Sri Lanka launches tourism promotion campaign in China

The newly established Consulate of Sri Lanka in Chengdu, China together with Sri Lanka Tourism organized a country promotion workshop on December 16, at the Consulate premises.

The workshop, the first of its kind organized by Sri Lanka in Sichuan province, was attended by over 60 representatives from local travel agencies, media and airlines.

Presiding over the event, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hussein A. Bhaila, spoke on the recent developments in Sri Lanka, particularly on the peaceful post-conflict environment prevailing throughout the country.

Emphasising on the wide ranging tourist attractions and unique travel experiences Sri Lanka has to offer, the Deputy Foreign Minister invited the Chinese travel agencies of Western China to work together with Sri Lanka Tourism in promoting the island in Sichuan Province and the neighboring provinces.

He invited the travel agencies and the media to visit Sri Lanka on a familiarization tour which would help them gain first hand experience of the country.

The Deputy Director General of Sichuan Foreign Affairs Office Tan Xin and the Deputy Director of Tourism Administration of Sichuan Province Wu Mian shared their experience on Sri Lanka and described it as a beautiful island and a friendly neighbor who has continued to build strong relations with China.

They expressed confidence that the establishment of the new consulate in Chengdu would have positive outcome in promoting Sri Lanka as a favourable travel and investment destination among the people of Sichuan province and the neighbouring provinces. They encouraged the local travel agencies to work together with Sri Lanka tourism in their promotional efforts.

The invitees were presented with detailed information on key tourist attractions, cultural and heritage sites, niche tourism products, etc., through a multimedia presentation followed by interactions with the invited travel agencies, media and the airlines. Important issues on areas such as new travel packages to Sri Lanka, visa procedures and convenient air links were discussed at the event.

The travel agencies were very keen in organizing special packages to Sri Lanka for the local travellers and sought better air connectivity to Sri Lanka. CTS Agency, one of the key travel agencies in Chengdu sought the possibility of arranging chartered flights directly from Chengdu to Colombo during special Chinese holidays such as the Chinese Spring Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival when many Chinese tend to take vacations abroad.

The travel agencies were particularly interested in promoting the well-preserved beaches of the east coast of Sri Lanka and expressed that they are looking forward to organize special tour groups to the eastern parts of the island.

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to China Karunatilaka Amunugama, Marketing Officer of Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau Office in Beijing Shan Lin and a Representative of the Sri Lankan Airlines spoke at the event.