In a milestone event for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) orchestrated its inaugural roadshow in Turkey on April 18, 2024. This groundbreaking initiative, organized in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Mission in Turkey and the national carrier, marked a pivotal step in fostering awareness and amplifying Sri Lanka’s presence in the Turkish travel market.
The event, held at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel Turkey in Istanbul, served as a platform for Sri Lanka to captivate the Turkish travel trade and media community with its rich tapestry of holiday experiences and cultural delights. Through a compelling showcase of videos and captivating cultural dance performances, Sri Lanka endeavored to entice Turkish travelers to explore its diverse and enchanting landscapes.
Nineteen Sri Lankan travel industry participants, representing a spectrum of travel companies and hotels registered with SLTPB, converged at the event. From renowned names like Aitken Spence Travels and Jetwing Travels to emerging players such as Ceylon My Dream, the diverse array of participants underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering partnerships and driving tourism growth.
The proceedings commenced with a warm welcome by Mr. Dushan Wickramasuriya, followed by a comprehensive country presentation by H.E. Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Turkey. Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, elucidated on the innovative concepts and strategies devised to bolster tourist inflows. The event also saw the gracious presence of Mr. Aydin Osu, designated Honorary Consul General of Sri Lanka in Istanbul, adding a touch of diplomatic significance.
Crucially, Turkish Airlines played a pivotal role in bolstering the success of the roadshow by extending support and sponsorship. Mr. Cumhur Boyaraz, the station manager of Turkish Airlines, elaborated on the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity between Turkey and Sri Lanka, underscoring its role as the national carrier.
A highlight of the event was the networking session, facilitating fruitful exchanges between local travel industry partners and Turkish travel agents. This engagement provided a platform for stakeholders to share insights, discuss demand-supply dynamics, and showcase their respective offerings. Concurrently, Sri Lanka Tourism conducted a media briefing, reaffirming the island’s status as a safe, secure, and compelling travel destination.
The presence of key stakeholders such as TURSAB, the travel association of Turkey, and Jazeera Airlines, a Kuwaiti carrier with daily flights to Sri Lanka from Turkey, underscored the strategic importance of the Turkish market for Sri Lanka. With its allure as a prominent Mediterranean destination, Turkey presents immense potential as a pivotal source market for Sri Lanka, given targeted promotional efforts.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka’s debut roadshow in Turkey heralds a new chapter in bilateral tourism cooperation. By leveraging cultural diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and innovative marketing strategies, Sri Lanka is poised to position itself as a top-of-mind destination for Turkish travelers, fostering sustainable tourism growth and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.
