Media Release: 31/01/2024

Sri Lanka Tourism showcased its potential as another important travel destination highlighting all the natural resources, travel experiences and beautiful attractions which mesmerizes the enthusiastic traveler. Sri Lanka Tourism had this opportunity of showcasing it’s capacity as a tourist destination by participating in the Vakantiebeurs Travel Fair, which was held from 10^th  to 14^th January , in Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, Netherlands. This is an annual fair organized in the Netherlands, which brings together various travel and tourism stakeholders, enabling the Dutch Traveler to see and experience various holiday options available to them.  Sri Lanka has been a regular participant at this fair for many years along with Industry stakeholders, which includes Industry experts, Media and Airlines to showcase the island as a great holiday destination for Dutch Travelers. The Dutch Travel Fair ended up on a successful note full of inspiration and a positive outcome.

Visitors who participated at the travel fair had the opportunity to take a trip around the world , by meeting exhibitors from more than 100 different countries. During the event, where the travel fair was held , a total of 71,122 visitors were recorded , whereas compared to 2023 , the number of visitors to Vakantiebeurs 2024 grew with 8% , which showed good progress.

 Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau participated in Vakantiebeurs -2024 with 24 destination management companies and hotels. The Sri Lanka Pavilion was one of the major attractions at  the event , which displayed the entire product range the country had to offer.

 The opening ceremony of the Sri Lanka Pavilion at Vakantiebeurs travel fair in Netherlands   was held with the presence of Her Excellency Aruni Ranaraja, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Kingdom of Netherlands, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, Ms Sashireha Shanmugam -1^st Secretary in Sri Lanka Embassy in Netherlands and Ms Dilukshi Wickramasinghe –Junior Manager -SLTPB together with 24 leading travel industry members. The Sri Lankan Pavilion Portrayed tourism themes of the island, which earned high praise from the visitors. They enjoyed the generous cup of Ceylon Tea served at the pavilion.

Overall, total Dutch arrivals to Sri Lanka was recorded as 29,056 in 2023 , which was a good increase. BENELUX is an important region for Sri Lanka as it can generate a considerable number of tourists to Sri Lanka.

Contact:

Public Relations Division

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau

80, Galle Road, Colombo 03.

+94 112 426 900 sureshnie@srilanka.travel