BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
KOLKATA, 11 JULY 2024:
Sri Lanka Tourism, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), hosted an exclusive networking evening on a cruise over the Ganges River on 10th July 2024. This event, aimed at the travel-trade and media of Kolkata, showcased the rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes of Sri Lanka, fostering invaluable business partnerships and promising to reshape perceptions of this beautiful island nation.
(From L to R: Dignitaries present during the Inauguration of Sri Lanka Tourism Networking Evening by Mr. Dammika Kulathunga, Manager, Northern India, SriLankan Airlines; Mr. Bilolaksha Das, Chairman, Eastern India Chapter – Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI); Mr. Amin Asghar, President, Kolkata Chapter – SKAL International; Mr. Manav Soni, Chairman, Eastern Region Chapter – Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI); Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau; Mr. Sanjiv Mehra, President, SKAL International – India)
The evening was inaugurated by prominent figures including Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau; Mr. Manav Soni, Chairman of the Eastern Region Chapter of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI); Mr. Bilolaksha Das, Chairman of the Eastern India Chapter of the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI); Mr. DammikaKulathunga, Manager of Northern India at SriLankan Airlines; Mr. Debjit Dutta, Chairman of the IATO West Bengal Chapter; Mr. Sanjiv Mehra, President of SKAL International – India; Mr. Amin Asghar, President of the Kolkata Chapter of SKAL International; and Ms. MalkanthiWelikala, Manager of Marketing at the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.
(From L to R: Inauguration of Sri Lanka Tourism Networking Evening by Mr. Bilolaksha Das, Chairman, Eastern India Chapter – Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI); Mr. Amin Asghar, President, Kolkata Chapter – SKAL International; Mr. Manav Soni, Chairman, Eastern Region Chapter – Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI); Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau; Mr. Sanjiv Mehra, President, SKAL International – India)
“Sri Lanka – You’ll Come Back for More”:
Under the resonant tagline “Sri Lanka – You’ll Come Back for More,” the event aimed to entice Indian travellers by highlighting Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings. The networking evening brought together around 300 of Kolkata’s travel agents, key figures in the industry, and media representatives, who engaged with a strong delegation led by 25 Destination Management Companies (DMCs) specializing in Leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), as well as leading hotels, resorts, homestays, tour operators, and other service providers from Sri Lanka.
Strengthening Tourism Ties with India:
India remains a vital source market for Sri Lanka, with nearly 200,000 Indian tourists having arrived so far this year. The extended visa-free entry for Indian nationals is expected to boost these numbers further, setting new records in 2024. Sri Lanka Tourism is committed to providing the best tourist experiences and assures Indian tourists and investors of the country’s readiness to welcome them with all necessary safety and security measures in place.
Aggressive Marketing Strategy:
Sri Lanka has adopted an aggressive approach towards the Indian market by establishing a strong presence through multi-city B2B roadshows in Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai, and New Delhi. These efforts are complemented by participation in major travel trade shows like the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) in Mumbai and the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) in New Delhi. The year-long marketing efforts will be intensified with participation in various travel exhibitions such as TTF-Kolkata and IITM-Bengaluru, IITM-Chennai and so on. Another round of B2B roadshows in other Tier-II markets is planned for September – 2024.
Showcasing Sri Lanka’s Unique Attractions:
The networking evening in Kolkata highlighted Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere through engaging discussions and presentations. Attendees were treated to a showcase of Sri Lanka’s varied attractions, ranging from pristine beaches to ancient temples, marking a new chapter of tourism excellence for the island nation.
About Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau:
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is the official government agency responsible for managing all marketing and promotional initiatives pertaining to Sri Lanka’s travel and tourism sector. The Chairman, Managing Director, and Board of Directors of the Bureau are composed of representatives from various organizations such as the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism, the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, and the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka. The primary goals of SLTPB are to work with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau, the Sri Lanka Institute of Hotel Management, and other travel and tourism stakeholders to market and advertise Sri Lanka both directly and indirectly as an exceptional tourist and travel destination that complies with the Tourism Development Plan. The promotion of Sri Lanka as a gateway into South Asia and its establishment as the region’s leader in tourism development and management are the main objectives of these initiatives.
(Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau addressing the gathering)
About Sri Lanka Convention Bureau:
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) is the official governmental body and the primary goal is to promote the growth of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Industry in Sri Lanka.
SLCB is the go-to organisation for meeting planners, incentive houses, corporations, and associations interested in arranging and executing events in Sri Lanka. From handling inquiries to providing support for events, SLCB offers a comprehensive range of services.
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