September 19th 2017 marked another important day in the Sri Lanka Tourism Calendar, since it took part in another international campaign related to the travel and tourism industry. The 23rd International Trade Fair for Travel and Tourism for ‘’LEISURE’’ was held at the Expo Centre, Moscow from 19th – 23rd 2017. Sri Lanka Tourism participated at the event in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Embassy for Sri Lanka in Russia, by organizing large and a colorful stand which captured the attraction of many visitors who were interested in exploring the popular themes of Pristine, Essence, Heritage Festivals and Bliss. 12 Travel Companies participated along with the Sri Lankan delegation with the aim of promoting Sri Lanka as a favorable tourist destination for the Russian market and enable more Russian tourists to take an interest in Sri Lanka as a holiday destination.

H.E Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia, Mr. Saman Weersainghe addressing the gathering

The LEISURE 2017 Exhibition is one of the central events in the tourism industry in Russia and is considered to be an international platform for foreign tour operators and expand their business opportunities with the Russian counterparts. The Sri Lankan pavilion was declared open by H.E Dr. Saman Weerasinghe , Ambassador of Sri Lanka for the Russian Federation, together with travel and trade industry officials , Embassy officials and the representative for the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

Travel and trade industry participants

In parallel to the 23rd International Trade Fair for Travel and Tourism Forum, ‘’LEISURE’’ H.E Dr. Saman Weersainghe, Ambassador for Sri Lankain Russia, also hosted a reception for the Sri Lankan Trade Industry representatives and also the delegates of Russian Tour Agencies specializing in Sri Lankan Tourism on September 19th, 2017.

Sri Lankan representatives providing information to the visitors

During his welcome speech, H. E. Dr. Saman Weerasinghe highlighted that “Russia is a good market with big prospects in terms of promotion of Sri Lanka as a favorite tourist destination, considering the large population, rather severe climate and the preference given by Russian tourists to the Asian region”. The LEISURE 2017 exhibition is one of the central events in the tourism industry in Russia and considered to be an international platform for foreign tour operators and agents to explore the Russian market and promote their destinations.

The LEISURE (OTDYKH) Exhibition has become a well-known ground where Sri Lankan tour operators and agents have an excellent opportunity to examine the Russian market and to get a better understanding of current demands of tourists, so that the number of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka from Russia can continue to increase further. The LEISURE (OTDYKH) Exhibition has become a well-known ground where Sri Lankan tour operators and agents have an excellent opportunity to examine the Russian market and to get a better understanding of current demands of tourists, so that the number of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka from Russia can continue to increase further.

Up to August 2017, the number of Russian Tourist arrivals have been recorded as 35,884, and has depicted a 7.3 increase compared with the same period last year.