Japan lures Lankans to land of Sakura
Sri Lankans travelling to Japan has been on the rise in the past few years and authorities believe this is a new growth market that they need to tap through the Japan Travel Fair to be held here for the second consecutive year on February 9.
Japanese tourism authorities from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) will be in the country in a bid to entice Sri Lankans to continue to visit the Far Eastern country that has been attracting an increasing number of travellers over the years, fair organisers said.
Generating 31 million travellers to the country authorities expect to make it to 40 million in 2020 and 60 million in 2030. Japan has attracted 24,672 visitors from Sri Lanka in 2016, which rose to 27,904 in 2017.
The Japanese Government also expects to increase its number of arrivals from Sri Lanka through these travel fairs.
More Sri Lankans visit during the school vacation and Sinhala New Year season in April when the spring season is on in Japan when Sakura flowers are blooming, Japanese authorities stated.
In a bid to dispel the assumption among Sri Lankans of Japan being a costly destination to travel to, authorities insist that this attitude needs to change since there are a number of activities to enjoy when they visit.
In fact, they believe Sri Lankans need to visit Japan during the winter season as the spring season may be a difficult time to obtain a booking due to the increased number of visitors during this time of the year.
At the travel fair visitors would be able to obtain more information on the destination and enjoy some cultural performances like Aikido, Karate, dancing and the ability to try out the Yukata Japanese traditional dress of women folk.
Over 20 travel agents are organising tours to Japan and brochures available on Japan could assist future travelers to find out more information on the destination, authorities said.
Japan will also be playing host to a number of international events like the Rugby World Cup 2019 in September and October this year, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in August 2020, Kansai World Masters Games in 2021 and the Osaka-Kansai EXPO in 2025.
Japanese tourism authorities from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) will be in the country in a bid to entice Sri Lankans to continue to visit the Far Eastern country that has been attracting an increasing number of travellers over the years, fair organisers said.