Sri Lanka aims to position Northern province as MICE hub for South India

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) is actively working to establish the country’s Northern province as a promising destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) for South India.
To this end, the SLCB is organising Jaffna MICE Expo 2023, which is scheduled to be held from November 30 to December 
03, 2023.
“After the successful MICE Expo in Colombo earlier this year, the Northern province was identified as a promising destination for business tourism, with a focus on markets within the South India region that share similar cultural affinity,” the SLCB said in a statement.
The Jaffna MICE Expo is organised by the SLCB, under the patronage of the Tourism and Lands Ministry, with Jetwing Jaffna and Thinnai Hotel in Jaffna serving as venue partners.

The four-day programme will feature an opening plenary, business forum, B2B meetings, a gala dinner and a familiarisation tour of Jaffna. 
The fully hosted buyer programme will include return air tickets from Chennai to Jaffna, three nights of accommodation, all meals and access to the entire agenda. A total of 45 MICE buyers and media personnel from South India will be in attendance.
The B2B meetings will be held with local MICE-related service providers, including hotels, venue providers and other operators. Additionally, the SLCB has provided a subsidised package to MICE operators and travel agents based in Colombo to explore Jaffna and participate in the B2B session during the event.

“In addition to its cultural and historical significance, natural beauty, 

budget and affordability, novelty and accessibility, promotions such as the Jaffna MICE Expo help to uplift the economy of its people and become a catalyst for positive change,” SLCB Chairman Thisum Jayasuriya said.
“By providing an experience that provides an immersive cultural experience, support local businesses and engage with the community, our aim is to create unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact and foster sustainable growth. The SLCB will extend its fullest support to the agents who wish to explore Jaffna as an option for their next MICE event,” he added.