SOMETIMES CALLED THE PEARL OF THE INDIAN OCEAN, lovely Sri Lanka has much to recommend it.
Surrounded by water, this island nation lies in the middle of the Indian Ocean southwest of the Bay of Bengal and southeast of the Arabian Sea. Geographically separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, it boasts a 92 percent literacy rate and a life expectancy 10 percent above the world’s average.
Not surprisingly considering its geography, Sri Lanka’s capital city of Colombo boasts a busy port. Though a small percentage of the Port of Colombo’s business comes from pleasure craft and cruise ships, it is essentially a container port. On May 25 Sri Lanka, India and Japan signed a deal to jointly build a deepwater container terminal in Colombo.
Though closely allied with India, Sri Lanka features a character all its own. While the country occupies a much more compressed geographic area than its vast neighbor, it offers a range of diverse attractions, including eight UNESCO World Heritage sites and 14 national parks. Besides the country’s cultural and natural charms, plenty of prestigious global hotel chains provide the MICE industry with attractive and up-to-date venues for meetings, incentives, conventions and events. When you add easy access via many international airlines and green-certified hotels, it’s no wonder Sri Lanka gained a reputation as an attractive MICE destination.
Colombo, the country’s commercial capital and its largest city, serves as the hub for MICE events of all sizes and kinds. Numerous venues can accommodate conferences for up to 150 individuals. As for incentives, smaller groups can enjoy a schedule that incorporates several destinations and experiences within the island.
Some popular Colombo venues for smaller meetings include Galadari Hotel, well-equipped to handle MICE events with more than 24,000 square feet of flexible meeting space including individual rooms for smaller groups. The Cinnamon Grand accommodates trade shows as well as more intimate gatherings thanks to flexible room layouts. And the historic and elegant Galle Face Hotel has hosted events covering a broad range of topics from security and defense to travel and tourism.
Besides the facilities for smaller meetings and incentives, Colombo boasts two modern conference and exhibition centers which cater to large events of up to 2,000 people and exhibitions of any scale. The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall offers high-quality specialized conference facilities and personalized customer service. A multifunction- al complex, it comprises four buildings set on 37 acres and has been called South Asia’s top exhibition complex.
Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre, a purpose-built, fully multifunctional exhibition venue, provides 40,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space for a multitude of events such as exhibitions, conferences, seminars, meetings and concerts. Its strategic location in the heart of the city center places it within walking distance of major hotels, the Port of Colombo and financial and business institutions.
Sadly, the last few months have not been easy for Sri Lanka. Just as the country began to finally outlive its violent reputation due to a lengthy civil war, Easter Sunday brought a series of terrorist bombings that killed hundreds of people. But Sri Lankans, used to dealing with adversity, quickly made efforts to cushion the impact of the attacks, specifically where it affected tourism. To that end, the government drastically reduced airline ground charges, aviation fuel prices and departure fees. A one-year moratorium is in place for repayment of loans for tourism-related businesses, while interest rates on new loans have been substantially reduced. All of these efforts show Sri Lanka’s willingness to make the country attractive to visitors, 11 percent of whom represent the MICE segment.
Further evidence of Sri Lanka’s commitment to promoting the MICE community comes in the form of MICE CONNECT 2019 Sri Lanka edition. The meeting, set up to build and strengthen the relations between Indian buyers and the hospitality brands from Sri Lanka, was originally scheduled for May 9 and 10. Though it was postponed due to the attacks, the meeting took place July 2 and 3, free from any incidents due to the quick action of local authorities to strengthen security in Colombo. This sends a positive message to other MICE planners about Sri Lanka’s resilience and willingness to make the country safe for future events.
UNIQUE VENUES
Centrally located in Mount Lavinia, the Siddhalepa ANARVA Mount Lavinia offers much to entice MICE organizers. The hotel features a state-of-the-art conference and meeting area, outfitted with the latest in modern equipment. The rooftop bar boasts spectacular panoramas of the city and the Indian Ocean and makes a lovely venue for cocktail functions. siddhaleparesort.com/anarvamountlavinia
Just opened in the summer of this year, the Elyon Colombo Hotel is purpose-built to host MICE activities. Hotel executives say the property attempts to reflect a new age in hospitality in which business travel is in- separable from lifestyle. Facilities include three state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces, including the Sky Function Hall accommodating up to 120 people and ideal for corporate functions. elyoncolombohotel.com
Read This Next
By Land and Sea
November 2019
Nov 13, 2019Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 21, 20245 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Plan to shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Add these deals from hotels around the country to your shopping list.
Sponsored Content
Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems
Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Belmond Unveils First Luxury Sleeper Train in England and Wales
The first luxury sleeper train officially debuts in England and Wales next July thanks to the new Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train. This pioneering train seamlessly blends timeless rail heritage with contemporary British cuisine, culture and style. Guests will enjoy fine-dining experiences designed by Chef Simon Rogan and an on-board wellness suite offering therapies to relax and revive.
November 2024
Nov 20, 2024A Fusion of History and Modernity Makes Bangkok a Perfect Meeting Spot
In this city of contrasts, glass skyscrapers stand behind century- old temples. Street food vendors sling steaming noodles along roadways while tucked-away restaurants serve multicourse, Michelin-level cuisine. Roadways jam with cars as jewel-toned tuk tuks whizz through the gridlock. Long considered a tourist mecca, Bangkok also makes for a dynamic, budding location for corporate travelers.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight
As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.
Daily
Nov 20, 2024Le Massif de Charlevoic, Québec, Announces Winter Ski Season Festivities
Ski fever? This year, skip the long flight over the water and stay a little closer to home at four-season Le Massif de Charlevoix resort in Québec. Snow fun kicks off Nov. 30 when skiers and snowboarders carve the first tracks of the season. The resort, about an hour from Québec City and 20 minutes from Baie-Saint-Paul, is the location of North America’s first Club Med mountain village.
Château des Fleurs Review
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Save Up to 50 Percent Off HX Expeditions
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024Xanterra Launches Thankful for Travel Sale
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024eFlyer News
Nov 20, 2024Langham Hospitality Group to Open The Langham, Kuala Lumpur in 2027
In a joint venture between Langham Hospitality Group and Artisan Hospitality, Kuala Lumpur will soon be home to The Langham, Kuala Lumpur. Slated to open in 2027, the property will sit in the prestigious Golden Triangle neighborhood of the Malaysian capital’s central business district.
Sponsored Content
Remarkable Medellín
Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.
eFlyer News
Nov 20, 2024San Diego International Airport to Launch KLM Flights to Amsterdam Next May
Beginning May 8, 2025, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will be San Diego International Airport’s seventh international airline to offer direct service. The new route will offer three weekly flights between San Diego and Amsterdam (AMS).
ShareThis