The first organised tourist group of 40 Palestinian tourists travelled to Sri Lanka in February 2008 and in view of the situation that prevailed in Sri Lanka at that time and the adverse publicity, this was an adventure. Success of this trip and the pleasant experience that they had there is now a steady flow of tourists to Sri Lanka.
Many travel agents in Palestine in collaboration with the travel agents in Sri Lanka are now offering very attractive holiday packages. Thanks to the initiative taken by Dr. T. Jayasinghe, Diplomatic Representative for Sri Lanka in Palestine by visiting the travel agents in all major cities, Sri Lanka is now a very popular travel destination for Palestinians. The officials of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Road Show who will be in Ramallah for the Road Show will be accompanied by a group of dancers as well. Palestinian tourism sector will be represented by 36 members of the Palestinian Society for Tourism and Travel Agents. Palestine Minister for Tourism and Antiquities Dr. Khloud Daibes will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The Road Show will discuss the problems connected with the trade and exchange views with regard to increasing the flow of tourists from Palestine to Sri Lanka. Travel agents from both countries will also discuss ways and means of sending more Christian, Islamic and other tourists from Sri Lanka specially to Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Dead Sea.
The problems that Palestinians had with regard to obtaining visas to visit Sri Lanka had been resolved as the Diplomatic Representative office in Ramallah now issues the visas without any delay. Since a large percentage of Palestinians hold US and EU passports the question of visas is not an important one. Travelling to Sri Lanka is very easy as there are three direct flights a week from Amman to Colombo and it takes only six and half hours to reach Colombo.
Palestinians who had already travelled to Sri Lanka find it thrilling, pleasant and cheap. They love the greenery, waterfalls, beaches and most of all the facilities at the hotels along with the hospitality. Honeymoon couples from Palestine find Sri Lanka a very interesting destination.
There are also Palestinians now visiting Sri Lanka for trade purposes as well. In January this year there was a trade delegation visiting Sri Lanka on the invitation of Sri Lanka Export Development Board. They were interested in garments, shoes, toys, etc. Many more businessmen are to follow. In the meantime tea importers in Palestine now visit Sri Lanka to purchase their requirements direct. Ninety percent of the tea consumed in Palestine comes from Sri Lanka.
Even under difficult conditions prevailing, Palestinians love to travel and Sri Lanka is now an attractive destination. Peace in Sri Lanka is an added incentive. Tourism Road Show will educate the travel agents to attract more tourists to Sri Lanka in the future.
Source Asiantribune
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