Sri Lanka on show at JATA

Japan Association of Travel Agents, known as JATA, held their Annual Travel Show in Tokyo.  The JATA is by far, the largest association of travel agents in Japan. About 12 travel agents and companies from Sri Lanka participated at the JATA. Ambassador Admiral Karannagoda and Chairman Nishantha Wickramasinghe along with the Deputy Minister of Disaster Management Duleep Wijesekera, attended the opening ceremony of the JATA.  

It may be stated that the SriLankan Airlines and Sri Lanka Tourism, in close coordination with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan, consisted two of the larger stalls at the Sri Lanka Pavilion of the JATA. Also, Channa-Upuli Dance Troupe had several performances at the JATA ceremony as well. It was estimated that over 140 nations, focusing primarily on tourism and travel trade, had participated at this three day JATA event in Tokyo.

The Sri Lanka Tourism, in close collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka, promotes tourism from Japan to Sri Lanka. That said, tourism from Japan to Sri Lanka has increased by approximately 45% in 2011 in comparison to 2010.  

It is strongly envisaged that tourism from Japan to Sri Lanka would increase conspicuously in this year.  

Both these events i.e. Sri Lanka Promotional Seminar and Participation at JATA, had been highly productive and fruitful since the fundamental focus was to promote tourism and travel as well as tourism related products.