Sri Lanka - OutboundHolidays

Destination Sri Lanka tourism campaign in New York

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) brought their worldwide ‘Destination Sri Lanka’ and ‘Visit Sri Lanka 2011’ campaigns to the New York Times 2010 Travel held last weekend at the Javits Convention Center in New York City.

An SLTPB statement said, Sri Lanka Tourism’s Honorary Director in the US Dillan Ariyawansa said the event was opportune for showcasing the multitude of tourist attractions Sri Lanka has to offer and build on the publicity generated from the recently published New York Times article where Sri Lanka was declared the top destination to visit in 2010. Mr. Ariyawansa added that the SLTPB also wanted to impress upon visitors that different possibilities are available within a country half the size of New York state.

It said that Sri Lanka, having so many attractions which are sometimes polar opposites like virgin rain forest and Donald Steel designed golf courses set among cool hilltops all within close proximity, is the main reason for choosing Sri Lanka as a holiday destination. The country offers hundreds of miles of golden beaches, seven UNESCO world heritage sites, varied climates, exotic wild and marine life, safaris, surfing and cultural events.

The SLTPB added that the Sri Lankan government has launched major publicity campaigns to develop tourism. ‘Visit Sri Lanka 2011’ is an international communication campaign involving CNN, Discovery Travel, BBC, and Al Jazeera. SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier, also participated at the travel show. To add a little colour to the event, a dance troupe from Sri Lanka performed as well. Tourist arrival figures for the US have increased by 21 % in January 2010 from last year.

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Taj Hotels unveil Sri Lanka tour packages

To capture the rich tapestry of culture, the abundance of nature and all the unique aspects that make Sri Lanka such a heady holiday destination, the Taj group of hotels has come out with a `Best of Sri Lanka Holiday package’.

The Indian Hotels Company has unveiled the package with the opening of the skies between India and the island nation. Now private carriers like Jet Airways and Sahara have commenced operations in this sector, over and above the flights of Indian Airlines and Sri Lankan Airlines.

The Taj Best of Sri Lanka holiday offer will remain valid till September 30. “Cherish the experience of a lifetime in the beautiful tropical beaches, verdant vegetation, ancient monuments, national parks and a thousand delight to please all tastes,” a press release issued by the hotel group said.

The holiday package offers the guests a host of sightseeing options that include the turtle hatchery in Kosgoda, visit to a charming seaside town in the south-western coast called Ambalangoda, the home of the colourful mask carvers. Also on the itinerary are visits to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens which are spread over 147 acres of land with an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers, as well as to Kitulgala, the famous location where the film, The Bridge Over the River Kwai, was filmed.

The island nation also offers other exotic destinations like the Sigiriya rock fortress, a world heritage site built by King Kashyapa during A.D. 477-495. Other quaint destinations are the elephant orphanage at Pinnawala, bird watching facilities around Kandalama, elephant trails and jungle resorts.

The Taj Best of Sri Lanka offer includes airport transfers, accommodation in a standard room, set menu buffet breakfast and dinner, transportation by air-conditioned vehicle and sight seeing with an English-speaking guide.

The holiday also offers guests a choice of Taj hotels including the Taj Exotica at Bentota, and Taj Samudra at Colombo. Exquisite resorts like Earl’s Regency in Kandy, Tea Factory hotel at Nuwara Eliya and Kadalama hotel are the other pickings on offer.

Thanks: Taj Hotels, Sri Lanka

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Emerald isle sparkles again

Tourism rediscovers beautiful Sri Lanka..

(Anjali Prayag) — Visiting Sri Lanka recently, one found that a country that had lived in the shadow of terrorism for over 30 years surprisingly showed very little bitterness. Except for a few check-posts, there were few reminders of the recent violent past of this island-nation. “There was never a day when we didn’t either read or hear of an attack. But we have put it behind us and look forward to a phase of economic growth,” says an employee at Taj Samudra in Colombo. This property of the Taj Group of Hotels is bustling with tourists, seeking both business and leisure.

We were a group of journalists visiting Sri Lanka on the invitation of the Taj Group of Hotels and Sri Lankan Airlines.

