Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Sri Lanka Tourism successfully wrapped up the second phase of its premier Business Networking event for 2024 in India, marking its commencement in Mumbai at the Sofitel BKC on February 9th and wrapping up in Delhi at the Shangri-La on February 20th. The gathering celebrated the resilience and growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, aiming to bolster the relationship between Sri Lanka and India.
The Mumbai session kicked off with an inauguration by Mr. Harin Fernando, the Honorable Minister for Tourism, Lands, Sports, and Youth Affairs, accompanied by notable figures including H E Dr. Valsan Kumaran Vethody, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, and leaders from various travel associations and bureaus.
In Delhi, the event saw its inauguration by Hon. Shehan Semasinghe, State Minister of Finance, with key contributions from HE Kshenuka Senewiratne, High Commissioner of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi, and other distinguished leaders in the tourism industry.
With over 300 attendees in each city, including travel agents, industry moguls, and media personnel, the events aimed at deepening Sri Lanka-India tourism partnerships. A significant rise in Indian tourists to Sri Lanka, with numbers soaring from 13,759 in January of the previous year to 34,399 in January 2024, underscored the events’ importance.
The events showcased Sri Lanka’s stunning scenery, cultural wealth, and hospitality, underlining the “You’ll Come Back for More” campaign, which promises memorable experiences. The evenings highlighted Sri Lanka’s varied attractions, from untouched beaches to historic temples, heralding a bright future for the country’s tourism industry.
Honourable Minister’s Reflections:
“Addressing the audience, Mr. Harin Fernando, the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports, and Youth
Affairs, expressed gratitude towards India for its steadfast support in Sri Lanka’s journey of tourism
development. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the past, Minister Fernando highlighted Sri Lanka’s
remarkable transformation into a middle-income nation with robust economic indicators. With tourism
earnings exceeding $2 billion in 2023 and a surge in tourist arrivals, Sri Lanka stands as a beacon of resilience in
the face of adversity. ‘Our challenging goal of attracting 2.5 million tourists in 2024 has been established,’ he
mentioned, expressing optimism about its achievability based on the fact that over 48,000 tourists arrived in
the first six days of February, with an average of over 9000 tourist arrivals at Colombo daily.” – Mr. Harin
Fernando, Honourable Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports, and Youth Affairs
H E Kshenuka Senewiratne, The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi ” I see this platform as a great
opportunity for enhancing cooperation. We’ve witnessed a remarkable 103% increase in tourist arrivals from
India, reflecting our strong historical ties. Recent discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the strength of our partnership. We appreciate India’s crucial
support during economic challenges. Our vision is to strengthen connectivity and accelerate cooperation in
tourism, power, trade, education, and skill development, demonstrating India’s lasting commitment to Sri
Lanka.”
Dr. Valsan Kumaran Vethody, the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, resonated with Minister Fernando’s views, highlighting the crucial role of interpersonal connections in fortifying the bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and India. He pointed out that tourism acts as a conduit, linking cultures and communities. Dr. Vethody stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation in the tourism industry to fully harness the benefits of this partnership. He underlined the significance of integrating Sri Lankan tourism into India’s vast tourism market, which sees around 2000 million tourists annually and is valued at approximately $150 billion, showcasing its substantial economic impact.
Mr. Nalin Perera, Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau stated, “Tourism is our third
largest revenue source, a significant achievement for our small island. Despite challenges, we’ve always
bounced back. In 2022, we transitioned, and now offer more than just sun and beaches – with sports, culture,
and spiritual, historical and more. India remains our top source. Our focus is also on a digital campaign to
attract the Indian market and tailored made itinerary for one and all. With Indian hotel investments, we’re
confident you’ll want to return.”
“As Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, I am proud to highlight the growth of our Meetings,
Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. With world-class venues and increased accessibility, Sri
Lanka has become a highly desirable location for corporate events and conferences. We now have nearly 100
flights per week from 9 Indian cities, making it easier than ever for businesses to choose Sri Lanka. Hosting the
3rd edition of the MICE expo in May this year further solidifies our position as a gateway to unparalleled
experiences, supporting local economies and leaving a lasting impact. The expo will showcase the Southern
Region’s development, including the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) and the Magam
Ruhunupura International Conference Centre (MRICC), establishing the region as a dynamic hub for
international events.” – Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau
While speaking seamless travel experience, Ms. Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India
(TAAI) said’ “Travel agents are the backbone of promoting Sri Lanka as the ideal destination for Indian tourists.
Through personalized service and tailored experiences, we create unforgettable journeys that enhance the
overall visitor experience. Our role is pivotal in ensuring the sustainability and growth of Sri Lanka’s vibrant
tourism industry.”
Future Prospects:
The horizon looks promising for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, with expectations of ongoing growth and innovation. The country has set ambitious goals for attracting tourists and is planning to develop new infrastructure and form strategic partnerships with Indian enterprises. This highlights Sri Lanka’s determination to establish itself as a leading tourist destination in the region. Additionally, efforts to encourage eco-friendly tourism practices and safeguard its rich cultural and environmental legacy are crucial for the sustainable advancement of the sector.
In Summary:
As the Sri Lanka Tourism Networking Evening concludes, a sense of partnership and friendship remains. Fueled by a rejuvenated commitment and a collective aspiration for the future, Sri Lanka and India are ready to pursue a path of joint prosperity and cultural interchange through tourism. Together, they are crafting a mosaic of experiences, inviting global visitors to explore the enduring charm of the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
