TOURISTS AROUND THE WORLD HAILED SRI LANKA TOURISM ON THE WORLD TOURISM DAY

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 10-10-2024 |
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) orgasnised a number of activities on the World Tourism Day on September 27. This ceremony was held at the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) at the arrival lobby, Colombo International Airport (BIA). SLTPB served over 300 guests during the daytime from 8.30 am to 4 pm. It was a great oppotrtunity for all tourists to experience the Sri Lankan culture.

Event included;
• Selfie Corner for foreign guests to join and enjoy the moment
• Tradtional dance performances to entertain the guests
• Arranging a special welcome by offering a cupcake with Sri Lankan tea, and a promotional gift for every tourist on their arrival to Sri Lanka.

All tourists were highly commending the opportunities they enjoyed and appreciated Sri Lanka Tourism authority for attending to this unique activity.

Sri Lanka promotion in The Hague

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 24-09-2024 |
Sri Lankan tourism, culture, food and tea promoted in The Hague.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands, with the support of the Sri Lanka Tourism Board (SLTPB), participated in the “Embassy Festival 2024” held in The Hague on 07 September 2024. The Embassy organized two stalls showcasing Sri Lankan tourism, culture, cuisine, tea and handicrafts to the Dutch and other international visitors.

The “Embassy Festival” is an annual event organized by the Municipality of The Hague at a central location in the city. The Mayor of The Hague, Jan Van Zanen opened the Festival where 46 Embassies and international organizations participated attracting over 60,000 visitors.

The Sri Lankan stalls were very popular at the Festival, with many expressing interest to visit the country. Tourism promotional material, including videos, brochures and maps of Sri Lanka were shared with the public. People who had already visited Sri Lanka, also visited the stalls and shared their warm and fond memories of their travels in the country.

Sri Lankan arts and craft; wooden masks; soft toys; jewelry; batik, reed and brassware products available in the stalls were much sought after by the visitors, with Sri Lankan tea and food being the centre of attraction. The visitors were treated to a wide variety of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine including yellow rice and curry, string hoppers, egg hoppers, kottu, kokis, jackfruit cutlets, vadai and many more. Children from the Sri Lankan community in The Netherlands mesmerized the crowds with their Sri Lankan dance performances and added more colour and excitement to the event with their traditional costumes. The Embassy also participated in the cultural parade alongside the other Embassies and the colourful procession was enjoyed and warmly appreciated by the public.

Ambassador Rekha Gunasekera is very much appreciative of her team at the Embassy for their tireless efforts in preparation for the event, and also the members of the Sri Lankan community who participated, supported and assisted the Embassy in making the event a success.

Embassy of Sri Lanka, The Hague. (11 September 2024)

SRI LANKA TOURISM PROMOTION IN WASHINGTON

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 24-09-2024 |
Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington DC hosts a tourism promotional event promoting Sri Lanka as a key tourist destination among US nationals


The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the United States, in collaboration with the International Club of DC, hosted a vibrant evening reception on 06 September 2024 at the Embassy premises in Washington D.C. The event was held with the aim of promoting Sri Lanka as a key tourist and investment destination among US nationals, during the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere. Members of the Club and special invitees attended the event.

Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe, welcomed the guests and invited them to visit Sri Lanka and enjoy the rich plethora of attractions that Sri Lanka has to offer. He highlighted that the Sri Lankan cuisine, music, and dances that were on display in the evening further symbolize the vibrant diversity in Sri Lanka. The Ambassador adverted to the country’s multicultural, multilingual, multi-religious and multi-ethnic character, its over 2,500 year history, and added that its unique geographical features and wildlife provide tourists with a profound and memorable experience. The Ambassador stated that Sri Lanka and the United States have developed strong bilateral relations that predate official diplomatic relations established in 1948. He also emphasized that currently the two countries enjoy strong mutual assistance and a deep level of friendship.

As part of the event, the Embassy also organized an exhibition to display photographs of the key tourist attractions of the country and to screen tourism-oriented videos featuring pristine beaches and green mountain landscapes. The exhibition also highlighted various dimensions of Sri Lanka tourism ranging from adventure and wildlife tourism to wellness tourism and ancient cultural attractions.

