This one-day program is a platform for travel and tourism industry stakeholders to collaborate with current and potential business partners. It is envisaged that the event will reinforce the relationship with local travel specialists, hotels, airlines, experience providers to introduce, update, and expand their businesses related to the tourism industry.

Alongside the mini travel mart, the SLAITO will be conducting a Special General Meeting on the same day.

Featuring the products and services of over 60 local travel and tourism exhibitors including SMEs, the MTM is expected to facilitate collaborations with destination management companies and interested stakeholders from the tourism industry.

SLAITO President Mr. Nishad Wijetunga stated that, “post covid lockdowns that was prevalent around the world and in Sri Lanka, this will be the first travel trade expo involving all the stakeholders and the general public. The MTM 2022 will be a good platform to kick start the upcoming tourism season”.

SLAITO is the apex body for the inbound tourism industry in Sri Lanka which has been the most influential institution in terms of guiding policy makers in Sri Lanka to overcome the challenges faced by the industry. The exhibition will be open to the general public, with the aim of generating awareness regarding Sri Lanka tourism.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Iran, with the support of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry, organised a tourism promotion event, ‘Destination Sri Lanka’ at its Chancery premises in Tehran on 26 October. 

Around 60 representatives from the travel trade, airlines, media and relevant other sectors in Iran were in attendance. The objective of the event was to promote Sri Lanka again as a favoured travel destination of Iranian tourists, after a long break due to the pandemic restrictions and solicit views on uplifting of Sri Lanka tourism.

Delivering opening remarks, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Iran Vipulatheja Wishwanath Aponsu welcomed the distinguished gathering and appreciated their commitment and interest to join hands with the Sri Lanka Embassy in promoting Sri Lanka, a destination well known for its unique characteristics, rich diversity, popular attractions and friendly people. While welcoming those in the audience to enjoy Sri Lanka’s warmth and hospitality, the Ambassador sought their support to encourage at least 1% of total Iranian tourists to travel per year to Sri Lanka in line with the Embassy tourism plan. 

In her speech by virtual mode, SLTPB Acting Managing Director Madubhani Perera briefed on Sri Lanka tourism strategy, way forward and current health protocols to be followed by the visitors during their stay in Sri Lanka. She outlined the measures which are set in place as well as the present tourism procedures including ETA visa to encourage more tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka from Iran. 

SLTPB Director (Marketing) Dushan Wickramasuriya made a comprehensive presentation on market dynamics and tourism products, for the discerning Iranian visitors who have placed Sri Lanka as their best tourist destination, appraising the Sri Lanka hospitality, the nature, Ayurvedic traditions, diverse cultural heritage, colourful festivals, typical foods and many more. 

During the speeches, Tourist Hotel Association of Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer Amal Goonatilleke, Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators Executive Committee Member Bandula Withana and Association of Small and Medium Enterprises Member Mervyn Fernandopulle shared their recent experiences in the tourism operations of the country. They highlighted the Sri Lanka’s tourism industry readiness to receive more Iranian tourists with maximum safety following the COVID-19 health protocols and facilitate the best services.

On behalf of the Association of Air Transport and Tourist Agencies of Iran, Gulliver Travel Agency Managing Director Fariboiz Saeedi, in his brief remarks, thanked the Sri Lanka Ambassador and the staff for the invitation to him and the representatives of the event for the enjoyable evening. He further assured his Association’s fullest support to send more Iran tourists to Sri Lanka. 

Launching the newly-created Instagram account of the Sri Lanka Embassy in the Islamic Republic of Iran was also a key feature at the event. A documentary on Sri Lanka tourism was also screened. The participants were treated to a high tea together with a Ceylon Tea promotion event arranged by the Embassy. A gift pack of Sri Lankan tea and tokens was presented to all guests.

Source: https://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Sri-Lanka-woos-Iranian-tourists/27-725276

The well-attended event comprised CEOs and managing directors from the hospitality industry, restaurateurs, media and German friends of Sri Lanka, among others. The event was held at the historical town of Wetzlar where regular concerts, theatre performances and sports events particularly the National Handball league take place. 

