NITN | @notintownlive | 08 Jul 2017, 06:43 pm

The objective of this event was to highlight and boom Sri Lanka as a leading leisure and MICE destination.
Top of the line travel professionals attended the event as well as interacted with the SLTPB team, to understand the unique offerings for Indian travellers in Sri Lanka.
SLTPB expects more than 26% growth in the footfall this year and aims for about 4, 50,000 Indian tourist, to discover the beautiful destination in 2017.
Sri Lanka is growing as, ‘a destination for all seasons’! The year 2016 saw approximately 356,729 Indian tourist visiting Sri Lanka compared to around 3,16,247 in 2015. In 2016 destination Sri Lanka, saw a growth of 12.8% in Indian arrival over last year. The country is a top-notch tourist destination and known as the Wonder of Asia for its long preserved culture and heritage. Witnessing the growth and potential from India, SLTPB has taken a step forward in consolidating their presence in the Indian market.
Viranga Bandara, Assistant Director /Marketing (India) on his visit to India conversed with the travel fraternity to promote Sri Lanka as the exotic destination among niche travellers and holiday makers.
He said, “Sri Lanka has gained immense popularity in India and has experienced a consistent growth over the period. We have come first to Kolkata to explore this beautiful landmark of joyful people and tap the travel agents to increase the flow of business. We will also be participating at the travel fairs in Kolkata & other cities of India to enhance destination visibility among travel trade & consumers, to further consolidate Sri Lanka’s position as preferred destination for Indian travellers. We are confident that in 2017 a lot of more Indians will choose Sri Lanka as their preferred holiday destination. Sri Lanka wholeheartedly welcomes Indians. On 6th July, Sri Lankan airlines launch its operations from three more cities of India; Hyderabad, Coimbatore & Visakhapatnam. With this addition Sri Lankan airlines will now provide direct connectivity from 14 Indian cities with over 100 flights including Kolkata."
- India announces free e-visas to Filipino tourists
- Sweden unveils Nämdöskärgården – A new Marine National Park in the Baltic Sea
- Monsoon Charity Fair in Kolkata highlights efforts of social changemakers
- Jordan showcases Adventure Tourism with 2025 Marathon Des Sables
- 10 Indian nationals among 99 denied entry into Malaysia after security screening at Kuala Lumpur airport
- Visiting US just got $250 more expensive; here's why
- Air India begins phased resumption of international flights after AI171 crash; Heathrow to replace Gatwick on Ahmedabad-London route
- We took a hit post-Pahalgam but tourism is flowing back: J&K CM Omar Abdullah assures safety to visitors
- Air India expands codeshare partnership with Air Mauritius
- Air India announces network-wide sale ahead of the summer holiday season
Malaysia Airlines will expand its South India network by adding more flights on the Kuala Lumpur–Trivandrum route to meet rising demand, the airline said. From September 12, the carrier will operate five weekly services, with daily flights to start from December 1.
IndiGo has expanded its codeshare agreement with KLM, the Netherlands’ national airline, providing its passengers with enhanced access to destinations across Europe and the United Kingdom through KLM’s network, the airline said.
Etihad Airways and Azul Brazilian Airlines have signed a frequent flyer partnership, allowing members of Etihad Guest and Azul Fidelidade programme to earn and redeem loyalty points across both airlines.