A cultural recital was also conducted as part of the programme. The talents of “Serendib Dance Troupe” captivated the audience. Dances of both up-country and low-country styles depicting Sri Lanka’s rich traditional dance heritage were performed. The talents of the troupe of "Ceylon Bera" accompanied by instrumental music enthralled the crowd with the rhythms of Sri Lanka. A Bharathanatyam and Moksha dance performance representing the culture of the Tamil community performed by Achila Perera reflected on the vibrant diversity of the Sri Lankan culture.

The Embassy had made special arrangements for saxophonist D. I. Senarathne to perform live music while Sri Lankan singer Sanjaya Nivunhella sang live Sri Lankan songs adding further flavor to the event.

Attendees were treated to a sumptuous dinner buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine enriched with the flavours of Ceylon spices. The local delicacies were prepared by a Sri Lankan chef at a live culinary station, with different types of fresh hoppers being the standout dish.

The company VoyagX Tour Blue USA, owned by a Sri Lankan-American offered tourism packages, which caught the interest and attention of the visitors who were excited to explore the possibilities of visiting Sri Lanka.

The Embassy made arrangements to serve all the visitors a sampling of freshly brewed hot and iced Ceylon tea sponsored by Basilur (Sri Lanka) and QTrade Teas & Herbs (California, USA) at a specially set up tea corner that enabled the visitors to enjoy different types of tea.

In his vote of thanks, the President of the International Club of DC Sanjaya Hettihewa thanked the Ambassador and staff for joining hands with their organization. The International Club of DC offers international cultural experiences including art, music, dance, and theatre as well as the opportunity to sample culinary delicacies from around the world with their diverse membership of over 47,000 professionals representing over 90 countries and partnerships with over 80 embassies in Washington DC to conduct concerts, festivals, galas, and receptions.

Embassy of Sri Lanka. Washington D.C. - 13 September 2024

BANGLADESH TRAVEL WRITERS FAM TOUR IN SRI LANKA

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 10-06-2024 |
This is a photo story of the Bangladesh Travel Writers familiarization tour in Sri Lanka. During their visit they met President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando and several other top government officials of the Tourism Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

FREE VISA TO BANGLADESH. SLTDA REQUESTS HOTEL TRADE TO PARTICIPATE IN ASIAN TOURISM FAIR IN DHAKA

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 10-06-2024 |
Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Priantha Fernado revealed that Bangladesh is considered to offer free visa among 67 Visa Free Countries proposed to be implemented soon after the approval of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He said this during a meeting had with Claude Gunasekera, Chief Editor of NewsLanka (www.lankapuvath.org) at his office in Colombo last weekend.
He confirmed participation of Sri Lanka Tourism at the Asian Travel Fair (ATF) 2024 to be held at International Convention City, Bashundara (ICCB) and noted that “Bangladesh is a very potential country for tourism. "We will actively engage in our future promotions in Bangladesh”. He also encouraged the local travel industry to participate in the ATF 2024 and use this opportunity to promote Sri Lanka in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile a team of senior Journalists representing the Travel Writers Association of Bangladesh arrived in Sri Lanka on a state sponsored Familiarization Tour last week. They requested that the Visa should be reduced in order to promote Bengali tourists to visit Sri Lanka. They mentioned that the high fee is not a problem to an upmarket tourist but they compare fees with other countries. The team consists Travel writers, Travel Journalists, Photographers, Travel bloggers etc. They were highly satisfied of the locations they have visited in the country such as Up Country and Southern Beaches. A team member said “we love to visit all over Sri Lanka specially Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Batticaloa,Yala National park, Jafna, Adams peak etc.”

Sri Lanka Tourism shows its high potential to attract the audiences by winning the ‘’Best Booth Design ‘’ at the SITF 2024 -South Korea