The Consul General of Sri Lanka to Frankfurt am Main Madurika Joseph Weninger, addressing the audience highlighted Sri Lanka as a ‘must visit’ destination for discerning German tourists, because of its stunning landscape, incredible wildlife, colourful festivals, Ayurvedic traditions, diverse cultural heritage, and dynamic people. The Consul General made her presentation in the German language showcasing a wide range of authentic and diverse travel experiences.  

Following the detailed presentation, the audience showed great enthusiasm and a particular interest in wedding and cultural tourism as well as culinary and Ayurvedic tourism. The Consul General invited the German audience to take advantage of the direct flights from Frankfurt to Colombo on National Carrier SriLankan Airlines. During the event, audio-visual sights and sounds of Sri Lanka were screened and tourist brochures were distributed to further raise awareness. The event concluded with tea served with top-quality ‘Seven Region Tea’ from the Sri Lanka Tea Board.

At the conclusion of the event, the Consul General thanked Burk Consult Managing Director Andreas Burk for his invitation and for co-organising the event.

Source: https://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Lankan-Consulate-General-woos-tourists-from-northeast-of-Federal-State-of-Hessen/27-724865

A special discussion has been held between Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga and Sri Lankan Ambassadors and High Commissioners, to promote Sri Lanka among tourists.

The Tourism Minister said the country will be able to reopen completely by September, due to the ongoing vaccination drive.

Minister Ranatunga said programmes are being carried out at district level to prepare the country to welcome tourists and for hospitality.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has taken steps to identify 6,000 new tourist attraction sites and develop them as tourist destinations.

Special concessionary packages are due to be introduced for tourists while discussions have reportedly commenced with airlines in this regard.

Minister Ranatunga however said the support of Sri Lankan Ambassadors and officials overseas is required for these measures to be a success.

The Tourism Minister requested officials to contribute to uplifting the tourism sector in Sri Lanka by holding discussions with institutions related to tourism in their respective countries while obtaining the support of foreign media organisations, the internet, social media platforms and bloggers.

Source: http://www.travelvoice.lk/talks-on-promoting-sri-lanka-among-tourists/

• Initiative by Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with the Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK

Sri Lanka Tourism, in collaboration with Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK, participated at a Virtual Media networking session on 29 September. The Virtual Media meet was organized by the Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives (ANTOR), which is a voluntary non-political organization established in the UK in 1952. ANTOR’s members comprise national and regional tourist offices which are represented in the United Kingdom.

“ANTOR meets the media” is an event which has been hosting 100 plus media in a workshop format in London for the past 30 years. This year the event was in virtual format, which has provided them the opportunity to widen their net of guests, inviting travel media from the UK to meet the members virtually face to face. Appointments were also made ahead of time with the media, sanctioning 20 minutes for each event, enabling a multiple number of media meetings within an approximate 6-hour long invaluable time span.

Participation at this event enabled Sri Lanka to approach the travel media directly. It provided the opportunity to create awareness on Sri Lanka’s extent of safety measures set apart in preparation for tourist arrivals once the country reopens to welcome travelers. It endorsed the significance of safety and concern, enough to retain Destination Sri Lanka on top of the mind of travelers. 

Leading journal publishing houses such as Travel Bulletin, Green Traveler Productions, Wanderlust, BMI Publishing, Selling Travel, TTG media and Culture Trip etc. were in attendance at the Sri Lanka Virtual stand showing a deep interest in getting an update on the current situation in the island.

Consequently, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) created a dazzling virtual standpoint, highlighting unique features of the island nation, showcasing a library of press write ups, images and videos.

The event began with a media briefing on Sri Lanka Tourism with the participation of Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernado and Sri Lanka High Commissioner for UK, H.E. Saroja Sirisena. 

During the meeting the Chairperson highlighted, the success story of how Sri Lanka dynamically managed to control the coronavirus pandemic through strategically planned safety measures and pointed out latest updates on the current pandemic situation. She expanded on the protocols to be implemented ensuring the safety of both the islanders and the visitors arriving in Sri Lanka, the moment the airport gates open for tourist inflow. 

