Southern Sri Lanka Shines at the Southern MICE Expo 2024 in Bentota
In a captivating showcase of its burgeoning business tourism potential, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) successfully hosted the Southern MICE Expo 2024 from May 27th to May 31st in the picturesque town of Bentota. This landmark event underscored southern Sri Lanka's emergence as a premier destination for Weddings and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, & Exhibitions (MICE), captivating an international audience with its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern infrastructure.
A Grand Opening in Bentota
Day 1: Colombo City Tour and Business Forum The event commenced with an enlightening tour of Colombo, featuring a delightful lunch at the Hilton Colombo. The Expo kicked off with a bustling Business Forum at the luxurious Taj Bentota, where industry leaders and stakeholders delved into the myriad opportunities for MICE events in southern Sri Lanka. This set the stage for a series of engaging activities designed to showcase the region's potential.
Day 2: Inaugural Ceremony and B2B Sessions The second day featured a grand inaugural ceremony, followed by intensive B2B sessions that facilitated direct networking between international MICE agents and local vendors. The day concluded with a beach-themed gala dinner at the Cinnamon Bentota Beach Hotel, offering a perfect blend of business and leisure.
Day 3: Galle Fort and MRICC, Hambantota Attendees embarked on a familiarization tour of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visited the newly opened Convention Centre at MRICC, Hambantota. This state-of-the-art facility highlighted southern Sri Lanka's capacity to host large-scale international events. The day ended with a hotel tour and dinner at DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort showcasing top-tier accommodation options.
Day 4: Udawalawa National Park and Craft Tunnel The final day included a visit to Udawalawa National Park and the Elephant Transit Home, providing a unique blend of wildlife experience and conservation efforts. A lunch at Craft Tunnel, known for its sustainable interiors and innovative dining, capped off the tour, leaving a lasting impression of the region's hospitality and creativity.
International Attendance and Endorsement
With over 115 MICE buyers and media representatives from more than 15 countries, the Southern MICE Expo 2024 successfully highlighted Sri Lanka's compelling mix of stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sophisticated event facilities. The presence of high-profile attendees underscored the global interest in southern Sri Lanka as a top-tier MICE destination.
Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports, and Youth Affairs, eloquently stated, "In a world where business events are rapidly evolving, the Southern MICE Expo 2024 aspires to be more than just an event. It aims to serve as a gateway to unparalleled experiences, supporting local economies and leaving a lasting impact on all stakeholders."
Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, emphasized the region's potential: "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."
A Promising Future for MICE Tourism
The Southern MICE Expo 2024 has not only positioned southern Sri Lanka as a leading destination for business tourism but also highlighted the comprehensive support from the Ministry of Tourism and Lands in promoting this sector. The event's success is a testament to the region's readiness to host world-class business events, offering a diverse array of venues, from indoor convention centers to scenic outdoor locations, all equipped with qualified personnel to ensure a seamless experience.
In summary, the Southern MICE Expo 2024 in Bentota was a resounding success, solidifying southern Sri Lanka's position on the global MICE tourism map and promising a bright future for business events in this enchanting region.
