MICE tourism in Sri Lanka gains momentum
View(s):The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) is now approaching the medical profession to bag more meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) in the country.
In 2012 Sri Lanka had been able to attract 28 MICE events that have now increased to 32 this year, SLCB Director General Vipula Wanigasekara said at a recent meeting held at the Sri Lanka Hotel School in Colombo addressing the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA).
It was pointed out that in the Asia Pacific region, Singapore was able to attract last year around 142.
This year Sri Lanka would play host to three medical related conferences, it was stated adding that the biggest event yet is the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Mr. Wanigasekara explained that MICE events could be organised now in the country in collaboration with the bureau which would absorb the bidding cost except travel.
He also noted that they would facilitate and assist in site inspection and the conduct of a familiarization tour of the country. The bureau would prepare all documentation for the bidding but the relevant association would have to present it and bear the local cost.
The Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference Exhibition Organisers (SLAPCEO) President Imran Hassan addressing the gathering highlighted that currently MAS Fabric Park was also available as a conference facility today in addition the existing ones.
It was observed that Sri Lanka was host to its largest medical conference at the International Congress for Aids in Asia Pacific catering to around 3000 persons, held some years back.
He noted that since their members were able to provide the best service in terms of travel, tours and other facilities they were capable in ensuring a quality end product during the conduct of the event and a memorable experience for families of visiting delegates.
It was noted that MICE was able to generate future travellers to the island as it helped to also attract during the course of the event, delegate spouses as well.SLMA President Dr. B.J.C. Perera observed that Sri Lanka was capable of hosting international conferences in the future as it was tried and tested already and that they have seen that not a lot of facilities were required in this regard.
He noted that they would appreciate efforts to work in collaboration with the bureau for the conduct of such MICE events related to the medical profession in the future.
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