SIA joins Sri Lanka Tourism to promote Lanka

Singapore Airlines and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly promote tourism to Sri Lanka through the Airline’s services to Colombo.

Malraj Kiriella

The one-year agreement, which took effect from April 1, 2011, will see Singapore Airlines and SLTPB jointly funding tourism promotion activities such as familiarisation trips targeting trade partners, international media and overseas markets.

Key markets in the agreement include Australia, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines and China. Under the partnership, both parties will also provide each other with branding opportunities in their proprietary marketing channels. The longest-serving foreign airline operating to Colombo, Singapore Airlines has been providing air services between Sri Lanka and Singapore for more than 40 years.

Last year, Singapore Airlines celebrated its 40th year in Sri Lanka and introduced the new Airbus A330-300 on the route. The Airline currently operates daily services between Singapore and Colombo.

“Sri Lanka was named the ‘Number 1 Travel Destination in 2010’ by The New York Times and offers visitors a wealth of attractions. The forming of this strategic partnership with SLTPB is testament to our strong commitment to the Sri Lankan market. With Singapore Airlines’ extensive network, I am confident that more travellers will explore and experience what Sri Lanka has to offer, such as its pristine beaches, beautiful national parks and mountains,” Singapore Airlines’ Commercial Executive Vice President Mak Swee Wah said.

Commenting on the new agreement, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau acting Managing Director Malraj Kiriella said by entering into this agreement, both Singapore Airlines and Sri Lanka Tourism will work on a common platform to promote product offerings for travellers around the world. It is a win-win situation for both SIA and SLTPB, especially when we look at the benefits we can reap in the long run,” he said.