Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau made it ‘s valuable contribution at the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF 2023 ) Especially as the partner country this time , also being able to gain a lot of benefits , opportunities , and a large number of branding opportunities and promotion . The GITF was held from 19^th -21^st May 2023 , whereas a press conference was held on the 22^nd of May in Beijing . It included all the leading media houses in China with pioneer travel operators in northern China. The Sri Lankan delegation included Hon . Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau , (SLTPB ) Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu , Chairman , Sri Lanka Convention Bureau ( SLCB ) Mr . Thisum Jayasuriya , Mr. Chinthaka Liyanarachchi , Assistant Director , and Ms. Randima Madhavi, Junior Manager Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB ) . At this fair, The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau been awarded as the most Distinctive Tourist Destination and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau achieved another landmark receiving the award for the best charming MICE destination. Another award which was bagged by Sri Lanka Tourism was the gold award for the best marketing strategy by China Tourism Award. A Tourism Promotion Roadshow was also held on 23^rd May , in Kunming . 19 travel industry participants, and over 70 travel agents from China, National and Provincial level media participated in this trade extravaganza. Further Sri Lankan flavor was added with a food festival to promote Sri Lankan Cuisine, organized by the Consulate General office of Shanghai on the 25^th of May 2023. In addition, leading tour operators in China had an animated discussion with the Chairmen and the Consul General, to promote Sri Lanka Tourism and attract more Chinese tourists.

The Sri Lankan delegation at the Buyers night

Gaining information at the Sri Lanka stall

China -Sri Lanka Coorperation - celebrating 10 years

The press conference in Beijing on the 22^nd of May was attended by both Chinese and local counterparts where all the leading media houses in China participated at this event. They were able to receive a lot of information regarding Sri Lanka’s Unique travel and holiday opportunities. Hon . Minister of Tourism, Harin Feranando , Dr. Palitha Kohona , Sri Lankan Ambassador to the republic of China, Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu , Chairman , Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau , Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya , Chairman , Sri Lanka Convention Bureau , and Mr. Chinthaka Liyanarachchi participated at the press conference , where they also actively engaged in a panel discussion and answered the inquiries made by both Media and Travel agents. At this Media Briefing, Sri Lanka – China Corporation also celebrated 10 years of Belt and Road initiative introduced by the Chinese leaders. Further, the Chinese Visit included several memorable events such as the buyer’s night at the GTIF, where both Sri Lankan and Chinese   counterparts were able to interact and exchange information. The Visitors were also able to get a taste of Sri Lanka at the Sri Lanka stall, which was beautifully constructed.

The Tourism Roadshow in Kunming proved to be a major success with a large number of Chinese participants attending the event and keen to interact with the Sri Lankan counterparts and gain information about Sri Lanka as a world renowned travel destination, and the exclusive Tourism Products and holiday opportunities it has to offer. The roadshow was made more colorful with a cultural performance with unique dance performances which mesmerized the visitors. The Sri Lankan delegation, under the patronage of the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando, was also able to schedule a meeting with the China Southern Vice President in Guangzhou.

Subsequently, a Consumer Promotion was held and organized by one of the leading tour operators in Shanghai where Sri Lanka Tourism Officials also participated as well. They showed a keen interest in promoting Sri Lanka doing everything from their end to highlight Sri Lanka as a must visit destination. Overall Sri Lanka’s participation of GTIF China this year turned out to be a major success in promoting Sri Lanka as a world renowned travel destination blessed with unique opportunities for the modern traveler.  Specifically, as Air connectivity and the Bilateral ties between the two countries are further strengthened, it will be a unique opportunity to give the needed recognition to China as a key source Market, in order to encourage more Chinese tourists to visit the island destination.