Southern MICE Expo 2024 lauded as ‘transformative force for Sri Lanka’ – The Island

By Ifham Nizam

Southern MICE Expo 2024 is poised to be a transformative force for Sri Lanka’s economic landscape, heralding a new era of growth and opportunity, Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Harin Fernando said.

Fernando was speaking at the MICE event at a press briefing held at Galle Face Hotel, Colombo on Monday.

Fernando underscored the profound impact that the expo is expected to wield on the bourgeoning Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector, positioning Sri Lanka as an irresistible destination marked by its rich cultural tapestry, breathtaking natural vistas and a myriad of immersive experiences waiting to be discovered.

Fernando emphasized the event’s pivotal role as a dynamic platform where both local and international stakeholders within the tourism industry can converge, foster strategic alliances and unveil the diverse array of offerings that Sri Lanka has in store for discerning MICE travelers.

Launched with great fanfare on April 29, 2024, Southern MICE Expo 2024 stands as a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), in close partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Lands, with the primary aim of positioning the southern region as the quintessential destination for business tourism on the global stage.

Fernando commended the tireless efforts of SLCB in spotlighting the Southern Province as a premier MICE locale, stressing the expo’s role in not only fostering connectivity but also in curating unparalleled experiences that leave an indelible impression on participants.

Thisum Jayasuriya, chairman, SLCB, elucidated on the distinctive allure of the Southern Region, characterized by its harmonious blend of vibrant cultural heritage and pristine coastal vistas, which collectively render it an idyllic haven for MICE endeavors. Underscoring the Bureau’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and community empowerment, Jayasuriya extended a warm invitation to international agents, urging them to partake in this transformative event and contribute to the improvement of the local economy.

‘Southern MICE Expo 2024 aims to attract a diverse cadre of international MICE agents and media luminaries from an array of countries, offering an unparallel platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and experiential immersion in the splendor of the Southern region. Moreover, the expo presents a golden opportunity for local vendors to forge symbiotic partnerships with their international counterparts, facilitated by specially curated participation packages designed to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, forum sources said.

Virazmi Aher, Manager of SriLankan Holidays, lauded the SLCB for orchestrating yet another momentous MICE expo, underscoring its pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s tourism narrative.

She emphasized the invaluable contribution of SriLankan Airlines, in tandem with the SLCB, in championing Sri Lanka’s appeal as a preeminent MICE destination, particularly in key markets, such as India.