Southern MICE EXPO 2024 begins to promote south as a leading destination for MICE tourism

Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs Harin Fernando inaugurating the event 

Southern MICE EXPO 2024, organised by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, kicked off today at the Cinnamon Bentota Beach hotel. The multi-day event aims to position southern Sri Lanka as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

With over 115 buyers and media representatives from 15+ countries in attendance, the event showcases Sri Lanka’s stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure as an ideal location for companies and organisations looking to host events, meetings, and conferences in a professional, yet exotic and vibrant setting.

In a world where the business events are rapidly changing, the Southern MICE Expo 2024 aspires to be more than just an event which will serve as the gateway to unparalleled experiences, supporting local economies and leaving a lasting impact to all event stakeholders said Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth affairs Harin Fernando,. 

“The Southern Region, with its distinctive blend of vibrant culture and coastal beauty, provides an idyllic MICE destination – with immense potential to reach the world through people’s social media feeds,” said Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Chairman Thisum Jayasuriya.

Minister of Tourism, lands, Sports & Youth affairs Harin Fernando inaugurated the event, which commenced with a Business Forum and welcome reception hosted at the Taj Bentota Resort & Spa on 27 May, followed by the opening ceremony, B2B sessions and a gala dinner held at Cinnamon Bentota Beach on 28 May.. The MICE Business Forum created an excellent opportunity for business networking and the B2B business session was held with the participation of over 100 local vendors from Sri Lanka.

The familiarisation tour hosted by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau will provide buyers an opportunity to explore the southern part of the country allowing them to experience Sri Lanka’s MICE facilities first-hand, in order to familiarise themselves with the island for potential future investments.

Sri Lanka provides indoor and outdoor event facilities, hotel venues, resorts, state-of-the-art convention centres, and bespoke offerings, staffed by qualified personnel.