Keeping with the trends, Sri Lanka Tourism will launch a new brand image in the next few weeks. “From ‘A Land Like No Other’, our branding position will be, ‘Sri Lanka-Small Miracle’,” Tourism Ministry Secretary, George Michael said yesterday.
He explained that the new brand had been positively tested in markets abroad including at the recently concluded ITB in Berlin. When asked the reason for the change, Michael said that since Sri Lanka is at a turning point in its history with a new beginning after the end of the war, it is appropriate to reposition the country.
Calling the tourism for the year 2009 a bleak picture, Tourism Promotion Bureau and Tourism Development Authority Chairman, Bernard Goonethilleke said that despite the hard times, Sri Lanka will focus on marketing the destination.
“We are changing our image and promoting the country with ‘Buy one, get one free’ package.” The package in association with Sri Lankan Airlines, Qatar Airlines and the hotels in Sri Lanka will let one tourist fly to Sri Lanka for free, if the accompanying tourist avails the package. “We’ve already launched it in the UK and we hope to launch it to other destinations such as China and the Middle East soon.” (NN)