The Sri Lankan government has not been proactive in promoting Sri Lanka as a viable MICE destination since the arrival of the new administration, Sri Lanka Association of Professionals Conference, Exhibition and Event Organisers (SLAPCEO) Chairperson Imran Hassan said.

Commenting on a recent launch of the UAE chapter of the Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador programme in April, Hassan noted: “The last government had been more responsive, however, the Bureau under this new government is not as active as it should be.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the UAE event was launched by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), in a statement released on Tuesday (5).

Hassan added: “The UAE is a hub to the world. Even the ICC’s (International Cricket Council) headquarters is in UAE, but this programme was launched by Cinnamon, which should have been launched by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB).”

“Ideally, the Chairperson should be focused on launching programs to connect Sri Lankan MICE tourism with the world.”

SLCB Chairperson Dheera Hettiarachchi told The Daily Morning Business that the Bureau was not able to participate in the event. “The UAE is a booming place, with many links to Sri Lanka. We did not however participate in the UAE programme,” Hettiarachchi said.

He however added that the Bureau was committed to facilitating a roadmap for the MICE industry, for the year ahead.

“We do have a MICE programme roadmap for the year. We have initiated this with the inputs of MICE industry stakeholders, in order to promote Sri Lanka as a MICE destination.”

“We are also looking to organise some events with SLITHM (Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management) for promoting Sri Lanka as a wedding destination, and we are looking to support MICE businesses financially and non-financially.”