“Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” Shopping Mall Activation Attracts Heavy Crowd

Sri Lanka Tourism implemented a shopping mall activation campaign from 04th -06th July 2014 in Shanghai – China under “Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” promotional campaign. Held at the Century Plaza on Nanjing Road, the three-day campaign themed "Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai" has attracted a large number of travel enthusiasts and urban public to this event. The entrance to the Nanjing Lu Century Square was designed with a life size replica of the ancient Yapahuwa Entrance and the event arena was decorated with elephants and wildlife replicas which were the main attraction for drawing the crowds to the shopping Mall event held in Nanjing Lu square. With world-renowned Sri Lankan jewelry, textiles, seafood, black tea and other special commodities presented, for the crowds gathered at the century square. Moreover, handicrafts featured with Sri Lanka ethnic characteristics have dazzled a large number of urban visitors, who were impressed by superb artistry of these products while travel enthusiasts were more concerned about the local cultural performances and natural beauty in Sri Lanka and actively took part in games at site.

During the three day period thousands of people visited the shopping mall activation site and experienced the taste of Sri Lanka through Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai promotional campaign. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in collaboration with Sri Lanka Inbound Tour operators Association and Sri Lankan Airlines offered special tour packages and complimentary air tickets to the winners at the shopping mall competitions. The lucky winners were selected during the games and competitions held on various topics on Sri Lanka to offer promotional tour packages to Sri Lanka. The Shopping Mall activation was able to gather heavy crowds to the Nanjing Lu Square each day and high level of enthusiasm and participation was seen from the public to experience Sri Lanka. All travel stalls and trade stalls offered information about the destination through promotional material and demonstrations etc.

“Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” Joint Mega Promotion campaign was organised in collaboration of the Public and Private sectors of the Sri Lanka. The event was organized under the guidance of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, the Minister of Economic Development and the Minister for Tourism. The Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Mr. Bashwara Gunarthna played a key role for implementation of the event under the Sri Lanka Tourism strategic country promotional initiative.