28/05/2024
Sri Lanka Southern MICE EXPO 2024: Showcasing Southern Sri Lanka as a Premier MICE Destination
The Southern MICE EXPO 2024, organized by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, commenced today at the Cinnamon Beach Hotel at Bentota, heralding a new era for MICE tourism in southern Sri Lanka. This 4 day event aims to position the region as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions & Events (MICE), drawing attention to its exceptional blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure.
The expo has attracted over 115 buyers and media representatives from more than 15 countries like India, pakistan, Bangladesh, London, Turkey, China, Astralia and more, all eager to discover what southern Sri Lanka has to offer. The event showcases the area’s potential as an ideal location for companies and organizations looking to host professional yet exotic and vibrant events.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports, and Youth Affairs, emphasized the transformative impact of the Southern MICE Expo 2024. "In a world where business events are rapidly changing, this expo aspires to be more than just an event. It will serve as a gateway to unparalleled experiences, supporting local economies, and leaving a lasting impact on all event stakeholders," he stated.
Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, highlighted the region's unique appeal. "The Southern Region, with its distinctive blend of vibrant culture and coastal beauty, provides an idyllic MICE destination – with immense potential to reach the world through people’s social media feeds," he said.
The event was inaugurated by Hon. Harin Fernando and began with a Business Forum and welcome reception at the Taj Bentota Resort & Spa on May 27, 2024. This was followed by the opening ceremony, B2B sessions, and a gala dinner at Cinnamon Bentota Beach on May 28. The MICE Business Forum created an excellent opportunity for networking, while the B2B sessions saw the participation of over 100 local vendors from Sri Lanka, fostering valuable business connections with foreign Travel agents.
A key highlight of the expo is the familiarization tour hosted by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, offering buyers the chance to explore the southern part of the country. This tour allows them to experience Sri Lanka’s MICE facilities firsthand, enhancing their understanding of the island's potential for future investments.The FAM tour is about to happen on 29th and 30th of May and that covers Galle Fort and MRICC, Hambantota on 29th May and Udawalawa National Park and the Elephant Transit Home on 30th May.
Southern Sri Lanka boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor event facilities, including hotel venues, resorts, state-of-the-art convention centers, and bespoke offerings, all staffed by qualified personnel. The Southern MICE EXPO 2024 aims to put this region on the global map as a premier MICE destination, driving tourism and economic growth in the process.
