“If golden beaches, blue seas and rising waves, serene mountains, majestic elephants, silent leopards, huge whales and playful dolphins, a rich history, delicious tea, exotic cuisine, a wide range of festivities and warm smiles could sum up a country, that would be Sri Lanka” were introductory remarks made at the first ever tourism promotion event organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Viet Nam for outbound tour operators of Viet Nam.
Growth in Viet Nam’s outbound tourism at an average of 34% in the past few years no doubt creates vast potential for the outbound tourism sector. Currently about 1 million visits Cambodia, 700,000 to Thailand while Singapore, Philippines, South Korea and Japan are some of the favourite destinations of Vietnamese travellers. Considering the trend in rapid increase in outbound travel from Viet Nam as well as economic projections by international financial and economic agencies, Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ha Noi launched this initiative.
The event, held at the prestigious Ly Club in Ha Noi, on 15th December 2015 from 5.30 p.m. onwards was supported by Blue Lotus Tours of Sri Lanka and Vido Tours of Viet Nam. 22 participants representing 14 leading travel agencies were welcomed with a warm cup of Ceylon Tea and Sri Lankan ginger biscuits.
The event started with lighting the traditional oil lamp.
Ambassador Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake after introductory remarks, made a presentation on the overview of Sri Lanka. She also shared her views on similarities of the two cultures, which would make Vietnamese travellers feel homely in Sri Lanka.
The Guest of Honour Mr. Pham Manh Guong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Viet Nam Society of Travel Agents (VISTA) commended the Embassy for organizing this event and stated that Sri Lanka has much potential to attract Vietnamese tourists. He also invited Sri Lanka to have a Country Pavilion with participation of several Sri Lankan travel agencies at the Viet Nam International Travel Mart to be held from 14th to 17th April 2016. He assured his fullest support in activities to make Sri Lanka better known in Viet Nam.
Mr. Hiran Amaratunga, CEO of Blue Lotus Tours captivated the attention of the audience with his presentation on Sri Lanka tourism highlighting its rich diversity in cultural and natural heritage with limitless opportunities to indulge one’s all senses that the Sri Lanka offers to the world.
The presentation followed with an exciting Q & A session with the audience wanting to know more about what Sri Lanka has to offer to the Vietnamese travel market.
The audience also received souvenirs of a brass ornament and a Ceylon Gemstone, courtesy Blue Lotus Tours.
Event ended with serving refreshments & beverages including traditional Sri Lankan snacks and canapés.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Hanoi
16th December 2015
