The opening of the Sri Lanka Tourism pavilion at ATM took place at the Sri Lanka Stand with the participation of H.E Udaya Indrarathanathe, Ambassador for Sri Lanka in the UAE, Ms. K.P.P Siriwardana, Managing Director SLTPB along with the officials of Sri Lanka Tourism, Sri Lanka Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Consulate General in Dubai and the travel industry representatives. 

This was the 30th edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) was held on 1st May to 4th May 2023 in Dubai, UAE. Sri Lanka Tourism participated at this milestone event with 50 participants from the travel trade. The travel fair was held at the Dubai World Trade Center ( DWTC) in line with the theme of ‘’Working Towards Net Zero” . This is the largest tourism event which provides global exposure, business & travel opportunities for the tourism sector in the Middle East. This year there were 50 stakeholders attending ATM representing the travel industry.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has been participating at this event since 2003 along with the members of the travel and tourism industry in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most crucial and leading trade fairs included in Sri Lanka Tourisms promotional schedule. The SLTPB has been an active participant each year, displaying a new variety of promotional material each year.

The colorful Sri Lanka pavilion was included with rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, stunning landscapes and abundance of wildlife. A large number of participants were seen at the Sri Lanka pavilion, having an amazing experience going through the promotional products it had to offer.

A press conference was organized by SLTPB on the 2^nd day of the Travel show with the taking a look at the promotional products it had to offer. presence of large number of international journalists and TV channels. Speaking at the press conference, Hon. Harin Fernando, the Minister of Tourism highlighted the country’s effort to enhance its infrastructures and promote sustainable tourism.

SLTPB & Emirates renewed its commitment in promoting tourism in Sri Lanka through an agreement that includes of indicatives designed to promote and play a major role in reviving the tourism and trade sectors in the country. Ms. K.P.P Siriwardena, Managing Director of SLTPB signed the MOU representing Sri Lanka Tourism, while Mr. Ahmed Khoory Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations West Asia &Indian Ocean, signed representing Emirates.

ATM created excellent platform to Sri Lanka Tourism to showcase its tourism products and the many travel opportunities it has to offer, plus creating a new partnership with travel professionals and business stake holders in the middle east region.

Speaking at the press conference in the presence of a large gathering of international media, Hon. Harin Fernando, the Minister of Tourism highlighted the country’s effort to enhance its infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism. 

Up to 14^th of May 2023, overall tourist arrivals have been recorded as 477,277. Tourist arrivals from the Middle Eastern region has been relatively low, but with promotional trade events such as the ATM and connecting with Middle Eastern counterparts can be very productive in the long run. Specifically, UAE as one of the leading financial hubs in the Middle Eastern region. More tourist’s arrivals from UAE Can be further increased by promoting Sri Lanka’s potential as a world. renowned travel destination, and the myriad of holiday opportunities it has to offer. Considering UAE ‘s limited natural resources and travel options, Sri Lanka will be an ideal solution to suit the travel needs of the Middle Eastern travelers.