Development News from Sri Lanka: The Minister of Tourism Development, Wildlife & Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunga, invited worldwide Tour Operator Association heads to visit Sri Lanka after the 21/4 incident to boost the tourism sector.
Mr. Dennis Bunnik, Chairman of the Australian Tour Operators Council (CATO), met with the Hon as a result of this invitation. Recently in Sri Lanka, Minister for Tourism Development, Wildlife & Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunga and other officials of the SLTPB. He was also followed by Mr. Kevin Bishop, Bunnik Tour Operation General Manager in Sri Lanka.
In 2018, Australia proved to be a very resilient Sri Lankan market. During this era, Australian tourist arrivals reported a total of 110,928 and a growth rate of 37 percent. In 2019, the expected goal for tourist arrivals is seen as 149, 752, and this figure does not account for dual-passport ethnic tourists. By July 2019, 52,698 visitors arrived in Sri Lanka and the Australian market is anticipated to grow by 36 percent in 2019.
Australia has an outbound travel of 8.4 million and has a population of 23.77 million. Their main purpose of travel is Holidaying, visiting friends & relatives, Business and other purposes.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, (SLTPB) had a large contingent of tour operator’s /travel agents visiting Sri Lanka in July this year. Seen in the picture is the delegation of Australian travel agents on their visit to Sri Lanka in July 2019.
SLTPB conducts promotions through participating in trade fairs, special consumer events, and conducting tour operator programs and FAM visits. Subsequently, between March –July this year, a billboard advertising campaign was carried out in Melbourne & Sydney, whereas a consumer event is scheduled to be held in Sydney from 23rd & 24th November 2019.
During his visit to Sri Lanka, Mr. Dennis Bunnik said that Sri Lanka is a fast selling tourist destination which has the potential to attract a large number of tourist arrivals due to its cultural and natural resources and various holiday opportunities. He has seen the market picking up rapidly with queries to visit Sri Lanka. He further said that none of his clients had canceled any of their visits or postponed them. He has been a loyal supporter of the SLTPB for several years and believes that Sri Lanka has everything in store for every travel enthusiast. He believes that Sri Lanka can attract the Australian market as Sri Lanka can be promoted as a popular destination among Australians.
Hon. Minister of Tourism Development, Wildlife & Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga appreciated Mr. Bunnik’s visit to Sri Lanka and loyalty towards SLTPB with several key promotional activities to boost tourism in Sri Lanka. Mr. Bunnik expressed that one reason for Sri Lanka to be popular among Australians are its culture, natural attractions and the common interests of cricket.
