Sri Lanka showed its commitment to highlight the destination an iconic tourist hotspot by attracting the Swiss citizens, as it participated at the FESPO Travel Fair, Zurich, Switzerland, which was held from 31st January to 03rd February 2020. This year’s show featured 600 exhibitors from various destinations across the world, representing the Travel and Leisure Industry. It was a platform to promote their tourism products ranging from Health, Golf, Leisure and Excursions, Diving, Wellness, Barrier-free travelling, Coach Tours, Caravanning including Presentations of exhibitors. The Sri Lankan Consulate in Geneva, Switzerland represented Sri Lanka at this fair, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.Several Industry stakeholders represented the Sri Lanka delegation at the fair. A Sri Lankan dance troupe arranged by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) kept the crowd entertained while a tea counter served freshly brewed Ceylon tea to those who visited the Sri Lanka stand. The Sri Lanka stand was spread across an area of 64 sqm at the fair, and a Sri Lanka Information counter was stationed at the Sri Lanka stand to give a clearer insight to Sri Lanka’s uniqueness to the Swiss Visitors, encouraging them to come and experience the natural and cultural beauty of Sri Lanka, along with the best tourist attractions and beaches to enjoy their vacation.

FESPO claims to be Switzerland’s largest holiday fair which attracts around 65,000 visitors from more than 250 destinations annually. FESPO celebrated its 30th anniversary in the field of Tourism and Leisure sector, where a large number of media, professional journalists, travel bloggers and Industry insiders participated.

Mr. U. Ahamed Razee , Counsellor / Head of Chancery to the Embassy of Sri Lanka, Berlin , Germany , opened the Sri Lanka pavilion amidst the applause of a distinguished gathering. The traditional dance items were an eye catcher, as the Swiss visitors watched them mesmerized.

During the month of January 2020, 2508 tourist arrivals have been reported, whereas it has shown a 27.5 % compared with the same period in 2019.