India pledges commitment and support to help revive Sri Lanka tourism

• Says Sri Lanka deserves to be supported as it is a country worth visiting
• Affirms with support from TAAI, SL will revive more quickly and effectively
• Plans afoot by SL Tourism to kick off second series of road shows in India in Nov.

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam

The travel and tour operators in India have pledged support to help Sri Lanka tourism move towards the positive growth trajectory and affirmed it would actively promote the island nation across all states. 

The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) said it would by no means back out from selling destination Sri Lanka in India but would step up efforts in educating travellers in its country on the experience the nation has to offer. 

Speaking to Mirror Business, TAAI President Jyoti Mayal said the Indian travel and tour agents are of the view that Sri Lanka must and should be supported as it attempts to brave through the series of challenges it has faced in the recent months. 

“Sri Lanka, I feel, deserves to be supported as it is a country worth visiting. Not only value for money but it is a country that relates to our Indian culture, history, religion and has the most wonderful forms of entertainment.  

 Every crisis brings multiple opportunities and surely, Sri Lanka with the TAAI’s support will revive quickly and more effectively,” said Mayal, speaking exclusively to Mirror Business on the take on Sri Lanka.  When questioned on the possibility of moving to another host country to facilitate the 60th TAAI convention, Mayal said the association is keen and determined to bring its convention to Sri Lanka as planned. 

“The TAAI is keen to organise its convention in Colombo and our counterparts there are equally eager to host us. As the economy continues to improve, we shall discuss and announce the dates accordingly,” she said. 

Industry sources shared that following the decision to postpone the event that was to be held in November this year, it is likely for the convention to take place within the first quarter of 2023. The dates are yet to be confirmed.  India is currently the largest tourist traffic generator for Sri Lanka and authorities are increasing its focus on the neighbouring giant to increase tourist arrivals to the country.  

Speaking to journalists in Colombo recently, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said that Sri Lanka Tourism and industry stakeholders are stepping up efforts to attract more Indian travellers to the country, as it is a more realistic market to target, given the current context.   Officials from the Tourism Ministry and Sri Lanka Tourism, along with industry stakeholders took part in the Three Cities Road Show that was held in Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad last month.  According to Fernando, the five-day road show was a “resounding success” and the local tourism sector stakeholders were able to make a “positive impact in a short timeline”.  Plans are underway to kick off another series of road shows in India come November, where Chennai, Cochin and Bangalore will be focused.  Arrivals from the neighbouring giant are expected to improve in the coming months, as India’s Spicejet will resume services to Colombo from November 15. Plans are afoot to also introduce a cruise from Pondecherry.