The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara participated in the 18th Tourism Trade International Expo and Congress organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye in December, and showcased Sri Lanka’s distinctive heritage and tourism attractions to an international audience for three days.
Izmir in the western coast of Türkiye is one of the most touristic areas of the country, dotted with beautiful beaches facing the Aegean Sea, and many world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites - particularly where ancient Greek and Roman cities flourished, leaving behind remarkable archaeological heritages. The cosmopolitan inhabitants of the Province of Izmir are also ardent travellers and the city of Izmir is the 3rd largest city of the country.
The event is an annual leading tourism fair in Türkiye known for its productivity and innovation. This year, the fair attracted over 20,000 visitors and over 500 participating entities, including international hospitality experts, travel lovers, and representatives from over 65 countries, as well as 10 embassies in Türkiye. Among participating categories were ministries and government entities, diplomatic missions, stakeholders representing several tourism-related sectors, culture, sports, and tourism media.
Sri Lanka’s stall depicted the country's rich heritage and stunning natural landscapes, capturing the interest of many visitors. The displays at the stall featured promotional materials for Sri Lanka tourism such as posters and banners, along with products including batik items. Moreover, serving authentic pure Ceylon tea was a great attraction for visitors. Additionally, the chance to don traditional Sri Lankan clothing lured many guests to the stall. During the three days of the fair, the Sri Lankan stall was visited by over 4000 visitors.
Sri Lanka’s participation in the event was coordinated with Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in the Aegean Region, Izmir Oğuz Akçura.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka actively participated in the event, reflecting its dedication to establishing Sri Lanka as a top tourist destination in Türkiye and beyond, and fostering growth in the tourism sector while also enriching cultural awareness.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ankara
11 December 2024
