Sri Lanka Tourism shines at WTM London

Sri Lanka Tourism showcased the best of the country's offers to journalists and the travel trade at the start of this year's mega travel show held annually in London.

At a well-attended World Travel Market press conference, Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr Nalaka Godahewa launched the 2011 Visit Sri Lanka campaign, with its theme of eight wonderful experiences in eight days. This year he said it was exciting that more than 50 Sri Lankan hotel and travel companies had committed to attending the event and marketing their products to attendees - the biggest turnout ever.

The Sri Lankan pavilion demanded attention with its banners proclaiming Visit Sri Lanka 2011. It was opened by Sri Lankan High Commissioner in UK Justice Nihal Jayasinghe. Dr Nalaka Godahewa applauded the industry support for the campaign logo and slogan, Refreshingly Sri Lanka.... the Wonder of Asia.

He said the eight different colours of the letters of Sri Lanka in the new logo represented eight different stories:

These are Pristine: beach; Wild: wildlife and nature; Thrills: sports and soft adventure; Scenic: Tea country; Heritage: 2500 years of civilization and eight UNESCO sites: Bliss: Ayurveda and upmarket boutiques for chilling out; Essence: authenticity of people, eco tourism, culture, the arts, shopping and Festive: entertainment of festivals and events and a unique place for weddings. Malraj Kiriella explained that the 12 letters of the Wonder of Asia depict the 12 month calendar of events for the Visit Sri Lanka 2011 Campaign.

"Every month we will be celebrating a different theme. First up is January which will promote beaches at the season's peak. February will feature Sri Lanka co-hosting of ICC matches. March will promote meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, (MICE) combined with the organizing of UNWTO regional commission meeting in Sri Lanka," Kiriella said.