Sri Lanka Tourism made headlines at the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which was held from 6-9 May in Dubai, UAE, said Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau issuing a statement yesterday (22).
The travel fair was held at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) in line with the theme of empowering innovation – transforming travel through entrepreneurship. This is the largest tourism event in the Middle East which provides global exposure, business and travel opportunities for the tourism sector.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has been participating at this event since 2003 along with the members of the travel and tourism industry in Sri Lanka and this year SLTPB has a vibrant and elegant stand with more than 60 participants from the travel and tourism industry.
The opening of the Sri Lanka Tourism pavilion at ATM took place at the Sri Lanka Stand with the participation of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in UAE Udaya Indrarathana, Sri Lanka Consul General in Dubai Alexi Gunasekera, SLTPB Chairperson Chalaka Gajabahu, SLTPB Director Marketing Dushan Wickramasuriya, and other official members of SLTPB and Diplomatic Missions. The colourful Sri Lanka pavilion was included with rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, stunning landscapes and abundance of wildlife.
A press conference was organised by SLTPB on 7 May, the second day of the travel show, with the presence of a large number of international journalists and TV channels. Speaking at the press conference, the Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando, highlighted the country’s vision on the idea of the new logo and the unforgettable experience which travellers could get from Sri Lanka.
SLTPB Chairperson Chalaka Gajabahu highlighted the importance of UAE tourists to boost the total tourist arrivals to the country and invited all participants to experience the country offering the best holiday choices for an interested traveller.
SLTPB and Emirates renewed its commitment in promoting tourism in Sri Lanka through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that includes of indicatives designed to promote and play a major role in reviving the tourism and trade sectors in the country.
SLTPB Chairperson Chalaka Gajabahu signed the MoU from Sri Lanka Tourism while Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations West Asia and Indian Ocean Ahmed Khoory, signed from Emirates.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs Harin Fernando, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates Udaya Indrarathna, Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates Alexi Gunasekera, Emirates Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management Nabil Sultan Al Murr, Emirates Country Manager to Sri Lanka & Maldives Rashid Al Ardha, and Emirates Manager Government Liaison Chandana de Silva.
ATM concluded successfully creating an excellent platform for Sri Lanka Tourism to showcase its tourism offering and created a new partnership with travel professionals and business stakeholders in the Middle East region.
