Sri Lanka represented at 22nd Thai International Travel Fair

Wednesday, 21 February 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, organised and coordinated Sri Lanka’s participation in the 22nd Thai International Travel Fair (TITF), held from 7-11 February at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Sri Lankan pavilion was declared open by Ambassador Kshenuka Senewiratne, together with Thai Travel Agents Association President Suparerk Soorangura and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Assistant Director Chami Gasnawage.

In addition, a traditional oil lamp was also lit by dignitaries attending the TITF to the throb of magul bera. The dignitaries for the opening ceremony were led to the Sri Lankan pavilion by dancers flown in from Sri Lanka for the event. The main objective of Sri Lanka’s participation was to create awareness and portray the beauty of the paradise island amongst potential Thai travellers. Tourist arrivals from Thailand to Sri Lanka in 2017 recorded an estimated 15% growth, with over 10,000 Thai visitors. Sri Lanka is a growth destination for Thai tourists, particularly for religious tourism.

Sri Lanka was represented by leading tour companies, namely Karunakarala Ayurveda Spa and Resort, Lanka Sporteizen, Jetwing Travels, Savari Travels Ltd, Karusan Travels Ltd. and Hamoos Travels Ltd.

The Sri Lankan booth attracted many visitors where Ceylon Tea was also served. Chandana Wickramasinghe’s eight-member dance troupe performed on the main stage as well as at the Sri Lankan Pavilion, which was an added attraction for the many visitors. This is the third time in recent years that Sri Lanka has participated in the TITF. The TITF, which is held twice a year, is the largest tourism promotion exhibition in Thailand. It is organised by the Thai Travel Agents Association, attracting sellers from international and domestic airlines, travel agencies, foreign countries’ tourism promotion organisations, travel magazines and writers, outbound travel companies, hotels and resorts, cruises and car rentals housed in 1,200 booths. It is estimated that this fair attracted 400,000 visitors.