Tourism News

Sri Lanka Shines in Beijing Joint Mega Promotion

( Posted on September 4, 2013 )

“Sri Lanka Shines in Beijing” Joint Mega Promotion – A huge success to the Tourism and Trade industry of Sri Lanka

The first ever Sri Lanka’s mega promotion in China , with joint efforts from Public and Private sectors, has been initiated under the advice of H.E the President Mahinda Rajapaksa held from 29th of August to 1st September 2013 in Beijing China. This is a joint effort of 45 key government institutions and private sector organizations. This campaign, held in Beijing, was organized under the guidance of Hon.Basil Rajapaksa, the Minister of Economic Development.

Sri Lankan delegation to the “Sri Lanka Shines In Beijing” led by Senior Minister A.H.M Fouzie while Deputy Minister of Economic Development Susantha Punchinilame, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Mr.Anura Siriwardana ,Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Mr. Bhaswara Gunaratne, Director General Of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Dr. D.S Jayaweera and Managing Director of Sri Lanka Mr. Rummy Jauffer too part of the Lankan delegation.

“Sri Lanka Shines In Beijing” joint mega promotion campaign held under the guidance of Minister of Economic Development Hon.Basil Rajapaksa. This event has been organized by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing.

The first event in the schedule was Sri Lankan Night held on 29th August at China World Hotel. “Sri Lanka Shines in Beijing” night was colorful with cultural shows which reflected the unique Sri Lankan identity and the participants in the event were truly entertained. Over 500 high profile Chinese guest including Politicians, government officers, Travel Trade Businessman and media were invited for this colorful night.

On the second day of the campaign (30th August.), the participants got the opportunity to attend business meetings arranged at China World Hotel Beijing. Over 300 professionals working in the Chinese tourism and trade industry attended these meetings. It was a great opportunity for those in Sri Lankan travel and trade industry to build up links that would help their respective industries. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in collaboration with Sri Lanka Inbound Tour operators Association of Sri Lanka, introduced a special holiday package for Chinese travelers, who would like to arrive in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Airlines, the Island’s national carrier offer special air rates for this special tour package.

The Shopping Mall activation at “The Place” shopping mall was see Sri Lankan dancers, drummers and DJ’s taking the stage to entertain the Chinese public, while a large number of Sri Lankan firms displayed their products and services during the campaign. Among those exhibitors was the Island’s Gem traders who display the worlds best blue Sapphire’s among many other gem stones. The Island’s hoteliers and tour operators too would make their presence at the activation campaign. During the shopping mall campaign, Sri Lanka Tourism along with the Tourism Partners offered free holiday packages, which the lucky Chinese men or women grab by entering the competitions held during the Shopping mall activation.

Along with the Mall Activation Campaign, a Sri Lanka Bus branding Campaign too inaugurated on the 30th August at the same venue. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, hope the Bus Advertising Campaign which is being conducted with the support of 300 buses will promote the Island nation among the Chinese public living and visiting cities Such as Beijing, Shanghai,Chendu and Guangzhou.

Over 45 Sri Lankan government and private sector travel and trade institutions participated for this mega event.

Chinese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka is on a steady rise, as the country has received Chinese tourists during the first seven months of this year, which is a year on year increase of 74%. The latest jump shows encouraging signs as the Government of Sri Lanka is campaigning vigorously to capture a slice out of the growing Chinese outbound tourism market, which during the year 2012 in total stood at 83 million tourists.