SriLankan honoured for promoting Sri Lanka among Indian travellers

SriLankan Airlines' efforts to woo more Indian tourists to the Paradise Isle were recognised when it won two awards at trade fairs in Bangalore and Chennai.

SriLankan’s Manager Tamil Nadu and Karnata, Sharuka Wickrama Adittiya receiving the award from Rohit Hangal, Director - Travel Media Networks.

Judges at the Indian International Travel Mart (IITM) in Bangalore presented Sri Lanka's National Carrier with the award for the Most Attractive Display at the recent event, which was held at the Bangalore Palace grounds.

This was followed by another award at IITM in Chennai the next week at the Chennai Convention Centre, also for the Most Attractive Display.

The theme of the airline's displays was simply "Sri Lanka", and highlighted the many attractions of the island such as shopping, culture, and diverse climates. The National Carrier took part in the two IITM fairs as part of its efforts to further develop tourism to Sri Lanka from India, which is now the largest tourism generating market to the Emerald Isle.

SriLankan last year became the first foreign carrier to achieve 100 flights per week to India, and serves 11 cities there.

Both travel marts drew hundreds of participants from many countries, with tens of thousands of visitors, including industry buyers.

At both Bangalore and Chennai, the SriLankan stall had visuals of Sri Lanka, the airline's Business Class Lounge, aircraft and other products.

Special packages on offer were to promote, India-Sri Lanka cricket series, City breaks in Colombo, Round tours in Sri Lanka, Tour of Cultural Triangle and beaches of Sri Lanka. The airline also promoted travel to other destinations like, Singapore, Bangkok and the Male.

Judges at IITM in Chennai noted that SriLankan's stall was also the "most happening" at the fair.

The airline had daily ticket draws with IITM's main compere asking questions from the audience on SriLankan's activities such as its services in India and route network.

SriLankan obtained significant pre-event and post-event publicity in electronic and print media with press releases that highlighted the special packages the airline had on offer at IITM.