High hopes for a formidable recovery driver at the Sri Lanka MICE Expo’s fifth edition
MICE has emerged as a “high-value niche” for Sri Lanka, according to the country’s Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya.
"MICE tourism has emerged as a high-value niche that offers year-round opportunities, reducing the impact of seasonality, while positioning Sri Lanka on the global stage. Our country's greatest advantage is its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, with seamless connectivity to Asia, the Gulf, West Asia and beyond,” the country’s premier said, speaking at the Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2025.
Tourism recovery is a longstanding concern in the destination. Boding well for the destination’s continued recovery, speakers at the expo pointed out a 40% year-on-year growth in visitor arrivals.
MICE is expected to be a strong growth driver, alongside cruising, destination weddings and sports travel, observed panelists at the Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2025.
There is further reason to be optimistic with the government moving to liberalise visas, draw investment and spur innovation.
Moreover, Colombo’s expanding hotel and conference infrastructure, as well as development in regions such as Jaffna, are expected to enhance the destination’s competitiveness. Modern ballrooms, boardrooms, and resort conference facilities, many equipped with advanced technology, enable the country to host corporate gatherings, incentive trips, and large-scale conferences.
Meanwhile, more destination players are paying attention to sustainability standards and green hotel certifications, community engagement and curating immersive experiences to better cater to new demands.
Since its recent inception in 2021, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau has hosted five editions of the MICE Expo. This year, the expo ran from 22 to 26 September, concluding with a post-event familiarisation tour for buyers, highlighting the country’s international standard MICE hotels, natural beauty and cultural heritage in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Hanthana.