Chinese tour operators and agencies to promote Sri Lanka when travel restrictions relaxed

Saturday, 8 January 2022 01:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in China Dr. Palitha Kohona

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing, in collaboration with SriLankan Airlines, met the Chinese travel industry representatives at a town hall meeting recently.

The meeting saw the participation of 60 invited guests, including tour operators, major tour agencies and media personnel. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to China Dr. Palitha Kohona drew their attention to the unique experiences Sri Lanka offers.

Sri Lanka’s non-traditional attractions were highlighted, such as indigenous medicine, as well as adventure opportunities of interest to the young travellers, including rafting, water skiing, kitesurfing, trekking, ballooning, whale watching, elephant riding and safari. Sri Lanka is blessed with lush greenery, and warm weather throughout the year, Ambassador Kohona noted.

He expected that more Chinese tourists would visit Sri Lanka when the Chinese border control measures were relaxed. He said that the Embassy has already initiated discussions with several Chinese Airlines to improve the air connectivity between the two countries. He hopes to meet with all major tour operators in the future.

SriLankan Airlines Regional Manager Chinthaka Weerasinghe briefed the gathering on health protocols and inflight services offered by SriLankan Airlines. He said that SriLankan Airlines will increase its flight frequency to China, depending on demand.

During the event, tour agents, including Spring Travel, shared their experiences of the beauty of Sri Lanka. Before the commencement of the formal event, videos of Sri Lanka and SriLankan Airlines were screened.

Ambassador Kohona and Weerasinghe responded to a range of questions raised by the participants.