Sri Lanka’s tourism and airline industry launch promotion campaign to woo tourists from India
The tourism and airline industries of Sri Lanka have reportedly launched a special four-month promotion campaign to attract tourists from Sri Lanka’s largest source market, India.
The country’s tourism industry is currently on a path to revival from the setback suffered following the Easter Sunday terror attacks.
Accordingly, Sri Lanka Tourism, in collaboration with Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), and SriLankan Airlines, will offer a total of 15 packages, with a minimum package starting from US$ 180 per person.
The industry targets 32 flights per week from 11 destinations in India to Sri Lanka, with an average of 150 passengers per week, it was revealed to the media at a meeting chaired by Sri Lanka’s Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga.
The offer is up and running from 10 June till 30 November this year, and is available for reservations through travel agents network in India.
Also, Sri Lanka’s national carrier SriLankan Airlines has reportedly launched a comprehensive package which includes airfare, hotel accommodation on B&B basis, transport as specified in the itinerary, and the service fee of the tour operator.
Minister John Amaratunga has said it was critical to launch this type of tourist package, while insisting Sri Lanka Tourism will concentrate on India more than any other market.
“This Indian package is very important for several reasons; firstly it is our neighbour, and our political relationships are very strong. Secondly, we have so much to offer culturally besides our other attractions. Sri Lanka Tourism will concentrate on India more than any other market, and that is our best bet at this point. We are confident that this package will undoubtedly attract more Indians to come to Sri Lanka,” Amaratunga has told journalists.
“I hope this package will bring us good results,” the Minister has added.
He has further noted that Sri Lanka Tourism officials are also planning to make a visit to India towards the end of this month to step up promotional activities in India.
According to the Minister, Sri Lanka Tourism is in discussion with Indian travel authorities to commence ferry services from Rameshwaram.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Kishu Gomes has told the media that based on the success of the Indian campaign, tourism authorities would extend the promotion campaign to China, followed by the Middle East.
OSL take:
The move by Sri Lankan authorities to target Indian tourists with special packages would definitely bear fruit given the message of strong ties and support extended by India towards Sri Lanka that was further cemented with the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the island nation. India’s national carrier, Air India has announced the resumption of flights between New Delhi and Colombo as well. Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka are currently picking up and the tourist industry is expected to return to total normalcy following the blow by the Easter Sunday attacks within a period of 12 months. Therefore, foreign businesses/investors could visit the country explore business opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/14062019/Z_3 |