The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Lebanon organised a premier travel trade roadshow to promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination on 5 April at Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel, Beirut.

This event witnessed an active participation of more than 70 representatives of Lebanese tour operators, travel agencies, Airlines and media personnel.

The event commenced with lighting of the traditional oil lamp by Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. W.W.C.S. Perera, SLTPB Marketing Director Madubhani Perera, SLTPB Board member Nalin Jayasundera, Air Arabia Country Manager Magguie Elmourani, and the representatives of tour operators associations from Sri Lanka and Lebanon.

On behalf of the Ambassador, Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. welcomed the representatives of prominent travel agencies, destination management companies (DMC) and hotels gathered at the roadshow. She highlighted that the untapped Lebanese market comprised of nationals who could afford lavish vacations in Sri Lanka. She also requested Lebanese tour operators to exploit the invaluable and rare opportunity offered by Sri Lanka for networking purposes. She recalled the endorsement made by Lonely Planet and the high ratings awarded by travel magazines and international media to Sri Lanka.

Madubhani Perera did a presentation on Sri Lanka as a tourist destination referring to its culture, heritage and the theme ‘So Sri Lanka’. Country Manager of Air Arabia emphasised on the facilities offered to Lebanese tour operators.

Followed by the inaugural session, B2B meetings were held between travel agents and DMCs from the two countries.

A Q&A session was also conducted to respond to queries of the attendees. The National News Agency, Lebanese governmental media and several journalists attended the event. Concluding the roadshow, a dinner reception was held.

http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Premier-Sri-Lankan-travel-trade-roadshow-in-Beirut/27-676707