Sri Lanka is set to rollout special tourism promotion campaign in four key markets
Sri Lanka Tourism is gearing up to carry out a number of promotional initiatives in four traditional markets to boost tourist arrivals this winter season.Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said the special tourism promotion initiative would be rolled out in the United Kingdom, Germany, France and India.Meanwhile International Travel Agents Association (IATA) President Janath Sri Vidanage addressing the 33rd AGM said that in Sri Lanka the situation regarding commissions for travel agents has been given a miss by the national carrier itself.“SriLankan Airlines gives commissions to all travel agents but they don’t give commissions to Sri Lankan travel agents in Sri Lanka,” he said adding that this should be rectified.The industry has more than 200,000 people employed and there are about 160 travel agents in the country engaged in both outbound and inbound traffic.
He noted that they were facing a number of challenges from international websites and this is also draining a lot of foreign currency without anyone’s knowledge.
Travel agents in Sri Lanka want more recognition for their services to the tourism industry and ensure they are not sidelined just like the current situation when it comes to paying commissions.
The United Kingdom, Germany and France are Sri Lanka’s traditional major European source markets, whilst India is the main source market in the Asian region.
Accordingly, Sri Lanka is expected to come under global spotlight through mainstream media channels, digital and social media campaigns.
“With the successful administration of the vaccination program, easing of health regulations and better air connectivity, l will promote Sri Lanka as a high value destination,” Ranatunga said.
The Minister also said if the country was able to continue without any restrictions, by next year the tourism industry would be able to make a significant contribution to the industry and economic recovery.
Source: http://www.travelvoice.lk/sri-lanka-promotes-tourism-in-four-countries/
