A delegation of 23 top German travel agents recently toured Sri Lanka as part of an initiative to showcase the country’s potential as a premier tourist destination. Organized by the House of Travels and Tourism (H.O.T.) and PATA’s German sector, the six-day visit aimed to familiarize the agents with Sri Lanka’s key attractions, including Kandy, Ella, Haputale, Yala, and Bentota. Culminating in a networking event in Colombo, attended by Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, the tour emphasized Sri Lanka’s diverse offerings.
Fernando highlighted upcoming tourism developments, including plans for a sky diving school and activities like diving and deep-sea fishing, leveraging the country’s 143 Second World War shipwrecks. H.O.T. General Manager Harsha Wickramanayake expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s potential as a high-end destination, urging agents to promote it across Germany, beyond major cities like Berlin and Frankfurt. The event aimed to spotlight luxury villas and resorts, providing exposure for local brands beyond star-category hotels. Representatives emphasized the allure of these villas for European tourists. The German agents pledged to promote high-end tourism in Sri Lanka, fostering connections with local luxury hospitality brands for future collaborations and expansions.
