Sri Lanka promotes MICE tourism with UAE chapter of SL Conference Ambassador Program

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates organised a special gathering on 8 October together with Cinnamon Hotels for the Conference Ambassadors appointed under the Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador Program (SLCAP) UAE Chapter, launched to build on the momentum of the Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador Program and to strengthen engagement with the Conference Ambassadors and to discuss the way forward plan. 

The UAE chapter of the Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador Program (SLCAP) was officially launched in April 2025 by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), and Sri Lankan Airlines.

This initiative was launched highlighting the country’s efforts in promoting Sri Lanka as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), which is a key pillar of its national tourism development strategy.

With its world-class hotels, modern conference facilities, vibrant culture, and unmatched natural beauty, Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of business and leisure for MICE travellers. Sri Lanka is emerging as an ideal destination for international corporate events, incentive tours, and industry conventions combining professional infrastructure with authentic Sri Lankan hospitality.

Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates Alexi Gunasekera, underscored the importance of MICE tourism for Sri Lanka in the region and extended an appreciation for Cinnamon Hotels for their support in promoting MICE tourism and specially, this initiative launched in the UAE.

He further elaborated the importance of the role vested with the appointed Conference Ambassadors in promoting MICE tourism in Sri Lanka, leveraging their professional experience, networks, and close engagement with key industry stakeholders to attract international events and elevate Sri Lanka’s global standing in the MICE sector.

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Chief Commercial Officer Radhey Tawer highlighted the important role of the appointed Conference Ambassadors and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Manager Global Alliances and Partnerships Dinika Kumarage also presented the vision behind this initiative, the journey ahead, and the way forward in taking Sri Lanka’s global presence even further. Sri Lankan Airlines Regional Manager (Middle East) Jayantha Abeysinghe and Senior Vice President – Global Alliances and Partnerships of John Keells Leisure and John Keells Group Head of Corporate Affairs Dileep Mudadeniya also attended the gathering. 

Sri Lankan professionals appointed as Sri Lanka Conference Ambassadors were awarded with certificates during the meeting held at the premises of the Consulate General office in Dubai.

As part of this initiative, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates hosted a networking reception for the Conference Ambassadors and the senior representatives from the Cinnamon Hotels to have an engaging dialogue with UAE-based travel professionals, corporate planners, and tourism stakeholders to highlight the country’s potential and establish stronger partnerships in the region and to attract high value visitors.

The networking reception was attended by a cross-section of stakeholders, including- Industry bodies, Airline partners such as Sri Lankan Airlines, Air Canada. Travel and logistics partners: Alrais Travels, Corporates: Danube Group, influencers, media, and MICE enablers.