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Sunday, 28 March 2010
Head to ''unique'' Sri Lanka
According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, it offers a blend of attractions that extends beyond what others can.
Director for the UK and Ireland Sanjika Perera explained that the island has a unique blend of sun, sand, "culture, heritage, cuisine and wildlife" that makes it a special destination.
Sri Lanka enjoyed record visitor numbers during February, with a 48 per cent year-on-year rise in footfall and Mr Perera put this down to the end of the conflict in May.
He explained that the tourism industry has boomed during peacetime and encouraged Brits to come and find out why for themselves.
"We have the Asian elephants in abundance in Sri Lanka in the wild and in sanctuaries. We have a lot of national parks and we have one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world," the expert noted.
Meanwhile, recent Wanderlust and AITO figures show that overall consumer confidence has burgeoned over the past six months when it comes to booking holidays.
essentialtravel.co.uk
Lanka second among 20 best
In a list that encompasses some of the most exotic and exclusive getaway locations including Bali and Manhattan, Sri Lanka takes top ranks.
This follows suit of the recent spate of positive reviews that Sri Lanka has received from the New York Times, and Daily Candy, to name a few.
The countdown show included beaches, food, wildlife and must see sights like Sigiriya to be the features that is most attractive for tourists coming into the island. The program includes soundbytes from internationally reputed Travel writer for the Times, Jill Crawshaw, and Editor for the Wanderlust magazine, Lyn Hughes. "We are proud to have received such prestigious reviews from a reputable media channel such as National Geographic," said Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Managing Director Dileep Mudadeniya..
"The network as always carried positive features on Sri Lanka and we are regularly featured in Animal Planet as well," he said.
Sri Lanka Tourism has been working continuously with all the international media groups, National Geographic in particular, regularly feeding them with information on the various facets of Sri Lanka Tourism. The new product offerings include whale watching, primates, surfing and so on have sparked immense international media interest.
As a destination Sri Lanka is also on the threshold of being granted the status of a 'Geo tourism' site through the National Geographic group. This new status will also increase the number of inbound tourists, bringing in a new fast rising segment of tourists who only frequent geo tourism destinations.
National Geographic Canada was in the country last year shooting for an episode in the popular series Departures. The Sri Lanka episode in the 4th season of the program will be aired later this month.
Sri Lanka has also been featured on National Geographic publications with the first issue for this year of National Geographic China featuring a 20 page photo feature of Sri Lanka.
There has been nearly a 68 percent growth in inbound tourism for February when compared to the same month in 2009.
Friday, 26 March 2010
Sri Lanka gets foreign loans for tourism, roads
"This is a matter of high priority for Sri Lanka now," he told a news conference, referring to the revival in tourism following the end of the 30-year ethnic war in May 2009.
The World Bank loan is interest free and repayable in 20 years with a 10-year grace period.
Peiris also said Korea's Export-Import Bank was giving another loan of 40 million dollars to upgrade a road connecting the hill-country towns of Hatton and Nuwara Eliya.
The bank is charging only a 0.1 percent interest a year and the loan is repayable in 40 years, including a 10-year grace period.
"With the end of terrorism, large funds are coming from abroad," Peiris said. "It shows the confidence investors have in us."
In 2009 China gave 294 million dollars, Japan 311 million dollars, the Asian Development Bank 283 million dollars and the World Bank 202 million dollars, he said.
"These funds are to be used for infrastructure development," Peiris said.
Monday, 22 March 2010
Sri Lankan Aitken Spence hotel group buys beach resort
The filing said the shareholders of Golden Sun Resort in Kalutara on the west coast had given the nod to go ahead with deal.
Ramada Resorts, built on a five-acre land, was managed by Aitken Spence Hotels before the takeover. The hotel has 64 standard rooms and 30 cabanas, three restaurants and two bars, an Aitken Spence Hotels spokeswoman said.
Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings is one of the largest leisure groups in Sri Lanka. Before the takeover of Golden Sun, the group had seven hotels under the Aitken Spence Hotels and Resorts brand and another three resorts under its luxury brand, Heritance.
Aitken Spence also owns or manages five hotels in India, six hotels in the Maldives Islands and five hotels in the Gulf sultanate of Oman.
