SLAPCEO and Tourism Minister reach favourable accord

Recent discussions between Tourism Minister John Amaratunga and SLAPCEO (Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition & Event Organisers) have resulted in favourable responses. 

“SLAPCEO made a request to lower the minimum rate of hotels in Colombo during the off season i.e. May to October, to encourage more MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) business to be held in Colombo,” says SLAPCEO Secretary Nalin Ariyaratna, “We’ve also requested that events organised by and for the Government sector be channelled through SLAPCEO, which is the organising body responsible for professional event management in Sri Lanka,” adds SLAPCEO President Ziyan Ameen. Minister Amaratunga has confirmed his support towards organising more MICE events in Sri Lanka.  

From left: Ministry of Tourism PR Officer ​Ann Amaratunga​, SLAPCEO Secretary​ Nalin Ariyaratne, SLAPCEO President Ziyan Ameen, Minister of Tourism John Amaratunga, SLAPCEO Committee Member Paddy Paul, SLAPCEO Treasurer Shanti Outscoorn, SLAPCEO Committee Member Tuan Shaffaath Amidon, SLAPCEO Committee Member Mohamed Aasim Mukthar

IAPCO international training to be held in Sri Lanka next year

In 2018, SLAPCEO together with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) will host the 2nd IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers) international training for MICE professionals in Sri Lanka. “In the 90’s, this training took place only in Switzerland and cost approximately Rs. 1 million at that time and 30 of our professionals participated as this is one of the requirements when bidding for international conferences. In 2015 we trained 30 middle and senior professionals right here in Sri Lanka,” says SLAPCEO Marketing Committee Head Paddy Paul, adding that professional training is essential as the industry is gaining more inventory and meeting space. 

The SLCB is the Government arm that promotes the local MICE industry. The SLPACEO as the only recognised body of the SLCB, promotes and organises MICE events in Sri Lanka which is making a name as a promising destination for business events and conferences. Working very closely with all other tourism related associations, SLAPCEO members handle a large number of events each year ranging from exhibitions, conferences and meetings, to weddings, events and incentives. SLAPCEO has a seat on the SLCB Board and also actively participates in the marketing and training for the MICE industry. Membership is chosen on strict criteria designed by its membership to keep in line with international requirements.

A vibrant culture and a tropical climate are only a few facets that define the country’s vast potential as a hub for regional as well as international events. As such, their aim is to promote Sri Lanka as a prime destination by hosting a significant number of MICE events. Guests are invited to indulge in an exotic tropical experience which facilitates more business opportunities and revenue. MICE tourism is a multi-million dollar global industry gaining further strength each year with the opening of new vistas in international economic co operation.

“We are currently in discussion with the tourism authorities to locate an appropriate land to build a multifunctional centre with parking and state-of-the-art technology and equipment.  PICO, an international investor is hopeful that the Government can locate a land for this purpose,” said Ameen. “With the appointment of Udaya Nanayakara, who understands the industry and the different segments well, as the Chairman of SLTPB, we are confident that synergies could be maximised to its highest potential,” Ameen adds.