MICE specialist Imran joins Connaissance De Ceylan

Wednesday, 5 February 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Imran Hassan, a senior MICE specialist in Sri Lanka who to his credit headed a successful trade fair and MICE organisation in the past, has now joined Connaissance De Ceylan (CDC), one of the country’s largest inbound tour operators, as the head of its MICE operation to be known as CDC Events & Travels Ltd. In a move widely expected to create new waves in the countries inbound tourism industry, Hassan will join Chandra Wickramasinghe – an iconic figure in the tourism industry of the country, possessing experience that is considered legendary. Wickramasinghe is considered as one of Sri Lanka’s legendary Destination Management Service providers and chairs the company which owns Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa in Pasikudah and the recently opened Aliya Resort & Spa in Sigiriya Both resorts are considered two of the country’s most scenic tourist resorts with service, ambience and experience hailed as world class among the visitors. Wickramasinghe is also the Deputy Chairman of Amaya Group of Hotels and serves on the Boards of Hunas Falls and Fortress Hotels. The synergy between Hassan and Wickramasinghe is set to open new paradigms within the industry, with Hassan bringing with him a surfeit of experience in the Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibition (MICE) industry. Hassan spearheaded organising some of Sri Lanka’s largest trade exhibitions including groundbreaking trade fairs in Jaffna and Batticaloa. He is also considered a pioneer of the exhibition industry in Maldives. Hassan has organised over 200 international trade fairs in Sri Lanka, Maldives and India, together with many conferences and events in Sri Lanka. He carries with him valuable experience of almost two decades in the MICE industry. He also served as the President of the Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition/Event Organisers (SLAPCEO) for almost four years and was involved in the revival of the association. In addition, he served as an active committee member of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) for over seven years, among other positions held in various industries related forums. The combination between the two therefore is widely seen as a move to turn a new leaf in the MICE industry, with both bringing in unparalleled experience in diverse and potent fields. CDC Events is expected to organise large-scale events building on the vision of Wickramasinghe and Hassan, with an able and committed team which is dedicated to ensure excellence. CDC Events is set to kick off with Southern International Trade Exhibition (SITE 2014), the first amongst many mega events to come.