Emirates brings more tourists to Sri Lanka posting 200% increase in bookings
May 31, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka tourism promotion bureau’s strategic partnership with Emirates airlines has resulted in bringing the highest number of tourists in to the island by its flights during the past two years.
It has extended support during the three decades of long relationship and especially during the pandemic time to effectively promote tourism and serve the market.
Sri Lanka tourism has benefited from joint activities including trade shows, trade familiarisation trips, exhibitions, and workshops with air traveling facilities provided by Emirates.
Under this set up Global airline’s travel services arm dnata Travel to host key destination promotion event “Horizon: Sri Lanka” on 3 June in Colombo to increase bookings to the country
Emirates Group revealed yesterday that outlook for travel to Sri Lanka has been increasingly strong in 2024, with passenger bookings up more than 200% compared to 2023 levels.
The UAE and UK continue to represent the most prominent source markets seeking to travel to the country, it added.
To further boost destination “Sri Lanka” the Emirates-linked dnata Travel Group on 3 June will hold a travel industry event in Colombo hosted by senior representatives from its global brands.
Sri Lanka, aims to connect dnata Travel Group brands including UAE-based dnata Travel, UK-based Travelbag, its corporate travel division (dnata Travel Management), its partners at Emirates Holidays, and others, with the local travel and hospitality industry in Sri Lanka, to increase global travel bookings to the country.
dnata Travel Group Divisional Vice President, Global Ground Services Sebastien Doussin said: “A key element of the strategy for our global travel brands is to continue to increase our presence and strong industry connections across the Indian Ocean, as we remain one of the most prominent producers of room nights to its range of attractive destinations.”
He said “Horizon: Sri Lanka” marks the third event it has held across its island locations, following successful editions in the Maldives and Mauritius.
“Our events compliment the Strategic Plan for Sri Lanka Tourism 2022-2025 to engage in joint promotions with airlines, travel agents, and tour operators. We hope to encourage future collaboration across the industry and further boost tourism,” Doussin added.
“At our upcoming event, business leaders from across the dnata Travel Group will showcase opportunities for growing tourism to Sri Lanka in key markets, including the promotion of its diverse attractions, cultural richness, air connectivity, diverse accommodation offering, affordability, and more – to position the country as a year-round travel destination of choice for our travellers.”
Other, key opportunities will include Multi-centre holidays: Positioning Sri Lanka as part of wider, multi-centre trip planning, to capitalise on strong customer demand across dnata Travel Group brands for destinations such as Dubai and the Maldives, all accessible and serviced by Emirates.
