Sri Lanka Tourism assures confidence in coming back to the international crowd at The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019, Dubai – 28th April -01st May 2019

Sri Lanka Tourism assures confidence in coming back to the international crowd at The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019, Dubai – 28^th April -01^st May 2019

The Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Mr. Kishu Gomes and the Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and the Northern Emirates Charitha Yattogoda assured the international crowd of Sri Lanka Tourism’s confidence of being able to bounce back to its competitive industry after Easter Sunday bomb attacks in Sri Lanka on 21^st April 2019. He reiterated the above addressing the international media at a Press Conference held in parallel with the Arabian Travel Market 2019 in Dubai from 28^th April to 01^st May 2019.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Gomes also apprised international media on the emergency measures that the Government of Sri Lanka has taken to mobilize its resources at this juncture to ensure the maximum safety of the tourists coming into and going out of Sri Lanka. He also comprehensively briefed the audience regarding the present status of the security of the country, in addition to short and long term steps that have been taken by the Sri Lankan authorities to combat terrorism and the productive actions taken towards ensuring safety and protection of all visitors into the island.

The Consul General Charitha Yattogoda also briefed international media regarding the experience and reliability of Sri Lanka armed forces to curb, contain and eliminate the ongoing threat, in view of their past experience in combating decades long terrorism. He also mentioned that the very confidence of the Government of Sri Lanka is reflected through the number of participant companies in the ATM, who participated in full capacity, in spite of remaining speculative on their profits in the aftermath of the attacks.

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which is the industry’s leading travel and tourism exhibition within the Middle Eastern and Pan Arab Regions, was held in the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, UAE, from 28^th April to 02 May 2019 celebrating its 26^th edition.

Over 65 companies in the travel and Tourism industry of Sri Lanka have successfully participated housing under Sri Lanka’s country pavilion at the ATM 2019, promoting Sri Lanka as a key tourist destination having the natural advantages of the highest bio diversity in Asia, backed by a strong culture, historical artefacts, exotic beaches, green environment and friendly people. Sri Lanka participated at this event for the 16^th consecutive time.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion at the ATM 2019 was inaugurated on 28^th April by Mr. Kishu Gomes, the Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. This is followed by lighting of the traditional oil lamp and remaining two (02) minutes’ silence for the victims and their bereaved family members of the Easter Sunday attacks. The Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Charitha Yattogoda and a large number of business leaders in the tourism industry representing both UAE and Sri Lanka also participated at this event.

A well attended Press Conference was held on 29^th April 2019 parallel to the travel fair to keep UAE and other international media well informed about the latest developments in relation to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, especially in the wake of the series of explosions across the island. The press conference was also started after observing two minutes’ silence in memory of the victims of the terror attacks.

The ATM brings about 40,000 industry professionals under a single roof, making avenue for generating over US$ 2.5 billion worth of business over four days. In this year, more than 2600 exhibitors, representing over 150 countries participated at the event, providing Sri Lanka with the opportunity to promote itself as a destination with authenticity, compactness and diversity.

Prior to the ATM, the Arab Health 2019 was held in Dubai from 28^th to 31^st January 2019 under the economic development initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and six (06) leading companies representing the health and wellness sectors in Sri Lanka participated at the event. It was the first time that Sri Lanka participated in the annual Arab Health, the largest health and wellness exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai & Northern Emirates coordinated Sri Lanka’s participation at the ATM 2019 as well as in Arab Health in collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and other relevant institutes.