Sri Lanka Consulate General in Mumbai together with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) organised a press conference for the Mumbai-based media, and an interactive session for Travel Trade in the Western India on 24 June to announce Sri Lanka’s new tourism strategy for the Indian market.
Tourism and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga, who led the Sri Lanka delegation unveiled the promotional package specially designed for the Indian market at the press conference held in ITC Hotel, Mumbai. 
The Sri Lankan delegation consisted of SLTPB Chairman Kishu Gomes, SriLankan Holidays Manager Buddhika Hewawasam, Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators Vice President Nalin Jayasundera, SriLankan Airlines India Country Manager Chinthaka Weerasinghe, and the officials of Sri Lanka Tourism and SriLankan Airlines.
While welcoming the packed media gathering, Consul General Chamari Rodrigo said: “No country in the world is immune to international terrorism or radicalisation, but Sri Lanka is the first country to recover fast compared to others.”
With regard to the prevailing security situation, she asserted that “over 95% of the domestic terror network has been dismantled and therefore, the extremist group who is responsible for Easter attack no longer has the capability to a mount large scale attack in Sri Lanka.”
“Sri Lanka is now safe and Sri Lanka is still a paradise,” she added.
Addressing the gathering, the Tourism Minister said normalcy has been restored and emphasised that Sri Lanka is a friend of India. “We believe India is our elder brother and we are most definite that it would extend its help. Prime Minister Modi was the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the attack. We always fall in line with Indian politics and Indian foreign policy,” the Minister remarked.
Kishu Gomes said that the Indian tourists were the highest spending and longest staying tourists in Sri Lanka. “Indians spent $ 1,200 per tourist per visit compared to others.”
He further said that “Sri Lanka is now safe to travel. Over the next three months SLTPB has planned to organise ‘Colombo Celebrate’ which is a culinary, fashion, sport and entertainment event where some global stars are expected to participate in including Sachin Tendulkar and Deepika Padukone”.
The five new promotional packages which were launched in collaboration with SriLankan Airlines, the Hotel Association of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators include discounts ranging from 30% to 60% covering airfares, accommodation, transport and other facilities. Promotional packages are valid from 10 June to 30 September and will be available with most travel agents across India.
An interactive session between the Sri Lankan delegation and the key players of Travel Trade in Western India was held in the evening at ITC hotel, Mumbai. The event was graced by popular Sri Lankan actress in Bollywood Jacqueline Fernandez who urged Indian people to visit Sri Lanka.
While encouraging people to visit Sri Lanka, she claimed: “Sri Lanka is my homeland. I have spent some of my most beautiful and fondest memories and holidays over there. Sri Lanka is absolutely safe to go back to right now. We really would love your continued support for Sri Lanka.”
India continues to be the top source tourism market for Sri Lanka since 2009.
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