SriLankan boosts Chinese tourism to Sri Lanka

SriLankan Airlines is carrying out a series of promotional activities to increase the number of Chinese tourist arrivals into the Indian Ocean island, and promote close ties between the two countries.

The national carrier has in recent months launched several tour packages tailor-made for the Chinese market.

The airline's 'Ayubowan Sri Lanka' and 'Treasures of Sri Lanka' packages were heavily marketed in China this year, with a number of key incentives being provided to the Chinese travel trade to promote them.

Head of Worldwide Sales at SriLankan, Mohamed Fazee said, "The centuries-old relationship between Sri Lanka and China has never been stronger than it is today, and SriLankan Airlines is aggressively promoting Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka and is working closely with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau.

The airline has enhanced awareness of Sri Lanka in China by carrying out publicity campaigns in three provincial cities which were each attended by over 100 Chinese travel agents. Another publicity campaign was carried out in the giant Solama Park Shopping Complex to enhance Sri Lanka's image following the dawn of peace.

This year, SriLankan Airlines has provided more than 60 complimentary tickets for Chinese travel agents and travel writers for familiarization tours to Sri Lanka.

Regional Manager Asia Pacific Senaka Fernando, said, "China is an ever-more important business partner of Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka is an excellent value-for-money destination for the growing number of Chinese tourists travelling overseas.

According to Sri Lanka Tourism statistics, the number of Chinese tourist arrivals into Sri Lanka increased by 71 percent in August compared to the corresponding month in the previous year.

[ Highlights]

* Key incentives for Chinese travel trade

* Sri Lankan enhances awareness of Sri Lanka in China