Sri Lanka is targeting a substantial increase in its business events sector, aiming to boost its contribution to total tourist arrivals from 12 per cent to between 20 to 25 per cent.
This push, announced last Wednesday by Sri Lanka’s deputy minister of tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe, will be propelled by focused promotions and the upcoming Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2025.
Speaking at the media briefing to promote the country’s MICE Expo that is happening on September 22-26, Ranasinghe said there is a “huge potential” in the business events sector.
The Expo, marking its fifth edition since 2021, is set to attract over 100 foreign buyers and 15 journalists from key markets including India, China, Pakistan, Germany, Russia, France, the UK, Turkey, Spain, the UAE, Bangladesh, Qatar, Malaysia, and Singapore. The five-day programme will facilitate vital B2B meetings between international buyers and local business events vendors. Additionally, participants will embark on a fam tour covering popular tourist spots in Nuwara Eliya and Kandy, nestled in the central hills.
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi stated their goal is to enact “a major transformation in the industry” and attract a greater influx of business events visitors. SLCB officials further noted their success in facilitating 30 corporate and business gatherings to date, drawing groups of 200-300 visitors each, with an additional 25 to 30 business and conference travel groups already confirmed.
Separately, Krishan Balendra, chairman of John Keells Holdings (JKH), informed TTGmice that JKH is keen on drawing more business travellers, particularly from India – the country’s largest source market – and China, to its integrated resort in the heart of Colombo.
JKH’s US$1.2 billion City of Dreams is set to unveil its second phase on August 2, which includes a casino and hotel. While the Cinnamon Life hotel, featuring 687 rooms, opened last November as part of the initial phase, the August 2 event will see the grand opening of Macau-based Melco’s US$123 million new casino and the 113-room Nuwa hotel, alongside the formal opening of the accompanying mall.
