The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tehran, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Association of Air Transport and Tourist Agencies in Iran, organized a Tourism Promotion Programme “Visit to the Amazing Sri Lanka during the NOWRUZ Season-2023 (Persian New Year)” in its Chancery premises on 07 November, 2022. Objectives of the event were to create awareness of Sri Lanka as a potential tourist destination among Iran travelers and encourage all tourism stakeholders in Iran to facilitate the Iranian tourists to visit Sri Lanka during their Persian New Year.
During his opening remarks, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Iran G.M.V. Wishwanath Aponsu introduced Sri Lanka as a country of natural wonders, historical momentous, unique lifestyles with more delicious typical cuisine, friendly people and safe & secure destination. Highlighting the recent growth of Iranian tourists’ floor to Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan envoy appreciated the significant role of tour operators, travel agencies, airlines and relevant others for achieving the present progress of tourist arrivals. Further, he made an open and friendly request to all represented tourism stakeholders in the Promotion Programme to encourage the friendly people of Iran to continue visiting Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan tourism is ready to welcome them with their required facilities with great hospitality.
During the productive discussion of the Programme which was contributed by the four panelists, Deputy President for International Affairs, Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines & Agriculture Dr. Alireza Yavari, Expert of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran Mohammad Deldari, Airline Specialist Majid Singh and Former Secretary General of the Air Transport and Tourist Agencies Faramarz Saeedi highlighted Sri Lanka as unique and affordable tourist destination. Several suggestions including the need of operating direct air link between Iran and Sri Lanka, conducting regular tourism awareness programmes, convening B2B meetings between the both Chambers, introducing reasonable tour packages, initiating FAM tour campaigns, providing publicity through electronic and print media and facilitating for bilateral instruments were also discussed.
In response, Ambassador Wishwanath Aponsu pointed out that the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tehran is in the process of working on some proposals in coordination with the concerned authorities of Sri Lanka and Iran with a focus on expanding two-way tourism floor between the two countries. In this scenario, he emphasized all tourism-related stakeholders of both countries have a significant role to proceed the proposals and expressed that reaching for rapid growth expected in tourism is “leave no one behind”. On behalf of the Iran Tourist Association, Saeedi thanked the Sri Lanka Embassy for timely organizing the tourism event and assured his Association fullest support to expand two-way tourism.
The event was attended by over 65 participants working in Iran tourism industry, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Foreign Ministry, airlines, media personnel and prominent business people. The invitees were treated to a reception with several Sri Lankan typical food items with Ceylon tea taste.
Sri Lanka Embassy
Tehran
10 November, 2022
