Sri Lanka at IFTM TOP RESA Travel Fair to target 100, 000 French tourists in 2018
View(s):Sri Lanka is gearing to attract 100, 000 French travellers this year that would be a boost to the targeted 2.5 million visitors for 2018, a media release issued by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) stated.
The bureau along with a contingent of 30 travel trade representatives and a delegation led by Minister of Tourism John Amaratunga participated at the 40th landmark anniversary edition of the IFTM TOP RESA 2018 travel fair held in Paris, France from September 25 -28, 2018.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to France Buddhi Athauda said the embassy is fully geared to meet the inquiries and requests made by the travel trade in France and was working towards achieving the goals in the French market. Sri Lanka is all set to cross the 100,000 French arrivals this year with the support of the travel agents and tour operators in both countries.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Tourism made it an opportunity to recognise achievements of key tourism stakeholders during the IFTM TOP RESA Travel Fair. Chandra Wickramasinghe – founder of Connaissance de Ceylan, and CEO of Reed Expositions France Federic Lorin to mark the 40th anniversary celebrations and to recognize the cooperation extended by the Reed Expo, the official travel fair organizer to destination Sri Lanka promotions at the IFTM Travel Fair.
The Sri Lankan pavilion vividly depicted the many facets of the destination which are key attractions to the tourists. The pavilion theme was to showcase Sri Lanka as a destination of natural wonders and highlighting various tourism attractions the country has to offer. Sri Lankan cultural dance performances by Sri Desi dance troupe added much colour to the overall country presentation at the fair. Sri Lanka pavilion also welcomed the SriLankan Airlines counter, Tea Counter and Gem and Jewellery counters apart from travel trade representations this year.
The official agreement between Sri Lanka Tourism and Interface Tourism France was signed during IFTM Travel Fair to mark the commencement of a 6-month digital media campaign in the French market, the media release stated.
The digital campaign will be implemented in full thrust in the French market covering key travel segments and targeted audience in order to generate high level of destination engagement among the potential online based travel decision makers.