Sri Lanka Tourism, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan High Commission in Malaysia, gave its full support to promote Sri Lanka as an important tourist destination enriched with natural resources, and to make a positive impact among the Malaysian community of the positive benefits they will get by visiting Sri Lanka. In order to make this attempt successful, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau held a Consumer Promotion from 13 to 19 December 2016, at the Suraya KLCC in Malaysia.

The Sri Lankan stall was declared open on the 13th under the patronage of Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Malaysia Ibrahim Ansar and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Paddy Withana. President Maithripala Sirisena visited the stall on the 17th.

10 Sri Lankan travel agents participated and more than 400 consumers visited the stall per day. The event focused on consumer promotion, to implement new promotional activities and address the target groups of the Malaysian market, such as the consumers, tour operators, travel agents and the retail sellers. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau was represented by Chairman Paddy Vithana, Director Marketing Madhubani Perera and Assistant Director Marketing Chami Lanka Gasnawage.

Another event was the Tourism Consumer Promotional campaign at Berjaya Times Square on the 16th, a Food Festival, held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Malaysia. It was supported by three chefs provided through Mt. Lavinia Hotel, including veteran chef Pabilis Silva. At the same time a business forum was also held to encourage the Malaysian stake holders to make use of their investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.

The promotional campaign at Suraya KLCC in Malaysia, and the business forum were held from 15-18th. Prasadi dance group from Sri Lanka added more glamour to the Tourism Consumer Promotional event with colourful splendour. The events were held in parallel to President Maithripala Sirisena’s official visit to Malaysia, upon the invitation of the Malaysian Government. The official visit took place from 15-18 December 2016.

Media interviews were also held with the SLTPB Chairman Paddy Vithana, during the period including live radio interviews on Bernama Channel, Traxx FM and an interview with Utusan.