The firm plans a rights issue to raise 2.5 billion rupees to expand in Sri Lanka and overseas.
www.lankabusinessonline.com
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Sri Lanka : A destination for Chinese travellers
China National Tourism Agency expects 51 million Chinese travellers to go overseas during the year 2011. With the defeat of LTTE terrorism in May 2009, Chinese travellers to the island have increased by 20 percent.
Global tourism has been growing steadily at almost five percent per year in the past decade amidst political turmoil and natural disasters in various parts of the world, recording a figure of 930 million international arrivals in 2008. The significant factor is that always around the corner lies the next potential tourism goldmine. Read more on sundayobserver.lk
John Keells Hotels to reopen Sri Lankan hotel in May 2010
Hotel operations have ceased in order to make way for the complete refurbishment and expansion plan which is currently underway.
Under the watchful eye of architect Channa Daswatte, Club Oceanic Trincomalee is to undergo a transformation which promises a fresh theme and a vibrant new appearance that will enchant its guests. The evocative designs and captivating architecture will blend in with the surroundings of Sri Lanka’s untouched east coast.The John Keells Hotels Group has set aside a sum of Rs. 450 million for this project which will increase the hotel’s room capacity from 56 to 80. Joining the Chaaya Resorts and Hotels circle, Club Oceanic Trincomalee is to garland its grand reopening with its new name, Chaaya Blu Trincomalee.
Offering his views on the expansion project, Ajit Gunewardene, deputy chairman John Keells Holdings and president of the leisure group said: “Having been involved in Sri Lankan tourism as a group for over 35 years, we are excited and enthused by the emergence of east-coast tourism. We believe that Trincomalee has the potential to become one of the most sought-after destinations in the country and Chaaya Blu Trincomalee with its new retro-chic look will bridge the present deficit for quality 4-star accommodation. This will be a first of many investments in the resort sector in strategic locations around the country.”
www.hoteldesigns.co.uk
Friday, 19 March 2010
Japanese surfers return to Sri Lanka
The roaring waves and palm-fringed beaches of the resort of Hikkaduwa will provide the ideal setting for JPSA Pro Surf 2010 from March 19-23, 2010, a joint effort of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and SriLankan Airlines.
The return of Japanese Pro Surf to the resort of Hikkaduwa after a five-year absence is a major milestone for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which has been enjoying an extraordinary period of growth over the last nine months. The Government of Sri Lanka has declared next year as “Visit Sri Lanka Year, 2011”.
Hon. Achala Jagoda, Minister of Tourism said: “The opportunity to host the prestigious JPSA competition in our tropical island is of great importance. Since May 2009 our country has been completely at peace, and this would be an opportunity to rekindle tourists’ interest in the wonders of Sri Lanka. We have the ideal environment and the ability to encourage off-season travelers and sports enthusiasts to the country, so this event is the perfect opportunity for Sri Lanka to promote itself as a year-round tourist destination and spread the message of the peaceful condition that prevails”.
The JPSA, Japan’s regulatory body for surfing which is a member of the global body Association of Surfing Professionals, had chosen the island for its premier event, starting in 2001. But after five highly successful years, the island’s civil war saw it being shifted elsewhere. Nishantha Wickremasinghe, Chairman of SriLankan Airlines, said: “We are honoured that the JPSA has once again chosen Sri Lanka as the location for this fantastic event. Sri Lanka has long been a favourite destination of Japanese tourists, and the number of tourists from Japan has been increasing rapidly following the dawn of peace nearly a year ago.”
Sri Lanka has the distinction of being the only country outside Japan where JPSA ranking events are held, and the island attracts more than 800 Japanese surfers annually, both to Hikkaduwa and to Arugam Bay on the southeast coast.
Eranga Basnayake, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, said: “The southwestern coast of Sri Lanka is exceptionally suited for surfing and the infrastructure is well suited to handle an event of this magnitude. Sri Lanka had already acquired a reputation as a good surfing destination, and is probably the best in Asia”.
This year's competition promises to be intense with eight world ranked surfers among the contestants battling it out for the Rs. 3 million prize money and the SriLankan Airlines Cup, ranging from professionals to amateurs. The event will also see the participation of 15 international judges, and the presence of a number of Japanese journalists to cover the action. There will also be a separate competition for Sri Lanka’s own surfing community.
SriLankan Airlines, which has a global network of 49 destinations in 32 countries, has three flights a week between Tokyo’s Narita Airport and Colombo on Airbus A340 aircraft.
