Sri Lanka Wellness Tourism Sector first ever participation at WTM London 2019, 4-6 November 2019

“ It was an incredible opportunity for us as a bespoke Wellnesss retreat to showcase our products in the international arena and a meet international buyers to media and influencers in Wellnesss Travel. Our presence generated a very positive interest in all the sectors of Wellnesss travel and gives much confidence going forward to develop our business” stated a Sri Lankan Delegate, Dr. Sam Kankanamge, Sen Wellness Sanctuary at the recently concluded World Travel Market(WTM) London 2019 Exhibition.

The EDB has organized this event with the aim of developing and promoting the wellness tourism service sector exports from Sri Lanka to UK, which has been identified as one of the focused sectors in the National Export Strategy (NES). With the view of global positioning of the sector under the country branding “So Sri Lanka” and promoting it in the key target markets, UK has been identified as one of the most prospective markets in Europe with a huge potential for Sri Lanka Wellness Tourism sector.

“It was indeed a pleasure to be a part of the Sri Lanka delegation of Wellness Tourism at WTM London 2019 and it was revealed that there is a huge potential for Sri Lanka to promote Wellness Tourism in this market ” said Mr. Shelly Thenuwara, Managing Director, Tree of Life.

 “ The event was enabled to obtain an insight and speak with a variety of stakeholders including wellness tour operators, bloggers, journalists and influencers who was keen about Wellness and life style industry” which is an opportunity to secure new business opportunities in the UK market” stated Mrs. Geetha Karandawala, Director, Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort.

Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort, Heritance Ayurveda Mahagedara, Sen Wellness Sanctuary, Tree of Life (Pvt) Ltd, Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilion, Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort were participated at this exhibition.  Dr. Sam Kankanamge, Founder, Sen Wellness Sanctuary, Mrs. Geetha Karandawala, Director, Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort, Mr. Shelly Thenuwara, Managing Director, Tree of Life were among the Sri Lanka delegation.

Each company had conducted 40-60 business meetings with potential business contacts, influential travel agents, travel magazines (Vogue magazine, National Geographic, Conde Nast etc), hoteliers, and interested individuals during the exhibition which could result to the future business developments of the companies. The new business contacts generated in this event with the potential clients would create the platform to increase business in the best interest of Sri Lanka Wellness Tourism industry. Sri Lankan companies are following up the business inquiries they received at the exhibition towards success.

The main focus of organizing this event was to have an exposure to introduce Sri Lanka Wellness sector offerings to the UK market as a new service area and to build up business relationships between the two countries. 

This exhibition has helped the industry to reach the target audience in communicating and expanding the scope and also help with market insights and to know customer needs better which has long-term benefits for enhancing and developing the service portfolio.

The EDB is giving a prominent place for the Sri Lankan Wellness Tourism sector to achieve its overall goals. The EDB is also planning to organize similar programs in other countries in future to explore business opportunities for the Sri Lankan Wellness Tourism Sector service providers.