The event brought together decision-makers from German companies and their local representatives with the goal of spotlighting Sri Lanka as a rising destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) in Asia.
The event served as a strategic platform to promote Colombo as a viable alternative to traditional MICE destinations in the region. By showcasing Sri Lanka’s growing capabilities in infrastructure and hospitality, the organizers aimed to inspire German businesses to bring their regional and international conferences and meetings to the island.
H.E. Dr. Felix Neumann, Ambassador of Germany to Sri Lanka and designated to the Maldives, addressed in his special remarks the country’s ambition to host international business events and welcoming people from all around the globe. The message was clear: “Sri Lanka has untapped potential as a destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) in Asia but there is need to enhance global awareness of Sri Lanka’s growing capability in this sector.”
Building on Ambassador’s remarks, Mr. Martin Klose, Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka, outlined the strategy behind this initiative to promote Colombo as MICE tourism destination especially among the German business community. “Sri Lanka offers an ideal blend of strategic location, hospitality, and cultural richness. Its commitment to quality and sustainability makes it a compelling choice for international business events.”
Ms. Achini Dandunnage, Acting General Manager of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), presented the country’s MICE offering, outlining its venue diversity, logistical strengths, and institutional support for hosting large-scale events.
The highlight of the event was an engaging panel discussion featuring:
- H.E. Dr. Felix Neumann, Ambassador of Germany to Sri Lanka and Maldives
- Ms. Achini Dandunnage, Acting General Manager of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB)
- Mr. Asoka Hettigoda, President of the Sri Lanka-German Business Council (SLCBC) and Vice President of The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL)
- Mr. Nalin Jayasundera Representative, Managing Director at Aitken Spence Travels and President of The Sri Lankan Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO)
The panel offered practical insights into the advantages of hosting MICE events in Sri Lanka, with speakers underlining that the country can compete with leading MICE hubs in Asia, provided more international stakeholders recognize its untapped potential.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Asoka Hettigoda, President of the SLCBC and Vice President of THASL, thanked the German business community for their presence and encouraged them to convey Sri Lanka’s value proposition to their global headquarters.
The event concluded with a networking session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with the panelists and explore ideas for organizing their future business events in Sri Lanka.
The MICE Awareness event served as a significant milestone in the Sri Lankan-German Business collaboration and the ongoing efforts by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) and the Sri Lanka-German Business Council (SLGBC) to foster mutual engagement between both countries.
AHK Sri Lanka is part of the German Chamber Network supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). With 150 locations in 93 countries around the world, the members of the German Chamber Network (AHKs) offer their experience, connections, and services to German and companies of the respective partner countries. AHKs are located in all countries of particular importance to German companies and are closely connected to the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) in Germany.