Sri Lankan tourism plans big events towards the year end to boost tourism
Sri Lanka Tourism conducted a travel trade roadshow in Mumbai, with an aim to increase footfalls to the emerald island. The roadshow was organised at St. Regis Mumbai hotel on28th September 2022. It witnessed a turnout of many participants from Sri Lanka comprised of top travel companies, hoteliers besides the national carrier, SriLankan Airlines. It was conducted to increase destination awareness and highlight the new attractions in Sri Lanka. The Roadshow was an outstanding event, attended by travel agents, business houses and media personnel. This event is in continuation of a three series roadshow which began in New Delhi, Mumbai and third would end at Hyderabad.
The tourism minister Harin Fernando is leading a high-level delegation, accompanied by Legendary Cricketers and The Brand Ambassador of Sri Lanka Tourism – Sanath Jayasuriya, Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau. They interacted with the large number of Indian travel trade stakeholders, corporates and media. Over 50-member strong team of Sri Lanka Tour Operators and Hoteliers also accompanied the delegation, to promote SL tourism’s return to normalcy and promote business partnerships. The delegation has been supported by Sri Lankan flag carrier, SriLankan Airlines. The Sri Lankan Consul General in Mumbai His Excellency Dr. Valsan Vethody presided over the coveted event. The show was hosted by Danu Innasithamby famous Sri Lankan media personality, who made every attendee smiling and clapping for his humour.
The main purpose of hosting these roadshows is to promote Sri Lanka as an attractive tourism destination across India. In Mumbai, the response to the road show was enormously phenomenal. India is one of Sri Lanka’s key source markets and has been extremely supportive in Sri Lanka regaining lost momentum both post pandemic and the recent economic downturn.
Harin Fernando, Tourism Minister of Sri Lanka addressing at the Road Show event. Photo Mewati Sitaram
During the roadshows, the Minister met several high-profile Business Leaders, Tourism Stakeholders and Corporates while engaging in several media interviews with leading Indian media houses.
It may be noted that Sri Lanka tourism offers numerous tour packages to suit Indian tourists from economical to leisure segments. Sri Lanka is witnessing a considerable increase in tourist arrivals from India. The event also focused on promoting a myriad of tourism experiences while focusing on converting potential travellers to make booking and highlight the positive message that Sri Lanka is open for Leisure, Business and MICE tourism.
Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando, said, “We are delighted to be in India for this very important series of Roadshows, Sri Lanka wholeheartedly welcomes Indians to visit Sri Lanka. The Island nation has gained immense popularity in India thanks to Ramayana Trails, Buddhist Connection, tremendous sports following, with the recent Asia Cup Cricket Tournament, and has experienced consistent growth over the period. We are showcasing Sri Lanka through this series of Roadshows to enhance destination visibility among travel trade and consumers, and to further consolidate Sri Lanka’s position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers. We are confident that in 2022 a lot of more Indians will choose Sri Lanka as their preferred holiday destination.”
Thisum Jayasuriya, Danu Innasithamby famous Sri Lankan media personality, Harin Fernando Tourism Minister & Chalaka Gajabahu in traditional attire in lighter mood. Photo Mewati Sitaram
Fernando further added “Many hoteliers and business houses have approached him seeking lands for their businesses. Being a minister for lands, I will definitely look at this kind of proposal on a priority basis and will allot land within three months of time. Mahindra Holidays approached me and has sought land to establish their brand, we are indeed happy to welcome them to establish their brand. This is a good time to visit Sri Lanka because it has become economically viable where Indian rupees are equivalent to Sri Lankan five rupees”.
Fernando also said “One of the key strategies to revive tourism, which is a key pillar for the island nation’s economy and slated to organise big-ticket events in December in Colombo and other places to attract international tourists. Year 2023 will be a watershed year for the country and its tourism sector, as the country expects to recover much of the lost ground over the last three years in 2023.
A touch of glamour was added to the event where dance and entertainment was included to give the audience an amazing experience and also a glimpse of Sri Lankan culture. The dancing troupe showcased their talent, where audiences were mesmerised to watch musical performances. All the audiences were enjoying dancing performances with a round of applause.
Dance troupe from Sri Lanka performing dance at the Road Show. Photo Mewati Sitaram
Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka’s Legendary Cricketer and The Brand Ambassador said “We are open for tourists and we have everything to offer to Indian tourists. Past three months were very crucial for us but we have overcome them. Now it’s time for you to help Sri Lanka, especially tourism sector as we are dependent on tourism, as you have been doing in the past too. As a small island we have everything to give it to tourists that includes Ramayana trails, UNESCO heritage sites, water sports, wildlife, mountains, beaches, buddha trails, Elephant safari, health tourism, Ayurveda and almost everything. We are inviting you to visit Sri Lanka, we need support from India to back our tourism industry back on track”.=
Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Said “Every tourist desires to visit a country with a clean city, believe me, we are the one. Sri Lanka is a paradise Island and we need your support to promote it so we can bounce back. We offer the best of tourist destinations with ample of attractive places, beauty in diversity, local traditions, handicrafts, and enchanting folk dances with music, holy places and much more. As people of the state are peace-loving, tourists will feel at home while visiting any time of the year. There are numerous flights from India which connects Sri Lanka from different destinations”.
Sri Lankan Consul General in Mumbai Dr. Valsan Vethody ( Center) & his team at the Roadshow, Photo Mewati Sitaram
Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau said “We are committed to revive the tourism sector in Sri Lanka and assure you that Indian tourists will be really fascinated to see attractive tourist destinations. Sri Lanka boasts of a rich cultural heritage and bounties of nature. It seems to be God’s gift to mankind with lush green forest, captivating wildlife, mesmerizing natural waterfalls and beautiful water bodies. So you must visit Sri Lanka and explore umpteen places of all kind”.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