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 10-06-2024 |


Sri Lanka Tourism once again showed its full potential and capacity to attract visitors not only by promoting the destination as a tourist attraction, but also for its vibrancy and creativity, by bagging the award for the ‘’Best Booth Design’’ at the 39th Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF), held in South Korea recently. This major international travel event was held from 09th to 12th May 2024, where 70 countries promoted their tourism resources and cultures. The Sri Lanka stand created a major sensation among the participants with its beautifully designed structure, themes, Tourism products and items. The SITF is the only International Travel Fair in Korea where official tourism organizations at home and abroad sponsor and participate. The SITF is widely recognized as one of the most major travel fairs held annually in South Korea.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) participated this time along with the country’s leading travel and Industry stakeholders under different categories. The official opening ceremony of the Sri Lanka stand was held under the patronage of H.E Savithri Indrachapa Panabokke , Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, amidst the presence of Mr. Chinthaka Liyanaarachchi, Assistant Director, SLTPB. High profile Travel and Industry stakeholders participated at the SITF, where they shared the latest travel options and locations to visit in Sri Lanka. The visitors were impressed with the beautifully designed Sri Lanka Stand which stood out from the rest and were keen to gain information about the latest travel and holiday opportunities and experiences from the Sri Lankan representatives. The participants also had the chance of having a sip of the finest Ceylon Tea, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
For more than 39 years, SITF South Korea has promoted meetings between decision makers, Industry experts and carefully selected and profiled buyers from Geographic areas with the highest rate of economic growth and from all sectors of the chain. It is the largest and the most well recognized travel fair in Korea, which is also an event that is also formative with major meeting conferences, seminars and B2B meetings on the latest Industry trends.

The South Korean Market plays a crucial role in enabling tourists to Sri Lanka as it generates a considerable amount of tourists each year to the destination. The similar Cultural and religious backgrounds and the myriad of travel locations are the most highlighted segments in which the Korean travelers show high interest. A total number of 4,005 arrivals from South Korea was recorded from January to April 2024, which has shown a gradual increase compared with the same period in 2023.

Sri Lanka Tourism shows its promotional capacity at Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF - 2024)

Lankapuvath | Colombo | 10-06-2024 |


Sri Lanka Tourism participated at the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF - 2024), which is an annual event held in Guangzhou, China, as an important platform for all the Travel Industry participants across the world to meet, network, negotiate and conduct businesses in the Tourism sector in Southern China. This is also a unique opportunity to display their respective travel and holiday opportunities iconic to each country. The Event was held from 16th to 18th May 2024 at China Import & Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China. The first two days of the fair were open to the trade to hold B2B discussions and meetings and the third day of the event was exclusively dedicated to the public. (B2C). By participating at the GITF -2024, Sri Lanka was able to entertain both online and onsite privileges to maximize the brand visibility for the destination during the travel fair.
The Sri Lankan delegation consisted of 12 Industry stakeholders including Sri Lankan Airlines, along with Mr. Nalin Perera, Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), and Mr. Chinthaka Liyanaarachchi, Assistant Director, SLTPB. The industry participants showed their maximum support and contribution towards promoting Sri Lanka as one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world with its unique holiday experience opportunities. At the GITF, Sri Lanka was also awarded as the most popular cultural tourism destination, which showed its success in portraying Sri Lanka as a land of Culture and heritage. The Sri Lanka Pavilion was ceremoniously opened amidst the presence of Mr. Suranga Algewatta, Consul General of Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka pavilion was arranged in an eye-catching manner with its most iconic themes and famous attractions. The colorful Sri Lanka Pavilion was the cynosure of all eyes and drew a large number of interested visitors, eager to get the latest information on new attractions and holiday opportunities which the island paradise has to offer. Sri Lanka has a uniqueness of its own, with it’s easy access and the ability to explore the entire island within a few days. It’s rich history and culture, authentic cuisine has attracted a large number of travelers for many years.
The Chinese visitors were highly impressed with the products the Sri Lanka stand had to offer, displaying variety and color. Sri Lanka Tourism’s theme, “You’ll come back for more” showcased it’s true meaning by attracting interested Chinese Visitors to the colorful Sri Lanka Pavilion. The Tea stall at the Sri Lanka Pavilion served a cup of pure Ceylon tea to each participant who came visited the Sri Lanka pavilion, which they enjoyed with much zest and appreciation. The Sri Lanka Pavilion was able to attract the Chinese media with its colorful themes, promotional items and stand construction, and received 15 Media Interviews with leading Media stations including Guangdong TV and many other national level media stations.

The Chinese market plays a crucial role in bringing tourists to Sri Lanka as it’s one of the main source markets for Sri Lanka Tourism. Up to May 31st 2024, Sri Lanka received 55, 241 Chinese tourists and is capable of increasing its number of travelers to the country. Due to the increase of Air Connectivity between the two countries, Chinese travelers find it more convenient and easier to travel for their respective purposes.