Sustaining Sri Lanka’s prominence as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the post-COVID-19 era, an inaugural virtual MICE Expo will be launched from 1st to 3rd December 2021. This exciting 3-day event will consist of a Virtual Expo and interactive webinars to showcase what Sri Lanka can offer for MICE and Business events travelers. The event will also include engaging experiences to keep all participants actively engaged over all 3 days. The MICE Expo is organized by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) under the guidance of the Chairperson Ms. Kimarli Fernando in collaboration with Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition and Event Organisers (SLAPCEO). The event is expected to attract foreign interest including a large representation from the Asian region.

The Virtual MICE Expo provides a platform to virtually meet 50+ MICE & Business events service providers and engages them in Virtual Business Forum for Meetings & Conference Organizers with the participation of International and Regional Associations; a Virtual Business Forum for Incentive Organizers; Virtual Business Forum for Wedding Planners and Virtual Business Forum for Exhibition Organizers – in collaboration with the participation of International and Regional Associations. In addition, other activities such as Engaging Experiences; Master MICE Challenge; Visitor Competitions; Tea Experiences; Culinary Experiences; Relaxation activities; Tree Planting and more have also been planned. The local sellers representing the Sri Lankan meetings & events industry will exhibit their products & services at the event.

This is yet another unique initiative organized by Sri Lanka Tourism to build the tourism industry sustainably while propelling Sri Lanka forward as the preferred destination on the global map. Sri Lanka Tourism, represented by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB), Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) and Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) has made progress in key areas of technology, sustainability, branding & promotions and efficiency improvements throughout the year despite travel restrictions. This strategic growth will contribute to the long-term growth of the industry.

Amidst the global pandemic Sri Lanka Tourism took noteworthy steps to help the industry including COVID19 financial support extended to the industry stakeholders and the introduction of the ‘Tourism Bio Bubble’ to commence tourism in a prudent and responsible manner. The ‘Tourism Bio Bubble’ was globally recognized and acknowledged in international media such as CNN, CNBC, BBC as a first mover and was also recognized with the ‘Safe Travel Stamp’ by ‘World Travel and Tourism Council’.

Despite the pandemic and as a result of the continued public relational drive by Sri Lanka Tourism, ‘Sri Lanka’ was recognized as a top destination to travel by many top travel and tourism magazines keeping the tourism dream alive and continuing to build the brand equity. Some of these recognitions include ‘Top Country’ for Winter Travel for 2020 by ‘USA Today’, ‘Best place to visit in 2020’ by CNN and ‘Top Destination to Travel’ by Condé Nast Traveler in February 2020. Sri Lanka was also recognized as ‘World’s Leading Tourism Destination 2020’ and ‘Asia’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2020’ by ‘World Travel Awards’.

Mrs. Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism

Sri Lanka Tourism –Collage