Taban Air charter from Iran visits Sri Lanka

A charter carrying 180 passengers travelling from Iran to celebrate the annual Norouz festival touched down in Sri Lanka on 18 March. The Taban Air charter was welcomed with water cannon on its maiden flight to Katunayake International Airport following a lapse of five years. 

Aitken Spence Travels, the country’s largest tour operator handling over 120,000 pax annually has undertaken the ground operation and itineraries for Iranian holiday-makers travelling in this charter. 

The arrival marks the fruition of continuous destination marketing efforts made by Aitken Spence Travels to reintroduce Iranian tourists to Sri Lanka even though the market was down.  Traditionally Iranians take their annual holiday during the Norouz festival which is a nation-wide Iranian celebration just like the Sinhala New Year in Sri Lanka. 

Aitken Spence Travels has proactively undertaken initiatives to open up new market segments for destination Sri Lanka having designed attractive tour itineraries centred on heritage, beaches and shopping which appeals most to Iranian travellers. Aitken Spence Travels have successfully created a niche for themselves in this revived market that is creating greater potential for increased arrivals in the future. 

“We are really pleased that our marketing efforts and activities have paid off from the Iranian market. Considering that a charter is making its way to Sri Lanka after a lapse of over five years, we believe that this is a market that will grow further. In the eyes of the international travellers, Sri Lanka is a very safe destination to travel to. Today with the peaceful environment prevailing in the country, the destination has diversity to offer a wonderful holiday experience at extremely competitive prices. Aitken Spence Travels has always looked at different markets with the bigger picture in mind and we are happy that our efforts are generating positive results,” commented Aitken Spence Travels Managing Director Nalin Jayasundera. 

The group is set to explore the many cultural experiences on offer in the hill capital of Kandy prior to indulging in the luxurious Sri Lankan beaches and making shopping trips in Colombo.