CHOGM 2013, a boost for tourism in Sri Lanka

By Lalin Fernandopulle

Preparations to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013 in Colombo, are going on smoothly, said Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, General Manager and Member of the Accommodation Committee, Vipula Wanigasekera.

He said that over 4,000 hotel rooms have been booked to host the delegates for the mega event which is the largest conference to be hosted in Sri Lanka after the Non-Aligned Summit in 1976. “We are ahead of schedule in our preparation to meet bookings and accommodation in line with international standards,” Wanigasekera said.

It is a great achievement to host this event in Sri Lanka and it a huge opportunity to portray the country not only as a economic hub but also as a unique destination for conferences and tourism, the event organisers said. Over 600 international media personnel are expected for CHOGM 2013 which will enable us to showcase the enormous potential in the country for tourism and investments.

The views of the international media on the true situation in Sri Lanka will be more credible than the promotions launched by the industry, Wanigasekera said.

In parallel with CHOGM, the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF), Youth Forum and People's Forum will be held through which various facets of the country will be shown to convince delegates and visitors that Sri Lanka is a safe and a conducive place for investments.

“Sri Lanka needs a major event such as the CHOGM which will bring in over 50 heads of government, as it will create interest among global conference organisers to look at Sri Lanka as a venue for events, helping to boost MICE tourism,” a CHOGM organising committee member said. Delegates from emerging tourism markets for Sri Lanka such as Malaysia and Singapore and long haul destinations are due to attend the event.

The CBF is organised by the Government and the Commonwealth Business Council with the support of the private sector. The CBF will be held in Colombo from November 12-14.Arrangements have been made to hold exhibitions and organise tours for visitors which will enable them to get an exposure of locations, attractions and Sri Lankan traditions and culture. The CHOGM will be a major boost for Sri Lanka when bidding for future conferences, Vanigasekera said. Vanigasekera said that those who consider CHOGM as an event that would cost the country dearly should note that all delegates will pay for their stay which will help the tourism industry buy bringing in a massive income. The CBF will provide Commonwealth countries an opportunity to collectively influence global trade and investment issues, explore investment opportunities, enable government and business leaders to network and conduct business with international partners.

CHOGM is a biennial summit held in different member States and chaired by the head of state of that country, who becomes the Commonwealth chairperson-in-office. Queen Elizabeth II who is the Head of the Commonwealth has attended all CHOGM meetings beginning with the Ottawa summit in 1973 although her formal participation began in 1997.The theme of CHOGM 2013 which will be held from November 10-17 is ‘Growth with Equity; Inclusive Development'.