Sri Lanka is seeking to strengthen its position as a leading destination for international Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), with the Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2026 bringing together more than 120 international MICE and travel operators from 26 countries and over 125 local industry suppliers.
The multi-day SL-MICE Expo 2026, organised by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), officially opened in Colombo on October 6, with its business-to-business programme expected to facilitate more than 10,000 meetings between international buyers and Sri Lankan MICE industry stakeholders.
More than 120 hosted international MICE and travel operators, together with international media representatives from 26 countries, are participating in the event, providing Sri Lankan businesses with opportunities to develop partnerships and attract future conferences, exhibitions and other business events to the country.
The Expo brings together local and international stakeholders to showcase MICE-related products, services and solutions while facilitating networking, collaboration and business development.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, with Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha and Ministry Secretary Aruni Ranaraja among those attending alongside tourism and industry stakeholders.
Activities related to the Expo commenced on Monday (05) with a MICE Business Forum and welcome reception in Colombo.
The Business Forum included a destination presentation and a high-level panel discussion focusing on Sri Lanka’s potential and opportunities to develop as a global MICE destination.
The programme continued yesterday with the official opening ceremony and B2B sessions in Colombo, connecting more than 125 Sri Lankan MICE suppliers and service providers directly with hosted international buyers.
According to the organisers, the more than 10,000 business meetings expected through the B2B programme are aimed at generating partnerships, business opportunities and potential future events in Sri Lanka.
The main Expo programme is also set to include a gala dinner at Port City Colombo, allowing international buyers and media representatives to experience Sri Lanka’s hospitality and MICE offerings.
As part of the programme, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau has also facilitated a post-event familiarisation tour of the Cultural Triangle for hosted buyers.
The tour is intended to showcase Sri Lanka’s tourism attractions alongside its MICE facilities and infrastructure, including the country’s cultural heritage, natural landscapes and range of tourism experiences.
The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, the national MICE tourism organisation under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, said the Expo is intended to demonstrate the country’s capacity to host major international meetings, incentive programmes, conferences and exhibitions while positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive destination for global business events. (Newswire)
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