborations
The success of this Corporate Think Tank session marked an important milestone in strengthening Jamaica’s presence in the Indian corporate travel market. By addressing key concerns and showcasing its diverse offerings, Jamaica Tourism positioned itself as a competitive MICE destination with a unique edge.
Moving forward, the insights gathered from this event will serve as a foundation for future strategies aimed at enhancing Jamaica’s appeal to Indian corporates. From cultural immersions to technologically advanced event solutions, Jamaica has demonstrated its ability to deliver exceptional MICE experiences tailored to the Indian market’s preferences.
The event also highlighted the critical role of collaboration in achieving mutual goals. The partnerships forged during this session between Jamaican representatives and Indian corporate leaders are expected to pave the way for new opportunities and initiatives, solidifying Jamaica’s status as a preferred MICE destination.
As the MICE industry continues to evolve, Jamaica’s proactive engagement with the Indian market through platforms like this Think Tank positions it well for sustained growth. The event concluded on an optimistic note, with participants expressing confidence in the potential for future collaborations that will benefit both Jamaica and the Indian corporate travel sector.
With this Think Tank Session, Jamaica signalled its readiness to take the Indian MICE market by storm. The only question left was: How fast can corporate heads get their teams ready for the next big corporate event in paradise?
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