Jaffna enjoys the impact of MICE Tourism with JITF 2011

Last Sunday the Jaffna International Trade Fair 2011 ended its successful second edition with an impact on Northern business and community activities.

Participants including local and foreign business delegates and the people of Jaffna were happy with this massive trade exhibition - a rare event for this part of the island.

Contributing towards the Government’s action plan to speed-up development in the North and East of Sri Lanka, JITF 2011, organised by Lanka Exhibitions and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd - (LECS), provided entertainment and educational facilities to the masses through a series of seminars, lectures and musical shows.

Co-Chairman Organising Committee and Immediate Past President FCCISL Kosala Wickramanayaka was happy with its impact paving the way to a better future for the Northern region. Managing Director LECS/Deputy Chairman Visit Lanka Arjun Dharmadasa said “The exhibition showed maturity. One could understand the difficulties in this part of the country with the limited resources available. We look to a bigger event in 2012.”

Appreciating the involvement of the State Engineering Corporation which constructed the largest dome in Sri Lanka especially for JITF 2011, Dharmadasa said that it will be a requirement not only for LECS but for anyone organising exhibitions without such facilities.

He was happy about the improved living standards of the people of Jaffna which was clearly reflected with a number of motorcar agents at the trade fair and with the response received by them during the fair. While stressing on the importance of improved road, rail and air transportation to Jaffna, Dharmadasa was hopeful that enhanced infrastructure development in Jaffna would support a major exhibition next year.

JITF 2011 made Jaffna busy with more than 1,500 visitors arriving in town for preparations and exhibition work, including around 100 foreigners and business delegations creating an effect of MICE tourism in Jaffna where most of them visited the places of interest in the Northern peninsula.

Hotels, guesthouses and restaurants were busy catering to the visitors.Contributing to the success of JITF 2011 was a satisfied exhibitor - Macksons Holdings.

General Manager Sales and Marketing of Macksons Holdings, M. Irshad Maruzook was happy on the returns received.

Involvement of the Indian High Commission and India joining the event as the Partner Country had helped in the success of JITF 2011.

At the inauguration Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Sri Ashok K. Kantha flashed back to last year’s event and thanked all organisers for moving a step forward in 2011.

Stressing-out on the importance of going beyond regular business activities by venturing in to long lasting business tie-ups between Indian and Sri Lankan organisations, both could reach much mileage.

He also mentioned that the strategic location of Jaffna peninsula could help business growth creating links between India and Sri Lanka and described the importance of improving the Palali Airport offering easy passenger access and also connecting both countries by sea.

Bank of India is planning to open its branch in Jaffna to help business with financial assistance. The Indian Ambassador hoped that JITF would be included to the business calendar of Sri Lanka.