Sri Lanka Tourism returns to Spanish market after pandemic

Spain is one of the fastest recovery markets for Sri Lanka Tourism after the pandemic and participation in FITUR argues well for the much-needed exposure for Sri Lanka as an attractive tourism destination for Spanish-speaking countries, contributing in a substantive manner to its overall growth strategy. 

Sri Lanka Tourism made its presence with the 28 private sector companies at the 43rd edition of FITUR International Travel Mart which was held from 18-22 January, Madrid, Spain. FITUR is the largest tourism event in the Spanish market where all the sectors – leisure, business and MICE tourism meet under one roof.

The Sri Lanka Tourism stall was ceremonially opened by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu and Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Barcelona Agustin Llana and representatives of the leading private sector members of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka was able to attract a high level of attention from the trade and travel visitors who attended the event. The Sri Lanka pavilion highlighted many aspects of its potential culture, beauty, Ayurveda and many more which Sri Lanka would offer as a tourism destination. The Sri Lanka stand optimised the “So Sri Lanka” and “Visit Sri Lanka” vivid sights to attract the potential visitor segments. At the Sri Lanka pavilion, Ceylon tea was served for the visitors with a view of promoting Ceylon tea in the Spanish market.

On the sideline of the FITUR travel fair, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau officials participated at the events organised by the UNWTO. During the events, SLTPB officials met with UNWTO Regional Department for Asia and the Pacific Director Harry Hwang.

As a result of discussions, Harry Hwang has shown the interest to hold the UNWTO joint commission in Sri Lanka in 2024.

In the meantime, the SLTPB and Sri Lanka Embassy of France also took steps to arrange business meetings, exclusive media interviews, and airline meetings at the FITUR 2023. The media gathering conducted during the fair created the great opportunity to highlight the updates on the destination and create awareness on the destination.