Sri Lankan tourism authority to present off-season promotional packages to attract tourists from September to November this year
The Tourism Promotions Bureau in Sri Lanka has reportedly stated that it is using off-season promotional packages from September to November 2018 to attract tourists to the country during the period when arrivals from traditional markets record a decline.
“We are working with bloggers, writers and influencers to promote lesser known attractions,” Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, Sutheash Balasubramaniam has said.
He has been quoted as saying in the media that the state will attempt to steer tourists away from famous but overcrowded attractions such as Yala, an overcrowded national park and Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress.
The promotional package ‘Island Escapes’ was launched in September 15 in China and is to be launched in Middle East and India as well.
“We need to double (arrivals) and we need to do it now,” Balasubramaniam has said.
“It may not be the only strategy but it’s a strategy we need to change perceptions. We need to show that Sri Lanka is a year round destination.”
According to the advertising agency in charge of the promotion, the message will reach 10 million individuals.
“We are not trying to make the destination a cheap one,” Balasubramaniam has said, adding “I hope this initiative will create some encouragement and I also invite those who were not a part of this particular bandwagon this year to join next year.”
OSL take:
The Sri Lankan government is committed to ensure an impressive growth in the tourism sector and has come forward with several proposals aimed at attracting more tourists to the country. The UK media recently reported that Australian tourists opted to visit Sri Lanka on holidays as opposed to other famous destinations in Asia like Bali and Bangkok. Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is on a growth path and on track to record further growth in the industry. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore explore for business opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20092018/Z_5 |