Day 3 of the TAAI Convention took a stunning end as it turned out to be a day filled with entertainment, glamour, activity and socializing towards the evening. Sri Lanka Tourism, in collaboration with SLAITO, concluded it’s highly successful TAAI Convention 2023 this year, themed ‘’Transforming Borders –Transforming Lives ‘’. The 3^rd day began with B2B meetings which continued for the 2^nd day at Shangri La Colombo, where the Sri Lankan and Indian counterparts had another exclusive opportunity of showing their travel potential and enabling Indian tourists to plan their ideal holiday in Sri Lanka. Around 150 Sri Lankan Travel Agents participated in these meetings. Along with the B2B sessions, a city tour of Colombo was also arranged in order to make the Indian visitors see Sri Lanka’s uniqueness as a destination with their own eyes. The Indians were very much impressed with the exclusive tour which they participated and were keen on gaining more information of the places which they could visit in Colombo.

The 3^rd days event also included panel discussions with top Indian Travel and Tourism officials where they engaged in interesting conversations which shared a lot of information. One panel discussion was themed ‘’Transcending Borders- Strengthening International relations for a transformed world ‘’ which included Mr. Paul Stephens, High commissioner for Australia in Sri Lanka , Mr. Katsuki Kotaro , Charge D’ Affairs , Embassy of Japan , Sri Lanka, Mr. Fakhri Alivev , Charge D’Affiare’s , Embassy of Azerbijan , New Delhi , Mr. H.E Maged  Mosleh , Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt , Sri Lanka, and H.E Ambassador of Vietnam in Sri Lanka , Ho Thi Thanh Truc , who shared their views on future  relationships between nations.

The other panel discussion Included leading Indian Industry stakeholders such as Mr . Dev Karvat , Founder and CEO , Asego Travel LLP , Mr. G.D Srithar , Regional Director , India , Middle East & South Asia ,Singapore Tourism Board, Commander Neville Malao , Senior Vice President ,JM Baxi &Co.It was themed ‘’Differentiating Travel –Perspectives from Industry Experts’’ . It was productive and an informative session which highlighted their views and thoughts on future travel.  The Indian delegates also received souvenirs for their contribution to the Industry.

The TAAI Convention marked its conclusion with a gala dinner reception which provided the best of music & entertainment, captivating dance performances by the Gayan Sri Mal dance troupe, and sumptuous cuisine to round off the evening. Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu , Chairman , SLTPB , and Mr. Nishad Wijethunga , President SLAITO, made speeches and welcomed them to  the gala celebration and the grand finale of the occasion.

The TAAI delegates were treated to the very best of English, Sinhala , Tamil & Hindi Entertainment . with the likes of Umara, Roy Jackson, Judy De Silva, Jaqueline Hettiarachchi, Ricky Bahar and many more. They kept the audience entertained throughout the night and made the delegates come to the dance floor, captivated by the music and keep up with the beat, accompanied by the Gayan Srimal dance troupe. Ms. Jyoti Mayal , President TAAI , received a tokens of appreciation from Chairman, SLTPB, and President SLAITO to mark this memorable occasion.  The TAAI convention brought a positive outcome for the hard work and effort put by Sri Lanka Tourism as the main sponsor and SLAITO which gave its tremendous support to make this occasion a success.

Thus the TAAI Convention 2023 came to a stunning end which showcased Sri Lanka’s potential as a travel destination, and created many travel and business opportunities to both Indian and Sri Lankan stakeholders, and make them take back cherished memories and a positive message about Sri Lanka to their fellow Indians, thereby encouraging them to visit the destination and be a part of Sri Lanka Tourism’s promotional efforts to secure  its place as one of the best travel destinations in the world . Hosting the 67^th TAAI Convention in Sri Lanka will be an important milestone in order to add more promotional value, and benefit Sri Lanka and its Tourism sector, strengthening Bilateral, Cultural and economic ties between the two nations.