Month: September 2021
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh conducts “Hello Again Sri Lanka”
On August 28, 2021, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the support of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry, and Sri Lankan Airlines Office in Saudi Arabia organized an awareness webinar for Saudi outbound tour operators in the Kingdom (KSA).
The webinar attracted around 90 tour companies and representatives who engage in the outbound tourism industry operating in several cities of KSA including Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah.
At his welcoming remarks of Mr. P.M. Amza, Additional Secretary (Economic Affairs) of the Foreign Ministry, briefed about the historical bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and KSA. “I would like you to choose your next destination Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is the place that gives everything you expect whether it’s nature, culture, or adventure whatever the way you wish to enjoy my country” Mr. Amza added.
On the keynote presentation, Ms. Madubhani Perera, Acting Managing Director of SLTPB, briefed on Sri Lanka Tourism Strategy/way forward and current health protocols to be followed by the visitors. She outlined the measures which are set in place as well as the future tourism promotional activities to enhance the tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka from KSA.
At his speech, Mr. Dushan Wickramasuriya, Director (Marketing) of SLTPB, briefed on the positive dynamics of the Saudi visitors who have placed Sri Lanka as their best tourist destination appraising the Sri Lankan hospitality, nature, culture, cuisine, and many more. He highlighted that the convenient air connectivity between Sri Lanka and KSA would also attract visitors from the Kingdom as they are eagerly looking forward to traveling after the Covid pandemic
Mr. Nalaka Amaratunga, Committee Member of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), Ms. Amal Goonatilleke, Chief Executive Officer of the Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), Mr. Dinesh Pathirana, Member of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism (ASMET) briefed about the industry readiness on receiving guests from KSA with maximum safely adhering to all health guidelines and giving the best comfort for the visitors.
Representing the Saudi outbound tour operators, Mr. Hussam Hariri, Head of Holidays and MICE of Arjaa Travels and Tourism KSA, briefed on the air travel options for Saudi tourists to reach Sri Lanka, the target travelers from KSA, and visa facilities. Mr. Hariri also informed that they extend their support to facilitate Saudi nationals and other expatriates living in the Kingdom to visit Sri Lanka.
Mr. Dulmith Waruna, Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. of the Embassy delivered the closing remarks and Mr. Sanjeewa Pattiwila, Minister (Commerce) moderated the event.
Riyadh