Sri Lanka participates at ITB ASIA 2019 in Singapore

Sri Lankan delegation at ITB Asia 2019

Handing over souvenirs

Some foreign industry participants with SLTPB Junior Manager and Officer-in-Charge of the Singapore Market Shirani Herath

Sri Lanka Tourism participated at ITB ASIA Travel Fair in Singapore from 16 to 18 October with 10 industry participants. Sri Lanka’s participation at the fair was a collaborative effort by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Singapore. 

The Sri Lanka pavilion had a floor area of 45 sq. m. and its décor highlighted all the island’s tourist attractions, warmly welcoming visitors and giving them a perfectly-blended flavour of culture and heritage. The pavilion was designed and constructed by the official stand constructor PICO Singapore. 

Sri Lankan Ambassador in Singapore Shashikala Premawardene opened the Sri Lanka pavilion in the presence of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Sri Lanka Embassy officials on 16 October. Junior Manager and Officer-in-Charge of the Singapore Market Shirani Herath represented the SLTPB.  

Taking into consideration the importance of Singapore as one of the emerging tourist markets in Southeast Asia, Esna Holidays, Let’s See Asia, Green Holidays, Camlo Lanka Travels, Kamvelta Tours, Ya tours, Jetwing Travels, Why House, Rameca Travels & Leisure and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau participated as co-exhibitors.

ITB ASIA is a premier meeting place for the travel trade industry to create new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships with industry players in Singapore and across the region. This massive fair showcases its members’ latest products, trends and destinations, attracting more visitors and bringing outbound travel agents, national tourist organisations, airlines, hotels and travel-related services together under one roof.

The SLTPB was also able to meet high-profile representatives such as Lonely Planet Client Solutions Vice President Andrew Hinshelwood, Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) President Mahendra Vakharia, as well as representatives from Asia Travel Club Singapore, TTG Asia Media Ltd. Singapore, Wanderers Leisure Travels Ltd. Mumbai, House of Travel New Zealand, webjet.com.au Australia, Malindo Air Singapore and many more. 

The response toward Sri Lanka as a travel destination was extremely positive, with visitors expressing a keen interest. Sri Lankan participants confirmed the ITB ASIA’s position as an important marketing instrument in the region for the local tourism industry.