Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) was once again able to promote Sri Lanka among the Chinese travelers as a destination with a huge potential of attracting tourists with the wide diversity of Scenic locations and cultural heritage, at the China International Travel Mart (CITM) 2019 held from 15^th – 17^th November 2019, at the International Convention & Exhibition Center in Shanghai, China. This time’s event highlighted exhibitors from 107 countries and regions from around the world. Of the 2,245 display booths, 69 percent represented domestic exhibitors and 31 percent were from overseas. CITM is the largest professional travel show in Asia drawing the attention of people in the tourism industry worldwide. This is an annual event which gives an opportunity to all the tourism industry representatives around the world to show the tourism potential of their respective destinations.

The Sri Lanka stand was the cynosure of all eyes as it stood steadily on the ground with its unmissable tourist attractions on display, with colorful images and designs. Further, for the second time in China, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau also launched Sri Lanka’s destination brand – So Sri Lanka? at CITM 2019. Presenting the essence of Sri Lanka, its Authenticity, diversity and all of its richness which highlighted the true Sri Lankan experience. Thirteen major travel companies joined the Sri Lanka delegation on this occasion, and SLTPB was represented by Mr. Chinthaka Liyanaarchchi, Assistant Director and officer in charge of the China market.

The China International Travel Mart (CITM) Co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Civil Aviation Administration of China and Shanghai municipal government, was established in 1998 and has turned into one of the largest trade fairs in the Asia-pacific region. It now serves as an essential platform for the tourism industry to seek cooperation at home and abroad.

The Chinese visitors were highly impressed with Sri Lanka’s beautiful attractions and hospitality, and inquired on more holiday opportunities which they could consider about. Some of the participants had been to the island multiple times and enjoyed recalling the wonderful time they spent with the friendly people of Sri Lanka.

SLTPB’s main objective by participating at the CITM was to present Sri Lanka as a desirable destination to the Chinese traveler who visit this fair to decide on their future holidays. At the same time to provide a platform for the interested tourism industry that participated at the fair with SLTPB to strengthen their partnerships with existing contracts and find new opportunities with local tour operators and to promote their business to walk in customers.

B2B meetings were also held between the local DMC’s and Chinese clients in order to find out what offers they have to spend a holiday of their choice. Chinese language brochures, maps were handed over to the visitors to gain further information. Entertainment was provided by the Karunadasa Olaboduwa Dancing Academy which gave a spectacular performance.

The China International Travel Mart (CITM) Co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Civil Aviation Administration of China and Shanghai municipal government, was established in 1998 and has turned into one of the largest trade fairs in the Asia-pacific region. It now serves as an essential platform for the tourism industry to seek cooperation at home and abroad.

China was one of the main destinations which was very sensitive towards the Easter attacks in April and saw a major decline in Chinese tourist arrivals after the incident. The aftermath of the Easter attacks was a major blow to Sri Lanka, but with frequent participation at Travel fairs abroad and promoting Sri Lanka among foreign participants, has made the destination reach it’s expected target to certain level. Travel fairs such as these will help Sri Lanka to be highlighted as a safe destination and also convey the message that the situation has turned back to normal.