Sri Lanka at IT CM in Shanghai

Thursday, 24 April 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Recognising the potential in China for MICE tourism (meetings, incentive travel, conferences and exhibitions), Sri Lanka Convention Bureau took part at the IT & CM China, a leading MICE fair in Shanghai, jointly with Sri Lankan Airlines and industry members viz Apple Holidays, Connaissance De Ceylan, Exotic Global Holidays, Golden Isle Travels Ltd, Royal Holidays and Aitken Spence Conventions and Exhibitions. This is a specialised fair meant for MICE operators which is attended by selected MICE buyers from China. Sri Lanka’s participation was necessary with the stiff competition from her neighbours to secure a reasonable market share from China.

IT&CM China optimises business opportunities with the Chinese on all fronts and 72% of the 2014 buyers were from China. TTG Asia, organisers of the fair stated that 65% of the buyers are new to IT&CM China and they have achieved the targeted ration of 1.25 buyers to 1 exhibiting company. There were over 3000 MICE professionals gathered at ITCM from the sectors including DMCs, PCOs, Corporate Travel Managers and Associations. According to Sri Lankan industry members business contacts were established and new business will materialise from this year onwards boosting Chinese arrivals into the country.