Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Emirates has solidified its strategic partnership with Sri Lanka Tourism to enhance tourism to the South Asian island. This commitment was underscored through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Emirates and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau during the Arabian Travel Market 2024 in Dubai. In addition to this agreement, Emirates will also actively engage with travel agents and tour operators in pivotal strategic markets to showcase Sri Lanka’s attractions to its global clientele.
Also read: Maldives calls out to Indian tourists
At this event, the MoU was formally executed by Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean, and Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Honourable Harin Fernando, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs of Sri Lanka, and Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management.
Also read: Singapore has become the fourth wealthiest city globally
Having operated in Sri Lanka for 38 years, Emirates is committed to furthering the nation’s tourism agenda. Through the outlined collaborative efforts, such as crafting tailored packages to attract diverse audiences and organizing familiarization trips from key feeder markets, Emirates aims to bolster tourist arrivals and stimulate the broader tourism economy of Sri Lanka. In 2023, the island welcomed over 1.4 million tourists, with Emirates playing a pivotal role in facilitating their transportation.
Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean, emphasized Emirates’ longstanding relationship with Sri Lanka, dating back to the inception of its operations in the country. He reiterated Emirates’ commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s status as a premier leisure destination within its network, thus contributing to the growth of tourism and trade through its passenger and cargo services.
Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, expressed delight in partnering with Emirates, citing the airline’s extensive connectivity to key and emerging markets as crucial for generating a tourism influx to Sri Lanka. He affirmed the commitment to spotlighting Sri Lanka’s distinctive tourism offerings with Emirates’ support.
Sri Lanka remains an integral part of Emirates’ extensive network, spanning over 130 destinations. Since its launch in 1986, Emirates has provided two direct daily flights to Colombo with the Boeing 777-300ER, supplemented by an additional daily service via Male. Notably, Emirates stands out as the sole international carrier offering First Class services to Sri Lanka, epitomizing its dedication to delivering world-class products and unmatched comfort both in the air and on the ground.
