Over 60 travel sector companies and representatives of Srilankan Airlines will participate in world’s second largest tourism and aviation gathering, World Tourism Market (WTM) from Monday, November 7 to Wednesday, November 9 in Excel, London. The event is happening physically after three years.
Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando who will also attend the event with senior Ministry officials said that WTM will give a good networking opportunity with leading travel agents and also international media.
He said that due to negative publicity regarding Sri Lanka due to violent protests, food, gas shortages, long power cuts, which have now been settled, tourists had second thoughts visiting Sri Lanka. “WTM and the main press conference will give us a huge opportunity to tell the world that these issues are something of the past and Sri Lanka is one of the safest destinations to visit.”
Minister said that in addition to having direct flights, the high purchasing power due to the strong British Pound against the Sri Lankan Rupee is another huge advantage for the British to travel to Sri Lanka.
He said the tension in Europe due to the Russia-Ukraine war has shut down that area for tourism and too is another opportunity that Sri Lanka can cash on.
Former Sri Lanka Tourism marketing head for UK, Nalin Perera also endorsed this and said that Sri Lanka remains a top destination for UK touristsl. Asked if the protest in Colombo last week had a negative bearing for the Sri Lankan tourism sector, he answered in the negative. “No one even knew about it.”