A session hosted by Sri Lankan Airlines at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London facilitated collaboration between top UK tourism agencies and Foreign Minister Ali Sabry to bolster Sri Lanka’s standing as a leading tourist destination. SriLankan Airlines Regional Manager for Europe and Americas, Chinthaka Weerasinghe, highlighted the UK’s importance in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, noting a rapid rebound in tourist arrivals despite challenges, reaching 70% of pre-COVID-19 levels in 2023. He outlined the airline’s commitment to furthering tourism growth in 2024, focusing on social media promotions and niche segments like carbon-neutral tourism. Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the UK, Rohitha Bogollagama, stressed the need for increased collaboration to enhance tourism efforts, citing HRH Princess Anne’s recent visit as indicative of the close Sri Lanka-UK ties.
The Q&A session explored topics such as travel investment, visa processes, diversifying Sri Lanka’s tourism image, and addressing competition. Foreign Minister Ali Sabry addressed concerns, pledging to discuss solutions with relevant ministries. He celebrated a remarkable 106% year-on-year growth in tourism, crediting partnerships, the resilience of the Sri Lankan people, and international trust. Emphasizing the importance of UK ties, he committed to strengthening relations for mutual benefit as Sri Lanka solidifies its position as a premier destination. SriLankan Airlines and its partners aim to sustain growth, fostering stronger UK-Sri Lanka ties.
Source: DailyFT
