China’s richest province Guangdong, together with Sri Lanka Tourism announced a two-way partnership in a move to boost tourist arrivals.

With an estimated GDP of US$1 trillion, which makes it the richest province in China and the 13th biggest economy in the world, Guangdong, formerly known as Canton launched an attractive campaign with a high-powered delegation from Guangdong including members from its Provincial Tourism Association, as well as Senior Advisor to Guangdong Province Government and Sri Lanka Tourism officials.

Speaking at the event, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Paddy Withana, said, China is the biggest potential for Sri Lanka since its outbound market is over 120 million.

He stated that arrivals from China last year rose by 136% to 128,000 with an estimated target of 200% or 200,000 Chinese tourists by the end of 2015.

He said at present Sri Lanka-China destinations are serviced by 16 flights per week with scope for future growth and potential.

Along with Chairman Paddy Withana were Chinese Embassy Deputy Mission Head Ren Faqiang and Senior Advisor to Government of Guangdong Province Lin Musheng and Guangdong Provincial Tourism Association Assistant President Chen Ruidong.

Other visiting delegates included Chairmen of the Guangdong Travel Services Association and the Dongguan Travel Services Association, as well as heads of competitive tourism enterprises in Guangdong. Ruidong explained that Guangdong is rich in tourism resources with the destination focusing on four tourism brands – Lingnan Culture which is unique for Guandong within China, Business Capital, Golden Coast and Food Paradise.

The province draws over eight million tourists annually.

Meanwhile, the Guangdong Tourism Cooperation and Promotion Centre was established yesterday in partnership with Aitken Spence, with an office at Vauxhall Street.

This Guangdong Tourism Cooperation and Promotion Centre in Sri Lanka will create various exchange platforms and conduct diverse joint promotions, thereby attracting more tourists to travel in Guangdong and Sri Lanka.