Clearly, this naturally endowed country is all out to woo international tourists. Voted the top holiday destination by The New York Times (The Place to be in 2010), the country is eager to figure on the itinerary of the globetrotter.

“Yes, we are gung-ho about tourism, especially Indian tourists,” says Senaka Fernando, Regional Manager, Asia Pacific, Sri Lankan Airlines. The airline is optimistic about increasing its tourist traffic from inland India — places such as Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi — through its ‘sea and beach offering’, although “Indians like to shop here more than beach-surf”, says an official from the Taj Group of Hotels in Sri Lanka. In fact, the airline has increased its capacity out of Tiruchi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore and Chennai.

Tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka have increased by over 30 per cent over the past year, with over 80 per cent coming from India. In the last six months, 49,000 Indians have visited the island and they included leisure, pilgrim and corporate travellers.

Blessed with natural beauty, the country hopes to make tourism its top revenue earner after textiles and tea exports.

It is trying to create the right mix of infrastructure and conveniences for tourists. Visitors will be struck, for instance, by the ease with which one can obtain a local SIM card for a mobile phone. Various service operators have set up booths right outside the airport and offer SIM cards on the spot. The smooth road traffic is a welcome change from the chaos back home.

Hotel tariffs are comparatively low. With tourism picking up, business has been good in the last six months, says V.K. Prasad, General Manager of Taj Exotica, another sea-facing property of the Taj Group at Bentota. He expects the improving situation to favour the hospitality sector. “Tariffs which were at $70-80 a day are expected to shoot up to $120 soon,” agrees a tourist operator.

From sunrise over a clear blue sea and shopping for global brands to the glitzy casinos and clubs under a night sky, Colombo packs enough to keep visitors engaged the whole day through. Adventure enthusiasts can look forward to water sports at Bentota, while those seeking a religious sojourn can visit Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is believed to house Lord Buddha’s tooth brought secretly from India.

Highlights

Shopaholics can find global apparel brands at unbelievable prices at stores like Odel and Fashion House. Incidentally, the island country has over 900 textile export units supplying to leading global garment brands.

Boasting nearly 30-35 tea variants, tea shopping becomes an art in Sri Lanka. Tea accounts for about 15 per cent of the country’s GDP and is a major export product.

Those looking for indigenous products can stop at Paradise Road, Barefoot and Dankotuwa Porcelain. Though the prices seem steep at first, the conversion rate (Rs 100 fetches almost 220 Sri Lankan rupees) takes the sting off the pricing.

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Sea View Resort at Unawatuna Beach

(Sanath Weerasuriya) — Listed as one of the seven most beautiful beaches in the world, Unawatuna is an ideal holiday destination for both the budget minded as well as the more up market travellers.

Sri Lanka holiday makers have identified Unawatuna as the best beach in the West and South West part of the country.

New York Times, in its travel section of the 10th Sunday issue has nominated Sri Lanka as the ‘Best Destination’ to visit in the year 2010. A special mention has been made about Unwatuna Beach in the article giving the edge over the rest of the sandy areas in the country.

Sea View Resort is one of the popular places for travellers to the area. This family friendly ‘Guest-House’ with a range of rooms includes two bungalows, ideally located for a holiday of unlimited sun and sea overlooking the Ocean. The Resort was developed from some old rooms in the garden to a new wing with a marvelous view over the bay.

Sea View has thirty rooms to its credit in three different units.

‘This is my ‘maha gedara’ and from a couple of small rooms in early eighties, I have managed to come up to this luxury level of hospitality. 2004 tsunami was a temporary set back but we managed to over come the difficulties’ said Deepal Yatawara, the proprietor of the Sea View

A truly relaxing environment situated in the midst of a lush tropical garden, Sea View offers an atmosphere of comfort, safety, and friendly ambience. In the Sea View Garden you’ll experience a wide variety of bird life, tropical fruit trees and you might see the giant land monitor lizard or his cousin, the iguana, taking a leisurely stroll or sunning them on a nearby rock. Monkeys are frequent visitors to the garden.

The Restaurant which is situated directly on the beach offers traditional Sri Lankan dishes and also Western cuisine. Both can be selected from a rich menu card for the lunch or dinner.

