Backed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) made a formal presentation of Sri Lanka’s bid to hold SNAV (Syndicat national des agents de voyages – National Travel Agents Association of France) Congress in Sri Lanka in 2016 to SNAV President Jean Pierre Mas.  

The event took place at the Sri Lanka stand at IFTM (Top Resa) travel fair currently taking place in Paris from September 29.  A country promotion organised by SLTPB preceded IFTM on September 28 with a press conference and interactive session with the industry.  

Promotion Bureau’s Sarangi Thilakasena and Embassy Counsellor Alexi Gunasekera made presentations at a special country promotion at Hotel Colisee prior to the meeting with SNAV delegation on September 30. Sri Lanka cultural troupe specially flown to the event performed at all programmes including the daily events at the fair.

The bidding team, led by Tourism Development and Christian Affairs Deputy Minister Arundika Fernando consisted of government officials and industry members. Sri Lankan Ambassador in France Tilak Ranaviraja joined the Sri Lanka team offering the fullest support from the embassy with the Trade and Commerce Department. SNAV delegation was afforded a grand welcome with the traditional ushering by dancers into Sri Lanka pavilion.

Apart from handing over the formal bid by the Deputy Minister, the tourism associations presented their respective letters of assurances thus reaffirming that the bid is from a collective effort and commitment.    

SNAV has held its congress in many countries before. Sri Lanka has been eyeing for this congress for some time but the time had not been conducive to hold it then.

“With the prevailing boom in tourism, getting a congress of this nature is vital for our industry at a time Sri Lanka is looking to entice high spending segments from Europe such as incentive travel from France,” said SLCB CEO Vipula Wanigasekera. SLCB spearheaded the bidding process over a few months with the industry members.