Sri Lanka expects to see strong growth in the tourism and MICE sectors with the re-establishment last month of the rule of law in all parts of the country.
The beautiful tropical island emerged from a quarter century of conflict in May when government security forces reclaimed all land held by the rebels in the north of the country after decisively crushing the long drawn out insurgency.
The success signals the resumption of the tourist industry particularly in the famed eastern coastline of the country where star-class hotels have languished for decades maintained with the minimum staff and only serving the occasional visitor despite its unspoilt beaches, excellent surfing as well as diving and snorkeling.
Sri Lanka recently focused a major marketing effort in the Middle Eastern countries culminating with the ATM in Dubai where a strong industry delegation was led by the country's Deputy Minister for Tourism, Faiszer Mustapha.
"The restoration of normalcy in the north will result in more options for meeting planners and greater opportunities for successful deliberations and relaxation," said Vipula Wanigasekera, General Manager of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.
"Sri Lanka offers great value for money with more quality options at a lower cost in comparison to other destinations offering similar facilities. With a highly trained workforce in the hospitality sector, we can offer a great experience whether it is a group of just ten or one thousand," he added.
The country which has attracted travelers from around the world for centuries first showcased itself as a major destination for meetings when it hosted the Fifth Non-aligned Summit in 1976.
"That was the first major event at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall which was also the first purpose-built convention centre in South Asia," said Wanigasekara.
"The country has come a long way since then. More facilities have been added, and the industry has developed to a stage where professional local organization is available and programmes can be tailored to suit individual tastes, be they small or large groups."
"Our expansion programme continues and the government recently approved the setting up of a four-star hotel and convention centre by an Indian investor with an investment of US$ 25 million in addition to the state-of-the-art convention centre coming up in Hambantota," he added.
Outlining some of the incentives for business travelers, he said, "Sri Lanka offers a variety of activities that can challenge and bond a group, be it adventure, jungle trekking or simply having a water-fight in the warm blue sea."
"You can decide whether you want to stay in a straw covered hut among the lush rice paddies or relax in a seaside resort looking far out at the sea. Either way, you will have excellent comforts and a choice of gourmet food, to make your event a memorable one."
"There are several companies that partner with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau offering professional services for staging conferences and exhibitions. Each meeting you have in Sri Lanka can be a different experience because there is so much variety," said Wanigasekara.
"We are confident that at a time when the global economy is facing a downturn, Sri Lanka will be able to offer excellent opportunities for business meetings and interaction in an atmosphere of relaxation and enjoyment at an affordable cost, Wanigasekera added.
For more information, visit Sri Lanka Convention Bureau
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