Relaxing with a drink at the beach restaurant that is overlooking the Indian Ocean, while the waves gently lap against the shore when the tropical day is reaching its end is the best way to begin your evening. Sea View’s Restaurant boasts wholesome breakfasts, delicious lunches and relaxed, informal dinners directly on the beach.

‘The fish you order will most likely have been caught that afternoon just outside your door and prepared in a truly memorable traditional Southern Sri Lankan curry. Besides authentic Sri Lankan preparations, a variety of Western meals is also available’ said Yatawara

Visitors can either like to explore the placid Indian Ocean with its wealth of underwater miracles, or can watch the over 60 species of endemic birds in the surrounding jungle – Unawatuna has a lot of choices to offer.

The end of the day finds guests taking a five minute climb up the Rocks (on steps) to Rock Hill. A spot on the beach that offers a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean and a breath taking sunset and unique in the way the village is positioned, Unawatuna is one of the few places on earth where you can watch the sunrise and the sunset, both over water.

This is not for foreigners only, but most of the Sri Lankan travellers like to indulge the magic of Unawatuna’ said Deepal Yatawara.

‘Your patronage also helps us to employ young people in the Village which in turn helps them to get back on their feet. Give us the opportunity to serve you and to make your holiday the best ever’ he added.

Unawatuna sits in a sheltering cove on the inside of a protective coral reef, the home to many tropical fish. Complete snorkeling equipment is available and a glass bottom boat tour can be arranged.

Because the shallow end of the bay is protected by the reef, it makes it a very safe spot for the children to enjoy a swim in the crystal clear water. And breaking across the reef you’ll find enough surf for the novice surfer.

Apart from this, there are other excursions too are available.

Canoe ride in Koggala Wewa, travel to Bird Island at dusk, watching stilt fisherman in the evening at Weligama Beach , a trip to the Sinharajah Rainforest or the old Dutch Fort in Galle are some of the popular excursions for both Sri Lankan and oversea travellers..

‘The tours to lower country Tea Plantation, the turtle hatchery or up the coast to Ambalangoda to see traditional Lankan craft work can be arranged for you with AC or non AC vans’ he added.

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Tourism helps economic momentum in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is ranked among the Top Ten Fastest Economies, being eighth in the world according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) of United States. As the global economy would emerge in the recession, it is envisaged that Sri Lanka would record a 6.3 percent GDP growth rate that is second only to China, which will record an 8.6 percent in the Asian region.

‘In times of economic strife it’s heartening to see our country doing so well. We must not rest on our laurels and strive to do better and bigger things. Sri Lanka Tourism contributes enormously to the economy and that contribution will only increase over the next decade’ Eranga Basnayake, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said.

With the current political stability as well as the opening of the North and the East to Tourists, Sri Lanka Tourism is estimating nearly 15% of the Sri Lanka population will benefit from Tourism industry. The government is keen on achieving this and this features high on the list of long term priorities.

There are several projects in the pipeline that will serve as an impetus to propel this venture. The projects have all been streamlined into the biggest ever tourism venture in Sri Lankan history – Visit Sri Lanka 2011. This colossal project has been launched with a series of projects that are lined up for 2011. The project was kick-started with the New York Times and the Daily Candy Washington D.C declaring Sri Lanka as the No: 1 Spot for Holiday makers.

The ‘Visit Lanka 2011’year will help Sri Lanka Tourism in putting a foundation in place in order to achieve the target set by H.E. the President to bring in 2.5 million visitors to Sri Lanka by 2016. An arrival figure 765,000 is projected by 2011 and to cater to this, Sri Lanka Tourism is using unique marketing and communication tools to lure in tourists to the country through Product Development, Promotions and Communication.

The marketing activities lined up to launch this project will be spread out over this year and will lend to an improvement of the economy by the end of the 2010 by which time the world will emerge from recession and post crisis economic landscape will become clearer. This will pave the way to achieve a higher growth of about seven to nine percent in the medium term, said the Ministry of Finance and Planning, quoting the EIU.

It is estimated that the oil prices will average at about US USD 74-80 per barrel for the period of 2010-2012. Currently the Sri Lankan stock market is ranked second-best in the world. With these positive signs coupled with political stability and higher capital, financial inflows will take forward the sphere of economic prosperity.

