Sri Lanka has made great strides pertaining to its tourism sector during its participation in the Internationale Tourismus Börse (ITB), the world’s largest tourism trade fair, held in Berlin, Germany, Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando claimed.
Speaking from Germany yesterday (09), Minister Harin Fernando told NewsWire that they were able to hold a press conference with the participation of over 40 persons, creating an opportunity to address the wrongful image being spread about Sri Lanka and create a positive representation of the nation.
More than 120 Sri Lanka hotel and Destination management companies, as well as Varuni Muthukumarana, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Berlin, and veterans and officials of the industry, had participated in the tourism trade fair held this week (07-09 March).
Minister Harin Fernando stated that discussions were also held with the President of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamad Solih, and the nation’s foreign and tourism ministers.
“Discussions were held with the Managing Director of Maldivian Airlines to start operations between Male and Ratmalana, and the possibilities of starting a domestic air operation in Sri Lanka,” the minister said.
He added that a top team from Maldivian Air is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka next week to have further discussions.
Minister Harin Fernando revealed that a meeting was also held with Israel-based airline Akira.
He stated that Isarelian Airline ‘Akira’ is expected to resume flights to Sri Lanka very soon and that they are awaiting final approval.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) collaborated with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Berlin and the tourism industry stakeholders in Sri Lanka to showcase the destination at ITB 2023 after a lapse of three years. ITB was not held in the previous year due to the global pandemic. (NewsWire)