Posted on July 28, 2026

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau’s Roadmap for a Knowledge-Driven MICE Sector

During the first half of 2026, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), through its Research, Development & Training Division, successfully implemented a series of capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka's Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. These programmes focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of students, undergraduates, educators, tourism professionals, and industry stakeholders, supporting the long-term development of a competitive and sustainable MICE sector.

The MICE Tourism Workshop 2026, held on 16 May at the BMICH, introduced more than 250 Ordinary and Advanced Level students to career opportunities in the MICE industry, while highlighting the economic importance of business tourism and strengthening collaboration between industry and academia.

On 20 May, the SLCB conducted a MICE Tourism Training Programme for over 160 undergraduates at Uva Wellassa University, equipping students with knowledge of global MICE trends, emerging technologies, and stakeholder engagement to prepare them for careers in business tourism.

To strengthen regional industry capacity, a Regional MICE Training Programme was held on 10 June at NH Bentota Ceysands for around 60 hoteliers and venue providers from the Southern Region. The programme enhanced participants' knowledge of sales, marketing, pricing strategies, and venue standards, contributing to the development of more MICE-ready destinations across the country.

On 25 June, the SLCB, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), conducted a MICE Handling Training Programme for 60 National Tourist Guides at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM). The programme strengthened the professional skills of guides through training in guest handling, cultural awareness, and service excellence for international business travellers.

The Knowledge Sharing and Networking Session for the MICE Industry, held on 30 June at the BMICH, brought together 90 industry stakeholders and corporate clients. Featuring both international and local experts, the session explored AI-driven marketing, sustainability, and emerging industry trends while reviving an important networking platform for Sri Lanka's MICE sector.

The series concluded with a Train the Trainer Programme for approximately 40 university lecturers and academic professionals at SLITHM. The programme updated educators on global MICE trends, sustainability, digital marketing, and AI applications, ensuring that future graduates receive industry-relevant education aligned with evolving market demands.

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau continues to dedicate itself to supporting educational programmes that strengthen the skills of industry professionals and enhance Sri Lanka's reputation as a leading hub for MICE and business events. Through these six initiatives, the Bureau has reinforced industry-academia collaboration, improved professional competencies across multiple sectors, and contributed significantly to positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive, knowledge-driven, and sustainable destination for international MICE tourism.

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau’s Roadmap for a Knowledge-Driven MICE Sector

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