Sri Lanka Tourism on show at Guangzhou International Travel Fair

SLTPB Managing Director Nalin Perera and Assistant Director Chinthaka Liyanarachchi with the award

SLTPB Managing Director Nalin Perera giving a brief update on Sri Lanka to the Chinese Media

A cultural performance

Recieving the award from Chinese dignitaries

The Sri Lankan delegation and Chinese participants with the dance troupe

Sri Lanka Tourism participated at the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF - 2024), which is an annual event held in Guangzhou, China, as an important platform for all the Travel Industry participants across the world to meet, network, negotiate and conduct businesses in the Tourism sector in Southern China. This is also a unique opportunity to display their respective travel and holiday opportunities iconic to each country. The event was held from 16 to 18 May 2024 at China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China. The first two days of the fair were open to the trade to hold B2B discussions and meetings and the third day of the event was exclusively dedicated to the public. (B2C). By participating at the GITF -2024, Sri Lanka was able to entertain both online and onsite privileges to maximise the brand visibility for the destination during the travel fair. 

The Sri Lankan delegation consisted of 12 Industry stakeholders including Sri Lankan Airlines, along with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Managing Director Nalin Perera and SLTPB Assistant Director Chinthaka Liyanaarachchi. The industry participants showed their maximum support and contribution towards promoting Sri Lanka as one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world with its unique holiday experience opportunities. At the GITF, Sri Lanka was also awarded as the most popular cultural tourism destination, which showed its success in portraying Sri Lanka as a land of Culture and heritage. The Sri Lanka Pavilion was ceremoniously opened amidst the presence of Consul General of Sri Lanka Suranga Algewatta.

The Sri Lanka pavilion was arranged in an eye-catching manner with its most iconic themes and famous attractions. The colourful Sri Lanka Pavilion was the cynosure of all eyes and drew a large number of interested visitors, eager to get the latest information on new attractions and holiday opportunities which the island paradise has to offer. Sri Lanka has a uniqueness of its own, with its easy access and the ability to explore the entire island within a few days. It’s rich history and culture, authentic cuisine has attracted a large number of travellers for many years. 

The Chinese visitors were highly impressed with the products the Sri Lanka stand had to offer, displaying variety and colour. Sri Lanka Tourism’s theme, “You’ll come back for more” showcased it’s true meaning by attracting interested Chinese Visitors to the colourful Sri Lanka Pavilion. The Tea stall at the Sri Lanka Pavilion served a cup of pure Ceylon tea to each participant who came visited the Sri Lanka pavilion, which they enjoyed with much zest and appreciation. The Sri Lanka Pavilion was able to attract the Chinese media with its colourful themes, promotional items and stand construction, and received 15 Media Interviews with leading Media stations including Guangdong TV and many other national level media stations. 

The Chinese market plays a crucial role in bringing tourists to Sri Lanka as it’s one of the main source markets for Sri Lanka Tourism. Up to 31 May 2024, Sri Lanka received 55, 241 Chinese tourists and is capable of increasing its number of travellers to the country. Due to the increase of Air Connectivity between the two countries, Chinese travellers find it more convenient and easier to travel for their respective purposes.