Marketing drive by Sri Lanka Tourism at Thai International Travel Fair 2019

Distinguished guests with the Hon. Minister

Hon. Minister of Tourism Development, Christian Religous Affairs and Wild life , John Amaratunga opening  the Sri Lanka pavilion

Ms. Kshenuka Senevirathne ,Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Thailand , lighting the traditional oil lamp at the opening ceremony of the Sri Lanka pavilion

Recognising the potential in the Thai market, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Thailand participated at the Thai International Travel Fair (TITF 2019) from 13 to 17 February.

TITF is regarded as Thailand’s largest outbound travel  fair, and was organised by the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) , supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. With over 500 booths from Thai and foreign governments and private travel agencies, the fair has attracted more than 900,000 visitors, and will continue to be a major event in the Thai tourism calendar. 

The SLTPB booth at TITF showcasing the rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions of Sri Lanka was ceremonially declared opened by Minister of Tourism, Wild Life and Christian Religious Affairs of Sri Lanka John Amaratunga and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand Kshenuka Senewiratne, by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp to highlight a glimpse of Sri Lankan tradition. Senior Advisor to the Minister Felix Rodrigo, Advisory Council Chairman Harry Jayawardena and members from the Association of Thai Travel Agents also participated at this occasion. SLTPB’s launch into the Thai International Travel Fair was supported by eight Sri Lankan travel companies, who have travelled from Sri Lanka to develop business links and take advantage from the tremendous marketing opportunities this fair offers.  A traditional cultural performance by the dance troupe from Channa Upuli Performing Arts Foundation added glamour to the event and enticed potential travelers to come to the Sri Lankan booth.

Thailand has been identified as a top priority market for the Buddhist Tourism Trail, and Thai International Travel Fair was considered as a platform to introduce the ‘Buddhist Trail’ in Sri Lanka to the Thai market. Hence as the first initative, a promotional microsite was launched co-inciding the Thai International Travel Fair – 2019 on 13 February by John Amaratunga.

Also the following activities have been carried out during the event in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Thailand:

 

• Media conference for print, electronic and digital media channels
• Carrying out a series of meetings with key travel/tourism industry influencers in Thailand
• Carrying out a series of meetings with key travel agents who promote Buddhist pilgrimages
• Launching an e-Brochure for Buddhist Tourism Trail in Sri Lanka.