Sri Lanka participates in fourth travel expo exhibition in Ankara, Turkey

High profile participants at the event

The Sri Lankan delegation with the Turkish counterparts

The Sri Lanka pavilion

The fourth edition of Ankara International Tourism and Travel fair took place in Congresium Exhibition and Congress Centre in Ankara, Turkey, from 14 to 17 November. 

The Sri Lanka participation at the fair was organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. 

The Sri Lankan delegation at the fair consisted of prominent travel and tourism industry representatives such as Jetwing Travels and Figo Travels and BOC Travels. The delegation was led by Sarangi Thilakasena, Assistant Director, and officer in charge of the Polish market, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. (SLTPB). 

Sri Lanka participated in the exhibition with a large, colourful and eye catching country pavilion, with separate desks for each company, mentioned above, where promotional brochures on Sri Lankan Tourism and Sri Lankan tea were distributed during the course of the exhibition. Also, fine examples of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine were offered to the visitors of the pavilion and they had the chance to taste the unique flavour of pure Ceylon tea as well.  

A Sri Lankan dance troupe joined the delegation from Italy to present the cultural diversity and colours of Sri Lanka during the event with their fascinating dance and drum performances. The dance troupe carried out regular dance performances during the course of the exhibition as well as two separate performances on 15 and 16 November at the popular Armada shopping mall. 

The official opening of the event took place on 14 November, with the participation of the high level officials of the local administration, district and metropolitan municipalities, provincial directorate of culture and tourism, business chambers and the governorship of Ankara. 

After the opening remarks by the distinguished invitees of the event and the Ankara Governor, the Sri Lankan dance troupe performed a three stage dance show, accompanied with traditional drums. 

Following the official opening, the Sri Lankan Country pavilion was inaugurated by the Governor of Ankara Vasip Sahin and other high profile officials, along with the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Turkey M.R. Hassen.

The Sri Lankan travel agents had the opportunity to meet and coordinate with travel and tourism companies from Turkey as well as from other countries. A separate bilateral meeting was arranged by the Embassy for the Sri Lankan participants, parallel to the bilateral meetings arranged by the ATIS fair authorities. 

At the reception and networking session hosted by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Ankara, the Sri Lankan delegation also had the chance to meet with reputed organisations and individuals related to the travel and tourism industry in Ankara.

SETUR Travels & Tourism, Alabanda Tourism, Cozmos, Altus, Jolly Tours, Tempo Tourism, Turkish Association for Tour Operators (TURSAB) and President of Turkish Union of Tourist Guides chambers were among the reputed companies based on Ankara at the event. 

The Sri Lankan companies were able to discuss future business partnerships and collaboration with the Turkish organisations. Participating in this event enabled Sri Lanka to promote its tourism products further in the Turkish market and encourage more tourist arrivals from Turkey to the destination.