SLCB hosts a strategic MICE Tourism session to establish Cultural Triangle as a key MICE hub

October, 28, 2024

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, an entity under the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Policy Formulation, Planning and Tourism successfully concluded the Cultural Triangle Hoteliers Training Program on MICE Tourism on the 15^th of October 2024 at the Habarana Village by Cinnamon.

This is one of the series of training programs that had been organized by SLCB in many parts of the country during the past few years.

This educational session was attended by 30 plus senior and middle-level hoteliers from 18 hotels in the Cultural Triangle Region.

The event commenced with the opening remarks delivered by Ms. Kumudu Hennedige – Manager Research, Development & Training Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.

The session featured prominent speakers, including Ms. Shyana Jayalath, who is a Marketer, Volunteer, & Communicator along with Mr. Chamindu Abeywickrama, Founder of C A Corporate Training, Mr. Ziyan Ameen, General Manager, Aitken Spence Conventions & Exhibitions. Mr. Udara Dharmasena VP client success Meta ASP Sri Lanka and also the Secretary of the Digital Marketing Association of Sri Lanka and Ms. Gayathri Seneviratne, Country Director 3P Media and Google Media Representative Sri Lanka.

A panel discussion was held featuring prominent industry experts, including Mr. Saliya Dayananda, Immediate Past President of the Cultural Triangle Hoteliers Association; Ms. Shyana Jayalath; Mr. Asela Wawita, General Manager of Heritance Kandalama Hotel and Mr. Udara Dharmasena, VP Client Success - Meta ASP Sri Lanka & also a lecturer in Digital Marketing at University of Kelaniya, SLIM & APIDM. The session was moderated by Mr. Ziyan Ameen, General Manager of Aitken Spence Conventions & Exhibitions. The panel discussed various topics, including the expectations of Cultural Triangle hoteliers for the upcoming season in light of increasing tourism arrivals, and the contribution of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), sports, and general tourism segments to the region. They also explored current trends in the event management sector, the future of tourism with Gen Z's focus on sustainability and community-based best practices and the need for technology in creating engaging event experiences, particularly in attracting a younger, tech-savvy audience.

This event also consisted of a practical working group session on “Identifying an Event to position the Cultural Triangle as a MICE hub”. Participants came out with many interesting & creative MICE Experiences that Cultural Triangle can offer to the MICE Traveler.

At the end of the training program, all participants were presented with certificates of participation issued by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau. The event concluded with a closing thank-you note, expressing gratitude to the speakers, panelists, and attendees for their contributions and engagement.

The next MICE Tourism educational session will be held on 26 and 27 of November in Jaffna targeting the Hoteliers in the Northern region as well as the students who are following tourism, hospitality and event management degrees/courses in the Northern region.