SL Tourism includes Scandinavian countries in focus market drive
The leadership of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau has re looked its overall portfolio of markets and has strategically selected Scandinavian countries as one of the key globally focused areas to market Sri Lanka as a destination for travel in the future.
A high-powered Sri Lankan delegation took part at last week's key travel and tourism exhibition at Gothenburg in Sweden-TUR to carefully identify the next steps in the roll out of Sri Lanka tourism as a preferred destination, said Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau Rohantha Athukorala.
"Given that Sri Lanka has extended the hands politically to the west and the diaspora, we have seen a sudden influx of top end tourists from Scandinavia and now the focus must be how to develop this focus market on the promise "8 wonderful experiences in 8 wonderful days" in Sri Lanka," the Chairman said.
TUR tourism exhibition and travel fair is a place where top buyers and suppliers meet for lead generations and future business deals coming to a close, said Athukorala adding that the current 11.6% growth in travelers must be increased.
"The typical per capita income of a Scandinavian is between $25,000 - 35,000 dollars; hence we are looking at a changing clientele than just fixing our self on the number game," he noted.
"As we speak there is a TV crew from TF-4 to film a culinary expedition branded ' Exotic Kitchen' that will reach 9 million viewers during prime time in Sweden which means 100% penetration for brand Sri Lanka as a destination. Once the awareness is built a sharp below the line campaign will be developed together with the private sector operators so that awareness to conversion can be made to happen," said the chairman.
