The Guangzhou International Travel Fair 2015 (GITF 2015), a top platform to enter the China market as well as a gateway to diversified international markets, was held on 6 – 8 March 2015 in Guangzhou.     26 leading Sri Lankan travel agents and hotels participated in the trade fair, showcasing Sri Lanka’s attractive tourism resources.

Sri Lanka’s participation in the GITF was organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing and facilitated by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou.

On the sidelines of the GITF 2015, the Sri Lanka Promotion Roadshow, was held at the Shangri La Hotel, in Guangzhou on 4th March which was well attended by the Chinese travel industry and media. Ms. Tan Ai Ying, Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Tourism Administration; Ms. Yasoja Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou; Mr. Chinthaka Liyanaarachchi, Assistant Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Mr. Udeni Perera, South China Area Manager of Sri Lankan Airlines addressed the event.

A notable feature of Sri Lanka’s participation in the GITF 2015 was the inclusion in the Sri Lankan team of the Budawatta Dance Troupe, which won the hearts of the Chinese audience with their spectacular dance moves, beautiful costumes and exciting sounds and rhythms of Sri Lanka. The artistes were in huge demand for photographs with the general public, after every performance. The highlight of Sri Lanka’s participation was the award for the Best Booth at the GITF.

The Fair attracted 780 enterprises from 43 countries and regions. A record high of more than 110 thousand people, including 30 thousand professional buyers visited the fair.