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Last Updated : 2024-05-19 17:25:00
7 May 2024 12:00 am - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
VFS Global, which is currently facing a backlash, vows to boost Sri Lanka’s global image through a robust marketing plan with Sri Lanka Tourism. However, the details remain under wraps from the tourism authorities, Mirror Business learns.
The objective of the promotion is to achieve growth in inbound arrivals from the source markets, utilising its global network, as per the vision of the government to achieve five million tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka, VFS Global said in a statement to the media that ran six pages, consisting of details regarding its operations and plans in the island nation.
When Mirror Business reached out to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) for clarity in this regard, Chairman Priantha Fernando said neither the institution nor the Tourism Promotions Bureau is aware of any such plans.
“I don’t think so. They haven’t spoken to me about promoting Sri Lanka. Ideally, it would have been with the Promotions Bureau. Its chairman is not in the country and the person in charge is hands on; no mention has been made,” said Fernando, affirming that no proposals of any sort have been shared as yet by VFS Global with Sri Lanka Tourism.
“They may be having plans with the controversy going on. But we are not aware,” said Fernando.
The entity, headquartered in Zurich and Dubai, typically manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport and consular services for its governments; it came under harsh criticism last week for its visa charges and the manner in which it rolled out its services.
With regard to helping Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape, VFS Global in its statement noted that the promotion of the island nation would be “comprehensively carried out through the new eVisa platform”.
“VFS Global will leverage its extensive network and will predominantly target India, Russia, the UK, Germany, China, Australia, France, the USA, Canada, the Maldives, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Italy and Japan, which contribute to approximately 80 percent of tourist arrivals,” it said.
The plan outlined by VFS Global has five key components. The first is road shows and travel trade engagements in key locations to highlight destination training and webinars, B2B newsletters and promotion of new itineraries.
While it facilitates media engagements promoting Sri Lanka via trade travel media, public relations and promotions in B2B trade magazines, it plans to promote the destination through VFS Global digital platform and the visa application centres.
It pointed out that it would also receive publicity to Sri Lanka through display advertising, digital standees, roll-ups, brochure/flyer placements and on corporate websites, while also carrying out social media marketing and online advertising to increase destination awareness and visibility.
Silvadesilva Tuesday, 07 May 2024 07:51 AM
how are they going to do this? maybe they will pay extra for tourists so that they want to come here?
Sambo Tuesday, 07 May 2024 07:55 AM
The objective of all of this is for some people to earn a fast buck with the help of our politicians who are money hungry. All this only for a very short period friends.
Gayan Tuesday, 07 May 2024 07:58 AM
This indian related company is draining the resources of the country. Kick them out. Mobitel can do the service for just 1 dollar per person.
Jude Tuesday, 07 May 2024 08:58 AM
VFS needs a good PR firm to boost their image!!!
Jude Tuesday, 07 May 2024 09:00 AM
VFS talking big Coz they've bribed bunch of ministers handsomely, yeah!!
Jude Tuesday, 07 May 2024 09:02 AM
VFS in western countries coz it's very cheaper to PUTTA Indian and a computer to do the paperwork!!
Jayasekera Tuesday, 07 May 2024 09:21 AM
This is the way Indian businesses operate. They poke into activities outside their scope and then identify weaknesses and report it to Authorities and get the work outsourced. This is the Indian style of business development and chasing out people from their jobs. This is why a Sri Lankan passport holder does not last for 40 to 50 years or generations like Indians in the Middle East.
Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 07 May 2024 09:58 AM
So they are expanding their wings right?
Ara Tuesday, 07 May 2024 10:02 AM
A mega racket gone south under Mr clean Ranil as in the central bank robbery
KD Tuesday, 07 May 2024 10:16 AM
Such an outrageous scandal. Awarding a USD 200m tourism promotion campaign to VFS when every year they struggle to even pass a USD 3m marketing campaign for tourism board. Tiran Alles and others involved must be taken to court for this.
Approach Could Have Been Better Managed Tuesday, 07 May 2024 11:48 AM
The approach to bring VFS on board to manage a critical network which the public uses frequently could have been done better. Before it was rolled out, more publicity could have been given with the expectations and the changes which would be taking place. This would also include open tenders and the final decision of the cabinet broadcasted to the public in all major media platforms at least 4 to 8 weeks before the official implementation. This would have made the situation much better for all concerned and avoid speculations of misconduct and inconveniences.
Volly Tuesday, 07 May 2024 12:55 PM
Baila!
Sumanasiri Tuesday, 07 May 2024 01:26 PM
VFS may be trying to get the global SLT marketing contract by pretending to be a volunteer. Sri Lanka must be less dependent on external parties as our foreign exchange will be eroded and we may have to go to IMF again.
Taking and Begging for Loans is in the DNA of SL Tuesday, 07 May 2024 05:41 PM
Going to IMF for loans will never end in SL. It’s in the DNA of all previous, current and also will be in the future SL governments too. At the rate the Govnt expenditures are and limited sources of revenue collection, loan arrangements will be an ongoing concern. SL needs to be prudent maybe for the next 20years or so and settle all outstanding loans which are accumulating high interest when not paid on time.
Tyran(nical) Alles Tuesday, 07 May 2024 01:26 PM
What's wrong with this Indian Company making money and this Minister making money at the expense of tourism in Sri Lanka? Go to hell with tourism we want our hard-working Ministers to be happy, rich, and healthy.
Sambo Tuesday, 07 May 2024 02:16 PM
Why now after all the controversy.
WHY HAVE A TOURIST BOARD/MINISTER AND STAFF ID VFS HAS TO PROMOTE SRI LANKA??. Tuesday, 07 May 2024 05:27 PM
BEGGERS BELIEF!!! THOUGHT VFS WAS CONTRACTED TO PROCESS VISA AT BIA, SO WHAT IS ALL THIS BIG TALK ABOUT THEM PROMOTING SRI LANKA AS A TOURST DESTINATION?? OUR TOURIST BOARD, ALL HOTELS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES SHOULD BE PROMOTING THE COUNTRY, NOT A COMPANY PAID TO TRANSACT INCOMING TOURISTS AND SRI LANKANS RETURNING TO VISIT FAMILY/FRIENDS!!.
PROFESSOR FROLEY Tuesday, 07 May 2024 05:41 PM
VFS-- YOU HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO PROMOTE SRI-LANKA I AM KEEPING AN EYE ON YOU SRI-LANKA IS MY FAVORITE COUNTRY
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