Local ground handling arrangements are being coordinated by Sri Lanka Tourism
Countrywide tourism infrastructure development drive gets underway
No other war affected country in the world has been able to make such achievements so soon in the aftermath of a war, according to the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Eranga Basnayake.
The SLTDA plans to expedite infrastructure development in existing tourism locations and to develop Kalpitiya islands under an integrated project while the authorities also plan to attract half a million tourists this year with earnings of US$ 600 as the travel industry recovers rapidly after the end of the war.
The upgrading and refurbishment of tourist hotels, and the setting up of around 50 to 60 ‘comfort centres’ by the roadside leading to tourist destinations are now underway. Mr Basnayake, a gem businessman in Balangoda who served as a director at the State Gem Corporation and is an accountant, said that the aim is to link up the overall infrastructure development program in the country to ensure that most essential pre requisites are in place for tourism investments.
These centres will have a cafeteria, rest room cooking facilities as well as sanitation facilities mainly for local travellers who are going on pilgrimages and pleasure trips. When tourists ride out of Colombo to outstations, they can refresh at these centres which will be managed by the private sector. It will also be used to maintain the area clean with the help of residents and visitors, he said.
The SLTDA is fast-tracking the development of Kalpitiya islands to create a unique, branded international green resort for up-market tourism, which would be a benchmark project in the region, hoping to surpass tourism in the Maldives.
Mr Basnayake said that the ownership of 14 out of 22 islands in Kalpitiya covering an area of 4000 acres will be handed over to prospective investors on a 30-year lease for this purpose under this Integrated Tourism Development Project. This is believed to be the largest ever tourism project that the island has ever seen. The project aims to develop a total of 17 hotels with three five star deluxe hotels and three four star hotels adding 5000 new rooms and 10,000 beds.
Several reputed international hotel chains, have already made plans to build luxury resorts comprising of premium leisure, spa club and floating restaurants. Similar development initiatives have been made in the East Coast as well. In this endeavour setting up of several luxury resorts in the areas of Pasikudah and Kuchchaveli has already been planned as the first phase of development, he said.
www.sundaytimes.lk
Win a £10,000 trip for ten to Sri Lanka
Immerse yourself in ancient citadels such as Kandy or Pollonaruwa or laze on the soft sandy beaches of the south coast. You can increase your chances of winning by sending e-cards to friends inviting them to join in the trip, and help you choose where you go!The lucky winner will be chosen by a panel of expert judges including Sri Lankan Cricket Captain Kumar Sangakkara and Miss Sri Lanka 2010. The one week trip includes direct flights from London Heathrow to Colombo on Sri Lankan airlines, half board accommodation, a local guide and free entry to all sites*.
The Visit Sri Lanka 2011 competition is part of a 360 degree social networking campaign on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Flickr in partnership with CNN.Sanjika Perera, UK Director of Tourism for Sri Lanka, commented:“Sri Lanka is a fantastic value for money Indian Ocean destination with a huge amount to offer.
Our prize is designed to showcase its amazing diversity, increase visitor numbers and prove that now is the best time to visit Sri Lanka in the new era of peace and stability."For a full list of terms and conditions visit: visitsrilanka-2011.com* Free entry to all sites mentioned on the itinerary. The competition closes on the 30 April 2010.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Sri Lanka govt targets 2.5m tourists by 2016
Many countries have identified Sri Lanka as one of the safest destinations after the cessation of terrorism in the country in May last year. This is the most significant development in the country’s tourism industry due to the Government eradicating terrorism from Sri Lanka, Tourism Minister Achala Jagoda told the Sunday Observer. 
After terrorism was eradicated several countries recognised Sri Lanka as the safest place for their citizens. The number of tourist arrivals recorded a significant increase this year, while tourists have shown a keen interest to travel to Sri Lanka.Therefore, the tourism industry will thrive in the coming years, he said.
“Recognising Sri Lanka as a safe place to travel clearly indicates the utmost confidence placed by the international community in Sri Lanka under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa,” he said. The Minister said that several countries had lifted their travel advisories which had been imposed on Sri Lanka earlier advising their citizens not to travel to Sri Lanka due to the then prevailing security situation. More recently, the Government of Saudi Arabia also lifted its travel advisory which had been in force since 2008.
