Every year, Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India’s Apex body supported by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, organizes India’s largest B2B gems and jewellery exhibition – India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) which witnesses huge participation from the industry stakeholders.
The 40th edition of this event is taking place this year simultaneously at dual venues – at Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), BKC, Bandra, from 8th to 12th August 2024, and The Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), Goregaon, from 9th to 13th August 2024.
This has led to widespread hotel bookings across various hotels in Mumbai (including five-star/ seven-star category luxury hotels). Mumbai’s hotel occupancy will rise tremendously during the event days.
An estimated 2,100+ exhibitors, 3,600+ stalls, 50,000+ trade visitors, visitors from 800+ cities in India, international buyers from 60+ countries and 14 international delegations are expected at the event.
Nirav Bhansali, Convener, National Exhibitions, GJEPC, tells Hotelier India all about the impact of the biggest gems and jewellery show on the hospitality industry.
Tell us more about the rise in hotel bookings in Mumbai for the GJEPC event.
The IIJS Premier event hosted by GJEPC has seen an unprecedented rise in hotel bookings in Mumbai. This surge can be attributed to the significant increase in the number of exhibitors and a record-breaking attendance of 50,000 visitors. As the event grows in scale and reputation, more participants are eager to be part of it, leading to a substantial demand for accommodation. This trend reflects the event’s success and its importance in the industry, making Mumbai a bustling hub during the duration of the event.
Which are the hotels that will be hosting the guests?
Several prestigious hotels in Mumbai are hosting the attendees of the IIJS Premier event. The Grand Hyatt, Leela, Lalit, Westin Powai and Aurika are accommodating the majority of our guests. These hotels have been chosen for their high standards of service and proximity to the event venue, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for exhibitors, buyers, and visitors. By partnering with these top hotels, we aim to provide an exceptional experience for all our attendees.
Is the pricing of hotel rooms affected due to the high demand? Any idea about the increased room rates?
Despite the high demand, the pricing of hotel rooms has remained stable, thanks to our strategic advance planning. We negotiated rates with these hotels four months in advance, securing favourable prices. This proactive approach allowed us to manage costs effectively and ensure that attendees received great rates. By locking in these rates early, we mitigated the impact of increased demand on room pricing, providing our guests with excellent value for their stay.
How many people (guests/ delegates etc) are expected at the event?
The IIJS Premiere event is truly an international gathering, with participation from across the globe. There are 2,100 exhibitors and 3,600 stalls. We are expecting around 50,000 visitors including 2,500 foreign buyers, highlighting the event’s international appeal. This diverse participation underscores the event’s status as a key platform for networking and business opportunities in the jewellery sector.
Any special arrangements made by GJEPC to handle traffic etc?
To ensure smooth transportation and reduce congestion, GJEPC has implemented several special arrangements. We have organized shuttle services to and from the nearest train and metro stations, facilitating easy access to the event venue. Additionally, shuttle services will be available for all 23 partner hotels, ensuring guests can travel conveniently without adding to road traffic.
Moreover, to avoid long-standing queues and streamline entry, we have introduced a user-friendly visitor pre-registration system. Attendees can utilize the Digital Entry Badge available on the IIJS App, coupled with facial recognition technology, for quick and seamless access to the event. These measures are designed to enhance the overall experience for our attendees, minimize wait times, and reduce the environmental impact of increased vehicle use during the event.
