Sri Lanka's Exhibition Industry:

Hotel, Hospitality and Food 2011 sets international standards

Sri Lanka's premier exhibition on hotel supplies and services concluded recently at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC).

It was organised by Pico Sri Lanka and Montgomery Worldwide, a media release said.

The exhibition - its first show attracted visitors from the Maldives, India, Singapore, Egypt, Dubai, Pakistan and the UK making it an event of international importance.

The inter-hotel culinary competition saw the best in the kitchens across Sri Lanka battle it out for supremacy to win their way to compete in Hotelympia, London, in February 2012.

It was a tough decision that the four international judges had to make Hilton Colombo and Ceylon Continental Hotel emerged joint winners.

The competition was at the highest level and showcased international class. One hundred and sixty special guests were privileged to dine through some tantalising preparations created by the masters in the kitchen.

Italian designer Heidy Rampinelli's designs hit the ramp, with the backdrop of the Roman Colosseum.

Uniforms from cleaning and maintenance to restaurant and front office managers to executive chefs were displayed. It was choreographed by Brian Kirkovan, the release said.

Presentations on selecting the right wine and matching wine drew much appreciation, whilst effective use of technology in the hospitality industry was observed by all with keenness.

General Manager of Pico Sri Lanka, Emile Gunasekera said, "We have got great exhibitor and visitor feedback and we are encouraged to take the show to greater heights.

We have already begun to see tremendous interest. It will be a show that will benefit the industry and its suppliers and the country at large.

We are thankful to all those who supported the event" he said.