Webinar promotes MICE tourism between Sri Lanka and India

Continuing the efforts to promote Sri Lanka as a tourism destination in the Western region of India, Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai in collaboration with Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) organised an online event to promote MICE (Meetings, Incentive, Conferences, Exhibitions & Events) tourism in Sri Lanka on 6 October.

Considering the potential for MICE tourism from Mumbai and the post-COVID requirements of corporates, the session was organised to showcase Sri Lanka as a favourable MICE destination. 

The opening remarks was delivered by Consul General of Sri Lanka Dr. Valsan Vethody. During his address, the Consul General stated that Sri Lanka was ready to welcome all the corporates and business engagements because of the steps taken to ease the COVID-19 restrictions in the country by following an intensive lockdown and extensive vaccination drive. Further, he went on to mention that other than the conventional tourism, Sri Lanka had a long tradition in hosting major MICE and business events. 

Sri Lanka’s strength, in this regard, lies in modern infrastructure and facilities to organise international conferences and events of all sizes and this is supported by the diversity of attractions, from beaches to culture, heritage, wildlife and mountains, mouth-watering cuisine, which matches any international standard. 

The webinar began with two videos depicting cultural heritage and hospitality of Sri Lanka. SLCB General Manager Krishantha Fernando made a presentation on what Sri Lanka offers as a MICE tourism destination and Sri Lanka’s capabilities under this sector. He invited the MICE tour operators and the representatives joining the webinar to organise their next corporate event in Sri Lanka. 

Keynote speakers representing important industry stakeholders also expressed their views during the webinar. Representing Sri Lankan industry partners, Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition and Event Organisers President Imran Hassan, and Tourist Hotel Association of Sri Lanka President Sanath Ukwatte explained how MICE service providers and the accommodation sector in Sri Lanka was equipped to cater for any MICE movement. Apart from hosting corporate events, Sri Lanka’s ability to host wedding functions, especially, the lavish Indian wedding at a lesser cost, was also highlighted.

Tour Agents Association of India Vice President Jay Bhatia and Tour Agents Federation of India Executive Member Sampat Damani, addressed the webinar representing the Indian stakeholders. They expressed their appreciation for opening Sri Lanka for Indian travellers and further relaxing entry requirements and agreed to promote Sri Lanka as a MICE destination among their clientele. 

Apart from the above representations, officials from SLCB briefed the gathering about SLCB’s promotional events lined up for India in 2022 and recent updates on travel guidelines to Sri Lanka. SriLankan Airlines representative joining the webinar expressed that SriLankan Airlines was able to handle any MICE movement from India with the support of its 11 branch offices in key cities in India. 

More than 50 participants who are specialised in MICE tourism and media personnel joined the meeting. The webinar was concluded with a Q & A session and it was coordinated and moderated by Consul (Commercial) of the Mission Sandun Sameera.