SL begins joint-industry promotion to woo around 5,000 FIFA World Cup fans

• Travel and hotel trade will begin to market attractive packages from Wednesday
• SLCB Chief Thisum Jayasuriya commends efforts by Minister and stakeholders

Sri Lanka Tourism will begin to market the special travel packages targeting to capture a fraction of the FIFA World Cup 2022 fans from this week, where the stakeholders are aiming to draw around 3,000 to 5,000 visitors within the tournament month.

The joint industry promotional effort will commence on Wednesday, with special offer packages that will be sold for around $ 600 including travel and accommodation.



“SriLankan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Flydubai and Emirates have confirmed their commitment to support the initiative. The stakeholders will begin marketing the offers made by the hotels and airlines to make Sri Lanka a tempting proposition for the global football fans who are on the look for accommodation during the FIFA World Cup 2022,” Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau Chairman and the FIFA Zone Committee Chair Thisum Jayasuriya told the Daily FT.

The promotion is jointly coordinated by Sri Lanka Tourism in partnership with the travel and hotel industries to capture a sizable fraction of the over 1.2 million football fans who will attend the World Cup matches from 20 November to 18 December, in its ‘FIFA Zone’ in Negombo.

“Our key concern was to get the airline frequencies increased during the one month and with the support of the gulf airlines, the plan is now coming into place,” he added.

Jayasuriya commended Tourism Minister Harin Fernando’s efforts and vision to make the out-of-the-box initiative a reality.

“The Minister’s enthusiasm and guidance are unmatched by any other,” he said, whilst also thanking all stakeholders for their support.

Prospective tourists have the option of selecting from several packages. The accommodation of a minimum three-night package cost will range from $ 305 per person sharing double, depending on the class of accommodation.

With around 40,000 room capacity in host country Qatar, which are being sold for around $ 1,000 given the high demand, Jayasuriya said Sri Lanka has a great opportunity to seize a segment of those world football fans during the four to five-day break between matches.

“All hotels, restaurants, travel agents and other stakeholders in Negombo have come on board to put together the FIFA Zone to accommodate and entertain the visitors. We will have the Negombo beach ready with a giant TV screen showing all matches, food and beverage stalls and music to keep the football fans a great flavour of Sri Lanka’s warm hospitality and also tell the world we are open for business,” Jayasuriya explained.