With Sri Lanka’s tourism industry trying to recover from the pandemic and economic setbacks, the forthcoming annual convention of TAAI is expected to be a real shot in the arms of its plans to boost Indian tourist arrivals.
The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) is organising its 68th annual convention in Colombo, Sri Lanka from July 6 to 9, 2023. The convention is likely to draw about 400-500 delegates including media.
“Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has been resilient in spite of the economic challenges. We are hoping that our members will help to grow Indian tourist arrivals to the island nation post the convention. We are also excited that as a great gesture, the honourable Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (Dinesh Gunawardena) is hosting dinner for the delegates in his house. All the dinners during the convention will have a different theme that will be in sync with our focus to promote experiential travel,” said Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI while speaking at a virtual media conference on May 25 (Thursday).
The theme of the convention is ‘Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives’ which will focus on promoting regional tourism besides positioning Sri Lanka as a preferred destination among Indian outbound travellers.
The opening ceremony of the convention will take place at Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) while the business sessions will take place in two hotels – Cinnamon Grand Colombo and Shangri-La Colombo.
Sri Lanka received 19,915 Indian tourists in April 2023, making the country its number-one source market. In terms of overall international tourist arrivals between January to April 2023, Sri Lanka received 66,347 Indian tourists behind Russia’s 94,547 tourist arrivals.
Apart from the convention, TAAI will be organizing pre and post-familiarisation tours covering destinations including Bentota, Galle, and Kandy.
The association has partnered with four airlines including Sri Lankan, Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara for offering special round trip fares for its delegates ranging between Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 30,000.
Delegates including the spouses participating at the convention have to pay a mandatory registration fee of Rs. 3540 which includes 18 percent GST.
In terms of accommodation for the visiting delegates, TAAI has partnered with about 7 hotels in two different categories. In the five-star category hotels that include the likes of Shangri-La and Taj Samudra, delegates have to pay Rs. 14160 (including GST) while the spouse will be accommodated complimentary for a package of three nights. However, for an additional delegate of the same company, additional Rs. 8260 (including GST) will be charged.
In the four-star deluxe category that includes properties like Ramada by Wyndham Colombo, delegates need to pay Rs. 11,800 (including GST) and an additional Rs. 7080 in case of an extra occupant of the same company for a package of three nights.
TAAI is being supported by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) for its annual convention.