Encouraged by the growing number of MICE visitors from India, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) in collaboration with Sri Lanka Consulate General in Mumbai recently launched “Meet in Sri Lanka” promotional campaign during a travel trade event in Mumbai and Pune. The objective of the event was to position Sri Lanka as a preferred MICE destination in India. During the event, the Bureau showcased the MICE options and opportunities to Indian travel trade, PCOs and MICE organizers. The event was attended by top of the line travel trade and MICE professionals who interacted with 15 suppliers from Sri Lanka to understand the unique offerings for Indian travellers in Sri Lanka.
India has been an important market for Sri Lanka for developing MICE in terms of numbers, value and also connected services. The year 2018 saw 63,733 MICE arrivals in Sri Lanka as compared to 57,694 in 2017 and 53,510 in 2016. It is witnessed that there is an increasing trend of India MICE arrivals during the past years. Moreover, Sri Lanka is also growing as ‘a destination for all seasons’. Overall, the year 2018 saw a rapid increase with approximately 424,887 Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka, as compared to 384,628 arrivals in 2017 and 356,729 in 2016.
Chamari Rodrigo, Consul General, Consulate General of Sri Lanka, Mumbai, who was present and leading the events in Mumbai and Pune, stated that, “Sri Lanka has been gaining immense popularity in India and has experienced a consistent growth over the period. She further added that cultural and regional similarities between India & Sri Lanka further make it easy to flourish tourism. ”
Adding to this Malkanthi Welikala, Manager Marketing, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau mentions, “India is the largest & key source market for the development of MICE business to Sri Lanka. We have been extending our presence and our commitment to India markets. With our current mission we are targeting key markets of India like Mumbai & Pune. With extensive direct airlines connectivity of 121 flights per week from 11 stations in India to Sri Lanka and further complemented by SpiceJet, Indigo, Air India and now Vistara, Sri Lanka becomes an easily accessible destination for MICE from India. There is an existing strong cultural bond and cooperation between India & Sri Lanka, which makes Indian travellers feel at home while they are in Sri Lanka.”
Witnessing the growth and potential from India, SLCB has taken a step forward in consolidating their presence in the Indian market.
