Sri Lanka Tourism showcased its capability of bringing up Sri Lanka as one of the most sought after travel destinations, by claiming the ‘Most Popular Destination’ award, at the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GTIF-2017) which was held from 23 to 25 February at China Import and Export International Exhibition Centre.

The first two days of the fair were opened to the trade and public respectively. In parallel to the travel fair, SLTPB also organized two Tourism Promotion Roadshows in Guanzhou and Shenzhen on 21 and 27 February to enhance the awareness about Sri Lanka in the East Asian region and create an effective communication between the two countries related to the travel and tourism trade.

Eighteen Sri Lankan companies from the travel and tourism industry participated at this event. The GTIF was a unique opportunity for the global travel trade to meet and strengthen their business relationships and bilateral ties. The colorful array of natural attractions displayed by Sri Lanka Tourism captured the attention of many visitors, enabling them to consider about having an experience which was worthwhile.

The Roadshow which was held on the 21st in Guanzhou was held under a distinguished audience including Tan Aiying, Deputy Director General of Guanzhou Municipal Tourism Administration. It proved to be a very effective attempt since it created an opportunity to collaborate with the Chinese counterparts representing the travel and trade industry.

The roadshow in Shenzhen, which was held on the 27th was held under the patronage of Qian Qiang, Deputy Director General of the Culture Sports and Tourism Administration of Shenzhen Municipality, and City Mayor of Guanzhou Municipality. Shanika Dissanayake, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Guanzhou extended her support to Sri Lanka Tourism in order to make their participation a success. Sri Lanka Tourism was represented by Chinthaka Liyanaarachchi, Assistant Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

Sri Lanka was able to reap its benefits from this campaign by bagging the awards for the most popular destination and the Best Service Airline by Southern China, which was received by SriLankan Airlines. The award was received by Dileepa Wijesuriya , Area Manager, SriLankan Airlines for Southern China. There is a positive market for Sri Lanka in Southern China. The award for the ‘Most Popular Destination’ was received by Chinthaka Liyanaarachchi, representing Sri Lanka Tourism.