Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora to hold World Wildlife Conference in May in Sri Lanka
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Secretary General Ivonne Higuero has reportedly expressed her confidence and satisfaction on the preparation progress made by Sri Lanka Tourism to host its World Wildlife Conference in May in Sri Lanka.
Secretary General Higuero, who was on a brief visit to Sri Lanka last week, met with Tourism Development and Wildlife Minister John Amaratunga, State officials, and the event organisers to evaluate Sri Lanka’s preparedness to host the conference, following the conclusion of the political crisis that dragged on for nearly two months, the Daily FT has reported.
“We have no doubt of the commitment of Sri Lanka to have this meeting here. I understand that situation in the country has stabilised, but what I need to see is that during the next few months, we can pull off this together,” she has reportedly urged the Minister and the team in Sri Lanka.
According to the Daily FT report, the triennial conference is scheduled to be held from 23 May to 3 June 2019 at the BMICH in Colombo, with over 3,000 foreign delegates and media expected to participate.
In addition to hosting the conference, Higuero noted that Sri Lanka’s tourism industry will benefit, with the exposure to international media as well as the influx of foreign delegates, who have already planned to travel to Sri Lanka with their families.
“There will be 3,000 delegates attending the conference, and there could be many more, because Sri Lanka is a special place. The foreign media will be here throughout the conference. I already know that many delegates have made arrangements for their holidays either just before or just after the meeting,” she has said.
According to CITES, it was the first time since 1992 that an island nation has been selected to host the conference, and the second time the conference is being held in South Asia.
Higuero pointed out that Sri Lanka would be the ideal location to host the conference, due to its wildlife and diversity.
OSL take:
The announcement by the Secretary General of CITES on holding its World Wildlife Conference in Sri Lanka next May indicates the recognition of the country as a meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destination, apart from being a leisure tourism destination. Sri Lanka has already in place the infrastructure to become a MICE destination in the Indian Ocean region. The country’s geographical location has also made it easily accessible for visitors. Given the infrastructure facilities and location, foreign businesses/organizations could explore Sri Lanka as a MICE destination as well.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20181226/Z_6 |