Sri Lanka Tourism is targeting 20,000 New Zealand visitors this season, up from 14,000 last year, chairman Buddhika Hewawasam told New Zealand Travel Trade at the destination’s annual Auckland roadshow last night.
The event, held at the Pullman Hotel, brought a 30 strong contingent of Sri Lankan suppliers to Auckland for one on one meetings with local travel advisors, giving the trade an opportunity to update on new product across the island.
Hewawasam said New Zealand had been performing well and the tourism body was keen to drive engagement further.
“Last year was a great year thanks to all the agents and advisors supporting Sri Lanka and selling us. We got 14,000 visitors to the island and this year as the season kicks in, we are looking forward to welcoming 20,000 kiwis to our shores. That represents a 20% YOY growth we have achieved.”
“This year we have brought 30 top operators from Sri Lanka. We have also kicked off our digital marketing campaign aimed at consumers in New Zealand and want to support the trade in their efforts. We will also be continuing our famil programs for the media and trade,” he added.
Hewawasam encouraged agents to sell beyond the familiar, pointing to product categories he said were underexposed in this market.
“Kiwis might not know about the luxury products that Sri Lanka offer and also the wellness and spiritual experiences. That is the key differentiator of Sri Lanka is and travel agents will benefit from repeat travel of their clients.”
On air services, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Zealand Prasanna Gamage said direct connectivity was not currently possible.
“We have the air services agreement all laid out between New Zealand and Sri Lanka but due to an old fleet, we are not able to connect Colombo with Auckland direct. However, we are planning to have the service connected through Sydney or Melbourne to Auckland, seamlessly connecting with a one stop in Australia over to Colombo. We are confident that will happen very soon.”
The evening concluded with cultural performances and a three course dinner, with several agents winning trips to Sri Lanka.