Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC stands as a premier destination for business and leisure, set amidst 15 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens by a serene lakeside. With its sprawling 287-room hotel directly connected to India’s largest and South Asia’s finest standalone convention centre, it offers unmatched scale and seamless integration for MICE events. In an exclusive interview, Rubin Cherian, GM of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC, shares insights on what makes this property a standout choice for both Indian and international organizations in the evolving MICE landscape.

What do you feel is the most distinctive feature of your hotel and HICC?

What truly sets Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and HICC apart is its scale, integration, and purpose-driven design. HICC is India’s first and South Asia’s finest standalone, purpose-built convention centre featuring a pillar-less hall of 6,480 sq. metres that accommodates up to 6,000 delegates, 37 versatile breakout rooms, and direct connectivity to the eco-certified Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre.

This 287-room international business hotel offers resort-style serenity with all the conveniences of urban luxury. Ideally located in the heart of Hyderabad’s IT and Pharma corridor, we offer the unique advantage of seamless business, luxury, and convenience—all just steps away from the city’s biggest global corporate hubs.

Can you elaborate on the MICE front?

India’s MICE landscape is evolving rapidly, and at HICC, we see this as a catalyst for innovation. We differentiate through hyper-personalized service, curated dining experiences, and state-of-the-art venue offerings.

With client preferences shifting toward hybrid and experiential formats, we have enhanced our technology infrastructure to deliver seamless onsite and online events. Continuous learning is core to our approach—our teams are trained in digital hospitality, event personalization, and service innovation. Our commitment is to not just meet but anticipate the changing expectations of MICE clientele, ensuring every event is impactful, immersive, and flawlessly executed.

With quite a few MICE-specific hotels across India, why should Indians and international organizations choose Novotel and HICC?

What sets Novotel and HICC apart is not just infrastructure that includes 37 break-out venues besides the main convention centre, but the experience we create around it. While others offer venues, we deliver a complete ecosystem: a dedicated MICE campus with world-class facilities, expert event planners, and bespoke service at every touchpoint. Our domain expertise of over 18 years speaks of our ability to seamlessly handle events of all scales—be it a high-level leadership summit or a global convention. Additionally, our strategic location in Hyderabad’s knowledge corridor offers easy access to top corporates and global talent. International and Indian clients choose us for reliability, consistency, and the ability to turn complex briefs into extraordinary experiences.

What incentives do you provide to event organisers?

We’re committed to rewarding our event organizers not just with exceptional service, but with tangible benefits. Through Accor’s ALL Meeting Planner program, planners earn Reward and Status points for every eligible event booked with us, redeemable across Accor’s global portfolio. It’s a powerful loyalty platform offering unmatched flexibility: use points to offset future event costs, enjoy hotel stays, or even share rewards with colleagues. Membership is free, points never expire, and there are no blackout dates. It’s our way of recognizing our planners’ trust, building lasting relationships, and ensuring they’re rewarded well beyond the event itself. Simply put, plan more, earn more.

What are your plans to project MICE within India and globally?

Our vision goes beyond hosting events—we aim to make Hyderabad a permanent fixture on the global MICE calendar. By collaborating with the Government of Telangana, regional associations, and industry partners, we’re building a strong pipeline of high-impact conferences and summits. Strategic outreach across South India, internationally, region-specific marketing, and hybrid event capabilities have helped us expand our footprint domestically. Internationally, our track record with events like G20, BioAsia, and SHRM reinforces our credibility. We’re investing in tech, F&B innovation, and sustainable practices to stay ahead of global MICE trends, ensuring Novotel and HICC remain the preferred choice for immersive, large-scale events with lasting impact.

Telangana recently released its Tourism Policy. How do you view the policy and its focus on MICE?

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and HICC, with their strong focus on experiential travel, infrastructure incentives, and MICE tourism, reinforce Hyderabad’s status as a global meetings hub. We welcome the government’s intent to consolidate the city’s leadership in business tourism and are proud to be at the forefront—hosting international summits and driving high-impact events. The emphasis on public-private partnerships and lean season promotion is timely, and we look forward to collaborating through platforms like HCVB to elevate Telangana’s global brand and contribute meaningfully to tourism-led growth.

Who are the property’s key target markets?

Our primary target markets span both domestic and international segments. Domestically, Hyderabad leads MICE demand, followed by Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore—driven by corporates, associations, and social gatherings. Internationally, the USA and Europe remain strong, especially for tech, pharma, and academic conferences. We also target regional markets across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for association meetings, medical summits, and destination weddings.

To what percentage does your hotel depend on inbound traffic from abroad and domestic travellers?

Over the past year, domestic travellers have contributed to 85% of our occupancy, with inbound international guests accounting for the remaining 15%. This ratio reflects Hyderabad’s rising stature as a thriving business and leisure hub within India. Our integrated offering—287 well-appointed rooms at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and direct access to the world-class HICC—makes us a preferred choice for MICE delegates, business travellers, and social groups. While domestic demand continues to dominate, international traffic driven by global conferences, exhibitions, and business forums remains vital. This balance allows us to cater effectively to both audiences while positioning Hyderabad as a compelling destination for global events.

Practices. What about your hotel?

Sustainability is at the core of our operations. We proudly hold the Green Key Certification, a globally recognized eco-label that reflects our commitment to sustainable hospitality. In 2024, we transitioned our guest vehicles to electric ones, reducing operational costs by 77% and minimizing our environmental impact. Our solar panel system, consisting of 1,818 panels spread across 48,904 square feet, powers a significant portion of our property, reducing reliance on conventional energy. We also introduced ‘O by Aria Life Water’, an innovative atmospheric water system that minimizes plastic usage and conserves groundwater. Additionally, we’ve implemented the Liquid Off Take system and converted our laundry boilers to LPG, saving ₹14.88 lakhs and driving greater efficiency.

As GM, what are the main changes implemented and how have these changes influenced its operations?

As GM, key changes have focused on driving both sustainability and innovation across operations. We’ve implemented solar panels and the Aria water system, significantly reducing our environmental impact. New market segments were targeted through tailored approaches for HICC and Novotel Hyderabad, emphasizing technology, lifestyle experiences, and culinary innovation. Employee wellbeing and regular training have strengthened our internal culture. The strong synergy between HICC and NHCC drives MICE revenue, with over 75% contributing annually. Sustainability continues to be a shared focus, with eco-friendly operations across both properties. Continuous investment in renovations, tech upgrades, and F&B innovations ensures we stay ahead of evolving guest expectations.

As you look to 2030, what are your key priorities?

Looking ahead to 2030, our priorities remain focused on innovation, sustainability, and ensuring that Hyderabad remains a global destination for both business and leisure. For HICC, we’ll continue enhancing its capabilities to host world-class events, ensuring it stays at the forefront of MICE offerings. Our Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre will emphasize experiential dining, from intimate settings like Under the Mango Tree to vibrant outdoor spaces like Permit to Grill. We’ll also elevate guest experiences with our unique bars, such as the stylish Stone Bar and the dynamic The Bar.

We aim to expand our outdoor catering services and create more unique event spaces, both indoor and outdoor. By staying adaptive and forward-thinking, we’ll make both properties integral to the global hospitality landscape.