SLTPB launches Focused Marketing program for Chinese Market
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau launched a focused marketing program to the Chinese market with the private sector, in the presence of the Deputy Mission Head of the Peoples Republic of China Sri Lanka high commission as the overall arrivals registered a growth of 81.5% in the month of a March to 13,975 tourist arrivals and cumulative numbers registering a 84.5% growth to 53,135 tourists for the first quarter said Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau Rohantha Athukorala at the launch of "Sri Lanka in my eyes" on WE CHAT and WEIBO targeting the Chinese market at the Hilton Hotel.
The Chinese Embassy of Sri Lanka Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Ren Faqiang Commented "I like the aggressive but focussed strategy of the Sri Lanka Tourism in the China. It is well thought through and more over accountable for delivery of results, Already you are having access to 5 key markets and now that you are focussing on testing a market development programme on the Shi-shuan province is commendable given the accessibility for direct air travel between Chengdu and Colombo" he commented.
Sri Lanka is targeting 200,000 tourists from china this year making it the number two market for Sri Lanka tourism beating the traditional market UK for the history of Sri Lanka said Athukorala. But I am concerned why the formal sector occupancy is not reflective of the hype in the numbers. The reality is that the informal tourism sector is benefiting heavily by the current marketing strategies. We must see how this can be corrected with some strategic partnerships with blue chip companies post board approval said Chairman Athukorala.
Present at the launch was from the Private Sector: Mervyn Fernandopulle-ASMET, Chandra Wickramasinghe-SLITO, Shiromal Cooray- GSA China Air, Managing Director SLTPB-Milanka Gajanayake, the Marketing Director SLTPB Madhubani Perera and Market Head of China at SLTPB Chintaka Liyanarachchi.
