Sri Lanka Tourism unveils new and unique destination experience at IFTM

Tuesday, 25 September 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Tourism opened the International France Travel Mart at Paris Porte De Versailles this week aimed at attracting French travellers to the island which has seen an increase of nearly 11% last year. This year it is envisaged that the numbers would go up to 111,000 of which the IFTM would amplify the destination awareness.

This is the 37th consecutive year that Sri Lanka Tourism participates at IFTM TOP Resa 2018 which also marks that fair’s 40th anniversary. In lieu of the celebratory edition of the fair Sri Lanka Tourism will be presenting a memorabilia plaque to the organisers to commemorate this special year.

“IFTM is the prime meeting place, market place, and a driving force behind the French market and in the international tourism industry. It is the ideal forum for establishing new trade consumer contacts and conducting business and guarantees high-quality contacts and attracts high-ranking professionals with decision making powers,” said Sutheash Balasubramaniam, Managing Director of the Promotion Bureau. “Sri Lanka has increased in tourist arrivals from France over the years and it is envisaged that this fair, opened by Sri Lanka will increase its visibility and showcase the potential that country offers.”

IFTM Top Resa is one of the most sought after travel fairs and the only event in the French market covering all facets of tourism ranging from leisure, business travel, groups and MICE. International French Travel Mart (IFTM) is the largest professional travel fair which was historically held in Deauville, France which was previously called as TOP RESA till it was renamed in 2009 and is held now at Paris Porte De Versailles.

This year the fair will be held from 25-28 September in Porte de Versailles, Paris, France, Pavilion 7.0. Sri Lanka Tourism is expected to attract 30 local travel agents to the fair this year thus by increasing space up to 154 sq. m. to accommodate them. The Sri Lanka stand will also feature SriLankan Airlines booth and other attractions such as Tea Counter, Selfie Point, Tourism counter and Large LED Screen to project videos and a Sri Lankan dance troupe will do cultural performances at the stall daily.

More than a total number of 32,480 tourism and travel industry professionals attended the latest edition 2017 of IFTM Top Resa which featured offers from 1,700 exhibiting brands. This is 5% increase in attendance clearly demonstrates the show’s importance as the industry’s flagship event and barometer.

Sri Lanka’s participation is aimed at creating greater visibility for the destination as well as promoting the country’s gastronomic delights, for which a food counter will be stationed at the stand throughout the fair. A dance troupe will also perform cultural dances at the stall on all days of the fair.

The fair also enables the possibility of increasing the travel agents who promote Sri Lanka in their tour packages and creating a high level of consumer involvement through the proposed consumer promotional activities of the IFTM.