SLCB has launched a MICE training program for hoteliers in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya Regions for promoting business events industry to foster MICE tourism. The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) is the state institute under the Ministry of Tourism with the prime objective of promoting Sri Lanka as a venue for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions & Events) activities. The one-day training programme aimed to equip conference and meeting planners with the necessary tools and processes in attracting and promoting business events, but also developing talents in the industry. The training was held at Mahaweli Reach Hotel.

The Training session focused on the importance of developing Sri Lanka as a premier MICE destination coupled with leisure. With the mechanism in play to capture the MICE segment at the point of applying for visa, SLCB targets 10% of the total tourist arrivals to be MICE.

The training was conducted by prominent personalities from the hospitality and event Industry comprising Mr. Trevin Gomez, Mr. Ziyan Ameen and Mr. Gihan De Silva. A Panel discussion on current status of MICE and new trends was conducted with the Participation of Mr. Rodney Armstrong – President Kandy Hoteliers Association, Mr.Thusith Samaraweera –General Manager Grand Kandyan Hotel, Mr. Suresh Abbas –General Manager Grand Hotel, Mr. Asanka Kariyawasam –General Manager Earls Regency moderated by Mr. Imran Hassan- President of Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference Organizers (SLAPCEO).

Group work and presentations by participants was an incentive for learning and at the End of the programme a certificate of participation was issued to all participants.