Sri Lanka on show at Arabian Travel Market 2014 in Dubai

Tuesday, 6 May 2014 00:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in coordination with Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai organised an impressive Country Pavilion at the ATM 2014 in Dubai. A 53-strong travel trade company contingent from the tourism industry including Sri Lankan and Mihin Airlines participated at ATM 2014 in an area of a 250 sq.mt. country pavilion showcasing Sri Lanka’s authenticity, diversity and compactness. The theme of this year’s country pavilion was jungle effect with the focus on an elephant family, leopards, trees, bushes and waterfalls. The Sri Lanka Pavilion was ceremonially inaugurated by Dr. Mahinda Balasuriya, the Ambassador in UAE, Nishantha Wickramasinghe, Chairman of Sri Lankan and Mihin Lanka Airlines, and Abdul Raheem, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, amidst drumming beats and the traditional Sri Lankan ‘pooja dance’. Assistant Director Dushan Wickramasuriya represented Sri Lanka Tourism at the opening ceremony. A liquid tea service, which was organised by the Tea Promotion Unit of the Consulate General, attracted visitors to enjoy a cup of Pure Ceylon Tea in the country pavilion. The Middle East market including UAE has been prioritised by the Sri Lanka travel trade to attract more holidaymakers from the region, particularly during the forthcoming summer vacation. Sri Lanka is targeting 100,000 tourists from the Gulf Region during 2014 since Sri Lanka’s scenic greenery has been attractive to Arab holidaymakers.

ATM 2014, the annual gathering of global travel trade players, is aimed to showcase the achievements of tourism offerings in world destinations. The 21st edition of ATM 2014 is expected to see double-digit growth of visitors compared to last year. A total of 2,700 exhibitors are promoting global destinations at ATM 2014 and the event is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors from 157 countries.