ICTP welcomes Sri Lanka,Morocco and Belgium
Hawaii– The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced that the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) has become the second destination member from the country.
The mission of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau is to position Sri Lanka internationally as a unique venue for MICE activities, resulting in revenue from MICE tourism that will make a positive contribution to Sri Lanka’s economy. This will also create jobs and uplift the standards of those engaged in the MICE industry.
ICTP President Professor Geoffrey Lipman said: “Sri Lanka has long recognized the importance of green growth, with its pioneer Earth Lung plan to respond to climate change and its widespread green audit, and responsibility and certification initiatives. We will work with SLCB to build these into long-term community-focused sustainability frameworks.”
The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau works closely with meeting planners, incentive houses, corporations, and associations, as well as national airlines to promote Sri Lanka as a venue for MICE events and to ensure that these events are conducted in a professional manner to the entire satisfaction of the visitors and delegates.
ICTP Chairman Juergen T. Steinmetz said: “With the wide range of services the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau offers, from responding to inquiries to conducting marketing activities, membership in the International Council of Tourism Partners will benefit not only the SLCB, but ICTP’s member as well. It’s a win-win partnership all around.”
Likewise,ICTP announced its first destination partner from Morocco has joined – the Regional Tourism Council Agadir Souss Massa Draa.ICTP Chairman Juergen T. Steinmetz said: “Morocco is committed to steering its tourism efforts in a sustainable manner with respect for the environment and its people. Its plans for responsible tourism fit in very well with ICTP’s aim to promote quality and green growth tourism.”
In 2006, Morocco created a responsible tourism charter, with the objectives to preserve the culture, values, traditions, and identity of the Moroccan environment. This charter is a commitment integrated in the “2010 vision” plan of Morocco, which aims to become one of the first twenty world destinations.
Similarly ICTP announced the Belgian Tourist Office has joined as a destination member.
The Belgian capital of Brussels is centrally located, making it the perfect home-base for domestic and Europe-wide travel. Brussels is 85 minutes from Paris, less than 2 hours from London, and 2.5 hours from Amsterdam. For domestic travel, the cities of Liege, Namur, Tournai, and Bruges are all about one hour from Brussels by train. Belgium has something for every budget. Many hotels offer packages with tickets to popular museums and local events. Even fine dining does not have to cost an arm, or a leg.
Annette Choynacki, Director USA & Canada of the Belgian Tourist Office, said: “Belgium is a destination that prides itself on its cultural richness, quaint towns, castles surrounded by lush green landscapes, and high-quality gastronomy created using locally-sourced ingredients. This new relationship is a harmonious balance of Belgium’s strongest qualities and ICTP’s mission of quality service and green growth.”
