Annual horse racing event in Nuwara Eliya

Annual horse racing event in Nuwara Eliya

The spring festival

Sri Lanka Turf Club (SLTC) says that the annual Horse Racing Festival of Sri Lanka's hill country tourist city, Nuwara Eliya, will be held from 15 April to 20 April 2013.

Sri Lankan horses as well as Indian horses will participate in the annual Horse races 2013.

The spring festival held annually in April in the picturesque city is a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka.

"Mega Tourism Road Show" in Russia and Ukraine

"Mega Tourism Road Show" in Russia and Ukraine

"Mega Tourism Road Show"

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Russia with the support of the SLTPB has organized a three-week tourism promotional campaign, the "Mega Tourism Road Show" in Russia and Ukraine.

The road show will commence on March 17 with the activation of the shopping mall "Mega Dybenko" in St Petersburg followed by three week long Mega Road Show in Moscow and Kiev.

Major events conducted during the campaign are shopping mall activation, workshops on Sri Lankan tourism, cultural shows, photo exhibitions, press conferences and participation in world renowned travel and trade fairs; MITT 2013 in Moscow , UITT 2013 in Kiev and Ukrainian Travel Forum 2013, the SLTPB said.

Sri Lanka promoted in US as a travel destination

Sri Lanka promoted in US as a travel destination

"US is Sri Lanka’s largest export market" 

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington together with the International Club DC has organized a glittering evening to promote Sri Lanka as a travel destination.Attendance of a large US audience was utilized as an ideal platform to showcase and promote Ceylon Tea – Sri Lanka’s unique gift to the World.

The colorful evening reflecting the warm hospitality of Sri Lanka was much   appreciated by the invitees. They profusely thanked the Ambassador for hosting this wonderful event that would generate much interest among prospective travelers to Sri Lanka.  The audience was comprised of diverse personalities including professionals, business leaders and media personnel.

Speaking on Sri Lanka’s excellent bilateral relations with the US, Ambassador Wickramasuriya informed that the contacts between the people of the US and Sri Lanka are more than two centuries, although diplomatic ties are only 65 years old.  Sri Lanka has been a long standing friend of the US holding deeply shared values and democratic traditions, Ambassador Wickramasuriya stated.

Elaborating on current economic and political developments in Sri Lanka, Ambassador Wickramasuriya highlighted the accelerated programmes of reconciliation, rehabilitation and redevelopment undertaken under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He further added that the US is Sri Lanka’s largest export market with an annual turnover of over USD 2 Billion. In terms of Foreign Direct Investment and Tourism, the US is  a very important partner for Sri Lanka.

The tourism industry is booming in Sri Lanka and reached 1,000,000 tourist arrivals in 2012 surpassing all expectations. In this context, Ambassador cited the many references described by reputed travel writers including the latest Lonely Planet Guide which declared Sri Lanka as the best travel destination in 2013. This vibrant and dynamic sector has also attracted leading US hoteliers such as Marriott International, Starwood- Sheraton, intimated the Ambassador.

The enthusiasm of the evening was very evident with the spontaneous response received from the invitees to join the special flight which would be organized by the Embassy for the ceremonial opening of Mattala International Airport in southern Sri Lanka on March 18, 2013.

The evening drew to a close with the visitors savouring sumptuous authentic Sri Lanka culinary spread specially prepared by the Embassy chef.

Sri Lanka targets 1.25 million tourists in 2013

Sri Lanka targets 1.25 million tourists in 2013

"Sri Lanka is popular as a green and natural tourism destination"

In 2012, 1 million(approximately 1,000,4000) international visitors travelled to Sri Lanka, up compared to 2011, and itself a new record. Achieving the targeted 1.25 million tourists by the end of 2013 is an attainable target, given that the industry and the authorities give priority to proper marketing and promotion for the destination.

The official noted that the targets had been set after analysing factors such as the availability of room capacity, State infrastructure development, hotel refurbishments, etc. “Achieving the targets will gradually take us to realise the 2.5 million tourist arrivals by 2016. Sri Lanka is popular as a green and natural tourism destination and is gaining popularity among travellers,” the official said.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau(SLTPB) added that the industry would take part in more travel fairs and road shows this year, targeting the likes of India, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Middle East, and the CIS countries.

