Travel mart - boon to tourism industry
 

BY ANJANA Gamage

THE tsunami devastated local tourism industry will once again arise from its debris with the annual travel mart titled Sri Lanka- Gateway to South Asia scheduled to be held in Colombo from June 3 to 5.

The event will provide the opportunity for tourism industry stakeholders to meet with over 150 buyers and 100 exhibitors from around South Asia.

Addressing a press conference at Ceylon Hotel School auditorium yesterday, Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) Chairman Udaya Nanayakkara said Sri Lanka was fast emerging as the gateway to South Asia, making it an ideal venue to capitalise on the lucrative tourism opportunities in the South Asian region.

"This unique event will bring together all stakeholders of the tourism industry with Sri Lanka as the springboard to this tropical paradise. A concerted effort too has been also made to promote every segment of tourism and in particular nature, culture and adventure as well," he said.

"Nature lovers have a huge range of options available including nature reserves, bird sanctuaries and 15 national wildlife parks which feature a range of unique flora and fauna while thrill seekers have a variety of adventure sports from water rafting to skydiving and rock climbing.

Culture buffs can explore the island's more than 2,500 year history-including Sigiriya and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy," Nanayakkara said. Speaking about the positive side of the travel mart, he said: "We are also going to host more than 100 tour operators who are not promoting Sri Lanka".

Meanwhile, SriLankan Airlines will provide a 30 per cent discount on air tickets for any destination purchased during June 3 to 5 as a promotion for the Sri Lankan travel mart, Head of Commercial- SriLankan Airlines Barry Brown told the press.

According to SLTB Director Marketing, Malraj Kiriella, a number of activities have been planned for this year's mart including entertainment for both foreign visitors and buyers.

ANCL and the Rupavahini are the media sponsors of the travel mart.