In line with the vision of Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda to enter emerging markets and the present drive of the Deputy Minister of Tourism Faizer Mustapha to promote tourism from the Middle East, Sri Lanka took part in GIBTM 2008 Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition which was held at Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre from 8-10 April 2008 for the second Consecutive year with 245 exhibitors promoting wide range of services and 239 hosted buyers.

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (which is the Government Arm to promote the meetings industry in Sri Lanka) in its strategy to reach out to Corporates in the Middle East  took advantage of this event  with its partner SriLankan Airlines with an effective presence at the GIBTM to promote the country as a venue for Meetings and Incentives. ‘With increase of visitor arrivals from this region, we have a better chance of convincing the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, conferences and Exhibitions) segment that Sri Lanka is an ideal location for their activities’ says the Bureau while accepting that although Middle East is still generating a small percentage of MICE business compared to India, it takes a while to get the word of mouth across from credible sources after their experiences in Sri Lanka to confirm what we promise at these promotions.