Sri Lanka shines through Ferien Messe Wien 2024, giving a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s Vibrant Tourism and Culture
Sri Lanka Tourism made its valued participation at Austria’s premier trade fair for holidays, travel, and leisure, the Ferien Messe Wien 2024, once again proved itself as the ultimate platform for holiday and adventure enthusiasts. The event took place from 14th to 17th March 2024 in Vienna, Austria, this international event is renowned as the leading public access tourism trade fair in Austria. Key stakeholders from the Tourism Sector, as well as representatives from the Gem and Jewelry and Tea Board, will be participated at this event. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) was represented by Marketing Officer Mr. Jagath Perera, alongside the Sri Lanka Mission in Vienna.
Sri Lanka, a pearl in the Indian Ocean, is increasingly capturing the attention of Austrian travelers, with rising arrival numbers year by year. Austria stands as one of the top source markets for tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Stand at the event commenced with a grand Opening Ceremony on March 14th, 2024. The ceremony was honored by the esteemed presence of the Sri Lanka Mission in Austria, along with representatives from SLTPB and key stakeholders in Sri Lanka Tourism.The lighting of the Traditional oil lamp and a delightful spread of traditional sweets including Kaum, Kokis, and Athiraha were offered to refresh the invitees. Sri Lanka Tourism also arranged a Sri Lanka Kottu seminar, in order to highlight the destination’s much loved spicy snack, featuring experienced chefs to showcase the authentic flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine to Austrian audiences.
The Promotional activities carried out by Sri Lanka Tourism during the Ferien Messe Wien 2024 gained a major interest, as the visitors were able to experience and taste the tantalizing flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine and beverages, providing a taste of the destinations culinary richness, and not to mention the world renowned Sri Lankan hospitality. The Sri Lanka Stall attracted the Austrian visitors with its captivating video presentations, highlighting the beauty and charm of Sri Lanka. Throughout the event, live cultural performances & demonstrations enthralled the visitors to ask for a further ‘’encore’’ as they enjoyed Sri Lanka’s traditional music, dance & crafts. A mesmerizing display of Sri Lanka’s diverse attractions and offerings was also included, with exited fair goers participating in destination related contests and raffles, offering enticing prices such as free trips, hotel stays or tours.
Along with this Promotional activities, The Sri Lanka Embassy in Austria organized cultural and tourism promotional events in Vienna from 14th March to 16th March 2024, coinciding with the travel fair. Those events were at one of the prestigious venues/Shopping malls in the heart of Vienna, namely Lugner City Vienna, Designer Outlet Pandorf, and Westfield Shopping City – Sud.
This Programme showed Sri Lanka dancing/cultural performances together with promoting Sri Lanka Tea and Sri Lankan cuisine.
In summary, the Ferien Messe Wien 2024 created a firsthand experience, in discovering the wonders of this tropical paradise and immerse oneself in its rich culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes. Austria can be highlighted as an emerging market for Sri Lanka Tourism, which has the potential of bringing more tourists to the destination, given the necessary promotion.