This has led to an increase in the number of Saudi Arabian tourists visiting Sri Lanka.Minister Jagoda said the Mahinda Chinthana Idiri Dekma has targeted 2.5 million tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka by 2016. With the rapid increase in the number of tourist arrivals, we could reach this target before 2016. The Government as pledged in the Mahinda Chinthana has already taken several measures to assist those engaged in the tourism industry.
A program has been drawn up to provide a maximum of Rs.100 million credit to medium-scale businessmen who engage in the hotel industry to renovate and construct new hotels and holiday resorts, he said. The Tourism Ministry has decided to provide assistance to the private sector to construct 50,000 new hotel rooms to cater to the large number of tourists who are due to arrive in Sri Lanka in the coming years, he said.
www.sundayobserver.lk
Sri Lanka tourist trade seen recovering fast
Over half-a-million tourists are expected to visit Sri Lanka this year as the travel trade bounces back strongly from the effects of a war with hotels so heavily booked that some are even refusing new reservations till end of March, officials said. Tourism authorities have planned an aggressive global promotion campaign to lure visitors with events like night surfing and also attempts to tap the Sri Lankan diaspora to spread the word about the island's attractions.
With tourist arrivals up 31.9 percent in January alone from a year ago, the authorities expect the total number of visitors this year to increase by 25 - 30 percent given post-war revivals elsewhere.
With tourist arrivals up 31.9 percent in January alone from a year ago, the authorities expect the total number of visitors this year to increase by 25 - 30 percent given post-war revivals elsewhere.
"If you look at countries like Croatia and Vietnam, they experienced immediate growth in the tourism sector after the war end," says Dileep Mudadeniya, managing director of Sri Lanka Tourist Promotion Bureau. Sri Lanka's 30-year ethnic war ended in May 2009, resulting in an immediate increase in tourist arrivals. The revival has prompted international agencies to offer help to modernize tourism infrastructure.
Japan International Corporation Agency has offered 20 million US dollars to improve infrastructure in five towns that tourists frequently visit; Anuradhapura and Sigiriya in the north-central area, Nuwara Eliya and Kandy in the central hills, and Negombo on the west coast.
The World Bank is providing 18 million dollars 'capacity building' in tourism-related programs.
Mudadeniya said almost all hotels were running at 99-100 percent occupancy rates during the main winter season in the last three or four months and forward bookings are encouraging.
"I was told that 20 to 30 hotels are closed for any kind of new reservations till the end of March because they are fully booked."
The Tourism Promotion Bureau is promoting the country under its 'Visit Sri Lanka 2011' campaign highlighting the beaches, ruined cities, hilly resorts and wildlife parts that can all be experienced on the island in a short time. "As a result of the diverse attractions we have within a small area, our intention is to promote all these areas to make sure that tourists can experience it all," Mudadeniya said. The marketing campaign includes international promotions on leading TV stations like CNN and BBC and social networking services.
A string of events have been planned, starting from the week-long surf festival in Arugam Bay in the east, to an arts and craft festival in Sigiriya in June and a beach festival at Hikkaduwa in July. Other international events include a jazz festival, the 'Colombo Fashion Week', a design festival and an international chess tournament. Mudadeniya said there is also potential for the growth of cruise tourism. "Sri Lanka, Maldives and India can provide good destinations for the cruise liners."
Louis Cruises is expected to resume calls from October this year. Sri Lanka's newest attempt at MICE tourism, (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events) is the use of the 'Jetliner', a passenger ferry once used for transporting troops, as a floating venue. The vessel is fully booked till the end of March. The authorities are looking at the Indian market to promote Sri Lanka as a convention centre for the Indian corporate sector.
www.lankabusinessonline.com
Sri Lanka to start underwater sled rentals to tourists
An under water scooter rental firm is starting up in a tourist area north of Sri Lanka's capital Colombo, to feed an upturn in the industry following the end of a 30-year war, the island's investment promotion agency said.
Mountcastle Marine will rent 'Cayago Seabob' sleds to tourists. The 500,000 US dollar venture will employ 30 people, the Board of Investment said. "'Rent a SEABOB', which is known to globally attract many tourists to diverse parts of the world is expected to have a high demand in the Sri Lankan market," the BOI said in a statement.
"With the Sri Lankan tourism industry once again booming the SEABOB will be of popular demand while further promoting a booming industry."
