MICE Tourism: How Galfar Mohamed Ali opened its doors in Kerala

Ever heard of MICE tourism? It stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions and is a niche area in tourism that brings international meets and figures to a space. Dr P Mohamed Ali aka GALFAR Mohamed Ali, the founder of GALFAR Convention Centre and Hotels, is an entrepreneur who revolutionised MICE tourism in Kerala by opening an international convention centre in Kochi, when no one had even heard of such an idea. Mohamed Ali says that he decided to open an international convention centre in Kochi as a response to a question asked by former Kerala Chief Minister EK Nayanar. “Nayanar sir once asked me, ‘How does Kerala benefit if only a few Gulf people make money’. I replied that I provide jobs for more than 25,000 Malayalis. But, he retorted, ‘Those who are efficient would find a job anywhere. You must invest in Kerala’.

The launch of Le Meridian Convention Centre
Maradu, where the Le Meridian Convention Centre stands today, was just barren land before. The Le Meridian Convention Centre and the hotel have changed the face of Kochi and Mohamed Ali says the convention centre became a significant project in bringing this change. He observes that a city would attract people only if there is sufficient infrastructure development.
He launched the convention centre around the time when the Cochin International Airport was opened. Mohamed Ali wanted to ensure good accommodation facilities for those who visit Kochi. “The idea of opening a convention centre struck me in 1992 when I was in Boston. I didn’t get accommodation facilities at the hotels as they were fully booked for two major conferences,” he remembers. He says the international doctors conference held in 1999 was a major turning point. The conference was attended by 9000 doctors. “It was then I realised that my vision had been fulfilled. The rest is history!” notes the entrepreneur.

MICE tourism thrives in Kerala
The international convention centre was conceived when Malayalis were eager to leave the state in search for better opportunities. Galfar Mohamed Ali had invested around Rs 100 crore in this project, which gave a boost of confidence for both the state as well as the investors here. Moreover, it was the Galfar Convention Centre that gave an impetus to MICE tourism in Kochi. “There wasn’t even an event management company in Kerala then. Now, there are more than 2,000 such companies; that is the change brought about by the convention centre,” says Mohamed Ali.

The ace businessman wishes to invest in unique projects that open fabulous opportunities in all fields. Interestingly, it was Mohamed Ali who first started an engineering college in Oman. Currently, Ali focuses on taking up contract-based businesses. More than 65,000 employees work in various projects as part of the Galfar group. Besides, many highway projects in the country too are managed by Mohamed Ali. “MICE tourism is thriving in Kerala. However, the state, which boasts of 44 rivers still struggle for clean drinking water. Everyone should be accessible to drinking water. Kerala should come up with new innovations in the field of waste collection, management, recycling and waste water treatment,” says Galfar Mohamed Ali.