The global travel and tourism event, World Travel Market (WTM), was launched earlier this month, as a hybrid event this year, promoting international travel.
WTM was initially held at the Excel Exhibition Hall in London, which was then followed by a virtual event.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) along with 20 travel and hospitality organisations participated in the event.
Sri Lanka High Commission in London extended its support to promote Sri Lanka as a renowned destination in world travel.
This year’s priority was to provide the Sri Lanka travel industry an opportunity to network with travel and tourism partners from the UK and around the world to gain a competitive edge and keep up with the latest developments in the travel industry.
The opening ceremony was organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism and the Sri Lanka High Commission in London.
Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism, Kimarli Fernando attended WTM representing Sri Lanka Tourism.
WTM visitors caught a glimpse of the rich cultural traditions Sri Lanka has to offer as the Sri Lanka stall showcased traditional Sri Lankan dancing. Sri Lanka High Commission in London promoted Ceylon tea from seven tea-growing regions which was offered to guests attending the WTM.
As the world gradually returns to normality, WTM is considered to be a milestone in Sri Lanka’s tourism revival. Sri Lanka is one of the most sought-after travel destinations among UK tourists with arrivals accounting to 200,000 in 2019. SLTPB hopes to reach these numbers once again and even surpass this figure in the near future, as the UK have now removed Sri Lanka from the red list for travel while Sri Lanka have also eased their travel restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers.
Minister (Commercial) at the Sri Lanka High Commission, Dr. Lakmini Mendis said that Sri Lanka heavily depends on tourism and the importance of the tourism sector was deeply felt during the past year.
The UK being an important market for Sri Lanka, she encouraged British travellers to visit Sri Lanka. “Sri Lanka is ready to welcome tourists and Sri Lanka has always been a resplendent destination in the Indian ocean offering remarkable holidays for all that will be remembered for a while.”