Bridging Academia and Industry: SLCB Hosts MICE Tourism Workshop at Sabaragamuwa University
The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Management at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, recently conducted a specialised MICE Tourism Training Programme aimed at strengthening industry knowledge and preparing the next generation of tourism professionals.
Held on 11 August 2026 at the Faculty of Management Auditorium, the full-day workshop brought together undergraduate students pursuing Tourism Management and Hospitality Management programmes.
The training programme was designed to enhance awareness and understanding of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector while contributing to the development of a skilled talent pipeline for Sri Lanka’s growing tourism industry.
Participants were introduced to several key areas of the MICE sector, including emerging industry trends, event planning and operational management, the integration of technology in events, and sustainable risk management practices.
Adding further value to the programme, the workshop featured an interactive panel discussion that enabled students to engage with industry perspectives and gain practical insights from experienced professionals. Participants also took part in group presentations, exploring the potential for MICE tourism development across five regions of Sri Lanka.
The interactive nature of the programme helped bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry requirements, providing students with a broader understanding of the opportunities and expectations within the business tourism sector.
Aligned with Sri Lanka’s national MICE Tourism Road Map, the initiative highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between academia and industry. By creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and practical learning, such programmes play an important role in developing future professionals and supporting the long-term growth of Sri Lanka as a competitive business tourism destination.