Sri Lanka Tourism to showcase an array of events at WTM

PR Log (Press Release) – Nov 11, 2008 – Sri Lanka Tourism to showcase an array of
events at WTM
Cricketers, EarthLung song and Sri Lanka Experts site to woo visitors
The second largest global event after ITB, the World Travel Market (WTM) is all set to be held at the Excel Centre, London from November 10th – 13th, 2008.
It is a trade event where buyers from the world over meet to discuss and plan activities for the coming year. This year WTM is ready to house nearly 300, 000 visitors, 5, 000 trade partners from 200 countries.
A high profile delegation from Sri Lanka Tourism, headed by the Minister of Tourism, Milinda Moragoda, include Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, George Michael; Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Renton de Alwis; and SLTPB Managing Director, Dileep Mudadeniya along with the Directors the UK office Sanjika Perera. This demonstrates Sri Lanka's strong commitment to tourism from the UK, in addition to efforts at promoting the Indian, Middle Eastern, Russian and Chinese markets.  
This year, 42 companies will participate including eight Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, George Michael commented, “We want to reach a global audience and reassure them that Sri Lanka is a safe and sustainable tourism destination. WTM is the perfect platform to promote our beautiful green isle - leading cricket stars like Brand Ambassador Arjuna Ranatunga, Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas will join us to give our presence high visibility.
The Secretary further added that, “We have taken measures in formulating a national action plan promoting environmental products and sustainable tourism as a part of the Earth Lung Campaign. Eight SME companies were selected and were assisted to participate at WTM in a move to encourage the SME sector.”
“Sri Lanka Tourism’s in its pioneering initiative in combating global climate change on EathLung, a music DVD, ‘A  land like no other’, sung by Tourism Ambassador, Alston Koch, will be released at the WTM,” said, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Renton de Alwis. The song is tipped to be adopted by the UN World Tourism Organisation as the official song for the ‘Climate Change and Tourism Initiative’ worldwide.  “At the WTM my Minister will also appoint the Chairman of the WTM and well-known UK tourism personality, Tom Nutley, who is a very dear friend of Sri Lanka, as a Tourism Brand Ambassador” he added.

At WTM 2008, Sri Lanka Tourism UK, will be unveiling their latest agent training tool; Sri Lanka Specialist, a programme with which Sri Lanka Tourism will train over 6,000 travel agents enabling them to promote Sri Lanka more effectively to prospective holiday makers.

There will be a 15 minute presentation on the features of the online site, the benefits to becoming a Sri Lanka Specialist and chances to win on the spot prizes.  Sri Lankan cricket T-shirts signed by crickets and Ayurvedic kits to give away on each day and a chance to have a photograph with key members of the Sri Lankan Cricket Team, has been arranged.

The ultimate reward for becoming a Sri Lanka Specialist is an opportunity to be part of the mega familiarization tour next year, getting hands on experience climbing Sigiriya rock or playing with the Elephants at Pinnawela has been lined up. For participating agents, a registration desk at the WTM will be available.

Other activities at the WTM include a Ministerial Summit organised by the UNWTO where Sri Lanka will be featured, a press conference, Responsible Tourism Award Ceremony and Conference, interactions for Sri Lankan industry with UK tour operators and travel buyers, ayurvedic massage promotions, and servings of exotic Dilmah Ceylon tea for visitors to the stand.