Business
The Sri Lanka Virtual MICE Expo 2021 breaks new ground
Pioneering new initiatives, Sri Lanka’s inaugural Virtual MICE Expo received an overwhelming response from stakeholders as the value-added event provided a much-needed impetus for MICE tourism. The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) organized the event from 1st – 3rd December 2021 in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition and Event Organizers (SLAPCEO).
The virtual exhibition showcased over 70 stalls; four business forums for the Meetings/Conference, Exhibitions, Wedding & Incentive organizers; Meet in Sri Lanka video collection; launch of green events initiatives at Water’s Edge; Dilmah virtual tea experience conducted by Dilmah CEO, Dilhan C Fernando; Chef & Restaurateur, Peter Kuruvita; and Dutch Mixologist, Robert Schinkel, and also the Sri Lanka culinary experience by Deshabandu Dr. Pabilis Silva of Mount Lavina Hotel; Virtual Wellness experience by Spa Ceylon and a Master MICE challenge quiz competition. BMICH was the Principal Sponsor of the event along with Waters Edge as Co-Sponsor.
Commenting on the event, Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson, Kimarli Fernando said: “This is the first time that a MICE related virtual Expo was held with many value-added activities such as business forums, green initiatives, tea experiences, education partnerships, wellness experiences, culinary experiences etc.”
Adding further, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau General Manager, Krishantha Fernando said: “We expected around 200 buyers/visitors for the event and ended up with almost 500 registrations and similarly we expected 50 virtual booths and concluded with over 70, including sponsors, which reflected the positive response to the event.”
Capitalizing on the opportunity to network, some key partnerships were inked during the Expo. An educational partnership agreement related to events was signed between Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibition and Event Organisers (SLAPCEO) and Uva Wellassa University.
The SLAPCEO President, Imran Hassan said, “This event showcased how best the three main pillars of tourism; policymakers, professionals and academics can work together for the betterment of the industry.”
Speaking at the event, Kimarli Fernando urged SLCB & SLAPCEO to continue this event as a physical event in 2022 with the objective of making ‘Sri Lanka a Gateway to South Asian Meetings & Events Industry’.
Fernando went on to add, “I look forward to collaborating on a solid action plan and MICE strategy for the future. With the onset of the pandemic, we have seen huge shifts in the way people travel for business. MICE tourism has seen changes – with businesses having to learn to operate remotely which has led to many MICE events either being cancelled or postponed. Virtual MICE Expo 2021 provides a much-needed platform for international MICE buyers to meet more than 50+ local exhibitors. The four business forums provideed the expertise and knowledge for to the industry following in our strategy to position Sri Lanka as a top MICE destination in Asia.”
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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