Speaking at the meeting H.E. Sirisena elaborated on the significance of the UK market to Sri Lanka Tourism and the deep interest and affinity felt by the British tourists towards Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner further laid weight on the role UK media could play in promoting Sri Lanka in the UK market in a bid to revive tourism industry. 

The event was moderated by SLTPB Director—Marketing, Dushan Wickramasuriya.

Subsequent to the Media briefing, the representatives at the Sri Lanka virtual stand held decisive one-to-one meetings with UK journalists and was held throughout the event time period.  

The media event was successfully concluded on a positive note, enabling Sri Lanka Tourism to strategically connect with British Media, updating them on the current situation in Sri Lanka and establishing the fact that Sri Lanka is resilient, high-spirited and still a paradise for tourists.  

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Sri-Lanka-promoted-at-UK-Association-of-National-Tourist-Offices-and-Representatives-Webinar/27-707547

The BIT International Travel Exhibition was held from 9 to 11 February at Fieramilanocity in Milan, Italy. The striking Sri Lanka Country Pavilion, which was sponsored by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) was a major attraction at the exhibition and was visited by many participants and visitors.

A Sri Lanka dance troupe from Milan, enhanced the glamour of the country pavilion by their performances. Ceylon tea was also served at the pavilion. The event was conducted and coordinated by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the Sri Lanka Embassy in Rome, and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan. The event was also assisted and participated by the representatives from Sri Lanka travel trade.

BIT is a historic event organised by Fiera Milano since 1980, which has brought tourists and travellers from all over the world to Lombardy region in Italy. The event is also comprising of numerous conferences and seminars which showcases latest tourism industry trends.

In addition to the officer from the SLTPB, a number of travel agents have come all the way from Sri Lanka to interact with Italian travel and tour operators and visitors, introducing their travel packages, offers, attractions and the facilities etc., in the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the BIT Milan Travel Exhibition.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome, jointly with the SLTPB and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan, conducted a series of similar promotional events during the previous years as well in Milan, with the objective of increasing the annual number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka from Italy.

Source:http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Sri-Lanka-represents-at-BIT-International-Travel-Exhibition-in-Milan-Italy/27-696817

The Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra successfully organised a tourism promotion event at the Annual National Multicultural Festival, Canberra on 22 February. National Multicultural Festival is an annual event that celebrates cultural diversity of Australia with the participation of hundreds of community organisations, commercial establishments and diplomatic missions and attracts large crowds.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion showcased a range of Sri Lankan spices and Ceylon tea. The Pavilion was colourfully decorated with traditional masks, handicraft, and tourism promotional posters. Brochures, leaflets, CDs and other tourism materials depicting wildlife, cultural heritage, shopping, and culinary attractions were distributed among the visitors promoting Sri Lanka as an attractive tourist destination. Ceylon tea tasting facility arranged at the Pavilion became a major attraction.

Hundreds of visitors including Australians, members of the diplomatic corps and Australian Government officials visited the Sri Lanka Pavilion. The leader of the Liberal Party and the Leader of the Opposition of Australian Capital Territory government Alistair Coe visited the pavilion and appreciated Sri Lanka’s participation at the Festival and contribution to multiculturalism, harmony and co-existence among different communities in Australia.

This event was organised as part of the High Commission’s tourism and products promotional programs for the year 2020.

Source:http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Sri-Lanka-High-Commission-promotes-tourismin-Canberra/27-696801

Representatives of Sri Lankan tour operators with the Embassy staff

The ribbon cutting at the opening ceremony of Sri Lanka Tourism Stand at IMTM 2020 by Israel Tourism Minister Yariv Levin with Sri Lanka Ambassador in Israel Waruna Wilpatha

Section of the special invitees at the Sri Lanka Tourism Stand at IMTM 2020

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in coordination with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) organised Sri Lanka’s participation at the 26th International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM) 2020 which was held at the Expo Tel Aviv International Convention Centre in Tel Aviv, Israel from 11 to 12 February.

Lighting of the oil lamp by Israel Tourism Minister Yariv Levin

The IMTM is the largest professional tourism exhibition hosted by Israel under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism of Israel. It is regarded as a meeting place for tourism professionals and service providers from the global tourism industry to promote incoming, domestic and outgoing tourism as well as to strengthen cooperation among tourism bodies around the world.

