A delegation from the Vereniging van Kleinschalige Reisorganisaties (VVKR); Small & Medium Tour Operators Association in The Netherlands arrived in Sri Lanka on 02nd December 2019, following an invitation from Sri Lanka Tourism. Upon their arrival they were given a warm welcome amidst a distinguished gathering, and also had the opportunity of witnessing a cultural performance. The delegation was in Sri Lanka till the 08th December, 2019. The delegation consisted of 6 members headed by the Chairman of the Association of VVKR, Mr. Mr.Antonie Brinkman, Ms. Arielle de Wit, travel agent at Mimpi Reizen, Ms. Carolien Halm, travel agent at Sri Lanka op reis, Mr. Andre Franciscus Ladenius, travel agent at Singha Reizen, Ms. Iduna ter Schegget, travel agent at Vakantieduiker and Ms. Wilhelmina Maria Van Rooijen, journalist.

Welcoming the delegation at BIA

As the tourism committee members of the Association, they were also able to take part on a familiarization tour organized by the SLTPB, to get a better description of the destination and the natural and cultural resources it has to offer.

Group photo with the State Minister of Tourism

A special meeting was arranged with the State Minister of Tourism Hon. Arundika Fernando to discuss the strategies which Sri Lanka can initiate to attract more Dutch travelers. During the said meeting the Dutch Heritage sites in Sri Lanka was highlighted in terms of tourism promotions.

Up to the month of November, tourist arrivals from The Netherlands has been recorded as 36,135, while it has shown a decrease of 31.6 % compared with the same period last year.