Tourism sector stakeholders yesterday brought destination Sri Lanka under the international spotlight by featuring the island nation at the popular IFTM Top Resa trade show in Paris for travel and tourism.

The Sri Lanka delegation was led by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO).

The Sri Lanka pavilion was ceremoniously opened by Sri Lankan Ambassador to France Prof. Kshahnika Hirimburegama.

For the first time since the inception of the French Travel Show, Sri Lanka Tourism, the apex promoting agency of destination Sri Lanka, is not a part of the mega event due to a decision taken by the previous leadership to not take part in any trade fairs.

The eight Destination Management Companies (DMCs) that are promoting Sri Lanka at the show are; Aitken Spence Travels, Authenticities, Andrew the Travel Company, Connaisance de Ceylon, Lanka Sport Reizen, Lion Royal Tourisme, Jetwing Travels, and Walkers Tours. Promoting the country at the event is also national carrier SriLankan Airlines.

The French Travel Show will be held from 20 to 22 September. Around 200 destinations, 1,700 brands, 34,000 tourism professionals and 150 conference sessions have been lined up for this year’s IFTM.