The inaugural edition of the Jaffna MICE Expo 2023 concluded successfully in Yali, Sri Lanka. Organized by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and Lands, Government of Sri Lanka, the event commenced with a Business Forum meeting at Thinnai Hotel in Jaffna on November 30, 2023.
The SLCB and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board welcomed over 40 select buyers and five journalists from leading Indian media houses to participate in B2B interactions with their Sri Lankan counterparts. This initiative, facilitated by Alliance Air on November 30, aimed to foster collaboration and business opportunities.
The official opening ceremony of the Jaffna MICE Expo took place on December 1, 2023, at the North Gate Hotel in Jaffna. Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional lamp. Dignitaries present included Mr. Krishantha Fernando, General Manager of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Mr. Karthigan Sriskantharajah, Secretary of the Northern Province Tourism Association in Sri Lanka, Mr. Pazhani Murugesan, President of the Tamil Nadu Travel Mart Society, and Mr. A Aarif, President of the South India MICE Association (SIMA), among others.
The event’s primary objective is to promote the Northern Province as an ideal MICE tourism destination, particularly for tourists from South India. Jaffna is positioned as a gateway to attract Indian tourists through seamless sea and air connectivity.
Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s potential as a sought-after MICE destination in South Asia. He emphasized the attractiveness of the entire Northern Province, with its beautiful beaches, forts, temples, and excellent accommodation facilities. Jaffna, with direct international connections from Chennai, is positioned to become a preferred destination for South Indian corporate meetings and incentive tours.
The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau envisions showcasing the Northern Province as a promising destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) in the future. Mr. Jayasuriya also highlighted the importance of reconnecting with the diaspora and attracting them, along with their descendants, to rediscover their roots.
Sri Lanka’s efforts to position the Northern Province, especially Jaffna, as a new destination for MICE and business traffic from South India appear to be yielding positive results, with 45 enthusiastic hosted buyers participating in the inaugural Jaffna MICE Expo 2023.
Mr. Krishantha Fernando, General Manager of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming response from both hosted buyers and local vendors, envisioning the event as a learning experience to make Sri Lanka a preferred destination for Indian tourists in the future. The Jaffna International Airport Authorities have made necessary arrangements to welcome prospective buyers from the South Indian region, representing various travel associations and clubs. The one-for-two approach aimed at maximizing exposure for Northern Province tourism service providers received positive feedback from both local vendors and international buyers.
The Business Forum and B2B meetings were deemed successful, with over 2,000 meetings held between 45 hosted buyers from India and their counterparts in the Northern Province. The organizers are optimistic about attracting Indian business and MICE traffic to Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
Dr. P. Murugesan, President of the Tamil Nadu Travel Mart Society, Chennai, and National Executive Council Members of the Travel Agents Association of India, stated that TAAI and TTM will collaborate to showcase the significant potential of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka to Indian corporates and travelers in the upcoming season. They anticipate a positive response to Jaffna as both a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and a leisure destination.
Mr. A. Aarif, President of the South India MICE Association and Director of Parveen Travels, Chennai, representing the South India MICE Association and the entire travel fraternity, expressed sincere gratitude to Mr. Krish Fernando, General Manager of the Sri Lankan Convention Bureau, and the entire team associated with Jaffna MICE Expo 2023. He thanked them for hosting travel agents, tour operators, and MICE operators, and for showcasing Jaffna as a MICE destination. Mr. Aarif assured that they would initially promote the Northern Province of Sri Lanka and Jaffna with small groups, with plans to expand to larger MICE groups in the future.
Mr. Jahir Hussain J, Chairman of the TAFI Tamilnadu chapter and Managing Director of The Great Wing Travels Trichy, expressed that the inaugural edition of the Jaffna MICE Expo was a tremendous success. He pledged to exceed expectations in promoting the Northern Province of Sri Lanka shortly. He acknowledged the outstanding support from the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), and the Northern Province Tourism Association. Mr. Jahir Hussain J praised the people, cuisine, and overall charm of Jaffna as truly delightful.
The event, attended by leading Indian tour operators, MICE organizers, event planners, and travel trade media, concluded on December 3, 2023, with a Jaffna city and Northern Province experience tour for hosted buyers and media from various parts of South India.
Also Read
Albania to Host ITB Berlin 2025
Watch on Youtube
