According to World Travel and Tourism Council WTTC, as one of the world’s largest economic sectors, Travel & Tourism creates jobs, drives exports, and generates prosperity across the world. The sector accounted for 10.4% of global GDP and 319 million jobs, or 10% of total employment in 2018.

Sri Lanka tourism sector is tipped to be the number one foreign exchange for the country surpassing remittances by the Sri Lankan workers overseas and the garment sector, the industry can grow to a US$6 billion in two years.

With ambitious growth targets, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau SLTPB rolled out the largest ever promotional campaign at the World Travel Market WTM UK last week as the Premier Partner 2019. This high-profile partnership ensured global coverage for Sri Lanka providing valuable onsite and offsite branding opportunities to amplify the promotion.

Sri Lanka was the most noticed destination where over 5,000 exhibitors from 182 countries and regions and more than 51,000 participated creating best opportunities for the Sri Lanka Tourism trade to do business.

Attractively and strategically carried out branding at the WTM by SLTPB meant thousands of international travel trade professionals and buyers witnessed ‘So Sri Lanka’ branding, and hundreds of journalists and influencers were informed of the country’s attractions such as beaches, culture, wildlife, wellness and spa, water sports, scenery and heritage.

This year’s WTM main show was declared opened by Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Minister. John Amaratunga along with WTM Head Simon Press, featuring an impressive performance of Sri Lankan traditional dancers and drummers. Following the main WTM opening, the Sri Lanka Pavilion was also declared open by Amaratunga.

Chairman of Association of Independent Tour Operators AITO, Derek Moore pledged his support to Sri Lanka at the reception hosted at the stand by the SLTPB.

SLTPB hosted 68 travel trade; hotels, destination management companies DMOs and resortswith a strong delegation of over 160 participants from Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka stand was a hive of activity with Ceylon tea served by Stassen and Akbar, a virtual reality experience and two Ayurveda experience treatments offered free of charge to large number of visitors by Siddhlepa and Theme Resorts and Spa.

WTM London’s Senior Director, Simon Press, said: “It has been so heartening to see the country 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.”

John Amaratunga, announced that the WTM this year was the biggest and the best promotion conducted by the SLTPB and the industry participants were all very happy about the way it has been planned and executed by the SLTPB team. All the hard work paid off to have excellent business sessions to boost visitor numbers to Sri Lanka. Industry is confident that tourism will be the top performing sector in no time.

Image gallery:

Minister John Amaratunga with Presidents of THASL and SLAITO and with the key tourism industry partners

High Commissioner H.E. Manisha Gunesekera deivering the welcome address at the Media Conference

Chairman of Association of Independent Tour Operators AITO UK  Derek Moore  assuring his  support to Sri Lanka Tourism

Lucky winner from National Geographic receiving her holiday offer from Sri Lankan Airlines CEO

SLTPB officer in charge UK Market Madusha Perera handling trade enquiry

SLTPB Sector Head Viranga Bandara handling trade enquiry