TRAVEL

MICE tourists on the rise

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism is making an immense contribution to the growth of tourism in Sri Lanka, said General Manager Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Vipula Wanigasekera.

He was addressing a media briefing on the launch of the second Textech Sri Lanka 2011 International Expo, an international exhibition on textile garment technology and machinery organised by CEMS Lanka (PVt) Ltd.

Group Director-Global Operations,CEMS Global-USA and Asia Pacific, S.S.Sarwar (centre), General Manager SLCB, Vipula Wanigasekera and another official at the media briefing. Pic: Sumanachandra Ariyawansa

He said the MICE industry has great potential to contribute to tourism but lack of infrastructure hinders growth of the sector. The MICE industry recorded 78,000 tourists which accounted for around 12 percent of the arrivals last year.

The tourism industry recorded 654,476 arrivals last year and industry anticipates around 700,000 visitors this year. Visitors from India account for a major share of MICE tourism in the country.

"The rich diversity is a unique advantage for Sri Lanka to promote MICE tourism. The scenic beauty of the village and hospitality of people will help entice visitors", Wanigasekera said.

The MICE sector accounts for around 30 percent of the tourist arrivals in Singapore and around 20 percent of the arrivals in India.

The Visit Sri Lanka campaign has began to pay dividends to the tourism industry with the arrival of a large number of visitors on a daily basis. The campaign kicked off last month with the promotion of beaches under 12 themes for the year.

Tourist arrivals this month are expected to rise with the Cricket World Cup around the corner. Sri Lanka will co-host the biggest cricketing event in the world this month with matches scheduled to be held in Hambantota, Kandy and Colombo.

The theme for February is nature and adventure.

"The Convention Bureau is in search of a land to build a multi-purpose convention centre to cater to the influx of MICE tourism", Wanigasekera said.

The Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC) and BMICH are the main venues for exhibitions and conventions. The need for a spacious complex has risen due to the space crunch at the key venues.

"The Bureau is considering locations in Negombo and Peliyagoda for a centre that will help attract high end spenders to the country", Wanigasekera said.

Textech, Dye-Chem and Colombo Yarn and Fabric exhibitions will be held from March 3-5 at the SLCC. Wanigasekera said that the Textech and the concurrent exhibitions will help boost the image of the country and promote tourism.

Group Director Global Operations, CEMS Global-USA and Asia Pacific, S.S.Sarwar said the textile and apparel industry in South Asia has great potential to contribute to exports.

CEMS Global which launched its operations in Sri Lanka last year aims to promote the textile and garment sector in the country through the exhibition.

CEMS-Global which operates in eight countries has been organising the Textech series of exhibitions for the past 12 years.

"The Textech and the concurrent exhibitions will help showcase Sri Lanka's potential in the apparel sector and its technology", Sarwar said.

Sri Lanka, with its apparel exports surpassing US$ 3.5 billion and accounting for over 50 percent of the export earnings of the country is closing the lead in export of apparels and garments over its competitors, India, Bangladesh and Vietnam with the inflow of investments to the textile and apparel sector.

Emirates named Airline of the Year 2011

Tim Clark (left), receiving the award in Washington DC.

Emirates, the Dubai-based carrier, was honoured by Air Transport World (ATW) recently as the airline's President Tim Clark received the 'Airline of the Year' award at a gala dinner in Washington, D.C.

"The last few years have been among the most demanding in our industry's history but despite the challenges, we have kept our focus on delivering the highest standards of product, passenger comfort and operational efficiency," said Clark.

"This recognition is testament to our commitment to innovation and service excellence as we continue to grow our global network and offer customers more opportunities to discover the world from Dubai."

"Customers have a choice to fly Emirates, given that more than 125 airlines serve Dubai. The route network appeals to travellers not only in the UAE, but to those in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America who value the efficiency and connectivity of the Dubai hub," said Editorial Director ATW Perry Flint.

"The decision to award Emirates 'Airline of the Year' is in recognition for its strong commitment to safety and operational excellence, its trend setting customer service and its superb financial performance including a 22-year consecutive annual profit streak."

Oman Air triumphs at TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag Awards 2010

The national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman won the Gold Award in the Best First Class Female Amenity Bag category, the Gold Award for Best In-flight Amenity - recognising Oman Air's pioneering introduction of both mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity onboard its aircraft - and the Silver Award for Best First Class Male Amenity Bag. Oman Air was also shortlisted in the Best Business Class Unisex Amenity Bag category.

The awards attracted a record number of entries from airlines, manufacturers, suppliers and designers of airline amenities.

Winning the awards follows a year in which Oman Air has been transformed, with the introduction of new airbus A330 aircraft to its fleet, the inauguration of a range of new destinations, the unveiling of spacious and luxurious aircraft interiors and the launch of state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment systems. Oman Air has also been at the forefront of technological innovation as it became the first airline in the world to offer passengers full mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity simultaneously on its widebody aircraft.

Chief Commercial Officer Oman Air Abdulrazaq Alraisi said "Oman Air is extremely proud to have won these awards, especially against such strong competition. Our amenity kits contain everything the premium traveller needs to ensure they arrive at their destination relaxed, refreshed and revitalised."

Renuka to woo more guests with new look

Colombo City Hotels received a shot in the arm with the refurbishment of Renuka City Hotel to woo discerning holiday makers to the country.

The hotel was revamped to attract travellers who now come in droves following the peaceful environment prevailing in the country since the end of the hostilities in 2009.

Joint Managing Director, Renuka City Hotel, Arnila Thambiyah.

Joint Managing Director, Renuka City Hotel Arnila Thambiyah said the new look of the hotel is a timely move when tourism is in full bloom attracting visitors from all parts of the world.

'Rediscover Renuka' the theme of the refurbishment plan has changed the appearance and feel of the hotel. The 42-year hotel has upgraded services and facilities time and again to maintain excellence.

"The hotel is equipped with state of the art amenities that offers clientele world class facilities and services for value", Thambiyah said.

The reception, guestrooms, banquet halls and the bar have been given a new look to provide guests a refreshing experience at the landmark property in Colombo.

Thambiyah said that the hotel plans to build another swimming pool and a fitness centre with modern facilities to cater to the high end clientele in the city.

The hotel comprises 81 rooms with nine deluxe rooms and the Palmyra Restaurant which serves authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

Occupancy rates in city hotels have increased following the 'Visit Sri Lanka' campaign launched this year and the Cricket World Cup around the corner.

Thambiyah said the target of attracting 2.5 million tourists by 2016 is an achievable task provided the tourism industry geared to meet the requirements of the discerning client.

The tourism industry needs around 35,000 hotel rooms to meet the influx of tourists and increase revenue for the industry. The tourism industry currently has around 15,000 hotel rooms.

LF