📈 Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Drives Knowledge-Based MICE Sector Growth in 1H 2026

• Strategic Focus: The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) executed 6 key capacity-building initiatives in 1H 2026 to upskill workforce and position Sri Lanka as a sustainable MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hub. • Capacity & Skill Building: • Youth & Academia: Educated 250+ school students at BMICH (16 May) and 160+ undergraduates at Uva Wellassa University (20 May) on MICE tourism careers and technology trends. • Regional Hoteliers: Upskilled ~60 southern-region venue providers at NH Bentota Ceysands (10 June) on sales, pricing, and venue standards. • Guides & Operators: Trained 60 National Tourist Guides with SLAITO at SLITHM (25 June) in international guest handling and service excellence. • Industry Stakeholders: Engaged 90 corporate clients and experts at BMICH (30 June) on AI marketing and sustainability. • Academic Leadership: Conducted a "Train the Trainer" program for ~40 university lecturers at SLITHM to align higher education with global MICE industry demands. • Economic Impact: Strengthened cross-sector collaboration to expand MICE-ready regional destinations, build high-value service capabilities, and enhance long-term competitiveness in international business tourism. [Sri Lanka Tourism 2026: New Marketing Strategies, Top Source Markets & MICE Hub Development](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PkIG6ghxIo) This official interview outlines Sri Lanka's broader 2026 strategic roadmap for developing Colombo into a central MICE hub and expanding its key tourism source markets.