To significantly boost tourist arrivals from India, Sri Lanka Tourism has launched an ambitious global campaign in Mumbai.
The strategic initiative featured the participation of high-profile delegates, including Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister.
Currently, over 20% of tourists in Sri Lanka are Indian, so the campaign aims to attract 10% of the 50 million Indians who travel overseas every year.
Sri Lanka hopes to entice tourists with its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and the renowned hospitality of its people, as highlighted by Dr. Velson Vethody, the Sri Lankan Consul General in Mumbai.
Additionally, Sri Lanka seeks to expand its tourism portfolio by promoting meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism, recognizing the sector’s huge potential.
Underscoring this goal, Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, showcased prospective MICE venues across the country while announcing plans to develop new sites and hotels for the anticipated tourist influx.
In a novel move to attract more Indian visitors, Sri Lanka is developing a Ramayana Trail that honors the two countries’ shared cultural and mythological bonds. Along with the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology extending scholarships to Indian students, this initiative demonstrates a multifaceted approach to strengthening bilateral ties through tourism and education.
The surge in Sri Lankan tourism is evident from the unprecedented 106% year-on-year increase in arrivals, with around 9,000 daily visitors. SriLankan Airlines, operating 95 flights connecting nine Indian cities to Sri Lanka, including two daily Mumbai-Colombo flights, plays a pivotal role by strengthening air connectivity.
Expressing gratitude for India’s steadfast support, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando emphasized the two countries’ long-standing relationship. While aiming to boost tourist numbers, the campaign also seeks to enhance cultural exchange and economic ties, underscoring Sri Lanka’s commitment to becoming a top destination for Indian travelers seeking enriching experiences.
Source article https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/sri-lanka-tourism-sees-record-indian-tourists-arrivals/
