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Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Tourism Development Authority (SLTB and SLTDA) Chairman Kishu Gomes and the Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and the Northern Emirates Charitha Yattogoda assured the international crowd of Sri Lanka Tourism’s confidence of being able to bounce back to its competitive industry after Easter Sunday bomb attacks in Sri Lanka on 21 April.
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Sri Lanka’s country pavilion at ATM 2019 |
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Part of the over 50 journalists representing leading local & international media that participated at the press conference held in parallel to ATM |
They reiterated the above addressing the international and UAE media at a well-attended press conference which was held on 29 April parallel to the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019 in Dubai from 29 April to 1 May to keep tourism media well-informed about the latest developments in relation to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, especially in the wake of the series of explosions across the island.
Addressing the gathering, Gomes also apprised the media on the emergency measures that the Government of Sri Lanka has taken to mobilise its resources at this juncture to ensure the maximum safety of the tourists coming into and going out of Sri Lanka. He also comprehensively briefed the audience regarding the present status of the security of the country, in addition to short- and long-term steps that have been taken by the Sri Lankan authorities to combat terrorism and the productive actions taken towards ensuring safety and protection of all visitors into the island.
The Consul General Charitha Yattogoda also briefed the media regarding the experience and reliability of Sri Lanka armed forces to curb, contain and eliminate the ongoing threat, in view of their past experience in combating decades-long terrorism. He also mentioned that the very confidence of the Government of Sri Lanka is reflected through the number of participant companies in the ATM, who participated in full capacity, in spite of remaining speculative on their profits in the aftermath of the attacks.
The Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which is the industry’s leading travel and tourism exhibition within the Middle Eastern and Pan Arab Regions, was held in the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, UAE, from 28 April to 1 May celebrating its 26th edition.
60 companies in the travel and tourism industry of Sri Lanka have successfully participated housing under Sri Lanka’s country pavilion at the ATM 2019, promoting Sri Lanka as a key tourist destination having the natural advantages of the highest bio diversity in Asia, backed by a strong culture, historical artefacts, exotic beaches, green environment and friendly people. Sri Lanka participated at this event for the 16th consecutive time.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion at the ATM 2019 was inaugurated on 28 April by Charitha Yattogoda along with Kishu Gomes. This was followed by lighting of the traditional oil lamp and remaining two minutes’ silence for the victims and their bereaved family members of the Easter Sunday attacks. A large number of business leaders in the tourism industry representing both UAE and Sri Lanka that includes Chairman and Board of Directors of Sri Lanka Business Council in Dubai also participated at this event.
The ATM brings about 40,000 industry professionals under a single roof, making avenue for generating over $ 2.5 billion worth of business over four days. In this year, more than 2,600 exhibitors, representing over 150 countries participated at the event, providing Sri Lanka with the opportunity to promote itself as a destination with authenticity, compactness and diversity.
The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and Northern Emirates coordinated Sri Lanka’s participation at the ATM 2019 in collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
