Senior leader of the All India Trinamool Congress, Derek O’Brien, on Monday spotlighted the state-of-the-art infrastructure of the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Kolkata, describing it as one of South Asia’s largest convention facilities and a major catalyst for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism in eastern India.
Speaking during the third edition of his “Morning Walk” series, O’Brien said the landmark venue symbolises West Bengal’s drive to establish itself as a premier global destination for business events and international conventions.
“This is not just a building; it is a statement of intent,” he remarked. “With four exhibition halls, six banquet halls, and a seating capacity of 3,000, this convention centre stands shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.”
Situated in New Town, Kolkata, the expansive complex has quickly emerged as a preferred venue for trade expos, corporate summits, cultural showcases and official events. Built to accommodate major national and international gatherings, the facility features cutting-edge audio-visual systems and advanced conferencing infrastructure.
O’Brien emphasised the growing importance of MICE tourism in the global travel ecosystem, highlighting its far-reaching economic benefits across hospitality, transportation and allied sectors.
“Every major convention brings visitors, generates employment, boosts hotel occupancy, and supports local enterprises,” he said. “It is about economic momentum and demonstrating Bengal’s capacity to host world-class events.”
Officials noted that the centre includes four large exhibition halls designed for trade fairs and expos, six banquet halls for corporate and social functions, and a main auditorium with a seating capacity of 3,000.
Highlighting the project’s scale and ambition, O’Brien said the facility significantly strengthens the state’s position in the rapidly expanding MICE sector.
Through his “Morning Walk” initiative, O’Brien aims to showcase key infrastructure and development projects across the state. Previous editions have focused on civic and urban initiatives, presented in an accessible, on-ground format to directly engage citizens.
“We want people to witness what has been created, understand how it operates, and see how it benefits them,” he said. “Development should be visible, inclusive and transparent.”
With global business travel rebounding, the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre is poised to play a crucial role in attracting international conferences and exhibitions to eastern India, further reinforcing Kolkata’s stature on the global events circuit.