By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): In the wake of ever increasing numbers of visiting Indian travellers becoming the leading source market of the island, Sri Lanka tourism continues its promotion campaign in the neighbouring friendly country with a new vigor.
Island nation is now venturing into a series of Road Shows in key Indian cities commencing from from yesterday in Chennai to the 28th April 2023.followed by Cochin (26 April) and finally at Bangalore (28 April).
Sri Lanka is witnessing a considerable increase in tourist arrivals with India leading the way and securing the number one position with over 13,000 Indian travelers visiting the country recently.
It has attracted over 80,000 Indian tourists’ into the country so far and it is expected to double these numbers by 2023.
Experts attribute this growth to the improving relations between India and Sri Lanka, as well as the increasing availability of direct flights between the two countries.
Alliance Air announced the launch of new direct flights between Chennai and Jaffna in December last year,similarly, Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, started direct flights between Colombo and Mumbai from March this year.
Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Priyantha Fernando said Authorities had allowed tourists to bring up to 10,000 Indian rupees and spend the money in Sri Lanka.
In addition, the two countries have been exploring ways to promote digital transactions using UPI which could further enhance confidence among Indian tourists.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Road Show also focuses on promoting a myriad of tourism experiences while focusing on converting potential travellers to make bookings and highlighting the positive message that Sri Lanka is open for Leisure, Business and MICE tourism.
The target audience at these roadshows will be Tour Operators, Media, Key Influencers, Corporates, Trade Associations and key Tourism Industry stakeholders in India,
These Industry stakeholders have the ability to take the message that Sri Lanka is not only one of the most beautiful countries with an amazing range of destinations and products, but is also safe and secure.
A delegation of over 30 Sri Lankan Travel Agencies and hotels are participating at this event, with the delegation being led by Tourism Minister Harin Fernando,
Many industry stakeholders have supported this endeavour including Sri Lankan Airlines and Indigo. Each roadshow will include B2B Sessions facilitating numerous discussions followed by an Evening Networking event which will also help to improve business partnerships.
A touch of glamour will be added to these events with the participation of celebrities such as Cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya. A dancing troupe specially flown in for this event will showcase Sri Lankan rich heritage of performing arts.
During the Roadshows, the Minister of Tourism is expected to meet several high-profile Business Leaders, Tourism Stakeholders and Corporates while engaging in several media interviews with leading Indian media houses.