The IMTM 2020 brought together tourism professionals and representatives from over 50 countries including from the regions of Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe and Americas. The SLTPB annually participates at the IMTM with the assistance of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tel Aviv.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Stand was jointly opened by Israel Tourism Minister Yariv Levin and Sri Lanka Ambassador in Israel Waruna Wilpatha to Israel followed by lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the special invitees. Traditional Sri Lankan cuisines were served to the selected leading Israeli outbound tour operators and travel journalists who were invited to the opening ceremony of the Sri Lanka Tourism Stand by the Embassy.

Four leading Sri Lankan tour operators joined the Sri Lanka delegation at the IMTM 2020.

Ceylon tea was served at the fair and tourism promotional videos were continuously screened at the Sri Lanka Tourism Stand throughout the event.

Tasting a cup of Ceylon tea by Israel Tourism Minister Yariv Levin

Source:http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Sri-Lanka-on-show-at-26th-International-Mediterranean-Tourism-Market-in-Israel/27-696698

 The Sri Lanka Pavilion

 Dance troupe performing

Brochures on display at the Sri Lanka Pavilion

Dance performance to entertain the visitors

Sri Lanka showed its commitment to highlight the destination an iconic tourist hotspot by attracting the Swiss citizens, as it participated at the FESPO Travel Fair, Zurich, Switzerland, which was held from 31 January to 3 February.

This year’s show featured 600 exhibitors from various destinations across the world, representing the Travel and Leisure Industry. It was a platform to promote their tourism products ranging from Health, Golf, Leisure and Excursions, Diving, Wellness, Barrier-free travelling, Coach Tours, Caravanning including Presentations of exhibitors.

Showcasing Sri Lankan culture

The Sri Lankan Consulate in Geneva, Switzerland represented Sri Lanka at this fair, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. Several Industry stakeholders represented the Sri Lanka delegation at the fair. A Sri Lankan dance troupe arranged by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) kept the crowd entertained while a tea counter served freshly brewed Ceylon tea to those who visited the Sri Lanka stand.

The Sri Lanka stand was spread across an area of 64 sqm. at the fair, and a Sri Lanka information counter was stationed at the Sri Lanka stand to give a clearer insight to Sri Lanka’s uniqueness to the Swiss Visitors, encouraging them to come and experience the natural and cultural beauty of Sri Lanka, along with the best tourist attractions and beaches to enjoy their vacation.

FESPO claims to be Switzerland’s largest holiday fair which attracts around 65,000 visitors from more than 250 destinations annually. FESPO celebrated its 30th anniversary in the field of Tourism and Leisure sector, where a large number of media, professional journalists, travel bloggers and Industry insiders participated. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Germany Counsellor/Head of Chancery U. Ahamed Razee opened the Sri Lanka pavilion amidst the applause of a distinguished gathering. The traditional dance items were an eye catcher, as the Swiss visitors watched them mesmerised.

During the month of January, 2,508 tourist arrivals have been reported, whereas it has shown a 27.5% compared with the same period in 2019.

Source:http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Sri-Lanka-shows-its-colours-at-FESPO-Travel-Fair-in-Zurich-Switzerland/27-696574

Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo with the support of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau organised a Media Conference on 12 February inviting Japanese media connected experts to write and visit Sri Lanka. Around 70 Japanese media connected experts attended the event.

Embassy mostly used all Japanese experts those who have previous experiences in Sri Lanka to talk about Sri Lankan Ayurveda and Yoga, Food, Ceylon Tea, Jeffery Bawa Architectural creations, wild life and world heritage. All participants enjoyed presentations and storytelling by Japanese experts which were authentic, credible and unbiased. The cocktail with authentic Sri Lankan snacks and savouries, Ceylon tea and drinks added more glamour to the event and fellowships.

The follow-up of this program is to organise them to visit Sri Lanka under Visiting Journalist Programs.

Source:http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Embassy-organises-Sri-Lanka-Tourism-Media-Conference-in-Tokyo/27-696451