Tourism promotion office to open in Dubai next month

Having seen the potential of the market, Sri Lanka Tourism will open a Tourism Promotion Office in Dubai next month with an officer in-charge for the Middle East region, according to a statement by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB).

Beginning of this year, Sri Lanka Tourism tied up with Al Jazeera TV channel to promote the destination. The release said, that outbound tourist from the Middle East region has increased during the last few years. The highest performer between January and March this year was the Middle East, which registered an increase of 80.6% in comparison with 2007.

Sri Lanka Tourism delegates headed by the Deputy Minister of Sri Lanka Tourism, Faiszer Musthapha, will also set off for Dubai on May 6th, to attend the 14th annual Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2008) held at the International Exhibition and Convention Centre, the industry’s leading travel and tourism exhibition dedicated to unlocking business potential within the Middle Eastern and Pan Arab regions.

Sri Lanka Tourism will be attending for the fifth consecutive year to participate in meetings, seminar, press conferences and social networking opportunities with key market players from six continents.

The theme of the Sri Lankan stall this year will be ‘Ceylon Tea’ but will also display gems and jewelry and demonstrations of handicraft making. The highlight of the exhibition will be a performance by Channa’s dance troupe. A tactical promotional offer “Middle East Kids Go Free”, by SriLankan Airlines, for every adult ticket purchased one child offered a free flight, will also be launched.