The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing, China hosted a successful Tea and Tourism Promotion networking event at the Chancery premises, attended by around 50 companies representing the Ceylon Tea importers, Tour Operators, and Media on 29^th of January, 2024.

The objective of the event was to encourage Chinese travelers to visit Sri Lanka through the free visa policy introduced by Sri Lanka as a measure to boost tourist arrivals from the main sourcing destinations, including China. At the same time, promotion and demonstration of Ceylon tea, a leading export product to the Chinese market, was also coupled with the event, for a more harmonious Ceylon tea and Tourism experience.

Addressing the gathering, Charge d’ Affairs, K.K. Yoganaadan, highlighted bilateral relations and the importance of Ceylon tea and tourism sectors to the economy of Sri Lanka. He emphasized the visa-free facility introduced to boost the tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka and invited the active participation of outbound tour companies to focus on Sri Lanka and media companies to take the message across to the Chinese public. The event was also an opportunity to announce the new branding of Sri Lanka tourism “You will come back for more”.

Detailed presentations on Ceylon tea and Tourism were made, together with attractive videos, to convince the guests that Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for tourism and also for premium Tea. A Question & Answer session was also conducted to address queries from the audience. Experience sharing opportunity on a FAM tour was organized, to add to the effectiveness of the event.

The networking event showcased that Sri Lanka has been identified as an island with unique characteristics “authenticity, compactness and diversity". Seven geographical tea brands were also introduced, highlighting the differences of each brand, and the they take in the Chinese market.

The guests were treated to Ceylon Tea and Lion Bear, along with other refreshments.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Beijing

30 January 2024