PUNE: The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotional Bureau (SLTPB) conducted a roadshow in the city on Tuesday with an aim to strengthen tourism relations between travel partners from both countries. Chamari Rodrigo, Consul General of Sri Lanka High Commission was present. She said India has topped the number of foreign tourist visitor arrivals in Sri Lanka.
The three-city roadshow, which was conducted in Pune on Tuesday will also be conducted in Rajkot and Surat on September 5 and 11, respectively. These shows are a part of their seven-city show announced earlier this year. The event witnessed participation of over 24 Sri Lankan delegates from hotels, airlines, integrated resorts, attractions and destination management companies.
Sri Lanka has seen a substantial growth in tourist arrivals from India in 2017, with over 3,84,000 Indian travellers. Rodrigo said, “The destination has already recorded a growth of 15.3 per cent during the first half of 2018 as compared to the same period last year. India has topped the number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka at 2,06,337 followed by Chinese tourists at 1,36,294. The seven-city roadshow is one of the major activities Sri Lanka Tourism is conducting to ensure that key Indian travel and trade personnel maintain a close relationship with Sri Lanka’s tourism industry partners.”
She added, “Due to security, proximity and affordability, people are attracted more towards Sri Lanka. Also, Sri Lanka after several decades of internal conflicts, now has peace and stability. Due to a rise in tourism activity, employment opportunities have also accelerated. Our vision 2025 is to make Sri Lanka an island to be known for diverse experiences, memorable and for its authenticity.”
Viranga Bandara, Assistant Director- Marketing, SLTPB, said, “There is 15 per cent growth of tourist activities in the past three years. Also, there is a recent trend of destination marriage in Sri Lanka. Also, we are targeting metro cities to increase the footfall. We will also start with film tourism and will be targeting niche segments like golf adventure tourism, soon.”
