Sri Lankan spirit showcased in Malaysia

Sri Lanka did not fail to show its true Sri Lankan spirit in Malaysia through the Consumer Promotion held by Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Malaysia, which started on 13 December. 

The main purpose of this event was to focus on consumer promotion, to implement new promotional activities and address the target groups of the Malaysian market. The identified target groups are the consumers, tour operators, travel agents and the retail sellers. This not only will introduce Sri Lankan consumer goods, but also will help to create awareness about Sri Lanka as a tourist destination among the travel and business community. 

The events include the tourism promotional campaign at Berjaya Times Square, Food Festival at a leading five-star hotel in Malaysia, Promotional Campaign at Surya KLCC in Malaysia, and a business forum. This event is held in parallel to President Maithripala Sirisena’s official visit to Malaysia, upon the invitation of the Malaysian Government. The official visit is scheduled to take place from 15-18 December. 

The events are arranged by the SLTPB in collaboration with the Sri Lankan High Commission in Malaysia. Eleven Sri Lankan travel industry stakeholders participated at the Consumer Show along with Sri Lanka Tourism, which was represented by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Paddy Withana, Director Marketing Madhubani Perera and Assistant Director Marketing Chami Gasnawage. 

Sri Lanka Tourism as its usual concept, wishes to promote the destination as a through a cultural and a tourism extravaganza, during the whole event. It will include more glamour to the occasion by including a cultural event and dance items which will have a great impact on the visitors showing the traditional and cultural splendor of the paradise island. The Sri Lankan stalls, depicting the festivals, wildlife, beach, and also the natural resources made a spectacular sight at the consumer promotion. 

In addition, Sri Lanka Tourism wishes to give a sumptuous experience to the Malaysians by organising a Sri Lankan food festival supported by two Sri Lankan chefs sent by the Mount Lavinia Hotel. Nevertheless, the business forum will provide tourism investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, giving the travel agents of both countries a chance of strengthening their business links with their Sri Lankan counterparts. 

Right now the food festival is in full process, giving the Malaysian community a bit of Sri Lankan flavour to relish, and experience the different tastes of Sri Lankan herbs and spices. Up to November 2016, tourist arrivals from Malaysia depicted a total of 21,864, and also an increase of 10.0% compared to the same period last year.