India's first regional Convention & Visitors Bureau starts operation in Hyderabad

At the launch of India’s first Convention & Visitors Bureau in Hyderabad, many gathered to recognize the city as more than a place rich in culture and history. Hyderabad is now well recognized as the Convention Capital of India.

Jalil (Gary) Khan, a 23-year veteran of United Airlines based in California, has returned to his native Hyderabad to head the HCVB.

“Hyderabad Convention Visitors Bureau (HCVB) will take Hyderabad to the world and bring the world to Hyderabad.” said Khan, CEO. “My top most responsibility is to be Hyderabad’s brand ambassador, which explains my overall role too.”

As the Convention Capital of India, Hyderabad is ready with infrastructure and support services already in place like the world class and award-winning GMR led Airport; International class, purpose built Convention & Exhibition Centres that can accommodate up to 6,500 delegates; hotel rooms with capacity across all different categories to suit all budgets; well-experienced PCOs; ground transport and road network; and the unified mindset of all the stakeholders involved who are eager to let the world know of the city’s ability to deliver world class event experience.

“The Government of Andhra Pradesh (whose Capital city is Hyderabad) is delighted to be the founding partner in the formation of HCVB and supports this industry initiative that is in tune with the Tourism policy of the State,” said Jayesh Ranjan, secretary of tourism and youth affairs.

The aim of the HCVB is to proactively showcase and brand Hyderabad as a preferred destination by communicating with the external through attending specialist tradeshows, organizing road shows, site visits and collaborating with other bodies to further the objectives.

“Bringing conventions into your city has a ‘multiplier effect’ on the local economy and acts as a growth engine to drive tax generation, local employment, shopping of local specialties like arts and handicraft, ground transport, guides and monuments, and touches almost all constituents of the local community in one or another way,” said Paul Archer, president HCVB. “Conventions provide the highest spending tourists. Apart from economic, there are social and cultural benefits as well as it brings communities and people together.”