Boost for Lanka's MICE tourism in the Maldives

By Lalin Fernandopulle in Maldives

The Hotel Asia Exhibition which concluded in the Maldives last week was a shot-in-the-arm for the MICE (Meetings Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions) tourism industry of the countries that participated in the three-day mega tourism show at the Dharabaaruge international conference hall in Male.

Around 46 Sri Lankan companies exhibiting their products and services was a major boost for the MICE tourism industry of Sri Lanka which is a preferred destination for exhibitions and conferences in the region. Sri Lanka's MICE tourism sector makes a salient contribution to the overall tourism industry and economic growth.

Exhibitors from around 40 countries in the confectionery industry, processed food, engineering services, power generation hotel room amenities and accessories took part in the exhibition which is an annual event in the Maldives.

A platform to showcase potential

The hotel show is a platform for hotel sector enterprises to showcase their potential, enhance the quality of products and services and attract new clientele to widen exports. The number of exhibitors in the hotel show has increased from 80 stalls to over 150 this year. The Hotel Asia Exhibition was launched in 2000 with the participation of around 2,000 visitors. The number of visitors at this year's exhibition was over 5,000.

The MICE tourism sector in the Maldives has grown following the boom in the tourism industry which is one of the main contributors to the economy of the country. India, China and many regional countries are key MICE tourism markets for Sri Lanka. Tourism industry experts said that though no exact study has been made on the contribution of MICE tourism to the economy it is a major contributor to the revenue of the country.

"Lack of accommodation facilities such as a large multi-purpose hall to house a large number of visitors is a major impediment to the growth of MICE tourism in Sri Lanka," experts said.

Plans are afoot to build a multi-purpose conference hall in Peliyagoda according to sources. The BMICH which the main venue for conferences and exhibitions could only accommodate only around 1,500 guests.

Over the past few years, there has been a trend of growing numbers of international conventions held in Asia. According to reports the Asia-Pacific region held 1,879 conventions in 2011. Singapore is ranked as the top country for conventions. The World Tourism Organisation acknowledges that developments in the MICE industry could be a key driver of economic growth.

South Asia Exhibition Services, Director, Imran Hassen said that the number of participants from Sri Lankan companies in the Hotel Asia Exhibition and Culinary Challenge increased by 20 percent this year. The Culinary Challenge competition held at the same venue attracted a large number of participants and visitors.

Sri Lankan chefs in leading Maldivian hotels were outstanding and clinched many accolades at the competition. A notable feature of this year's competition was that many renowned Sri Lankan chefs were judges of the competitions which comprised novelty cakes, desserts, pastry and other menus.

Former Chief Chef of Hilton Colombo and currently General Manager of Waters Edge, chef Rohan Fernandopulle and Chef Trevine Gomes were among the judges.

Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were presented to the winners of the culinary competitions. Young Sri Lankan chefs dominated in the competitions showing the potential of the Sri Lankan culinary industry and scope for chefs in the global hospitality industry.

Prospects for growth

The Hotel Asian Exhibition was launched in 2000 with the participation of around 2,000 visitors. The number of visitors at this year's exhibition was over 5,000.

Minister of Economic Development of the Maldives, Ahmed Mohamed said that events of this magnitude give great opportunity to resort operators and suppliers of the hospitality industry to meet under one roof and share to their interest.

He said that Sri Lankan hotels are doing well in the Maldives and added that the tourism industry in the Maldives grew by 16 percent in the first five months this year after a setback last year.

He said that each year the number of representatives of resorts participating in the show has increased and this year around 50 representatives had participated in the event. Exhibitors said that events of this nature help boost growth of domestic and SME sector enterprises.

The Hotel Asia Exhibition and Culinary Champion Competition was the biggest ever gathering of hospitality industry professionals in the Maldives and attracted all levels of decision makers from the industry.