H.E the Sri Lanka Ambassador for Switzerland lighting the oil lamp

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) was able to make a considerable impact on the international community with its tourism products, culture and scenic locations with its participation at the Swiss International Holiday Exhibition in Lugano, in Switzerland, which was held from 1st -3rd November 2019. The Sri Lanka delegation had Hoteliers, travel Agents and Industry participants who gave their contribution to make this participation a success. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau was represented by H.E Gothami Silva, Sri Lanka Ambassador to Switzerland, Ms. Tharaka Botheju, First Secretary (Commercial) of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Switzerland, and also the officer in charge of the Swiss Market, SLTPB. The attractive Sri Lanka stall had highlighted items such as traditional dance performances, where they got the opportunity to perform at the Atrium stage and the entrance. A tea counter was established to serve the guests the best of Ceylon tea, with its fresh aroma and special taste.

Posing for a group photo with the dance troupe

The visitors were very impressed with Sri Lanka’s unique cultural and natural attractions which offers everything for the enthusiastic traveler. They were keen to get more information regarding the destination, especially to have a different experience on their next vacation.

The Sri Lanka stall

SLTPB was also able to advertise on four mega banners at the entrance of the fair which was a special privilege, and also an eye catcher to all visitors of the fair. The Sri Lanka stall was officially opened by H.E Gothami Silva, Sri Lanka Ambassador to Switzerland on the 1st of November 2019 by lighting the traditional oil lamp amongst a distinguished gathering. Sri Lanka’s Participation was a collaborative effort by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau with the support of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Switzerland. Sri Lanka was recognized as “A place of Charm, that works towards the future” by the Swiss Tourism Awards at the Swiss International Tourism Fair. The SLTPB received this special award of recognition, which highlighted Sri Lanka as a unique tourism destination with a lot of potential.

A cup of Ceylon tea

The Swiss Tourism Awards are a prestigious international recognition awarded in Switzerland in order to enhance the excellence in different segments of the tourism industry.

Traditional dance troupe

Delivered within the Swiss International Holiday Exhibition of Lugano, the Swiss Tourism Awards reward the destinations which has an excellent reputation on the web, such as holiday localities, paying a particular attention to destinations promoting and developing new forms of sustainable tourism and alternative to the traditional mass tourism patterns. These are selected by the committee for the attractive potential of their tangible and intangible heritage towards the Swiss audience.

Welcoming the distinguished visitors with a traditional performance

Funded by the Swiss Confederation & the University of Lugano, the Swiss Tourism Awards are delivered only to those destinations that prove to be especially popular among web users from around the world by meeting specific quality criteria related to the tourism industry.

Ms. Dilini Ratnayake , Market officer SLTPB , with Chairman ,SLTPB , Mr. Kishu Gomes with the award