MICE sector helps develop the country
Charumini de Silva
Meeting Incentives Conferencing Exhibitions (MICE) sector could
directly help the country to improve different industries with the dawn
of peace. The MICE sector has numerous opportunities as there are no
limits in the MICE sector. The MICE sector could directly help the
country to improve different industries with the dawn of peace.
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The MICE sector plays a pivotal role in the tourism industry.
Here a group of tourists doing their Christmas shopping in a
Colombo street. Picture by Sumanachandra Ariyawansa |
It is important to have a proper diversification in these incentives
that will assist the MICE sector to improve further, Sri Lanka
Convention Bureau (SLCB) General Manager, Vipula Wanigasekara told Daily
News Business.
He said that there is tremendous scope for the tourism industry.
Regional tourism was not much affected even during the global economic
downturn. The MICE sector in Asia Pacific is one of the positive and
sustainable sectors in the future.
The Return On Investment (ROI) in MICE sector is long-term.
Therefore, there is a slight hesitation in the private sector to
participate in the MICE sector. However, it is vital to develop the
necessary infrastructure in the MICE sector. Currently a convention
exhibition hall is under construction in Hambantota with an investment
of rupees one billion and the SLCB has planned to have two more in
Negombo and Jaffna, he said.
“MICE is an essential sector that needs to be highlighted in our
country. Countries such as Singapore and Malaysia have given priority to
the MICE sector since these countries have understood the advantage of
it and it is a up market for the tourists.
Since Sri Lanka has much potential for tourism, it is vital to have a
activity oriented tourism industry while making use of the country’s
diversification. In comparison with many other competing destinations,
visitors have confirmed that Sri Lanka is value for money as all the
packages come to you at a reasonable cost, Wanigasekara said.
The General Manager said that Sri Lanka offers all modern facilities
for conferences, exhibitions and events with conference hotels,
excellent telecommunication systems, a convenient transport system, an
up-to-date banking system and broad band web and email facilities. These
facilities are complimented with dedicated conference departments,
special services for MICE travellers and conferences delegates.
He said that with the opening of the Northern and the Eastern
provinces, the country will have more economic activities. The
infrastructure developments have commenced and within a couple of years
tourists will have much improved roads and transportation systems, which
would help them to travel within the country.
The SLCB conducted 50 major events in India as it is the primary
market.
The Bureau also had several events in the regional countries and the
country could expect to enter into more markets with the dawn of peace.
Earlier the country had a negative impact due to the conflict
situation. The future of the MICE sector is bright and positive and it
is necessary to make use of these long awaited opportunities, he said. |
