SriLankan supports national tourism in China

SriLankan Airlines is supporting the Government's drive to promote Sri Lanka as a destination of choice in China, which is viewed as one of the fastest growing global tourism markets.

The National Carrier actively participated in several travel fairs in China this year, including the Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE), the International Travel Expo & MICE in Hong Kong, and the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF). SriLankan also co-organised a workshop for travel agents in the Chinese capital.

Tourist arrivals from China to Sri Lankan grew by 7.3 per cent in the first half of 2008, a trend that is expected to grow due to the combined efforts of the Government, the National Carrier, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB), and the country's hoteliers and tour operators.

SriLankan is also actively working with SLTPB and the Embassy to increase awareness of Sri Lanka by sponsoring a number of media tours from China. SriLankan serves China with thrice-weekly flights to Beijing, and another three to Hong Kong.

The Sri Lanka booth received a special award as the "Most Outstanding Booth" from the 81 countries at BITE. The colourful stand drew much interest, especially with a Dance Troupe providing dazzling performances of Sri Lankan dances in front of it. BITE 2008 in June was a major international event that coincided with the upcoming Beijing Olympics.