Mountcastle Marine will rent 'Cayago Seabob' sleds to tourists. The 500,000 US dollar venture will employ 30 people, the Board of Investment said. "'Rent a SEABOB', which is known to globally attract many tourists to diverse parts of the world is expected to have a high demand in the Sri Lankan market," the BOI said in a statement.
"With the Sri Lankan tourism industry once again booming the SEABOB will be of popular demand while further promoting a booming industry."
The BOI regulates foreign investments in to the country and gives tax holidays. Approval documents have been given to directors Zahid Hussein Jafferjee and Frank Wieprecht, the agency said. Mountcastle Marine recreational sports complex will be in Arachchikattuwa in Sri Lanka's west coast.
www.lankabusinessonline.com
JICA helps improve Sri Lanka tourist hubs
Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) has offered USD 20 million to improve infrastructure in five towns that tourists frequently visit. The tows are Anuradhapura and Sigiriya in the North-Central area, Nuwara Eliya and Kandy in the central hills, and Negombo on the west coast.Tourism authorities have planned a global promotional campaign to draw visitors with new events such as night surfing.
Attempts are also being made to send the message on the island’s attractions to the Sri Lankan Diaspora as well.With tourist arrivals up 31.9 percent in January alone from a year ago, the authorities expect the total number of visitors this year to increase by 25 – 30 percent.
Attempts are also being made to send the message on the island’s attractions to the Sri Lankan Diaspora as well.With tourist arrivals up 31.9 percent in January alone from a year ago, the authorities expect the total number of visitors this year to increase by 25 – 30 percent.
The end of Sri Lanka’s 30-year conflict has resulted in an immediate increase in tourist arrivals.Over half-a-million tourists are expected to visit Sri Lanka this year as the travel trade bounces back strongly from the effects of the war. Some hotels are reported to be refusing new reservations till end of March, the Ministry of Tourism revealed.http://www.priu.gov.lk
Tourism action plan for Eastern Province
A Tourism Development Action Plan for Eastern Province has been implemented by the Tourism Ministry aiming to boost the tourism sector in the province. This Action Plan has been signed by a three member committee of the Sri Lanka Tourism Board. The Tourism Ministry will take steps to organise 24 projects which are in the Action Plan into operation.
This will be conducted by a Plan Implementation Unit which consists of several members representing various Government institutions. The Tourism Ministry, Eastern Provincial Council and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority will jointly assist the Planning Implementation Unit when projects are being implemented. According to the Tourism Development Action Plan, pilgrim rests and dormitory accommodation facilities will be set up in the historic Seruwila area for pilgrims.
In addition common facilities and infrastructure facilities will be upgraded to attract tourists.
The Seruwila Temple is a heritage site visited by bus loads of pilgrims all round the year from all parts of the country, particularly on Full Moon Day and during weekends and school vacations. “Accommodation facilities at the Seruwila Temple are very limited. Therefore pilgrims face numerous hardships,” a Tourism Ministry spokesman said.
Under the Action Plan private sector entrepreneurs and organisations such as banks, media houses, religious organisations and any other organisations are encouraged to develop rest houses, pilgrim-rests and dormitory type accommodation for overnight stay for pilgrim visitors. Land for construction will be provided on a lease basis as an incentive. In addition to Seruwila, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority in association with the Provincial Tourism Ministry and temple authorities will initiate action to promote the development of low cost accommodation at other tourists sites and other religious places visited by local tourists in the Eastern Province.
www.dailynews.lk
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Sri Lanka leopard park reopens
One of Asia’s most promising locations for spotting leopards has reopened to the public.
Wilpattu National Park in northwest Sri Lanka was closed for many years as the government battled against Tamil Tiger (LTTE) separatists, who used the park as a conduit for men and materials. The forested park – Sri Lanka’s largest, at 1,316km2 – is renowned for its sizeable leopard population, and is also home to numerous large elephants and sloth bears.
Wilpattu National Park in northwest Sri Lanka was closed for many years as the government battled against Tamil Tiger (LTTE) separatists, who used the park as a conduit for men and materials. The forested park – Sri Lanka’s largest, at 1,316km2 – is renowned for its sizeable leopard population, and is also home to numerous large elephants and sloth bears.
