Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister, Harin Fernando says he held productive discussions with Australian cricket and rugby officials to promote Sri Lanka as a prime tourism destination among Australian sports enthusiasts.
The strategic meetings aimed to strengthen the bond between the two nations and boost tourism by engaging with the local Australian sporting community.
During the meetings with cricket and rugby officials, Minister Fernando explored innovative strategies to promote Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences.
Discussions revolved around incorporating Sri Lanka’s tourism branding into local Australian cricket and rugby games, with the aim of creating awareness among the large fan base of these sports.
Joined by Sri Lanka Tourism Ambassador Sanath Jayasuriya and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chalaka Gajabahu, Minister Fernando organized three prominent tourism roadshows in Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne. The events attracted key stakeholders in the Australian travel industry, including travel agents, tour operators, and potential visitors.
Highlighting the historical ties and cultural affinity shared between Sri Lanka and Australia, Minister Fernando emphasized the immense potential of attracting Australian tourists to Sri Lanka. Australia has been identified as an emerging market for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry due to the close relationship between the two nations over the years.
Minister Fernando announced the upcoming launch of a dedicated campaign targeting Australian cricket and rugby fans. This campaign will showcase the diverse tourism offerings of Sri Lanka, including its picturesque beaches, ancient historical sites, vibrant wildlife, thrilling adventure sports, and authentic cultural experiences. By directly engaging with the passions and interests of Australian sports fans, the campaign seeks to pique their curiosity and inspire them to consider Sri Lanka as their next travel destination.
“The tourism roadshows in Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne provided an ideal platform for Sri Lankan tourism representatives to interact with Australian travel industry professionals and potential visitors” Minister Fernando said.
Minister Fernando also said he held meetings with various Australian airline representatives, namely Qantas and Jet Air, urging them to enhance their connectivity options to Sri Lanka.
Jason Warne, the brother of the late Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne also participated in an event held in Melbourne to promote Sri Lanka tourism.
Speaking at the event, Jason Warne commended Sri Lanka for its progress over the last year. Having visited Sri Lanka last year, Warne commended Sri Lanka for pulling through the economic crisis and moving forward.
Stepping in to promote Sri Lankan tourism, he urged Australians to visit Sri Lanka highlighting the hospitality of the Sri Lankan people and revealing Sri Lanka was a nation close to his heart. (NewsWire)
