Sri Lanka Ready to welcome MICE visitors from Pakistan
The SLCB in association with Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority under the auspices of Ministry of Tourism organized yet another successful MICE Expo from 27-31 May 2024. This year the venue was Southern belt of Sri Lanka.
The event included 100 decision makers from 15 countries, which included Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, UAE, Turkey, Poland, UK & Northern Ireland, Greece, Sweden, Singapore, Qatar, Hungary, Russia, Turkey and India. A group of 15 members from the press crops were also invited to the event from Pakistan, Turkey, China, India and Russia.
The event began with a lunch followed by inspection at Hilton Colombo for the delegates. Later the delegates were transferred to Bentota and Ahungulla where they were accommodated in Taj Bentota Resort & Spa and Heritance Ahungalla Beach Resort as the key location was Southern Sri Lanka.
The Business Forum held at Taj Bentota Resort & Spa on 27th May 2024 was the opening session where the Chairman SLCB Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Mr. Krishantha Fernando, General Manager SLCB, Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Mr. Shirantha Peiris, Chairman, Sri Lanka Institute for Tourism and Hotel Management shared insights on Sri Lankan Tourism and what they are doing together to attract MICE business to Sri Lanka. The business forum was followed by a welcome dinner.
On 28th May 2024 the official opening ceremony started by welcome address of Mr. Harin Fernando, Minister for Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs followed by addresses of Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Mr. Dimuthu Tennakoon Head of World Wide Sales and Distribution at Sri Lankan Airlines, Mr. Imran Hassan President of Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference Exhibition and Events Organizers.
Addressing the inauguration Mr Harin Fernando, emphasized his ministry’s efforts to position Sri Lanka as a premier MICE destination on the global stage.
While inaugurating the meeting Fernando said “To attain this goal, we’ve orchestrated a series of consecutive MICE Expos. Following a virtual Expo in December 2021 amidst the pandemic, we hosted the nationwide Colombo MICE Expo 2023, succeeded by the Jaffna MICE Expo 2023, aimed at showcasing the northern region as a MICE hotspot. This marks our third MICE Expo within a year. These repeated endeavours have significantly heightened global recognition and remembrance of Sri Lanka as a prominent MICE destination.
“Southern Sri Lanka stands out as one of the premier tourism destinations nationwide, boasting a blend of immaculate beaches, vibrant culture, rich heritage, and abundant nature and wildlife. Additionally, the region serves as the focal point for water sports in Sri Lanka,” the Minister added.
“Once you arrive, you’ll discover that hosting MICE events in Sri Lanka isn’t merely about arranging gatherings; it’s about immersing yourself in a complete experience, enriched by the renowned warmth and hospitality that Sri Lankans are celebrated for worldwide.”
A full day B2B session was conducted following the inaugural session at Cinnamon Bentota Beach which included 1 on 1 meetings of representatives of Sri Lankan Tour operators, DMCs, Hotels, event managers and transport companies with hosted delegates.
In the evening Cinnamon Bentota Beach hosted a “Beach Theme Dinner” where all male delegates wore beach shirts and female delegates wore sarong.
On 29th May 2024, the delegates were taken on to a tour of Galle Fort, Light house and then to Hambantota, which boasts Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Centre (MRICC) the second international convention centre with both conference and banquet facilities. The masterpiece complex is situated on the highest point in the area. MRICC consists of 1500 capacity conference hall, 1500 capacity banquet hall seven lifts, fire detection and protection (Hydrant & Sprinklers) system, and a Centralized Air conditioning system consisting of 640 TR.
Following the visit of MRICC the delegates checked in to one of the luxurious hotels in Hambantota: Shangri-la Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa. The luxury resort spans 58 hectares, making it the largest resort in Sri Lanka, and boasts 274 spacious rooms, including 20 suites, all surrounded by stunning tropical gardens. The beachfront resort is an adventurer’s dream, with a mosaic of activities and unique curated expeditions to help you absorb the diversity of the island at its best. Designed by world-renowned golf architect, Rodney Wright, the 18-hole golf course spreads across a vast coconut palm plantation, a sapphire quarry, lakes and sand dunes, offering distinctive challenges for both beginners and seasoned players.
The day ended with a hotel inspection trip and dinner at DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort showcasing their various accommodation options.
The second last day 30th May 2024 was a safari to Udawalawa National Park where the delegates saw elephants in their natural habitat. Some of them were lucky enough to have a close encounter with the mammal.
Lunch was at a unique restaurant which was one of the most eco friendly places called “Craft Tunnel” The entire interior was made of sustainable materials.
The tour concluded with a visit to Elephant Transit Home (also known as elephant feeding) where delegates were thrilled by the seeing elephants feeding in an up-close manner.
The last day 31st May 2024 the delegates left Sri Lanka mesmerized by her beauty, warmth and hospitality. The entire trip was excellently executed. Sri Lanka is indeed back with a bang and ready to welcome groups from Pakistan.
