53 strong travel trade companies from tourism industry including Sri Lankan and Mihin Airlines participated at ATM 2014 in an area of 250 sq.mt. country pavilion showcasing Sri Lanka’s authenticity, diversity and compactness. Theme of this year country pavilion was jungle effect with a focus on an elephant family, leopards, trees, bushes and the water fall.

Sri Lanka Pavilion was ceremonially inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Mahinda Balasuriya, the Ambassador in UAE,  Nishantha Wickramasinghe, Chairman of Sri Lankan and Mihin Lanka Airlines and  Abdul Raheem, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai amidst drumming beats and the traditional Sri Lankan “Pooja Dance”. Dushan Wickramasuriya, Assistant Director represented Sri Lanka Tourism at the opening ceremony.

Liquid tea service, which was organized by Tea Promotion Unit of Consulate General, attracted visitors to enjoy a cup of Pure Ceylon Tea in the Country Pavilion.

The Middle East market including UAE has been prioritized by Sri Lanka travel trade to attract more holiday makers from the region particularly during the forthcoming summer vacation. Sri Lanka targets 100,000 tourists from the Gulf Region during 2014 since Sri Lanka’s scenic greenery has been attractive to Arab holiday makers.

The ATM 2014, the annual gathering of global travel trade players, is aimed to showcase the achievements of tourism offerings in the world destinations. 21st edition of ATM 2014 is expected to see double digit growth of visitors compared to last year.  2700 exhibitors will promote global destinations at ATM 2014 and the event is expected to attract over 20,000 visitors from 157 countries.