Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., one of India’s leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company, hosted an exclusive corporate event in collaboration with Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and SriLankan Airlines to harness the significant demand for MICE travel to Sri Lanka, across mid and large Indian corporates and SMEs.
According to data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Sri Lanka is emerging as a high potential incentive destination and corporate venue for employee incentive trips and business meetings, having witnessed an impressive growth of over 15 per cent YOY, with over 233,000 MICE visitors from India in the past six years. Thomas Cook India’s internal research and consumer analysis reiterates the significant and growing opportunity of India’s corporate segment, with interest for Sri Lanka as a MICE destination having grown by 15-20 per cent YOY over the last three years.
Hence, with a clear intent to leverage India’s MICE market, Thomas Cook India had partnered with Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and SriLankan Airlines for an exclusive corporate event, showcasing Sri Lanka’s diversity of unique engagements- from whale watching, spectacular wildlife, adventure safaris; adrenalin filled activities such as rock climbing, river rafting, hot air ballooning, kite surfing; team experiences like jungle camps and enhanced by Sri Lanka’s cosmopolitan and vibrant night life.
The exclusive, by-invite only corporate event, held at St. Regis in Mumbai, was graced by the crème de la crème of the corporate world and important dignitaries including Saroja Siresena, The Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai. A special invitee was the Sri Lankan-born Bollywood celebrity, Jacqueline Fernandez.
Rajeev D. Kale, President & Country Head – Leisure Travel, MICE, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said, “Sri Lanka is an island nation steeped in history, with an exciting diversity of spectacular experiences, which coupled with its cultural heritage, engaging outdoor activities and culinary delights, make it a must-visit destination for MICE travellers. Sri Lanka provides easy access (an under 5 hour flight) with early arrival/ late departure flights giving travellers additional time on ground. Additionally, its simple e-visa/ visa on arrival; wide range of accommodation- across boutique to deluxe options; MICE & convention facilities and gala-venues make it a much sought after short-haul MICE favourite.”
Prema Cooray, Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau said, “Sri Lanka is the latest venue for Meetings and Incentives. Sri Lanka offers both locations and products of diverse nature where visitors could gain a memorable experience and it is their word with which Sri Lanka has gained her name as a unique destination that cannot be matched by any competitor. We have uncountable locations from beaches, mountains, ancient cities, wild life and many more attractions which our competitors cannot match in terms of their authenticity. For Sri Lanka, India is the number one performing country with the highest number of MICE arrivals especially in the corporate meetings sector. Sri Lanka would offer very creative and ‘value for money’ propositions that suit the present day visitors who look for ‘experience’.”
