SLCB holds training program on MICE tourism in Jaffna

Friday, 20 December 2024 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Panel discussion in progress

Group photo of the students’ program participants

SLCB Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi

Speakers at the students’ program

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) recently hosted another ground-breaking MICE awareness sessions (Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions) attracting leading hoteliers and university students in the Northern region of Sri Lanka.

Over 100 participants from leading hotels, universities, educational institutions for hospitality management attended the full-day MICE Tourism Training Programs on 26 and 27 November 2024 in Jaffna respectively.

Both educational sessions marked a significant transformation, shedding its old skin to emerge as a forward-thinking platform aiming to serve as a dynamic platform where creativity, innovation, partnership, and sustainability take centre stage. It was a strategic axis to keep pace with a fast-evolving industry. These two sessions focused on business opportunities, industry knowledge, and providing a vibrant stage for Sri Lankan MICE entrepreneurs to shine.

SLCB and Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi delivering the welcome speech said: “MICE Tourism is crucial as we face economic constraints while the pressure to deliver more value and return on investment rises. The program of MICE awareness to be more inspiring, motivating, meaningful, and engaging, making us more competitive, not only for knowledge, business, and experience but also for enhancing the quality of the MICE industry, and contributing more to the economy and society.”

The event was structured around key activities: Knowledge exchange, business exchange, and experience exchange. Each component was meticulously designed to highlight Sri Lanka’s prowess in the MICE sector.

The training sessions were conducted by prominent personalities from the hospitality and event industry comprising Professor in Marketing Dheera Hettiarachchi, attached to the Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Jaffna Prof. S. Sivesan, Golden Isle Managing Director Paddy Paul, Aitken Spence Travels General Manager – Conventions and Exhibitions Ziyan Ameen, The Thinnai Hotel General Manager Roshanth Selvarajah, British College of Hospitality Management Director Muhunthan Murugaiah, NorthGate Hotel General Manager Muthuramesh, Jetwing Hotel Jaffna Assistant Manager Ramachandran Gangaiamaran, Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Assistant Lecturer Front Office/Lecturer In Charge (Acting) of Niranjala Alex and Fox Resort Jaffna Resort Manager Trevine Mottau.

A group work was carried out based on organising and creating an event, themed “Ramayanaya” and focused on different perspectives to attract tourists by promoting Northern province as a tourist destination.

At the end of the training, a certificate of participation was issued to all participants.