Sri Lanka has won the “Best Stand for Doing Business” award at the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) in London competing with more than 183 destination stands present at the show. 

According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Sri Lanka Tourism has once again showcased its global appeal and commitment to strengthening the tourism industry. 

The award was presented to Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Buddhika Hewawasam by Johnathan Hull, Chairman of the World Travel Market & Reed Exhibitions UK on 06th November at the Sri Lanka stand. The award underscores Sri Lanka’s innovative approach to promoting tourism and fostering partnerships with international trade partners, reaffirming its position as a key player in the global travel and hospitality industry.

The WTM, one of the world’s most prominent travel fairs, brings together tourism professionals from across the globe, facilitating business networking, and encouraging investment in the travel sector. This year, the Sri Lanka Tourism stand impressed judges and attendees alike with its visually captivating design, welcoming ambience, and strategic layout that optimized business interactions. The stand featured immersive experiences showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, pristine natural landscapes, and vibrant wildlife, setting the perfect stage for meaningful discussions and collaborations with international tourism professionals.

The “Best Stand for Doing Business” award is particularly significant as it reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to building strong partnerships and boosting tourism following a period of unprecedented challenges. The Sri Lanka Tourism stand drew hundreds of visitors, offering them a taste of the country’s unique attractions and providing opportunities for in-depth business discussions. Key stakeholders from travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality chains engaged in productive dialogues that promised to bring more travellers to the island.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition, as it not only acknowledges the beauty and richness of our country but also validates our strategic efforts to position Sri Lanka as an accessible, desirable, and thriving destination for global travellers,” said Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism. “This award is a testament to the hard work and resilience of our tourism industry, and we look forward to strengthening partnerships that will make Sri Lanka a top choice for travellers worldwide.”

The award comes at a time when Sri Lanka has also been recognized as the best island destination in the world at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, adding to the momentum for a promising year ahead. This dual achievement highlights the dedication of Sri Lanka Tourism in showcasing the island’s potential and its readiness to welcome the world.

Sri Lanka Tourism extended its heartfelt gratitude to the WTM organizers, participants, and all stakeholders who supported its efforts at this year’s fair, stating that the team is optimistic that this recognition will inspire greater collaboration, attract more visitors, and contribute to the sustainable growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. (Newswire)

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World Travel Market (WTM), the leading global event of Travel and Tourism Trade kicked off on Monday (Nov 06) at the Excel Exhibition Hall, London, UK promoting international travel throughout the world. 

According to the Sri Lankan High Commission in London, the event was held for three days from 06-08 November 2023. 

To promote Sri Lanka as a renowned destination in world travel, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) with the support of the Sri Lanka High Commission in London participated in the event, along with 73 partners of the industry.

The main objective of this year’s representation is to provide the Sri Lanka travel industry with an opportunity to meet, interact and network with travel and tourism industry partners from the UK and around the world to gain an immediate competitive advantage for Sri Lanka travel industry, stay abreast with the latest developments and to disseminate information about Sri Lanka along with the new products and services.

Sri Lanka pavilion at the WTM was declared open on 06 November 2023 by Duchess of Rutland Her Grace Emma Manners, and Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando, in the presence of High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Saroja Sirisena, Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chalaka Gajabahu,  Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Thisum Jayasuriya, Country Manager, SriLankan Airlines Chinthaka Weerasinghe, other officials of Sri Lanka Tourism and distinguished guests representing the UK travel trade.

Minister Fernando and the Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism conducted a series of B2B meetings with leading UK travel companies, associations, and travel media during the three days. A press conference by Sri Lanka Tourism was organized for the UK mainstream and travel media on 07 November 2023 at the exhibition venue.

The Sri Lanka stall showcased traditional Sri Lankan dancing, providing an opportunity for the visitors to get a glimpse of the culturally rich traditions of Sri Lanka performed by a dance troupe based in London, under the overall theme of “You will come back for more”.

A Ceylon tea counter featured at the Sri Lanka stall to serve freshly brewed Ceylon tea to the visitors to the Sri Lanka stall throughout the three days.

Sri Lanka is one of the most sought-after travel destinations among tourists with arrivals surpassing One Million for 2023, marking a significant milestone after enduring multiple challenges over the past three years. Among the key markets, the United Kingdom has been the second contributor with a share of 11%.

The participation of Sri Lanka at the WTM-2023 paved the way to project Sri Lanka among leading UK travel and tour companies, bloggers and social media enthusiasts, as a world-class destination. WTM attracts more than 50,000 visitors, 5,000 trade partners (exhibitors) and over 3000 journalists from around the world each year. (NewsWire)

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