导语：Sri Lanka’s Embassy in Beijing, China hosted a very successful Tourism Promotion event at the Embassy premises, attended by approximately 100 Tour Operators, Agencies, Service Providers, Media and Government Representatives.
Sri Lanka’s Embassy in Beijing, China hosted a very successful Tourism Promotion event at the Embassy premises, attended by approximately 100 Tour Operators, Agencies, Service Providers, Media and Government Representatives.
The gathering was addressed by the Ambassador, Dr. Palitha Kohona, the Minister Counselor, Nalika Kodikara, Chairman of the Tourism Promotion Bureau, Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu, President of SLAITO, Mr. Nishad Wijethunga, President of the Hotels Association, Mr. M. Shanthikumar and the Managing Director of Spring Travel, Mr. Yang Yang. They highlighted the unique attractions of Sri Lanka and encouraged the tour operators and the media to assist in promoting visits to Sri Lanka. There was a question and answer session also.
Dr. Palitha Kohona, said that “Today we are seeking to promote Chinese tourism to Sri Lanka. Your enthusiastic presence here itself is an indication of the widespread interest in Sri Lanka. We are particularly grateful to the Chinese government for having included Sri Lanka in the pilot group of countries identified for group travel. We are gushing with enthusiasm to welcome our Chinese friends.
Sri Lanka has recovered now; it is stabile today; It is calm; It is safe. It has always been safe. Even when demonstrations were clogging up the streets last year, no foreigners were hurt and no foreign owned property was damaged. Today normalcy has been restored.
Sri Lanka has been identified as a "must visit" tourist destination for a long time. Ibn Batuta, the 13th century traveller from Tangier wrote that it was the most beautiful island on Earth and that it was only 40 leagues from paradise. More recently, the Lonely Planet travel guide identified Sri Lanka as a top "must visit" destination. Anyone who comes to my gem of an island will agree. From its miles of clean golden beaches, warm seas where dozens, perhaps hundreds of whales frolic, where hundreds of dolphins play, to the jungles where dozens of wild elephants gather to eat, socialize and find mates. The mist covered mountains produce Sri Lanka's fabled black teas with their splendid flavors. The land is rich in gems. In fact Sri Lanka is known as the capital of the gorgeous blue sapphire, the gem of choice of royalty. It is also the country visited for thousands of years by faithful Chinese monks and traders to pay homage to the sites sacred to Buddhists.”
Mr. Nalika Kodikara explained in detail the technical requirements for visitors to enter Sri Lanka which have been considerably streamlined. The President of Spring Travels, Mr. Yang Yang, explained the experiences of his pre-Covid-19 tour groups in Sri Lanka and expressed confidence that travelers will again start to flow to Sri Lanka.
Among the many tour operators present were; CITS Beijing, GM Mr. Wang Xiaoyu, CAISSA Travel Marketing Manager, Mrs. Gao, Spring Travel MD, Mr. Yang Yang, China Cruise & Yacht Industry Development Association, Mr. Zheng Weihang, Sri Lanka Airline in Beijing, Mr. Mark and Ms. Ying Yang, China Art Association Chairman, Mr. Quick Xinjian, World Tourism Cities Federation, Mr. Richard Joy, Tour Travel GM Mr. Chen Yong, Zhonghe Travel MD Mr. Zhu Xingren, and CZK Group.
The Media was represented, among others, by the China General Association Commercial Newspaper, Xinhua News Agency, Tianmu News, Souhu News, South China Morning Post, Ifeng.com, Haiwai News, Luxury Times, Beijing Trading Newspaper, Diplomat Magazine, Home and Abroad News, CGTN Radio, China Business Daily, China Trade News, China Network, Global Network, Voice of Diplomacy, Global Times, and CCTV-4.
The number of sponsors of the event included Lion Beer, Spring Travel, Century-old Qianmen store in Beijing and Ms. Zhu Li, Moving province Technology Group and Ms. Han Chunmei, and Hong Kong Thai Wah Airlines - together with the China Association for the Promotion of UN Procurement - Mr. Gong Zhiquan and Mr. Liu Chun.
Serious and detailed inquiries about sending visitors to Sri Lanka were made by the General Manager, China Cruise and Yacht Industry, the Gem & Jewellery trade, the Nanjing Art Association and the golfing group. We will follow-up with them.
The participants were treated to Ceylon Tea and Lion Beer along with other snacks and beverages.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Beijing
28 February, 2023