Sri Lanka highlights unique wildlife and nature tourism assets at UK Bird Fair
Sunday, August 18th 2024
Sri Lanka Tourism (SLT) made a significant impact with its presence at the Global Bird Fair 2024, held recently in Rutland, United Kingdom, underscoring the country’s commitment to promoting its unique wildlife and nature tourism assets.
The event, a premier gathering for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists worldwide, proved to be an ideal platform for Sri Lanka to showcase its diverse avifauna and unique natural habitats. Sri Lanka is one of the top 33 bio-diversity hot spots in the world, drawing the special attention of all visitors, SLT said in a media release.
During the fair, Sri Lanka Tourism showcased its rich biodiversity through immersive experiences, including wildlife safaris, wild Glamping, Nature trekking, hiking, guided birdwatching tours, Awareness workshops, Guest Speaker sessions, and tailor-made nature excursions. These initiatives aimed to attract the niche segment of eco-tourists seeking authentic encounters with nature and wildlife.
The Sri Lanka delegation consisted of nine specialised travel agents of the wildlife tour segment of the country and officials including Ms. Manorie Malliakaratchi -Deputy High Commissioner in London and Ms. Sarangi Thilakasena -Deputy Director Marketing of Sri Lanka Tourism.
They engaged with international stakeholders, birdwatchers, and wildlife enthusiasts to highlight the country’s unique offerings in wildlife tourism, its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, adventure, relaxation, and diverse other experiences Sri Lanka has to offer to avid travelers. With over 340 species of birds, many of which are endemic to Sri Lanka, the delegation emphasised the island’s potential as a top destination for birdwatching and nature exploration at the show.
On the second day of the show, Sri Lanka conducted an awareness session to over 120 wildlife and nature tourism professionals on the topic of “Sri Lanka’s Wildlife and Conservation in a Tourism Perspective” by Chandika Jayarathne, a veteran wildlife personality and a Naturalist in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, Sri Lanka Tourism conducted an exclusive interview with Gehan De Silva Wijeyeratne, on “Promoting Sri Lanka as a sought-after wildlife destination and the role of tourism industry”. Mr. de Silva Wijeyeratne is one of Sri Lanka’s most high profile wildlife personalities, a celebrity wildlife writer, Nature explorer and has authored and photographed over 345 books and articles for national and international publishers on Sri Lankan biodiversity and travel.