Consulate to promote Sri Lanka in Western China

The newly established Consulate of Sri Lanka in Chengdu together with Sri Lanka Tourism organized a country promotion workshop recently at the Consulate premises. The workshop, the first ever of its kind organized by Sri Lanka in the Sichuan province, was attended by over 60 representatives from local travel agencies, media and airlines.

Tourists enjoy a ride on elephants

Presiding over the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hussein A. Bhaila elaborated on the recent developments of Sri Lanka, particularly on the peaceful post-conflict environment prevailing throughout the country.

Outlining the wide ranging tourist attractions and unique travel experiences Sri Lanka has to offer, the Deputy Foreign Minister invited the Chinese travel agencies of Western China to work together with Sri Lanka Tourism in promoting the island in the Sichuan Province and the neighbouring provinces.

He invited the travel agencies and the media to visit Sri Lanka on a familiarization tour which would help them gain first hand experience on the country.

Deputy Director General of Sichuan Foreign Affairs Office Tan Xin and the Vice Director of Tourism Administration of Sichuan Province Wu Mian shared their experience and feeling on Sri Lanka and described the country as a beautiful island and a friendly neighbour which has continued to build strong relations with China.

They said that the setting up of the new consulate in Chengdu would promote Sri Lanka as a favourable travel and investment destination among the people of the Sichuan province and the neighbouring provinces. They encouraged local travel agencies to work together with Sri Lanka Tourism in their promotional efforts.

The invitees were presented with detailed information on key tourist attractions, cultural and heritage sites and niche tourism products, through a multimedia presentation followed by interactions with the travel agencies, media and the airlines.

Important issues in areas such as new travel packages to Sri Lanka, visa procedures and convenient air links were discussed at the event. The travel agencies were very keen on organizing special packages for Sri Lanka for local travellers and sought better air connectivity to Sri Lanka.