SL unveils FIFA Fan Zone 2022 targeting slice of football tourism

From left: SLCB Chairman Thisum Jayasuriya and Tourism Minister Harin Fernando at FIFA Fan Zone 2022 package official launch
Pic by Kithsiri de Mel

• Sri Lanka stands ready to host football fans from across the world by offering attractive packages
• Fully-fledged, entertainment-packed fan zone already set up in Negombo
• “We are looking to create a sporting entertainment atmosphere that Gulf countries cannot offer”- SLCB Chairman Thisum Jayasuriya 

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam
Gearing up to be part of the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup, Sri Lanka yesterday officially launched FIFA Fan Zone 2022. 

FIFA Fan Zone 2022 is being set up in Negombo, Lewis Lane, where all hotels, restaurants and boutiques are currently receiving a facelift to give Qatar’s FIFA World Cup vibe.  

The zone aims to lure fans from Qatar and all GCC countries, South America, Europe, India and Russia. 
The football fans will have access to the zone from November 20 to December 01, where they will be able to watch the matches in a beach fest set up, with an array of entertainment activities. 

The zone will feature live bands, DJs, dance arts, magic shows, food stalls, live action stations and a beer garden.  

Sri Lanka’s fan zone for the world cup spectators is endorsed by the FIFA management, the Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau (SLCB) said.  

Starting this week, the football fans from around the world will be able to book their packages to stay in Sri Lanka in between the match schedules. 

The packages start from US $ 650 per person, which includes three nights and four days of accommodation with breakfast, return airfare and airport transfer. The packages are also made available at four and five-star hotels at higher rates. 

Handling the bookings of the packages are the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka and Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL).   

Coming in as airline partners for the FIFA promotion in Sri Lanka is national carrier SriLankan Airlines, Fly Dubai, Air India and Qatar Airways. 

SLBC Chairman Thisum Jayasuriya affirmed that Qatar Airways will increase the flight frequency for the Colombo-Doha route during the FIFA games. Initially, the airline announced that it would reduce the flights to routes, including Colombo, so that it can cater to the increased air travel demand from football nations. 

However, promotional efforts are yet to kick off. During the launch event held in Colombo yesterday, Jayasuriya said the SLAITO and TAASL will be promoting the zone to their overseas agents. 

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau will be working with the Sri Lankan Consulate in Qatar to promote the package in the FIFA World Cup host country. 

Active efforts are also underway to list Sri Lanka FIFIA Fan Zone 2022 on the official World Cup 2022 website. 
“We are still negotiating this. If successful, the mileage will be massive for not just the zone but for destination Sri Lanka,” said Jayasuriya.  With the launch of the FIFA Fan Zone, Sri Lanka tourism aims to take advantage of the prevailing room shortage in Qatar and its neighbours.  

“We are looking to create a sporting entertainment atmosphere that the Gulf countries cannot offer. Also, the room rates in Doha and the regional countries have skyrocketed, due to the World Cup. It is not affordable for some segments of the fans. 

We are looking to cater to that audience,” said Jayasuriya.  Justifying that Sri Lanka is a viable option to be at while the matches are going on, the SLCB chief said the island nation is a cost-effective option in terms of airfare, accommodation and travel duration. 

“The bigger idea is to uplift our fallen industry and show that Sri Lanka can,” he added.