Sri Lanka Convention Bureau hosts media delegation from Chennai

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) hosted a media delegation from Chennai, India. The media familiarisation tour kicked off from 8-13 September. 

The delegation comprises prominent journalists from leading Chennai-based media platforms, namely Deccan Chronicle (English Daily), Tourism India (B2B Magazine), Malayala Manorama (Digital), SUN Group TV, Mathrubhumi, DT Next (English Daily), and Provoke (Magazine – Lifestyle and Travel).

The SLCB team welcomed the media delegation at the Tourism Information Counter (TIC) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with TIC staff members. The delegation visited Negombo, Bentota, Galle, Udawalawe, Hambantota, and Colombo.

The program was organised by the SLCB as part of the SLCB Marketing Plan 2024. The Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai, India and SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, assisted with the selection process of the journalists. 

The primary objective of the program was to position Sri Lanka as a safe and secure venue for MICE Tourism as well as an attractive destination for tourism experiences. The initiative provided an opportunity for the delegates to obtain first-hand information about Sri Lanka and promote the destination to their esteemed clients. 

During the tour, the delegation visited several MICE venues and tourist attractions in and around Colombo, Negombo, Bentota, Galle, Udawalawe, and Hambantota. The itinerary included unique experiences such as wellness activities, water sports, wildlife excursions, shopping, and hotel inspections.

The delegation had meetings with the SLCB and SriLankan Airlines officials. An inspection tour of the Port City and BMICH were also included in the itinerary. 

It was envisaged that total tourist arrivals by end of August 2024 will reach 1,362,688. India was the main contributor and recorded 258,672 tourist arrivals with a share of 18%. The SLCB has positioned India as a key market to endorse MICE tourism and included it in the Annual Marketing Plan.