Before its closure, the park was reported to harbour more leopards than Yala, Sri Lanka’s best-known park and one of Asia’s premier locations for wild mammals. Wilpattu is also renowned for its unique 'villus', around 50 salt- and fresh-water lakes which are home to crocodiles, cobras and tortoise.
Since hostilities ended in 2009, Sri Lanka’s northwest – which includes Wilpattu – has been targeted for tourism development by the Sri Lankan government, and plans are underway for a major eco-tourism resort at nearby Kalpitiya.
www.wanderlust.co.uk
Sri Lanka Tourism industry diversified for rural uplift
Sri Lanka is popular for attracting foreigners since ancient times. Marco Polo described Sri Lanka as “the finest island for its size in all the world”. Tourism has become the most vibrant sector of Sri Lanka following the end of war.
Tourist arrivals have increased immensely providing a huge boost to the country’s economic growth. Following the end of the war upto January end, nearly 400,000 tourists have visited Sri Lanka. It is targeted to attract 1.5 million tourists by the end of this year and the year 2011 has been declared “Visit Sri Lanka Year”.
The Government’s vision is to make Sri Lanka the foremost leisure destination in the South Asian region. Sri Lanka is planning to promote its attractions during the 2011 World Cup scheduled to be held in February and March 2011.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has launched several programs to promote the industry, thereby divert tourism which was confined to the urban areas for the benefit of villagers and make village folk a valuable partner in the tourist industry.
Monday, 1 March 2010
Comprehensive Sri Lanka promotion in Europe launched in Brussels
The Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels in collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism is holding a week long promotion of Sri Lankain Brussels this week, a programme intended to be replicated in other European capitals. Centered on Sri Lanka's participation as the host country at the BELASIA annual travel fair which projects over 25 Asian countries as a tourist destinations, it included tourism and travel promotion, a Sri Lanka Food festival, performances by a Sri Lankan dance troupe and Sri Lankan lace, masks, handicrafts and gem displays.
He hoped that this exposure of Asia in Belgium, this year particularly highlighting Sri Lanka, would stimulate the Belgians to visit these countries and build strong partnerships in the future.Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union Ravinatha Aryasinha said Sri Lanka was honored to have been selected as the host country of BELASIA, a key event in the tourism calendar of Belgium.
He said this exhibition could not have come at a better time, for having overcome both the natural calamity cuased by the tsunami and the man made damage caused by 30 years of terrorism, Sri Lanka tourism was gathering unprecedented momentum. Observing that in January 2010, tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka had increased by 32% over the corresponding period last year, he said "tourists to Sri Lanka had clearly voted with their feet".
He said this exhibition could not have come at a better time, for having overcome both the natural calamity cuased by the tsunami and the man made damage caused by 30 years of terrorism, Sri Lanka tourism was gathering unprecedented momentum. Observing that in January 2010, tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka had increased by 32% over the corresponding period last year, he said "tourists to Sri Lanka had clearly voted with their feet".
He said Belgians from all walks of life and cutting across age brackets were regular visitors to Sri Lanka over the years, and expressed confidence that BELASIA would serve as a catalyst in further promoting Sri Lanka in Belgium, as well as in other parts of Europe. The Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism, Dileep Mudadeniya observed that there is an increased demand with the expected increase of air seats by the national carrier for Paris. Sri Lanka Tourism will be able to recover the lost market share from Belgium in the past. Europe has come back strongly with an overall increase of 36.3% in January 2010.
Europeans always look for sunny, warm weather with diversity. Sri Lanka will be the ideal destination for them. It was extremely encouraging to notice the renewed interest of the Belgian visitors for the destination Sri Lanka. Also Sri Lankan Airlines got very positive feedback from the visitors on the renewed non-stop operations between Paris and Colombo from 02nd July onwards.
The Belgian travellers have always privileged travelling via Paris, either by train or coach and therefore this reinstated nonstop service comes exactly at the right time.Robrecht Willaert who was appointed Honorary Director of Sri Lanka Tourism in Belgium at this event, addressing the gathering said Sri Lanka has gained a special place in his heart as he has been associated with Sri Lanka for the past 25 years.
The Belgian travellers have always privileged travelling via Paris, either by train or coach and therefore this reinstated nonstop service comes exactly at the right time.Robrecht Willaert who was appointed Honorary Director of Sri Lanka Tourism in Belgium at this event, addressing the gathering said Sri Lanka has gained a special place in his heart as he has been associated with Sri Lanka for the past 25 years.
