Sri Lanka the resplendent island nation raised its profile to that of an Asian Tourism icon at the annual ‘IFTM TOP RESA’ (International French Travel Market) which was held in Paris from 23rd to 26th September 2014.

Sri Lanka’s pavilion was ceremonially opened by Sri Lanka Ambassador to France Prof Karunaratne Hangawatte, along with other Embassy officials of Sri Lanka and the leading industry participants from Sri Lanka and other dignitaries who attended the opening ceremony.

Decked with the majestic replica of the ancient rock fortress ‘Yapahuwa’, Sri Lanka showcased the ancient glory of the country attracting hundreds of visitors to the pavilion where interactions were made with the local travel and tour operators attending the event. Sri Lanka’s pavilion showcased major tourism themes through visual displays that captured the culture, heritage and scenic beauty of the island. Posters, brochures, guide books, and other promotional materials, also in French were available for visitors to view and read. Complimentary cups of Ceylon tea were served to visitors, which gave them an exclusive opportunity to taste the rich flavors of pure Ceylon Tea. As a result, the booth earned high praise from visitors. Traditional Sri Lankan dances were performed by the Sri Lankan dancers at the opening ceremony and with their unique artistic and traditional styles; these dance performances drew a large crowd to the Sri Lankan pavilion.

Prof Karunaratne Hangawatte, Ambassador of Sri Lanka presiding over the press conference at the ‘Top RESA’ observed that being a compact island of 65, 610 sqkm, where a tourist can travel the length and the breadth of the country, the diversity of the tourism product it offers to the world is unparalleled. This unique character has given the country its own authentic flavor. In encapsulating these wonders of nature the country is being positioned and promoted around eight different themes namely, beaches, heritage, wildlife, scenic beauty, mind & body wellness, festivals & sports, adventure & essence.

The press conference saw over 30 leading French media participation representing tourism related media organizations in France where Ambassador Hangawatte, engaged in a very interactive session at the end of which a raffle draw was held courtesy Sri Lankan Airlines in offering free passage to a lucky winner to visit Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Hangawatte underlined that with the dawn of peace and stability in the country, the tourism sector has been identified as one of the key sectors propelling the economic growth of the country. In our quest to achieve a target of 2.5 million Tourists by the year 2016 the French market has figured significantly achieving a tourism growth rate of 24% year on year in 2014 .He reiterated the importance of capitalizing on the synergies available in a productive public - private partnership with a focus on tourism investment opportunities available in the country. Ambassador Hangawatte also highlighted the need to explore creative ventures with France in tourism product and skill development & innovative marketing strategies. The initiatives taken by the Sri Lanka Tourism in France were also described and Professor Hangawatte and urged all stakeholders in the tourism industry to liaise closely in carving out a niche for the country with the French tourism market. Ambassador also pointed out that Sri Lanka is at the moment blessed with eight sites for their outstanding universal value by UNESCO on the World Heritage List.

A total of 18 Sri Lankan companies participated in the “IFTM TOP RESA 2014” travel and tourism fair organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, under the guidance of the Ministry of Economic Development and supported by Sri Lanka Embassy in France.

French tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka is increasing rapidly at the moment reording 24% year on year growth. Up to August 2014 Sri Lanka has received 57,881 tourists from France.