Sri Lanka Tourism continued its quest to target more Indian tourist arrivals this year by participating at the SATTE – 2018, which was held from 31 st January to 01 st  February 2018. The Sri Lankan pavilion proved to be an outstanding attraction among the rest of the stalls at the venue, with it’s bright, uniquely combined colors and attractive themes. This year, SLTPB was joined by 52 leading travel agents and hoteliers of the country, showing their interest in expanding their ventures in the Indian market. The Sri Lankan delegation consisted of Mr. Felix Rodrigo, senior advisor to Hon. Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Mr. Sutheash Balasubramaniam , and other senior officials, also joined by Sri Lanka High Commissioner for India , H.E Ms. Chitranganee Wagiswara , and Ms. Upeka Samaratunge , Minister ( Commercial) of the Sri Lankan  Commission in India. The Sri Lankan pavilion of the SATTE Fair was ceremoniously opened by them amidst a distinguished gathering. Colorful dance performances entertained the crowd while they visited the Sri Lanka pavilion to seek information and eager to find out what Sri Lanka had in store for them. It was noteworthy that most of the visitors to the pavilion comprised of top decision makers in the Indian travel industry.

Opening of the Sri Lanka pavilion by H.E Chitranganee Wagiswara, Sri Lankan High Commissioner for India, Senior Advisor to the Minister, Mr. Felix Rodrigo, Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Mr. Sutheash Balasubramaniam, and Mr. Viranga Bandara, Assistant Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

SATTE 2018 proved to be an excellent investment for Sri Lanka Tourism due to the unprecedented crowds that thronged the exhibition from the start to the finish. Industry personnel that participated at the fair noted that productivity compared to other travel exhibitions was exceptionally high. The participation, interaction, enthusiasm, and thirst for information was clearly visible throughout the entire fair.

Opening ceremony

SLTPB focused its attention on promoting film tourism, Destination Wedding, MICE segments, religious and Pilgrimage Tourism, mostly on Ramayanaya Trail, which was given more prominence as it is very popular among the Indian tourists and devotees. A large number of Indian devotees visit Sri Lanka as the Ramayana trail and places related to Ramayana are considered sacred. Ayurveda, cultural diversity and Bio diversity are some of the key attractions Indians find exiting as well. India is also a top source for MICE Tourism and SATTE 2018 was an excellent platform to access this lucrative market.

Sri Lanka stall

Having Similar cultural, social and historical connections going back to the ancient times have revived interest in Sri Lanka. According to a survey done by SLTPB , 63.7 % of Indians opt for sightseeing excursions and 49.82% go for shopping while 41.64% prefer sea bathing and 32.74% spend hours swimming in the pool. 37.01 % Indian travelers visit the historical sites in Sri Lanka while wildlife remains to be the choice for 21 % only. The overall experience of the Indian visitor to Sri Lanka is as per the survey, has been very delightful for 69.1% and satisfying for 30.69%. Thus, it would be right to mention, that nearly 100% Indians visiting Sri Lanka have had a good and enjoyable visit. The other important highlights of the survey show that, 44.84% Indians came home with a memory of Sri Lanka being a beautiful, tropical country, 29.54% say that the people of Sri Lanka are very kind and hospitable, 24.2%talk about the pristine beaches with golden sand, while 24.20% loved the diverse attractions on this small island. Sri Lanka, in today’s date takes immense pride in 30 .25% Indians who knew the country well and wanted to visit again.

Sri Lanka stall

These statistics clearly indicate the importance of Sri Lanka as a compact destination blessed with all the natural resources, Bio diversity, cultural heritage, pristine beaches and the amazing hospitality of its inhabitants.

Visitors Sri Lanka stall

In parallel to the event, a press conference was also held in New Delhi, to brief the media where 50 media houses attended the occasion. It gave an opportunity to announce a path breaking record of historic growth, with 384,628 arrivals from the Indian market in 2017. With this fact in mind, destination Sri Lanka now targets 450,000 Indian arrivals this year. Sri Lanka is growing as a ‘’destination for all seasons ‘’ having been recently awarded as the ‘’ Emerging destination of the year’’ by Conde Nast Traveler India, and as ‘’Asia’s leading Tourism destination of the year’’ in 2017.

Visitors Sri Lanka stall

On his visit to India, Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Mr. Sutheash Balasubramaniam said, ‘’India continues to be our top source market. We believe that the potential of the Indian travel market is yet to realize in terms of attracting longer stay and higher spending travellers.

A colorful dance item

It is our fervent hope to make Sri Lanka the most preferred destination in Asia for Indian travellers. Sri Lanka offers travellers an array of diverse product offerings and experience spread across the small island and caters to all ages.

The impressive statistics endorse the 40 % increase in Indian tourist arrivals in January 2018, compared with the same period last year. Maximum advantage should be taken of this opportunity and more promotions, spending and connections should be made with Indian market.