Sri Lanka Tourism concludes another successful stint at roadshows held in Australia

Sri Lankan and Australian industry participants

Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Harin Fernando

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia Chitranganee Wagiswara

Sri Lanka Consul General for Melbourne Sandith Samarasinghe

SLTPB Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu

Tourism Ambassador  Sanath Jayasuriya

The Australian travel industry in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne had a chance to experience Sri Lanka as an exciting travel destination and network with dynamic Sri Lankan travel agents, when Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau organised three roadshows in Australia as part of its worldwide promotion tour.

The three events, organised in coordination with the High Commission of Sri Lanka to Australia, and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne, drew over sixty to seventy selective travel agents and tour operators in each of the three cities. 

Travel industry players from both countries had the chance to connect with each other and explore potential partnerships in promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist destination for travellers from Australia, which is already Sri Lanka’s fifth largest market for tourists.  With Australian travel projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, and Australians looking to make up for time lost during the pandemic by exploring new destinations, the roadshows came at a timely juncture to bring Sri Lanka to the forefront of everyone’s minds.

The roadshows also showcased Sri Lanka’s travel highlights, options and unique attractions, with plenary sessions highlighted by speeches from distinguished speakers, Sri Lanka Tourism videos and Q&A sessions giving participants the chance to explore the opportunities available to them.

In Brisbane, thirty-two Sri Lankan companies and sixty Australian travel and tour operators and Australian media personnel participated at the roadshow. During the plenary session, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia Chitranganie Wagiswara, Sri Lanka’s Consul General in Melbourne Sandith Samarasinghe, took to the stage to share their insights about the Australian market for Sri Lanka tourism, and to encourage the Australian industry to connect with Sri Lanka, as it surges forward in tourism. They were followed by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu, who spoke extensively on Sri Lanka’s opportunities, its increasing recognition by international media as one of the hottest places to travel, and innovations in tourism experiences.

Brisbane was followed by the second roadshow in Sydney, where over 75 Australian travel trade companies and 25 media representatives and influencers attended the event, which saw fruitful business discussions between Australian and Sri Lankan participants.

The opening remarks at the second roadshow were delivered by Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Australia Chithranganie Wageeswara. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu provided the keynote speech on the new global positioning of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Consul General in Melbourne Sandith Samarasinghe also addressed the attendees. SriLankan Airline Manager for Sydney Sakura Wijethunga represented the national carrier.

The conclusion of the series of Roadshows in Australia was held in Melbourne, with over 50 Australian agents and 35 media representatives participating.

Following B2B networking sessions, the official session was opened with a warm welcome speech from the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Melbourne Sandith Samarasingha. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu provided valuable insights into Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape, setting the stage for further discussions. The highlight of the event was the address by Sri Lanka Tourism Ambassador Sanath Jayasuriya, whose presence captivated the audience. The keynote speech by Tourism, Land, Sports, and Youth Affairs Minister Harin Fernanado, emphasised the vast opportunities for leisure and investment in Sri Lanka.

Other highlights of all events included colourful dance performances by Sri Lankan dance troupes in Australia, interactive Q&A sessions with the Minister, SLTPB Chairman, High Commissioner and Consul General, and raffle draws with air tickets from Sri Lankan Airlines, and tour packages from Sri Lankan travel trade participants.

The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, indicating a fruitful exchange of ideas and opportunities. These roadshows serve as vital platforms for development partnerships and enhancing collaborations between Sri Lankan businesses and their Australian counterparts. Moreover, they play a pivotal role in revitalising the tourism sector in Sri Lanka by stimulating interest and engagement from Australian markets. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s adept organisation of these events underscores its commitment to promoting tourism and facilitating meaningful connections within the industry.

Overall, these roadshows provided an exclusive platform to develop further travel and trade contacts with the Australian community and promote Sri Lanka as one of their go to destinations for an enjoyable holiday experience worth their expenditure and holiday needs. The overwhelming support given by the High Commission of Sri Lanka to Australia, and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne, added further to these roadshows conducted by Sri Lanka Tourism. Up to now, Sri Lanka has received several international endorsements as one of the best and safest travel destinations in the world, and this success further highlights the fact that having Sri Lanka in your bucket list is certainly worth a try.