Sri Lanka Tourism Steps up Promotions in China – Exploring New Avenues for Growth

Sri Lanka Tourism is intensifying its efforts to attract more Chinese travellers during the off-peak season while launching its second roadshow in multiple Chinese cities this week. Led by Tourism Minister Harin Fernando and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu, a team will participate in the Guangzhou International Travel Fair and conduct a roadshow in cities including Kunming, Beijing, and Shanghai. The team aims to meet with China Southern Airlines’ top management to resume operations in Sri Lanka, believing that increased air seat capacity and regular direct flights will create favourable conditions for drawing Chinese tourists. The Minister will also attend a Sri Lankan food festival in Shanghai, organized by the Consulate General Office and Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts.

Last week, Air China confirmed the resumption of service to Sri Lanka in July, committing to operating three flights per week, with increased frequency expected in the future. Sri Lanka is also hoping to attract other Chinese airlines, such as China Eastern, to boost arrivals. The Minister will engage with government officials, travel agencies, industry stakeholders, and TikTok management during the visit. The roadshows aim to facilitate discussions, improve business partnerships, and promote Sri Lanka as a destination for leisure, business, and MICE tourism. Despite the impact of COVID-19 travel restrictions, China has become one of Sri Lanka’s top source markets, with the country expected to benefit from China’s economic growth and the reopening of its outbound tourism. In April, a group of Chinese travel agents and influencers visited Sri Lanka and expressed high satisfaction with the country’s tourist attractions. Hotels in Negombo Sri Lanka the likes of Amagi Aria and other destinations on the island are sure to have benefited from this.