Against the backdrop of the $ 100 billion dollar AIIB bank which is being set up in China for which $ 40 billion is been assigned for the development of the Silk Route which indicates the growing appetite of China to connect with the world said a communique from Xian, China.

The Sri Lanka tourism Pavilion at the first Silk Road trail - Xian that has a outbound of 2 million visitors

Sri Lanka Tourism together with the Sri Lankan embassy in Beijing strategically launched into the China Xi'an Silk Road International Tourism Expo 2015, in the aim to further explore and promote tourism and travels between China and Sri Lanka said it's Chairman Promotions Bureau Dr Rohantha Athukorala. It's great news that we won the " Best Stall" award, but we must remember that the 'push' strategy of marketing must be supported with a strong above the line brand equity building campaign. Which we have not had for 6 years he said.

China is currently topping the list for the second month running with a performance of 24,734 visitors in August at a growth of 73.3% and a cumulative growth of 76.8% recording a 144,439. This indicates how important Chinese guests are to Sri Lanka where the two countries relationship span over a hundred years said the chairman. However, he emphasized that with the brand equity building campaign that Sri Lanka will launch shortly we can attract a $250 plus visitor than the current $160 odd.

The main objectives of China Xi'an Silk Road International Tourism Expo (CXSRITE) is to connect China with countries along the ancient Silk Road and other regions and there by work out mutually beneficial partnerships voiced Dr Aathukorala. A total of 500 exhibitors, 4,000 professional visitors and about 30,000 public people took part in the silk road international tourism expo said an participant. 

A total of 36 key professionals took part in the launch exhibition and currently is pursing business partnership so that the value chain can be backwardly integrated to the hotels said Athukorala. Now the challenge is how we customize the offerings in cuisine and signage so that Sri Lanka will be seen as customer friendly country was the view if the Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism. Promotions Bureau.