The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has informed Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) that the much-delayed 66th Annual Convention could be held in November.

The convention was originally scheduled to be held in mid-April in Colombo, but the economic and political unrest in the country compelled TAAI to postpone the three-day convention a couple of times more. 

“We have had a discussion with the TAAI President last week and tentatively it was decided to be held in November,” SLTPB Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu told the Daily FT.

However, he said that the dates are yet to be finalised.

On 24 February, a tripartite agreement between SLTPB, Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), and TAAI was signed to host the key event with hopes of reviving the COVID-hit tourism between the two countries.

TAAI has a membership of over 2,500, and the 66th Annual Convention was to draw over 500 delegates representing top travel associations covering all states of India, along with over 50 international media outlets for Sri Lanka to shine in the global spotlight wooing more holidaymakers from the neighbouring giant market. 

India is the biggest tourist source market for Sri Lanka and during the first seven months, a total of 74,792 Indian tourists visited the country.

Last year, Sri Lanka welcomed 56,268 Indian tourists, and in 2020 it was 89,357, in 2019 the figure was 355,002 whilst the highest was in 2018, the industry’s best year which amounted to 424,887. 

SLTPB had allocated around Rs. 66 million to host the massive event that will focus on inbound tourism to Sri Lanka, outbound to India, destination promotion, MICE, wellness, religious, wedding, sports, and many more travel-related opportunities the two countries have to offer. National carrier — SriLankan Airlines was also roped in as the airline partner of the event. (CdeS)

TUI forced to cancel more flights to SL