Sri Lanka Targets 2-million Worldwide Travelers by end of 2023

As part of its ongoing bilateral and cultural ties with its Indian counterparts, Sri Lanka Tourism organised a series of Road Shows in key South Indian cities ( C h e n n a i , C o c h i n a n d Bangalore) with an aim to promote the destinations and tourismproducts.

Over 30 Sri Lankan Travel partners led by the Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism and accompanied by Mr Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Mr Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Ms. Shirani Herth, Junior Manager, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Ms. Malkanthi Welikla, Manager – Marketing, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau. A touch of glamour was added to these events with the participation of celebrities such as Cricket legendSanathJayasuriya.

Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism, said “In the first three months of 2023, we welcomed 46,432 Indian tourists. With an ambitious promotional campaign underway, we are aiming to attract 2 million Worldwide tourists this year This increase in visitors has had a positive impact on tourism earnings,withSriLankaearningaround530millionU.S.dollars in the first quarter of 2023, compared to $482.3 million in the same period last year We expect to generate a total of $3 billionintourismrevenuethisyear”

He further added, "Sri Lanka values the Indian outbound market since it has been instrumental in driving tourism to our country The country features a varied range of attractions and offerings, including wellness and yoga, beaches, shopping, cuisine, adventure, and wildlife, in addition to its extensive legacy dating back 2500 years. Furthermore, the Ramayana circuit, a religious travel initiative, is a strong draw for the Indianmarket."

Mr.ChalakaGajabahu,ChairmanSriLankaTourismPromotion Bureausaid,"SriLankaisanidealdestinationforfamiliesandis suitable for travel throughout the year Through our representatives and stakeholders from hotels, resorts, DMCs, and event management companies, we aim to build a strong relationshipwithourtravel-tradepartnersinIndiaandfostera mutuallybeneficialassociation."

Mr ThisumJayasuriya,ChairmanSriLankaConventionBureau said, “Sri Lanka is quickly becoming a popular destination for meetings,conferences,andincentives,alsoknownasMICE.To showcase this promising destination, we hosted the first-ever MICE expo in Sri Lanka in March 2023. We were excited to welcome 80 participants from India alone. Sri Lanka's proximity and excellent connectivity make it an attractive and cost-effectiveoptionforMICEtravellers.”

BrandAmbassador: VyomKesari

EditorialAssistant: PriyanshuKesarwani

Advisory: GourKanjilal OmPrakashSehgal

MarketingTeam: Prashant&DineshGupta

Correspondent: PayalGupta