Sri Lanka strengthens tourism ties with Russia

LEISURE 2017, the 23rd International Trade Fair for Travel and Tourism, was held at the Moscow Expo Centre from 19–23 September 2017, stated a press release. Sri Lanka Tourism participated at the event with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Russia, hosting a vivid stand to capture the attraction of visitors interested in the themes of Pristine, Essence, Heritage Festivals and Bliss. 12 travel companies participated with the Sri Lankan delegation to promote Sri Lanka to the Russian market as a favourable tourist destination and attract Russian tourists.

The LEISURE 2017 Exhibition is one of the central events in Russia’s tourism industry and is considered an international platform for foreign tour operators to expand business opportunities with their Russian counterparts, added the release. The Sri Lankan pavilion was declared open by Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation Dr. Saman Weerasinghe, beside travel and trade industry officials, embassy officials and the representative for the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

In parallel to LEISURE 2017, Weerasinghe also hosted a reception for Sri Lankan Trade Industry representatives and delegates of Russian Tour Agencies specializing in Sri Lankan Tourism on 19 September 2017.

Here, Weerasinghe highlighted that “Russia is a good market with big prospects in terms of promoting Sri Lanka as a favourite tourist destination, considering the large population, rather severe climate and the preference given by Russian tourists to the Asian region.”

Up to August 2017, the number of Russian tourist arrivals has been recorded at 35,884, depicting a 7.3% increase compared to the same period last year, concluded the release.