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Six Senses Spa at Heritance Kandalama Hotel Sri Lanka

Named among Asia’s Top 5 Sustainable Spas

Luxury Insider, Asia’s leading luxury online magazine announced that the Six Senses Spa at Heritance Kandalama Hotel is among the top-5 sustainable spas in Asia.

Heritance Kandalama has been celebrated for its green philosophy and is widely recognized as the five-star resort that put eco tourism on the map in Sri Lanka. “We are committed towards sustaining and further developing our environmental programmes implemented and we are delighted to be recognised for our efforts” said B.H.R Sariffo’deen, Assistant Vice President, Aitken Spence Hotels.

The Six Senses Spa situated on a rock overlooking the world famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress belongs to a chain of twenty-four award winning, world renowned spas. The philosophy of Six Senses is based on balancing a pyramid of the five senses; sight, sound and touch are the base of the pyramid; taste and small form the center; the apex symbolises the unique sensory experience of the Six Senses Spa.

Geoffrey Bawa’s visionary architectural design has ensured that no lights are required anywhere in the hotel during daytime as all areas of the hotel are designed to receive an adequate amount of natural light. As a result of something as simple as the allowance for lighting, the hotel makes a substantial saving in the energy that is consumed. The hotel was built between two rock formations and none of the trees on the location were destroyed. The entire hotel is built on a raised platform allowing water to flow under the hotel. It also allows the free flow of animals under the hotel, creating minimum impact on the eco system. Other state-of-the-art methods are utilized in every aspect of the hotel to ensure efficient use of energy and resources such as water.

The hotel has a comprehensive energy conservation policy with power cut-off switches, energy efficient lighting (CFL bulbs), photo active garden lights and a Gassification plant which uses biomass in the form of Grilicedia wood which is a renewable source compared with the previous boiler . The hotel has a comprehensive water conservation policy where no surface water is utilized; water is obtained from 150-200 foot deep tube wells and a maze of gutters that collect rainwater.

Operating under the Heritance Hotels & Resorts brand, the flagship Heritance Kandalama is the world’s first hotel to obtain the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The Observer of UK named it as one of the “Icons of Modern Hotel Design” and Travel + Leisure calls it one of the leading green hotels of the world. In keeping with the company’s commitment toward the environment, ‘Greening the Chain’ is the objective of Aitken Spence Hotels.

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New budget airline Air Asia flies to Colombo

by Susitha R. Fernando — Within a short span of 8 years “Air Asia- the world’s best low cost airline” has been able to bag many awards and accolades. Malaysian based airline, Air Asia has the honour of being the first airline in the world to abolish fuel charges and administrative fees from all its international and domestic flights.

Since 15 August last year Air Asia has built a bridge between Malaysia and Sri Lanka by providing the opportunity to Sri Lankans to fly with their low-cost airline daily from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport to Kuala Lumpur. Their online 3 months’ prior booking enables clients to fly with the lowest fare and to choose their preferred seats.

Air Asia operating from Malaysia serves South East Asia covering over 140 domestic and international destinations and over 130 routes with their 91 flights. It carries point to point with 9 major hubs and 2 virtual hubs which include Bangkok, Phuket, Penang, Kula Lumpur, Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Bali , Singapore and Medan.

Last year (2009) the airline has grabbed two prestigious awards which included, “Airline of the year” a joint award for Air Asia and Air Asia X awarded by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) and “Best Asian Low- Cost Carrier” by TTG Travel Awards. Furthermore a survey conducted by Skytrax has added another feather on its cap being “World’s Best Low Cost Airline”. Also ranked among the top five “most recognized and admired” airlines in the Asia Pacific Top 100 brands.

Air Asia believes in the no-frills, hassle-free, low fare business concept and feels that keeping costs low requires high efficiency in every part of the business. They believe that efficiency creates savings which are then passed onto guests so that affordable air travel can become a reality. It is the golden secret of their low-budget air services which allows them to be true to their philosophy, “Now everyone can fly.” This philosophy of Air Asia has sparked a revolution in air travel with more and more people around the region choosing Air Asia as their preferred choice of transport. At present Air Asia continuously strives to promote air travel, trying to seek avenues to create excitement amongst their guests with their range of innovative and personalized service.

