Pioneering new initiatives, Sri Lanka’s inaugural Virtual MICE Expo received an overwhelming response from stakeholders as the value-added event provided a much-needed impetus for MICE tourism.
Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson, Kimarli Fernando said, “This is the first time that a MICE related virtual Expo was held with many value-added activities such as business forums, green initiatives, tea experiences, education partnerships, wellness experiences, culinary experiences etc.”
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau General Manager, Krishantha Fernando said, “We expected around 200 buyers/visitors for the event and ended up with almost 500 registrations and similarly we expected 50 virtual booths and concluded with over 70, including sponsors, which reflected the positive response to the event.”
Capitalising on the opportunity to network, some key partnerships were inked during the Expo. An educational partnership agreement related to events was signed between Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition and Event Organisers (SLAPCEO) and Uva Wellassa University.
SLAPCEO President, Imran Hassan said, “This event showcased how best the three main pillars of tourism; policymakers, professionals and academics can work together for the betterment of the industry.”
Kimarli Fernando urged SLCB and SLAPCEO to continue this event as a physical event in 2022 with the objective of making ‘Sri Lanka a Gateway to South Asian Meetings and Events Industry’. “I look forward to collaborating on a solid action plan and MICE strategy for the future.With the onset of the pandemic, we have seen huge shifts in the way people travel for business. MICE tourism has seen changes – with businesses having to learn to operate remotely which has led to many MICE events either being cancelled or postponed.
“Virtual MICE Expo 2021 provides a much-needed platform for international MICE buyers to meet over 50 local exhibitors. The four business forums provided the expertise and knowledge for to the industry following in our strategy to position Sri Lanka as a top MICE destination in Asia,” she said.
The business forums during the three-day event had high ranking speakers representing international and regional associations such as International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), International Wedding Planners Association of (IWPA), Society of Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), and the China SME Business Owners Association.
The virtual exhibition showcased over 70 stalls; four business forums for the Meetings/Conference, Exhibitions, Wedding and Incentive organisers; Meet in Sri Lanka video collection and launch of green events initiatives at Water’s Edge.