SL all set to host Round Table International World Meeting in September

• RTSL President describes RTIWM in SL as a vote of confidence in country’s rapidly-developing tourism sector
• Event organisers expect over $300,000 revenue generation during 5-day event
• Representatives from 45 countries, over 600 participants to participate, includes some of Sri Lanka’s key tourism sourcing  markets
• Tourism Development Minister says SL emerging as a leading destination for MICE tourism

By Charumini de Silva

Round Table International will hold its World Meeting this year in Sri Lanka from 5 to 9 September hosted by Round Table Sri Lanka (RTSL) in collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).

The five-day Round Table International World Meeting (RTIWM) 2018 will have representatives from 45 countries with over 500 members, including some of Sri Lanka’s key tourism sourcing markets and over 100 local members at Jetwing Blue, Jetwing Sea, Jetwing Beach and Camelot hotels in Negombo. 

RTSL President Jehan Mubarak described winning the bid to host RTIWM 2018 in Sri Lanka, as a vote of confidence in the country’s rapidly-developing tourism industry. 

He said RTIWM 2018 was the most important event in the Round Table calendar, with many countries bidding to host the event. 

Mubarak believes the event will generate over $ 300,000 in foreign exchange with various economic activities within the five-day program. 

According to him, prior to the World Meeting on 9 September, in partnership with George Steuart Travel RTSL has organised a tour for the participants covering the best touristic hotspots in Sri Lanka, including includes Wilpattu, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Trincomalee and Dambulla.  

“RTIWM 2018 will offer our members from around the world an opportunity to explore and have a hands on experience on Sri Lanka’s beauty, wildlife, culture, heritage, religious diversities, culture, traditions and the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality,” he added.

Mubarak also extended a special invite to all young male professionals to engage in growing personal and business networks at the five-day event.  

Round Table International is a global young men’s association promoting fellowship and community service in an aim to bring about change in the life of its members as well as communities. Based in the UK, Round Table currently has a membership of over 35,000 across 50 countries and it has a rich and strong history of over 90 years.

Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga said Sri Lanka has gained quite a reputation for hosting large regional events over the past few years and insisted that it would help the country to emerge as a leading destination for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) tourism.

“In 2016 the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) held an international conference in Sri Lanka followed by French Travel Agents conference, and last year we had PATA Annual Summit in the country. This year we have RTIWM and few more. These are some great testaments and vote of confidence that Sri Lanka is becoming a popular destination for tourism,” he added.

RTSL Vice President Shezad Hameed outlined on some of the activities the association did over the past years. He said they raised $2.4 million worth of aid for immediate flood relief and for long term infrastructure projects by mobilising its local and international networks.