Hambantota to become MICE destination

Hambantota to become MICE destination

Tourism authorities are in the process of promoting Hambantota as a MICE (Meetings,Incentives,Conferences and Events) destination in the South Asian region. The Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau is in discussions with organizers of conferences and exhibitions scheduled for this year to explore the possibility of shifting the events to Hambantota in order to promote Hambantota among the MICE visitors. 


While there are two exhibition centers in Colombo, the increasing number of exhibitions registering with the Conventions Bureau has resulted in discussions with organizers to shift the events to Hambantota. General Manager of the Conventions Bureau, Vipula Wanigasekara said that while there were about 40 exhibitions and conferences conducted last year, the number of events are expected to increase to 50 this year. The General Manager of the Conventions Bureau said that there is enough space for holding conferences and events in Hambantota and even the banquet and foyer areas could be used for exhibitions, which accounts for an area of about 4000 square meters.