MICE Promotion in Mumbai & Pune 13th & 15th November 2019

MICE Promotion in Mumbai & Pune 13^th & 15^th November 2019

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Mumbai organized Sri Lanka MICE promotion events in Mumbai & Pune 2019 held 13^th & 15^th November 2019.

A 15 member MICE Delegation led by Manager Marketing of Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) participated at the B2B meetings in both Mumbai & Pune. Nawamini Travels (Pvt) Ltd, Esna Holidays (Pvt) Ltd, Walkers Tours, Sunway Holidays, Rainforest Ecolodge (Pvt) Ltd, Tropical Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd, Apple Holidays, Jetwing Travels, NKAR Travels & Tours Pvt Ltd, Hamoos Travels Pvt Ltd, George Stuart Travels Ltd, Bernard Tours, Green Holidays, Figo Holidays Pvt Ltd, Royal Holidays attended the MICE promotion events in both cities. SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka also partnered with SLCB for the events.

In connection to the MICE Promotion held in India, there was one-day event in each city with B2B sessions followed by an interactive session/presentation in the evening followed by dinner in each city. Sri Lanka MICE delegation had interactive business meetings with the invited MICE corporates & MICE agents in two cities. The number of invited MICE companies in each city is as follows, Mumbai 95 Agents and 97 Agents for Pune.

Mrs. Chamari Rodrigo, Consul General, Sri Lanka Consulate General in Mumbai delivered the opening remarks of the event and mentioned that tourism has been going through a recovery period after the April attack. She further mentioned that the recovery process of Sri Lanka tourism is faster than anticipated and regaining its status as an attractive MICE destination for the Indian market, and invited industry leaders to join forces to bring Sri Lanka back on track and even beyond.

Mr. Ruwan Wijekoon, Manager Western India, SriLankan Airlines Ltd made the SriLankan Air presentation and highlighted the extensive direct airlines connectivity of 126 flights per week from 11 stations in India to Sri Lanka makes it easily accessible.

Mrs. Malkanthi Welikala, Manager Marketing of SLCB made SLCB MICE Presentation on “Why Sri Lanka” positioning as a preferred destination and showcasing opportunities and unique offerings for Indian travelers.

The above three officers attended at the Media Briefing in both cities before the event was provided coverage for Sri Lanka as a MICE destination and capabilities.

Mr. Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, President of Hotel & Restaurant Association (Western India) and Mr. Rahul Hublikar – Head Security & Crisis Management of Boehringer Ingelheim India Pvt. Ltd and Mrs. Anita Patail – President Rotary Club – Shaniwarwada, Pune shared their experiences of organizing MICE groups to Sri Lanka recent past and mentioned that people of Sri Lanka are warm welcome and Sri Lanka is a safe destination to travel. These testimonials and success stories provided a positive coverage and value addition to the event showcase opportunities for business events in Sri Lanka.

A special Mask Carving Demonstration was organized in line with the MICE Promotions and SLCB obtained two award winning Mask Carving Craftsmen in coordination with the Sri Lanka Crafts Council for showcasing and experiencing the unique Mask Carving abilities in Sri Lanka to Indian invitees. SLCB promotional material kit contained Promotional USB, Coasters, Meeting Planner, and Gift pack of Tea was distributed among the Indian invitees as a giveaway for both events.