Destination SL receives fresh focus in Spain at FITUR International Travel Mart 2023

Sri Lanka Tourism was successful in attracting a high level of attention from the trade and travel visitors in the latest travel mart in Spain by participating the 43rd edition of FITUR International Travel Mart.

The island nation was showcased and represented by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) and 28 private sector companies at the mega event, which was held from January 18 to 22, in Madris, Spain.
FITUR is the largest tourism event in the Spanish market, where all the sectors – leisure, business and MICE tourism, meet under one roof. 

For destination Sri Lanka, Spain is one of the fastest recovery markets after the pandemic. A statement by Sri Lanka Tourism highlighted that the participation in FITUR argues well for the much-needed exposure for the country as an attractive tourism destination for Spanish-speaking countries, contributing in a substantive manner to its overall growth strategy. 

Sri Lanka Tourism stall was ceremonially opened by SLTPB Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu and Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Barcelona Agustin Llana and representatives of the leading private sector members of Sri Lanka. 

The pavilion highlighted many aspects of its potential culture, beauty, Ayurveda and many more, which Sri Lanka would offer as a tourism destination. Sri Lanka stand optimised the ‘So Sri Lanka’ and ‘Visit Sri Lanka’ vivid sights to attract the potential visitor segments. 

The event also served as a platform to promote Ceylon Tea to the Spanish market, where the visitors of the pavilion were able to experience the taste of the premium tea.

On the sideline of the FITUR travel fair, the SLTPB officials participated in the events organised by the UNWTO. The officials met with UNWTO Asia and the Pacific Regional Department Director Harry Hwang.

As a result of the discussions, Hwang expressed interest to hold the UNWTO Joint Commission in Sri Lanka in 2024. 

Further, the SLTPB and Sri Lanka Embassy of France also took steps to arrange business meetings, exclusive media interviews, airline meetings at FITUR 2023. The media gathering conducted during the fair created the great opportunity to highlight the updates on the destination and create awareness on the destination.