The very first 2020 ITB Asia conference from 21 to 23 October was held in Singapore on a virtual platform. Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) functioning under the Ministry of Tourism was called to partake. 

ITB Asia, ‘Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show’, successfully concluded last month rounding off the first virtual event in its 13-year history. The highly-anticipated trade show was hosted virtually on the newly-established online platform, ITB Community in Asia (ITB Community) with around 35,000 travel professionals from around the world.

With the virtual platform providing the perfect space for networking, attendees also took part in online business appointments, fuelling confidence in the industry’s future. The three-day exhibition witnessed more than 27,000 business appointments and growth of 7.4% year-on-year. Destinations were invited to share MICE tourism experiences and on current industry overview with COVID-19 situation with the connected worldwide industry professionals

SLCB produced a 12-minute pre-recorded video interview to speak on ‘COVID-19 MICE/Tourism Strategy’. The interview was conducted as a Q & A session. Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando and Ministry of Health Deputy Director General – Public Health Services II Dr. Susie Perera De Silva participated while Cinnamon Life CEO and John Keels Group Vice President Dileep Mudadeniya, contributed as the Moderator of the interview. 

During the session, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism highlighted about Sri Lanka’s Unique Selling Prepositions (USPs) on MICE/Tourism and way forward readiness to open the country in line with the health and safety guidelines. Further, the compactness, diversity and authenticity offerings were also highlighted. Dr. Susie Perera De Silva provided an insight about the health and safety measures and protocols in place by the Government of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Health to overcome the COVID-19 situation. 

Sri Lanka video segment was televised at the online platform (on demand section) at the ITB Asia virtual conference. The video presentation was available up until 30 October to the registered ITB participants. Further, the session was promoted on social media – LinkedIn and Facebook. SLCB intend to participate in the virtual platforms and keep the destination alive and connected with the international MICE/Tourist stakeholders. Mainly due to the prevailing situation in the world and events either postponed or switched to digital platforms.

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