SLAITO shoulders the burden to represent Sri Lanka at IFTM 

• Eight travel firms confirm participation at IFTM Top Resa in Paris from 20-22 Sept.
• Sri Lanka Tourism skips participation for the first time since IFTM began
• SLAITO Chief Nishad Wijetunga says IFTM is an important trade fair

Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators Association has taken a bold decision to participate at the International French Travel Mart (IFTM) Top Resa in Paris, to increase the visibility of the destination and appeal to a wider global audience ahead of the winter season.

This is the first time since the inception of IFTM that Sri Lanka Tourism is not participating.

With France continuing to grow as a key source market for Sri Lanka, the SLAITO has decided to participate at the IFTM with an eight-member team from 20 to 22 September.

“As this is an important trade fair for the industry, SLAITO decided to have a stand to represent Sri Lanka. We felt it was particularly important for Sri Lanka to have a presence at this fair at a time when we have a positive travel advisory and SriLankan Airlines operating three times a week to Paris,” SLAITO President Nishad Wijetunga said.

IFTM is one of the most prestigious events of its kind and attracts thousands of participants from around the globe. Around 200 destinations, 1,700 brands, 34,000 tourism professionals, and 150 conference sessions have been lined up for this year’s IFTM.

SLAITO Chief said the participation was open to the membership of SLAITO on a cost-sharing basis, and eight members have registered to participate so far. 

Aitken Spence Travels, Authenticities, Andrew the Travel Company, Connaissance de Ceylon, Lanka Sport Reizen, Lion Royal Tourisme, Jetwing Travels, and Walkers Tours are the members that confirmed participation at the IFTM this year. 

France is the fifth largest source market for Sri Lanka, with a year-to-date footfall of 28,235, and in August, it accounted for 7% of total arrivals. 

The opportunity to participate in the trade fair will provide local representatives with an invaluable opportunity to meet other visitors and suppliers, increase sales and create new business, boost brand image, review the latest market trends and changes, and schedule meetings with decision-makers while learning from industry experts.

Last year, the industry stakeholders represented the country as part of an overall business-to-business initiative, whilst the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) provided promotional support to travel agents, along with a host of other initiatives to support the Sri Lankan contingent at the event.

Additionally, Sri Lanka Tourism hosted a promotional event targeting key tour operators and media during IFTM to further position Sri Lanka as the perfect destination for the French traveller.