Ten Sri Lankan travel companies participated at ITB Asia 2019 held at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre Singapore from 16-18 October 2019. ITB Asia is an annual three day B2B trade show and convention and is the primary event for the Asia Pacific travel industry, much like its parent event – ITB Berlin. Supported by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Sri Lanka High Commission, Singapore, the Sri Lanka Pavilion generated significant interest throughout the event.
The companies that were represented at the event included Jetwing Travels, Rameca Travels & Leisure, Ya Tours, Camlo Lanka Tours, Esna Holidays, Green Holidays, Let’s See Asia, Kamvelta Travels & Tours, Why House and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, The Sri Lanka Pavilion carried the “So Sri Lanka” branding along with the images of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, civilizational history, pristine nature, bio-diversity and island life.
ITB Asia, the leading travel trade show in Asia attracted a wide range of companies and representatives from travel agencies and operators, business travel and MICE segments, travel technology, accommodation, and transport sectors. It provided a useful platform for travel industry stakeholders to establish high quality contacts and to expand travel trade business opportunities. This year’s edition also introduced a dedicated MICE Show Asia 2019 to promote destinations for MICE business. Over 1,300 exhibitors from 127 countries participated in ITB Asia 2019. Of the 1250 registered buyers that participated 75% were decision makers and were available for interactions with pre-scheduled appointments. The Sri Lankan companies that participated found this feature a particularly productive use of the time of the exhibitors.
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore Sashikala Premawardhane opened the Sri Lanka Pavilion. First Secretary (Commercial) of the High Commission Nalika Kodikara and Junior Manager Marketing of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Shirani Herath attended the opening ceremony. The High Commissioner also gave an interview for the corporate video of ITB Asia 2019 highlighting the opportunities provided by the event to promote Sri Lanka in Singapore and beyond.
A networking reception was hosted by the High Commissioner at the official residence for the visiting delegation with the participation of leading travel and leisure related companies and media representatives such as TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd, World Travel Magazine, Travel Guide, Singapore, and the Luxury Network among others.
