LONDON, October 2019: Sri Lankan Tourism has been named as a premier partner at WTM London 2019, the leading global event for the travel industry, as the island’s tourism industry continues to bounce back following the Easter Sunday bombings last April.
The partnership will herald global coverage for the destination, which has also teamed up with legendary cricketer and former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara to continue the country’s tourism recovery.
As a spokesman for Sri Lanka Tourism and the first non-British player to be elected to the presidency of London’s Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at Lord’s, Sangakkara will promote the destination’s key tourist attractions, which are being marketed under the ‘So Sri Lanka’ brand.
“I am very confident that tourists who come to Sri Lanka will have a wonderful time,” said Sangakkara. “I have seen the country recover very well in terms of ensuring the security of both its nationals and tourists from all over the world. Those who come to Sri Lanka want to experience the country in full.”
Visitor numbers plunged by 70% in the wake of the terror attack in April but efforts by the Sri Lankan tourist industry has seen a sooner than expected recovery, shown in September by the drop in holidaymakers narrowing to 20%.
Tourist arrivals in 2018 had reached a record 2.3 million – worth almost $4.4 billion – and numbers look set to top two million in 2019.
The annual WTM London, which will be held from 4- 6 November this year, introduces global travel buyers to over 5,000 of the biggest destinations and brands in the world. The partnership deal with WTM London will mean thousands of international travel trade professionals and buyers will see the new ‘So Sri Lanka’ branding, and hundreds of journalists and influencers will hear about the country’s culture, scenery and heritage.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau will share its exhibition space at WTM London (at stand AS200) with 67 travel trade partners, including hotels, travel agencies, resorts and operators.
Minister of tourism development, wildlife and Christian religious affairs, John Amaratunga, said: “The government has done everything possible to regain the popularity for the destination by building confidence carrying out various aggressive promotional campaigns.
“We are fortunate to have the world unitedly supporting us and rallying around to help the tourism industry, this has helped spread economic benefits far-reaching to many other important economic sectors too; and also to local communities who need it most.”
WTM London’s senior director, Simon Press, said: “It has been so heartening to see [Sri Lanka] recover from the appalling events last Easter, and it looks set to have a busy winter season.
“Being WTM London’s premier partner means Sri Lanka can entice trade buyers and media from across the globe, which will help visitor numbers return to or even surpass the levels seen in 2018 – boosting the country’s economy and helping to provide jobs for thousands of workers.”
A WTM statement said that coverage of the island’s remarkable natural beauty, rich heritage and welcoming locals are certainly playing a role in supporting its recovery. It has almost 1,600 kilometres of palm-fringed coastlines, while the interior offers the chance to explore tea plantations, spice gardens, national parks, lush jungle and waterfalls. Sri Lanka is one of the top places in Asia for spotting wildlife, such as elephants, sloth bears, leopards, wild buffaloes and even the elusive blue whale, in their natural habitat.
Along with natural wonders, the island has thousands of years of history for visitors to discover, including six cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, plus palaces, temples and monasteries.
Visitors can also experience the benefits of Ayurveda, Sri Lanka’s traditional art of healing, and restore their body and soul at the island’s many wellness retreats and resorts. Furthermore, food and hospitality play a crucial role in the country’s culture, with tourists able to enjoy a wide variety of curry and meat dishes, soups, seafood and vegetarian cuisine. Coconut milk is a distinctive ingredient in many meals, and the island is world-renowned for its tea.