Air Asia has carried over 80 million guests and has provided employment opportunities to over 7500 people. At the moment there are more than 550 daily flights.

Air Asia has not stopped only at flying but also gives their cabin crew a world class training at the Air Asia Academy established in 2001 with the motto, ‘All for one, one for all’. The residential training comprises theoretical and practical sessions.

Fly Colombo to KL, departing at 8.15 am with little more than 3.30 am; a comfortable journey. Airasia arrives at KL at 14.25 am (Malaysian time- 2.30 minutes ahead of Sri Lankan time). Daily flights leaving at Malaysian time at 6.15 am from KL, reaches Colombo by 7.15 am.

Many a Sri Lankan traveller uses this low cost flight service as a gateway to the many points served by Airasia to destinations like Bali, Phuket, Australia, London, China and many more.

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DailyCandy website lauds Sri Lanka

‘DailyCandy’, a reputed US based website on travel and tourism writes of the many delights enjoyed in destination Sri Lanka in an article titled ‘Sri You Around DailyCandy Goes to Sri Lanka’ reaffirming many of the thoughts expressed by New York Times travel writer Lionel Beehner.

New York Times, in its travel section of the 10th January Sunday issue has nominated Sri Lanka as the ‘Best Destination’ to visit in the year 2010.

‘The 31 Places to go in 2010’ was a travel guide to all their readers and NYT has described Sri Lanka as the top place to visit over the popular destinations like Thailand, India and Costa Rica etc.

‘DailyCandy’ says ‘The civil war is mostly over, and Sri Lanka is now stable and safe and as beautiful, tropical, and friendly as ever. The conflict was primarily in the north, and our itinerary will have you roaming the south for adventure (elephant safaris), history (colonial fort towns, old Buddhist temples), rain forests (and mountains and tea plantations), and gorgeous beaches. It’s pretty much the best place we’ve ever been’.

It goes on to describe Sri Lanka and how to get here from the US “The island is far from everywhere, so you’ll want to stay about ten days. Jet Airways flies from the U.S. to India and connects to Colombo.’

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Omani airlines to open route to Sri lanka

MUSCAT — Omani airlines will next Wednesday open a new route to Sri lanka, a tourists destination and an interface for travelers from Oman and Asia, said Omani airlines Chief Executive Officer, Peter Heil on Tuesday.

“Oman Air will provide Airbus 320 planes equipped with a full set of communication services, internet, WiFi,” the CEO said, noting that Oman Air is the first company to offer these services for first and business class passengers.

“This step comes from the company’s strategy to provide high quality services,” Hail explained, noting that Oman Air will open new destinations to Malysia, Africa and Europe this year.

He affirmed that the new route to Sri lanka will strengthen bilateral ties, pointing out that the Sultanate holds close relations with Sri lanka.

Oman Air also have bases in all Gulf States, Indian continent , Egypt, Beirut, England, Germany and France.

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Sri Lanka and Malaysia climb Kuoni list

(Rob Gill) The Maldives, Thailand and the US have maintained their places as the top three most popular long-haul destinations for Kuoni.

The operator’s annual Longhaul Report, which was first published in 1980, reveals the best-selling holiday destinations so far for 2010.

While the top three have stayed the same as in 2009, Sri Lanka and Malaysia have moved up the list to fourth and sixth places respectively.

Kenya and Mauritius were the destinations to drop out of the top 10 from last year. China and Hong Kong is a new entry at number eight and Singapore comes in at number 10.

Kuoni said destinations to watch out for this year included India, Oman, Indonesia and Cuba which were all showing momentum and just sitting outside the top 10.

Other trends identified by the operator include a desire by holidaymakers to “get under the skin of a country, to engage with locals or traditional and authentic experiences unique to the destination”.

Kuoni has also seen an improvement in early bookings thanks to free night and discount offers.

Do your booking trends sound similar to Kuoni’s report? Or are other countires at the top of your list… Let us know at ttgletters@ttglive.com

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