The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara participated in the 6th Travel EXPO Ankara 2023 held at ATO Congresium in Ankara, Türkiye from 16 to 19 November.
The Travel EXPO was inaugurated by Deputy President of Türkiye Cevdet Yilmaz, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, and Chairman of Ankara Chamber of Commerce Gursel Baran on 16 November 2023. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Türkiye S. Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake joined the Inauguration. The stall set up by the Embassy of Sri Lanka showcased Sri Lanka’s unique cultural identity through art, handicrafts, batik and sculpture illustrating multi-cultural essence through photographs. Nearly 2000 people visited the stall and were fascinated by the beauty of Sri Lankan cultural elements and famed tourist destinations. Visitors to the stall were served pure Ceylon tea and briefed on its unique taste and the varieties available in different parts of Sri Lanka.
Several high level officials including the Vice President of Türkiye, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye, Chairman of Ankara Chamber of Commerce, Mayor of Hatay Lütfü Savas and founder of Baskent University Mehmet Haberal visited the Sri Lanka stall.
On the side-lines of the fair, there were many activities such as panel discussions, interviews, country presentations, culture and art events. The Ambassador of Sri Lanka was also interviewed by the local media which included a travel blogger on tourism in Sri Lanka. This event served as a platform for the Embassy to promote Sri Lanka for tourism, Ceylon Tea and cultural diplomacy among Turkish nationals and other expats living in and around Türkiye.
With over 70,000 people visiting during the 04 day period, the Travel EXPO was organized by the Atis Fair and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, Turkish Republic Ankara Governorship, Cities and Governorships of adjoining Provinces, Ankara Chamber of Commerce, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Tourism Sector Associations and Unions. A few Diplomatic Missions based in Ankara and representatives of tourism companies in Türkiye participated in the Travel Expo
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ankara
22 November 2023
