Chinese visitors show interest in Sri Lanka at Guangzhou International Travel Fair

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou, together with the Guangdong Scenery International Travel Agency, participated in the annual Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF) from 4-6 December.

The Consulate designed the ‘Sri Lanka’ stall, embossed with vibrant pictures of prominent tourist attractions, archeological and cultural sites while handicrafts were also displayed. Fascinated by Sri Lanka, visitors to the booth requested information on tourist sites, travel procedures and the current COVID-19 situation in the country, hoping to visit after travel restrictions are lifted in China.

The travel fair is one of the most important B2B and B2C travel fairs in Southern China, focusing on inbound and outbound travel, showcasing and promoting tourism products and services. Sri Lanka had been participating in the fair for several years, through the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) in coordination with the Consulate which facilitated delegations from the Sri Lankan travel and tourism trade. 

In previous years, Sri Lanka won several awards as the ‘Most Attractive’ and ‘Most Popular’ destination at the fair, and even participated as the ‘guest country’ in 2019, with  ministerial representation.

This year’s exposition hosted 123 local and international exhibitors related to the travel industry while over 10,000 visitors attended the fair.