The annual International French Tourism Trade Fair (IFTM TOP RESA 2021) kicks off tomorrow (05) in Paris, France.  The Minister of Tourism,Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga and a delegation left the island yesterday (04) to participate in the event.  The tourism trade fair, which will be held in Paris, France until the 8th of this month, will be attended by a large number of tourism professionals from around the world.

The IFTM TOP RESA Exhibition is France's premier tourism trade show, covering trade and travel, entertainment and group events.

The International French Tourism Exhibition is a leading exhibition in the field of professional tourism.  Originally it was called TOP RESA.  In 2009, it was renamed as IFTM TOP RESA for the exhibition held in Versailles.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority says that the IFTM Expo is a premier meeting venue as well as a strong support for commercial opportunities and the French tourism market and the international tourism industry as well, attracting high-profile professionals with the ability to make new trade, customer relations and trade deals as well as building relationships.

Sri Lanka has been participating in this trade fair for many years and in the year 2019 alone, 28 Sri Lankan Travel Agencies participated in this exhibition. With over 200 destinations, 1700 brands and 34,000 travel professionals participating in this trade fair, this year's trade fair will feature about 150 sessions.

During his stay in France, Minister, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga will also hold discussions with representatives of Air France Airline.  Air France Airline has already planned to operate new flights to Sri Lanka from November 1 and it will be also discussed at this meeting.  In addition, Mr. Ranatunga is scheduled to hold discussions with his French counterpart   on the promotion of tourism between France and Sri Lanka.  In addition, discussions will be held with French and Sri Lankan businessmen on expanding investment opportunities in the country.