He said Belgium had a strong and loyal partnership with Sri Lanka and he would harness all his energy to further it into a new level.Especially for this occasion, Sri Lankan Airlines flew in a complete Sri Lankan dance troupe from the Channa-Upuli dance academy and handicraft specialists (lace & masks) and to complete the food festival taking place during the same week at the Radisson BLU hotel in Brussels, two Sri Lankan chefs from the Mount Lavinia Hotel, flown from Colombo to delight the Belgian public.
The Channa-Upuli dance troupe mesmerised the Belgian public at the Belasia Fair and during the week long food festival at the Radisson BLU Hotel. They also performed at the British School of Brussels in aid of the Debaraweva Junior School, as ‘Sri Lankan Cares’ project.Sri Lanka Tourism, Sri Lankan Airlines, Andrews Travels, Mt.Lavinia Hotel, Raddison Blu Royal Hotel of Brussels and Rail Belgium co-sponsored the Sri Lanka promotion.
www.infolanka.com
PJ banks on tourism boom with two new hotels
The 505 roomed PJ 'ABORIGINAL'S BEACH RESORT' in the East coast and 1002 roomed 'PJ ROYAL LINE HOTEL' in Hambantota are now in the concept stage of PJ Hotels Development, according to a press release from the company. It also stated that several more large projects would be added as well.
He continued with "The war with all its negatives and destruction has now given us the positive of only a basic tourist development which gives the opportunity to leap forward learning from our neighbours and new market trends to make us highly competitive"I believe we can have 10 million arrivals by the end of the decade in 2020. The 10 day stay we are used to will drop to 2-3 day stays due to our future markets being regional. The impact of this kind of numbers will be far reaching and almost every citizen will feel it." Jayewardene also insisted that they would look for other larger projects in the near future.
"We are looking at all our current projects in the planning stage, to be completed by 2016, the year the President has set a target of 2500 arrivals for" As a policy the PJ Hotel group will concentrate solely on Sri Lanka where they see the greatest opportunities and find the operating climate not only comfortable but also very conducive.
www.ceylon-overseas.com
Lanka travel ban on Saudis lifted
Saudi Arabia has lifted its travel ban on citizens visiting Sri Lanka after the country managed to resolve years of bloody conflict.
The Kingdom issued the ban in February 2008 after fighting between government forces and insurgents escalated in Sri Lanka, particularly in the north and east of the country.
In May last year, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said his troops had managed to defeat the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
During his meeting with Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal recently, Sri Lankan Ambassador Ahmed A. Jawad highlighted the need to lift the ban. Jawad told Arab News that his mission is working with the Tourism Development Authority in Colombo to launch a campaign to promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination among residents in Saudi Arabia.
“Destination Sri Lanka”, a program initiated in Dubai by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, reported large numbers of Arab travelers to Sri Lanka. Overall, they had increased by 50 percent in the 12 months leading up to January, compared to the same period the previous year.
During the second half of 2009 Sri Lanka received around 5,400 Saudi tourists.
“Judging by these early results, “Destination Sri Lanka” is on track to surpass figures attained last year where tourist arrivals saw a double-digit growth,” said Heba Al-Ghais Al-Mansoori, Middle East director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Board in Dubai. Al-Mansoori confirmed that the strongest growth in visitors was from the UAE, followed by Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
“Peace will finally bring prosperity and development to the country and open up more areas for tourism development which otherwise was not accessible during the war,” Al-Mansoori added.
Cultural attractions, entertainment, shopping, and dining are some of the attractions that draw Arab travelers to Sri Lanka, which is less than four hours flying time away from the Gulf. The local government’s support for the tourism sector and an expansion of low-cost carrier services are also contributing to the growth of the country’s tourism.
arabnews.com
Post LTTE, tourism gets a boost in Sri Lanka
This was large aided by a surge in visitors from India, up 73.5 per cent to 9,141, following promotions in the sub-continent by the Sri Lanka tourism authority.The increase in Indian tourists is attributed to the simplified visa policies for people coming from the neighbouring country.Sri Lanka provides visas on arrival to tourists from India, which has become the main tourist generating market for Sri Lanka since 2008.
www.ptinews.com
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