Two way tourism promotion in the offing | Sunday Observer

Two way tourism promotion in the offing

23 July, 2017

Singapore is looking at a two way approach to promote Sri Lanka and Singapore as a popular tourist destination.

“We will be promoting Sri Lanka in Singapore and also promote Singapore in Sri Lanka. There are many programs lined up to facilitate our efforts,” Singapore Tourism Board, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, International Group Regional Director G.B. Srithar said.

“Sri Lanka’s outbound tourism sector is expanding. The number of arrivals from Sri Lanka to Singapore, crossed the 100,000 mark last year. It recorded 101,905 from January to December 2016.

The growth rate was 9.5 percent on a yoy basis. This is very encouraging,” he said.

This year, from January to April, the arrival figure was 31,579 travellers. “The numbers from Sri Lanka is impressive.

We have not set a target for this year, but are hopeful that the figures will improve.

As Singapore has become a year round destination, we expect the number of arrivals to increase,” he said.

Referring to the top attractions in Singapore, Srithar said that Universal Studios, Marina Bay Sands, Santosa, night safari and tours showing different aspects of Singapore are the best.

“We conducted a road show last week in Sri Lanka to promote the country. It was held on grand scale with 3 R’s of renewing, refreshing and revitalizing. The show was an opportunity to renew the ties with the travel trade for deeper and better results, refresh knowledge and products and revitalizing our marketing strategy,” he said.

Explaining why Sri Lankans should visit Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board, International Group, India, Area Director Adrian Kong said that the great Singapore sale which started on June 9 will continue till August 13 this year. Among the other attractions that Singapore offers are 2017 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Grand Pix, BNP Paribas WTA finals, Deepavali celebrations, Zouk out (beach party), Christmas wonderland and the Singapore cocktail festival. There will be a lot of entertaining activities in the Mandai area and the Jewel Changi Airport project will provide the travelles entertainment before they fly back to Sri Lanka, he said.

Singapore Airlines celebrated its 70th anniversary this year. 

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