Travel trade fair ITB Berlin kicked off on Wednesday (07)  in the German capital with another record participation of some 10,644 exhibitors from 187 countries. Some 170,000 delegates and visitors are expected  to attend the five-day event.

The, International Tourism Exchange which is also known as the ITB, is considered to be the largest global event of the Travel Industry. It promotes domestic; inter regional and International travel and it is usually being held in Berlin on annual basis. Since 1968, Sri Lanka played a considerable role as a member of this event.

Sri Lanka is being represented by Sri Lankan Tourism at the International Tourism Exchange that is being held from 07th to 11th March, 2012 at Messe Berlin, German, marking the consecutive 44th year successfully.

Since Sri Lanka’s tourism sector developed rapidly during the last year with exciting new ventures, tourist attractions and a fleet of new exclusive resorts and hideaways, the Sri Lankan participants at the event could stick on to the positive hopes at abroad. Remarkably, the number of German tourists to Sri Lanka alone just surpassed 55,880 during the last year, indicating a very good potential for Sri Lanka in the German tourist market.

Sri Lanka’s 268sqm x 30sqm upper deck at the stall was specially designed to appear more open and inviting to the visitors and thereby to convey the message of the ‘unique’ openness of the Sri Lankan culture. It also enables the visitors to make easier and more intense contacts with the Sri Lankan travel industry representatives and varied attractions of the island.

Another major attraction of the Sri Lanka pavilion was a group of large panels displaying 8 themes depicting various attractions of the island. Inside the pavilion was also decorated promoting some major attractions of the island. In addition, the visitors to the Sri Lankan stall can enjoy a tea boutique promoting the Ceylon tea brand among the German visitors plus a spa room which gives an excellent foot massage.

The Tour operators with highest tourist turnouts in the year 2012 were awarded with Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2012 at a brief ceremony held on 07th March 2012. The awards were designed with Sri Lankan gems with the intention of promoting the exclusive Sri Lankan gems in Germany. The event was held with the participation of Hon. Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economic Development, The Ambassador- Sarath Konegahage, Chairman – Sri Lankan Airlines and other industry stakeholders.

The companies were MEIER'S / Dertour Company of Germany awarded the1st Place, FTI Group – Germany, the 2nd Place and  Rewe Group – Germany the 3rd place.     

              

In addition, a raffle draw will take place during the latter period of the event and the winner would be a proud owner of a Blue Sapphire, given under the sponsorship of  N G J A M/s Ellawala Exports, a leading gem exporter in Sri Lanka.

The stand of Sri Lanka will be located in the Asia Region adjoining Sri Lankan Airlines in the Hall 05.2a and the relevant stall number will be 114.