The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau continues to pursue its destination promotion objectives by collaborating with the Association of Travel Agents of India (TAAI) and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), to organize its 66th convention and exhibition in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 19 to 22 April 2022. This occasion is ultimately the result of a discussion between the two great institutions in order to promote regional tourism between the two countries which share geographical and historical characteristics similar.

TAAI also unveiled its convention brochure and themed logo for its 66th convention and exhibition during a press conference and road show at Hotel – The Park, New Delhi on March 23, 2022. occasion was held under the patronage of Mrs. JyotiMayal, President TAAI and other distinguished guests at the head table includedMs. Rupinder Brar Addl Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Mr. Niluka Kadurugamuwa, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Mr. Jay Bhatia, Vice President/TAAI, Mr. ThilakWeerasinghe, President/SLAITO, Ms. Madubhani Perera , Public Relations Manager, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Mr. Ravindran Veeraperumal, Regional Manager – India and Bangladesh – SriLankan Airlines, Mr. Bettaiah Lokesh, Hon. General secretary.

The dignitaries expressed their views on how this collaboration could become useful in the long term, Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, President of TAAI, expressed her opinion as such. “I am truly delighted to have received such an overwhelming response from the industry since we announced the Convention in Sri Lanka. In the current scenario, there is an urgent need to build on our regional strengths and explore more opportunities for growth in travel and tourism. The theme of the Convention “Collaborate to Conquer” will focus on promoting and establishing travel and tourism between the two nations of Sri Lanka and India. SLTPB being the main sponsor of the 3-day event in Sri Lanka, is looking forward to showcasing its products and services to Indian partners, which will boost two-way tourism to and from Sri Lanka. “She mentioned it in her speech.

Ms. Rupinder Brar, DG Addl, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India said, “This is a fantastic initiative and we are looking forward to encouraging regional tourism because of the kind of shared cultures that our countries have and also cordial and amazing relations that India has. had with its neighbors to take advantage of this and capitalize on regional tourism. “

Mr. Niluka Kadurugamuwa, Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in India, said: “Sri Lanka has always been one of the favorite destinations of Indians and now with the opening of the international skies, it is an ideal destination for host the convention. Sri Lanka’s proximity to India as well as its focus on boosting regional tourism, strengthening bilateral relations and developing trade, investment and tourism make it an important market for our country.

Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson, Kimarli Fernando, said in a statement that “It is a pleasure to partner with TAAI to host its 66th Convention and Expo in Sri Lanka. India being one of the major source markets for Sri Lanka, the TAAI convention is a great opportunity to promote Sri Lankan tourism experiences in the Indian market in a post-pandemic environment with many airlines operating in major cities generating tourists in India. Sri Lanka Tourism believes that industry stakeholders will gain maximum exposure by engaging with the Indian travel industry at the upcoming TAAI convention.

Mr. Thiak Weerasinghe, President/SLAITO said: “TAAI’s decision to hold its Convention in Sri Lanka itself is a great achievement in this need of the hour. As a neighboring country, India Tourism has helped us a lot and we should further strengthen this relationship between the two countries.

Ms. Madubhani Perera, Director/PR, made a detailed presentation of the destination during the event and mentioned that Sri Lanka Tourism will focus on niche segments such as destination weddings, film tourism, spiritual tourism, etc to attract more Indian travellers. She further mentioned that Cordelia Cruises will be operating four weekly sailings between Chennai and Colombo from June this year and said the TAAI convention in Colombo will help project Sri Lanka as a preferred outbound destination for Indian travellers.

“With global aviation and economies opening up to tourism, especially in light of the restart of commercial flights from March 27, there is no better time than now to hold this convention. We – India’s travel industry, can confidently tell the traveler by traveling abroad with renewed vigor. ” said Jay Bhatia, Vice President of TAAI.

Mr. Ravindran Veeraperumal, Regional Manager – India and Bangladesh – SriLankan Airlines, explained his airline’s operations and expansion plans for the future. The airline is also the official sponsor of the 66th TAAI Convention and Exhibition in Colombo this year.

The event ended with a special speech by Bettaiah Lokesh, Hon. Secretary General, TAAI, who underscored the importance of enhancing tourism opportunities between Sri Lanka and India as neighboring countries. ”The convention will provide a wonderful opportunity for our delegates to experience the serene beauty of this unique island nation. ” He stated. Apart from this representation, Sri Lanka will be the most suitable place for Indian tourists since the two countries have similar cultural, historical and geographical backgrounds. Sri Lanka has always been a home for Indian travelers, which is one of the main reasons for the increase in tourist arrivals from India. Thus, this collaboration will be another milestone for Sri Lanka as it continues to successfully navigate its destination promotion goals.

The event brought together over 200 Indian travel fraternities representing 20 TAAI regional chapters and media personnel. A networking session was held between the Sri Lankan delegation and TAAI members at the end of the press conference. Ms. Shirani Herath, Junior India Market Manager at SLTPB attended the networking session with the Sri Lankan Trade Delegation consisting of Mr. Thilak Weerasinghe (LSR), Mr. Darshana Cabraal (Tour Blue), Mr. Senaka Weerasinghe ( Esna Holidays), Mr. Mahinda Deshapria (Ayubowan Tours & Travels) and Mr. Anjalo Bernard (Jetwing Travels)