As part of series of Roadshows in India, Sri Lankan Tourism held a roadshow in Bengaluru yesterday to expand its warm bilateral & cultural ties with its Indian counterparts. Sri Lanka is witnessing a considerable increase in tourist arrivals with India leading the way and securing the number One position. The event also focused on highlighting the positive message that Sri Lanka is open for Leisure.Business and MICE Tourism.
The target audience of the roadshow were Tour operators, Media,Key influencers,Corporates,Trade Associations and key Tourism Industry stake holders in India,to carry the message that Sri Lanka is not only one of the beautiful countries with an amazing range of destinations and products,but is also safe & secure. A delegation of over 30 Sri Lankan Travel agencies & Hotels participated at this event led by Mr.Harin Fernando,Minister for Tourism,Sri Lanka, accompanied by Mr. Chalaka
Gajabahu,Chairman,Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Bureau and Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya,Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.
Speaking on the occasion,Mr.Harin Fernando,Minister for Tourism said," India has generated over 100,000 tourist arrivals to the country in 2022 and is expected to double by 2023. From January to March, 2023, the tourist arrivals from India was 46,432. Sri Lanka has seen an increase from tourism earnings with around $530 million received in the first three months of 2023 as compared to $482.3 in the first three months of 2022.Tourism in Sri Lanka over the last six months have been very interesting and promising. The last three months alone in 2023 from January To March has seen 8000 tourist arrivals a day, which is the highest since 2018. He further added,Sri Lanka values the Indian outbound market and has been the key driver of arrivals into our country.Sri Lanka offers other than its rich heritage of 2500 years,a spectacular array of destinations and products such as wellness & Yoga beaches,shopping,cuisine,adventure and wild life.The added attraction for the Indian tourists is the very well laid out Ramayana Circuit.which is an excellent religious travel initiative.The time is perfect to experience the warm hospitality of our people,he concluded'.
Mr.Chalaka Gajabahu,Chairman,Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said,Sri Lanka offers a complete destination for families and is a Year Long destination. We are here with our delegation to reach out to our travel trade partners in India to add value to a mutually fruitful relationship.
Mr.Thisum Jayasuriya,Chairman,Sri Lanka Convention Bureau said," Sri Lanka is a promising MICE destinations for meetings,Conferences,& Incentives.The proximity and good connectivity enhances the appeal of Sri Lanka as a cost effective & attractive place for MICE travellers".
Sri Lanka has been listed in the Forbes List as one of the 23 best places to visit in 2023.
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