The much-anticipated Sri Lanka-MICE Expo 2025, organized by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB)—the national tourism organization under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism—officially kicked off at Cinnamon Grand Colombo with a pre-opening welcome dinner, setting the stage for five days of networking, collaboration, and business opportunities.

The highlight of the evening was a thought-provoking panel discussion under the theme “The Future of Sri Lanka MICE Tourism in a Changing World.” Moderated by Dileep Mudadeniya, Chairman of the Tourism Advisory Committee, the panel featured Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of SLCB; Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of SLTDA and SLTPB; Saminda Perera, Head of Marketing SriLankan Airlines; and Bobby Jordan Hansen, Vice President of SLAITO. The discussion underscored the opportunities and challenges ahead in positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive MICE destination.

The evening brought together international buyers, industry leaders, and local stakeholders in a warm and engaging atmosphere that highlighted Sri Lanka’s renowned hospitality. Guests enjoyed an immersive cultural and culinary showcase that reflected the island’s vibrant traditions and world-class service standards.

Interest in this year’s edition has been remarkable, with SLCB receiving over 500 applications from international MICE operators, travel agents, and media representatives from more than 45 countries. From these, 100 foreign agents and 15 media representatives representing 30 countries have been selected to participate.

On the local front, SLCB has already registered over 110 vendors from Sri Lanka’s travel and tourism industry to connect with visiting international delegates, creating opportunities to network, showcase, and expand their global reach.

The opening ceremony on 23rd September will be followed by the SL-MICE Expo 2025 a five-day immersive program featuring a dynamic business forum, opening plenary, tailored B2B meetings and a themed gala dinner blending networking with bleisure experiences, and exclusive familiarization tours to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, showcasing Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural heritage.

Since its inception in 2021, the MICE Expo has grown into a cornerstone event in Sri Lanka’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions calendar. From virtual beginnings to vibrant physical gatherings, it has consistently attracted a diverse range of global stakeholders, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s unique potential as a leading MICE destination in Asia.