Sri Lanka crowned as the most popular country representation

Beijing International Travel Expo:

Sri Lanka was named the most popular country representation from 593 exhibitors from 82 countries and regions at the recently held Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE) 2009.

The exhibition attracted over 40,000 professional and 80,000 public customers.

Performers from Channa-Upuli Arts Foundation brought a completely novel image of Sri Lanka to the Chinese customer by portraying the traditional wedding ceremony and dance forms of Sri Lanka.

The stage backdrop on the shape of the island of Sri Lanka as well as the Chinese models featuring traditional wedding attire attracted a large number of customers, most of whom were very eager to pose for photographs with the models. The free trial of traditional bridal dresses and printing of photos on site made Sri Lanka one of the most visited and most popular country representations during BITE.

Two days prior to the opening of BITE, a Sri Lanka promotional workshop was organized at the Sheraton Hotel in Tianjin. It was the first time Sri Lanka Tourism authorities were present in Tianjin city for promotions.

Supported by Tianjin Municipal Tourism Authority (TJMTA), around 40 representatives from 15 local agencies and five media organizations attended the meeting.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, SriLankan Airlines, and representatives from ground handling agencies i.e., Aitken Spence, Jetwing, Lanka holidays, LSR and Walkers delivered presentations on the tourism industry and relevant information of the country. The division Chief from TJMTA, Yang Baotai, said his sincere hope is to cooperate with Sri Lanka Tourism to assure smooth flow of tourists to Sri Lanka in the near future.

Sri Lanka's Ambassador in China K. Amunugama made use of the enthusiasm generated through the travel expo and welcomed over hundred guests from the tourism industry and media in Beijing with a traditional Sri Lanka barbecue dinner.

The Ambassador said that the long awaited moment has arrived to promote Sri Lanka and invited Chinese travel industry personnel to use this opportunity.

The Ambassador also thanked the media for the positive contribution that they have made even during difficult times.

Acting Director- Marketing of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Ms. Madubhani Perera, explained the new promotional campaign on image building strategy of SLTPB.

She said SLTPB's commitment to work with Chinese travel agents and travel media to promote Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Amun-ugama said that 15 media personnel will be invited to visit Sri Lanka in September, which will help Chinese tourists to know more about the new Sri Lanka.