Arabian Travel Mart 2013 ends with more benefits to Sri Lanka Tourism

Arabian Travel Mart 2013 (ATM 2013), the leading tourism promotional campaign in the Middle East, has become a major success for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry this year, the 11th consecutive year that SLTPB has participated in ATM.

Along with SLTPB, 56 co-exhibiting industry stakeholders also participated at the event, which was held at Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre in UAE from 6 to 9 May 2013.

The Sri Lankan stall at ATM-2013, carefully crafted on the theme of wildlife and nature, was an attention grabber at the event. Its atmosphere, demonstrating the replicas of real elephants in greenery, was exceptional in comparison to other stalls, resulting in it being one of the photographed stalls at the event.

The Sri Lankan delegation to this event was led by Deputy Minister of Economic Development M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, along with the support of the Sri Lankan Embassy in UAE, under Ambassador for Sri Lanka to the UAE Dr. Mahinda Balasuriya. His support in organising this event was highly appreciated. Representing SLTPB, its Assistant Director Sampath Alahakoon and Deputy Director M. Maleviarachchi were also among the delegation.



Under the guidance of Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, SLTPB has identified Middle East as a market with high potential and a series of promotional activities have already been planned to be executed this lucrative market. Towards this end, Arabian travel agencies and media will be invited to Sri Lanka for FAM tours in the next year.

In 2013, SLTPB expects to attract 90,000 visitors from Middle Eastern nations. In 2016, however, with the Government’s target of achieving 2.5 million arrivals, the total expectation from the Middle Eastern nations will rise up to 200,000 arrivals.