Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau conducted a roadshow in Turkey on the 18^th April 2024 which was the first roadshow organized from SLTPB in Turkey, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Mission in Turkey and the National Carrier that has direct connectivity from Istanbul which operates five flights per week. The Turkish airline is scheduled to carry daily flights from October 2024 onwards.  Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau organized this event to create awareness in timely manner and showcasing the importance of the market in the international travel forum as the first initiative.

Sri Lanka impressed the Turkish travel trade and media community by showcasing it’s galore of holiday opportunities, its culture with various videos and cultural dance performances to make the Turkish travelers to consider about having a different experience in a different destination at the roadshow held in Istanbul, Turkey on the 18^th April 2024, at the Intercontinental Hotel Turkey.

There were 19 Sri Lankan travel industry participants representing travel companies and hotels registered with SLTPB for the event. They included  Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd, Walkers Tours (Pvt) Ltd, Ceylon Roots / LOLC Holdings PLC, Jetwing Travels (Pvt) Ltd, Exotic Holidays International (Pvt) Ltd, Hayleys Travels (Pvt) Ltd, Golden Isle (Pvt) Ltd, Ceylon Empire Travels (Pvt) Ltd, Bernard Tours (Pvt) Ltd, Fly A World Consultant and Tourism (Pvt) Ltd, Oreta Travels (Pvt) Ltd, Resfeber Holidays (Pvt) Ltd, Sunway Holidays /Sunway International (Pvt) Ltd, Shimron Holidays (Pvt) Ltd, Ayubowan Tours and Travels (Pvt) Ltd, Apuru (Pvt) Ltd, Trancso Travel (Pvt) Ltd, , Ceylon My Dream (Pvt) Ltd, Esna Holidays (Pvt) Ltd.

The welcome speech was made by Mr. Dushan Wickramasuriya , while the country presentation was done by H.E Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake , Sri Lankan Ambassador to Turkey. Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu , Chairman , Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau , briefed the audience with a detailed introduction of the New concepts & Strategies initiated by Sri Lanka Tourism to be implemented as a tactical measure to increase the influx of tourists. Ms. Sasika Jayaweera, Assistant Director responsible for the Turkish Market, made the vote of thanks.  Mr. Aydin Osu , designated Honorary Consul General of Sri Lanka in Istanbul , also  graced the event with his participation .

Furthermore, Turkish Airline supported Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau for the success of this event by providing the assistance and offering sponsorships. Also, the station Manager of the Turkish Airline Mr. Cumhur Boyaraz addressed the crowd and did a presentation by being the National Carrier of Turkey and how they will contribute to increase the numbers to Sri Lanka.

A Networking session was held with local travel industry partners and Turkish Travel Agents for more productive sessions to share their demand and suppliers and also introducing their individual products to the travel agents and media who were presented at the event. In parallel with the trade networking session, Sri Lanka Tourism also conducted a media briefing for the media personals who were presented at the event which is vital in order to take the message that the island is safe, secure and fully equipped to offering the travel experience.

Also, it was a great opportunity have the presence of TURSAB the travel association of Turkey and Jazeera Airlines, a Kuwaiti airline that has daily flights to Sri Lanka from Turkey along with the major tour operators who are currently supporting Sri Lanka.

Turkey, as one of the most notable countries in Mediterranean Europe has good potential as a top source market for Sri Lanka as it has the capability of attracting tourists towards its local attractions, given the necessary promotion.