In order to attract Indian tourists to Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Tourism in association with Sri Lanka Airlines, The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and inbound tour operators for the first time introduced attractive packages specially, targeting India. The package includes discounted airfare, accommodation, transport and more. Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Manager SriLankan Holidays, Sri Lankan Airlines said that the discount offer will make Sri Lankan holidays 30 to 60% cheaper for Indian tourists. The packages are meant to boost the tourism industry following the Easter Sunday attacks that occurred in the country in April this year. The offers will be valid for stays from June 10 to September 30, 2019 and can be availed across Sri Lankan Airlines’ network covering 12 cities in India with 123 weekly flights. Kishu Gomes, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, said that the country is completely normal and there is no security threat exists any more. “Our military brought the situation under control within 48 hours after the incidence,” Gomes stated. He also added that after first month of the attack Sri Lanka registered the visit of 40,000 foreign tourists. “Out of that, 9,300 tourists were Indian,” he said. Throwing light on the focus areas for India market, Gomes said that MICE tourism will continue to remain their no one focus segment, followed by destination wedding and film tourism.
