September 27, 2024, in conjunction with “World Tourism Day,” the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria hosted a tourist and trade promotion event at Menlyn Mall, one of the biggest shopping centres in South Africa. The purpose of the Sri Lanka stall was to present Sri Lanka as a travel hub by showcasing the country as a top tourist destination and highlighting its arts and crafts.
The three-day event, which was held on September 27 and 29, 2024, promoted and highlighted Sri Lanka’s travel destinations, cosmetics, cuisine, tea, batik apparel, artwork, and crafts.
“Pretoria organises a showcase of Sri Lankan trade and tourism”
The traditional oil lamp was lit to officially open the Sri Lankan stall, which was themed “Sri Lanka Trade Showcase,” in front of guests from the Sri Lankan community in South Africa as well as members of the diplomatic community in Pretoria.
During the event, the well-known Sri Lankan cosmetic brand “Spa Ceylon” promoted its whole product line. Given that the Spa Ceylon South Africa branch is located in Durban, this was the first time the brand was introduced to the Pretoria area. Additionally, they gave visitors free samples of their products.
Traditional Sri Lankan fare, such as Kiribath, Mung Kavum, Kokis, Kottu, Wade, and Fish Cutlets, were served to visitors along with steaming cups of “Ceylon tea,” provided by the well-known Dilmah brand of Ceylon tea.
SithuWam Arts showcased Sri Lankan arts and crafts, Sumudu Sela of Sri Lanka provided batik clothes, and T&S Foods and Lotus Cuisines organised the authentic Sri Lankan food market. They are all South African-based startup entrepreneurs of Sri Lankan descent. Over the course of the three days, more than 1,000 people attended the event.
To further promote Sri Lanka as a desirable travel destination for South Africans, promotional materials about the country’s tourism were also given to visitors.
