Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in coordination with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai organized a Country Pavilion at the ATM 2013 in Dubai housing 56 Sri Lankan travel and tour operators.
The 20th edition of the ATM declared opened on Monday, 6th May 2013 by Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, on a high note at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, focusing on the future of the tourism and hospitality industry in the region.
Tour operators from over 100 countries, including South Africa, France, Turkey, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka had a strong presence at the show. The event attracted over 17,000 visitors and more than 2,500 exhibitors.
Sri Lanka Country Pavilion was ceremonially opened by Hon. M.L.A.M.Hizbullah, Deputy Minister of Economic Development who led the Sri Lankan delegation to ATM 2013.
Mr. Nishantha Wickramasinghe, Chairman/Sri Lanka Airlines, Dr. Mahinda Balasuriya/ Ambassador for Sri Lanka in UAE, Mr. Abdul Raheem/Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, Mr. Sampath Alahakoon/Assistant Director, Sri Lanka Tourism attended the opening ceremony at the Sri Lanka Pavilion.
Last year, 56000 holiday makers visited Sri Lanka from the Gulf Region and 12,000 were from the UAE which is the second largest market for Sri Lanka in the GCC countries. Sri Lanka targets 100,000 tourists from the Gulf Region for 2013 and numbers from UAE is expected to increase as more Emiratis, foreign expats in UAE would spend their summer holiday in Sri Lanka which has become one of the attractive destinations for holiday makers in Dubai.
Sri Lanka Pavilion which depicted an elephant family amidst a nature and wildlife theme came into praise from both Sri Lankan participants and visitors to the stand. During his stay, Hon. Deputy Minister also held discussion with UAE Tourism Authorities and had meetings with outbound tour operators in Dubai for expanding travel trade between Sri Lanka and UAE.
A presentation on Sri Lanka Tourism, Sri Lankan Airline and Mattala International Airport was held at the press conference on the Second day of the exhibition.
Sri Lankan Mission in Dubai coordinated the arrangements and Mr. Abdul Raheem, Consul General in Dubai accompanied the Minister for conference and meetings.
