Sri Lanka unveils renewed tourism vision at ATM
At a press conference on the sidelines of ATM, SLTPB reaffirmed its commitment to expanding tourism partnerships and boosting arrivals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the broader Middle East, and international markets.
The conference highlighted key developments across Sri Lanka's tourism sector, including infrastructure upgrades, market trends, and evolving traveller experiences.
Sampath Nishshanka, Managing Director of SLTPB, said: 'Sri Lanka is not just a destination — it is an experience shaped by warmth, culture, and meaningful connections that today's discerning travellers seek,' he said. 'We take pride in our heritage and the genuine hospitality that defines us. As we present a renewed vision for tourism, we invite the world — here at Arabian Travel Market — to rediscover Sri Lanka with fresh eyes and open hearts.'
The press conference emphasised SLTPB's collaboration with GCC-based travel agencies and airlines to enhance connectivity and curate personalized experiences for travelers in GCC and the wider region. It also spotlighted efforts to strengthen media and trade engagement through authentic storytelling and by reinforcing confidence in Sri Lanka as the ideal travel destination for GCC and Middle East traveller.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion at ATM 2025 features a mix of co-exhibitors — including boutique hotels, wellness retreats, and destination management companies (DMCs) — keen to forge partnerships across the region and beyond. SLTPB also unveiled initiatives targeting families, spiritual travelers, and adventure seekers, aligning with summer travel trends. Visa-free entry for GCC nationals, direct air links, and attractive luxury packages further reinforce Sri Lanka's appeal as a premier holiday destination.
Sri Lanka is steadily emerging as a top choice for travellers from the GCC and wider Middle East, offering halal-friendly services, safety, cultural richness, and breathtaking landscapes. With its year-round appeal, upscale accommodations, and expanding infrastructure, the island caters to a broad range of travel preferences from the region.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
2 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Gulf Air Orders 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners With Options For Six Additional Aircraft
Boeing and Gulf Air have announced an agreement for the purchase of 12 787 Dreamliner jets with options for six more as the Bahrain-based airline seeks to develop its international network further. The order will bring the carrier's firm order book to 14 of the widebody jets and will support 30,000 jobs across the United States once finalised. Bahrain Minister of Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick joined Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope and Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi to witness the signing. The flag carrier of Bahrain will grow its all-787 widebody fleet, adding up to 18 787 Dreamliners to its widebody fleet. 'This agreement marks a transformative step in Gulf Air's strategic growth journey as we expand our global footprint and modernize our fleet with one of the industry's most advanced and efficient aircraft,' Khalid Taqi, chairman of Gulf Air Group said in a statement. 'The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has proven to be an exceptional aircraft for our long-haul operations, and this new order reflects our confidence in its performance, passenger appeal and contribution to our sustainability goals. We are proud to deepen our partnership with Boeing and reaffirm our commitment to positioning Bahrain as a key global aviation hub,' he added. The 787 Dreamliner serves as the backbone of Gulf Air's long-haul operations, connecting over 50 destinations. With 10 787 airplanes in service, the airline is positioned to grow its network, serving new and existing markets across Asia, Europe and the United States. 'We are excited to build on our more than 60-year partnership with Gulf Air as we deliver the market-leading 787 Dreamliner to help the airline serve more passengers and connect more destinations,' Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes explained, adding that this investment in the 787 Dreamliner 'demonstrates Gulf Air's commitment to new technology and sustainable development, reinforcing Bahrain's position in the aviation sector.' The 787 Dreamliner family has transformed global air travel by opening over 425 new nonstop routes and carrying more than 1 billion passengers worldwide since its commercial introduction in 2011. As Gulf Air's flagship airplane, the 787 features the largest windows of any widebody jet, air that is less dry and pressurised at a lower cabin altitude for comfort, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride. From its first DC-3 in 1961, Gulf Air has taken delivery of 37 Boeing airplanes, including the 787 jets currently in its fleet. Boeing is a leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter. The company develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defence products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries.
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Scores Big: Signs Historic $17B Deal with the US Covering Tech, Aviation, Cables, and Flights
Mahir Haneef TDT| Manama Bahrain has signed a sweeping set of private-sector deals with American companies totalling approximately USD 17 billion, marking one of the kingdom's most significant economic engagements with the United States in recent years. The announcement came during a high-level reception hosted at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters on Tuesday, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The event brought together leading Bahraini and American business figures and marked the unveiling of transformative partnerships in technology, aviation, infrastructure, and industrial investment. Strategic collaborations The reception featured the signing of landmark agreements, including a digital solutions project for Bahrain's government telecoms network with Cisco and the development of a major undersea fibre-optic cable linking Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq. The cable, stretching 800 kilometres, is being executed in partnership with U.S.-based SubCom. New air connectivity was also unveiled, with plans to launch direct flights between Bahrain and New York. This move is expected to boost business and tourism ties while underscoring Bahrain's ambitions to become a central regional hub for U.S. firms. Aluminium and capital flow In addition to infrastructure deals, Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat announced USD 2 billion in strategic cooperation with U.S. firms focused on aluminium-related downstream industries. Meanwhile, Bahrain-based private and financial institutions are investing USD 10.7 billion in various American ventures, reinforcing a two-way channel of economic cooperation. On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, expressed Bahrain's appreciation for the Chamber's hospitality and urged U.S. firms to capitalise on the kingdom's open economy and trade agreements. A legacy of partnership HRH Prince Salman highlighted that the Bahrain-U.S. relationship, rooted in over 130 years of ties, continues to deepen through private-sector engagement. He reaffirmed the kingdom's commitment to building economic bridges through collaborative investments and the exchange of expertise. The event also included the presence of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister's Court, and senior officials from both nations. The deals announced reflect Bahrain's growing role as a regional entry point for American enterprise and digital infrastructure projects. These announcements signal not only Bahrain's economic ambitions but also its strategic positioning in a shifting global investment landscape.
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Huawei reclaims top spot in China's phone market: data
Tech giant Huawei topped China's smartphone market for the first time in over four years, outflanking US tech giant Apple as well as local competitors including Xiaomi, according to the US-based International Data Corporation. The Shenzhen device maker captured 18.1 percent of the local phone market in the second quarter of this year, shipping 12.5 million units, an IDC report published on Tuesday showed. Huawei's domestic rebound comes after the company has faced a smattering of US export controls, Western bans and a graft probe in Belgium. China's overall smartphone market shrank after six quarters of growth, according to the IDC data, with shipments totalling 69 million units, down four percent on-year. 'Despite the recent US-China trade truce, the broader economic environment presents ongoing challenges, with consumer confidence remaining subdued,' Arthur Guo, a senior research analyst at IDC, said in the report. 'This suggests that a significant uplift in smartphone demand is unlikely in the immediate term, and the market will navigate a more complex landscape in the second half of the year.'
