SLCB promotes Cultural Triangle as key MICE tourism hub

Wednesday, 30 October 2024 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SLCB Research, Development and Training Manager Kumudu Hennedige

Panel discussion participants

Participants at the end of the program

Digital marketing session in progress

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), an entity under the Finance, Economic Development, Policy Formulation, Planning and Tourism Ministry, successfully concluded the Cultural Triangle Hoteliers Training Program on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) Tourism on 15 October at the Habarana Village by Cinnamon.

This is one of the series of training programs that had been organised by the 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 SLCB Research, Development and Training Manager Kumudu Hennedige.

The session featured prominent speakers, including Marketer, Volunteer, and Communicator Shyana Jayalath, along with C A Corporate Training Founder Chamindu Abeywickrama, Aitken Spence Conventions and Exhibitions General Manager Ziyan Ameen, Meta ASP Sri Lanka Client Success VP, Digital Marketing Association of Sri Lanka Secretary and University of Kelaniya, SLIM and APIDM Digital Marketing Lecturer Udara Dharmasena, and 3P Media Country Director and Google Media Representative Sri Lanka Gayathri Seneviratne.

A panel discussion was held featuring prominent industry experts, including Cultural Triangle Hoteliers Association Immediate Past President Saliya Dayananda, Shyana Jayalath, Heritance Kandalama General Manager Asela Wawita, and Udara Dharmasena. The session was moderated by Ziyan Ameen.

The panel discussed various topics, including the expectations of Cultural Triangle hoteliers for the upcoming season in light of increasing tourist arrivals, and the contribution of MICE, 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 and creative MICE experiences that the Cultural Triangle can offer to the MICE traveller.

At the end of the training program, all participants were presented with certificates of participation issued by the SLCB.

The event concluded with a closing thank you note, expressing gratitude to the speakers, panellists, and attendees for their contributions and engagement.

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