Sri Lanka Tourism received the first group of Chinese Tourists for 2023, since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. They were warmly welcomed at the Bandaranaike International Airport, amidst a distinguished audience including Hon. Minister of Tourism and Lands, Harin Fernando, Hon. State Minister of External affairs, Tharaka Balasuriya , Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E Qi Zhenhong, Mr. Zhang Yingbao Cultural Counsellor , Ms. Li Qingru ,First Secretary of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka , Chairman , Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau , Chalaka Gajabahu ,and Rt. Major General G.A Chandrasiri , Chairman , Airport & Aviation services.
Hon. Harin Fernando, addressing the gathering said that this will further strengthen the friendship between Sri Lanka and China. He expressed hope in building a very strong bond between the two nations which will continue in many years to come.
The group consisted of 117 tourists who will be here for an 8-day visit and experience the numerous tourism offerings Sri Lanka has to offer. They arrived via special Sri Lankan airlines flight from Guangzhou.
China is one of the key source markets for Sri Lanka, as China is marked as a nation which brings a large number of tourists to Sri Lanka annually. During 2018, China was the highest tourist generating market receiving 265,965 tourist arrivals from China up to December in the same year. Therefore, by renewing connections with its Chinese counterparts, Sri Lanka hopes to re-establish China one of the major East Asian destinations which will generate a similar number throughout 2023.