The government is likely to be represented by the Sri Lanka’s High Commission in the United Kingdom (UK) at the launch today.
The Ministry officials noted that there was no confirmation on newly appointed Tourism Minister Vasantha Senanayake’s attendance as of yesterday afternoon, while the majority of Sri Lankan delegates were expected to fly to London yesterday evening.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion (SLPTB), Director Marketing, Madhubhani Perera was expected to lead the government delegation to WTM.
SLPTB officials noted that a high-powered private sector delegation of 60 is also attending the WTM.
Following the launch, the delegation is scheduled to attend a press conference on Tuesday, where Sri Lankan delegates are expected to clarify to nearly seventy international media outlets as well UK media organisations about the impact of the current political crisis to tourists travelling to Sri Lanka.
“It will be a good opportunity to update the international community on the current situation. We can stress that tourists are not affected by the current political situation in the country,” SLPTB official said.
The U.S., UK, Australia, Germany and Canada have issued travel warnings to their citizens over travel to Sri Lanka fearing adverse impacts arising from current political crisis. Despite few cancellations in bookings, there has been no major impact on tourism as yet, according to hoteliers and travel agents.
Meanwhile, the key positions of SLPTB remain vacant as the Chairman tendered his resignation and the contract of Managing Director (MD) has expired. (NF)
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