The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced the Hyderabad Convention Visitors Bureau (HCVB) in India has become a destination member. The history of 400-year-old Hyderabad city is a rich and an intriguing one, and a new buzzword in the business sector of India. Besides being referred to as the “City of Pearls” and “City of Information Technology,” among other accolades, Hyderabad is a perfect blend of history and the modern age. Hyderabad prides, with a booming economy, its role as being part of the incredible story of India.

Over the years, Hyderabad has emerged and been nationally recognized as the convention capital of India, with very strong international links. Gary Khan, Chief Executive Officer of HCVB, said: “We have been awarded as the “Best MICE City in Asia” (The Annual MICE Report 2012). We have one of the best state-of-art venues, accommodation, and an efficient multi-modal transport system.

“As a tourist destination, Hyderabad is noted for its cuisine, bazaars with a history of 400 years, regular sporting, as well as art and cultural events with year-round festivities. We have an excellent track record of hosting research and academic events, bio and healthcare conferences, besides being the home of such multinational companies as Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Oracle, Accenture, Bank of America, Dell, HP, etc.”

Hyderabad has much to offer as a transit destination and is proud of its warmth and friendliness of its people and its heritage. “Dynastic grandeur in the heart of modern India,” is how the western daily describes the erstwhile princely state. Hyderabad has an excellent track record for staging international sporting and cultural congresses.

“We are proud to welcome the Hyderabad Convention Visitors Bureau to ICTP’s membership,” said Juergen T. Steinmetz, Chairman of ICTP, “We are confident this dynamic destination will be a dynamic resource for our alliance.”

The Hyderabad Convention Visitors Bureau (HCVB) was formed in March 2011and is India’s first and only regional convention bureau brought together by the State Government and various segments of the tourism industry for one purpose – to promote Hyderabad globally. HCVB is a one-stop shop for MICE business inquiries and will extend assistance to congress organizers in planning and organizing conferences in Hyderabad.