The 66th edition of the Annual Convention & Exhibition of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) is scheduled to take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka from April 19 – 22, 2022.
First mega event post pandemic – the forthcoming convention is attracting huge attention from the industry stakeholders of both countries. TAAI is holding its convention in Sri Lanka on the invitation of Sri Lanka Promotion Bureau –the key sponsor of the event.
Speaking on the importance of hosting Indian Travel Congress in Sri Lanka, Madubhani Perera, Actg. Managing Director and Director Public Relations, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau says this will be the first International Tourism Convention taking place in Sri Lanka post pandemic. With the successful vaccination drive in Sri Lanka with 65% fully vaccinated, it will be a safe and secure destination to hold their convention with minimum regulations.”
“Since India is the No1 source market at present generating around 16% of total arrivals it is important that the tourist arrivals be increased by giving an opportunity for the travel industry of both countries to develop its relations and make business contacts. It is expected that at least 250,000 tourists will be generated from India during 2022,” she added.
Talking about her plans to get more from the event in terms of promotion of Sri Lanka in India and vice versa Perera says that it is expected to promote special products such as Ramayan Trail, Buddhist Tourism, Wedding Tourism, Cruise Tourism to the Indian traveller through the TAAI membership.
“This will be a long term relationship established through this Convention in Sri Lanka to promote two- way traffic between the two countries. Sri Lanka Tourism plans to carry out different promotional campaigns targeting trade, media and consumers in future to attract a sizable portion of this lucrative market,” she further informed.
She is confident that with the resumption of international flights from India and also expansion of flight frequencies and capacities by Airlines especially by Srilankan Airlines, Air India and VIstara, Indigo, the movement of traffic between the two countries will be facilitated.