Sri Lanka welcomes1000,000th tourist

Sri Lanka welcomes1000,000th tourist

1,000,000th tourist in year 2012

Sri Lanka Tourism welcomed the arrival of 1,000,000th tourist in year 2012 at Bandaranaike International Airport last night. Accordingly Ms. Jiang Ying and her husband were the 1,000,000th tourist who arrived in the country.
Sri Lanka Tourism took steps to arrange a special ceremony to welcome the 1,000,000th guest.

The tourist was greeted by senior officials of Sri Lanka Tourism, SriLankan airlines and Airport Aviation.

"I had heard a lot about Sri Lanka from my friends. I found out details about your country before deciding my holiday destination. I was simply bewitched by the photos on the internet. Sri Lanka is as beautiful and breathtaking as presented in the photos. Moreover, Sri Lankans are very hospitable and kind."said  Ms. Jiang Ying.

Sri Lanka has set a target of 1.3 million tourist arrivals for 2013.

Sri Lanka Tourism's promotional campaign in Australia

Sri Lanka Tourism's promotional campaign in Australia

Sri Lanka Tourism targets to attract 50,000 Australian tourists in 2013

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau launched a fresh promotional campaign in Australia,The campaign launched with the start of the historic ‘Boxing Day’ Test match played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), will be continued during the test series s and the upcoming five one day international (ODI) and two T20 matches between Sri Lanka and Australia. 

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) expects the campaign to reach nearly 75 million TV viewers around the world, who will be glued to television sets, watching Cricket matches.

Sri Lanka Tourism is aiming to promote the county’s Beaches, its heritage, its wildlife aspects and also its various cultural festivals to the Australians.

Sri Lanka has only attracted just 0.5% out of the 7 million Australians who have traveled out of their country annually. Sri Lanka Tourism targets to attract 50,000 Australian tourists during the year 2013 and already has attracted  35,000 visitors in this year.

Sri Lanka to launch domestic carrier in 2013

Sri Lanka to launch domestic carrier in 2013

First domestic carrier

Sri Lanka will launch its first domestic air taxi service next year(2013), which will fly to several key coastal and inland destinations, operating from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), the country’s only international airport. Cinnamon Air is the brainchild and joint venture of the parent company behind Sri Lankan owned and operated Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Chaaya Hotels & Resorts – John Keells Holdings – MMBL Leisure Holdings and Phoenix Ventures Limited.

The service will significantly reduce the time spent on road transfers between the airport and hotels and on excursions, while at the same time, allowing visitors to discover the incredible diversity of the island scenically and with ease.
The start-up fleet – operated by Saffron Aviation – will consist of two Cessna 208 Caravan Amphibian aircraft (seating nine passengers each) and one wheeled Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft (seating 12 passengers), allowing the airline the flexibility to operate from any of the domestic and international airports as well as from waterdromes in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka welcomes 950,000th tourist

Sri Lanka welcomes 950,000th tourist

"I am really surprised by your warm welcome and the gifts"

Marking the maximum number of tourists who visited Sri Lanka this year the 950,000th tourist arrived at the  Bandaranaike International Airport. Accordingly a Polish woman named Agtha Dziekan was named the 950,000th tourist who arrived in the country with her husband Ku Jawa. To celebrate this occasion the Tourism Promotion Bureau has gifted the couple with a three day complimentary stay at any hotel in the country of their choice along with a tour to visit Sri Lanka’s places of tourist attractions.

Sri Lanka reached its 2011 target of 800,000 tourists last year on 19 December. All promotional activities and events in the next couple of years will be aimed at achieving the target number of 2.6 million tourists by 2016, states the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Sri Lanka the best destination to visit in 2013

Sri Lanka the best destination to visit in 2013

British Airways destination ranking 2013

Sri Lanka has topped the 13 destinations categorized as popular favorite places to visit in 2013. This ranking has been accorded to Sri Lanka by a panel of experts assigned by British Airways to compile a list of the top 13 new destinations and popular favorite places to visit in 2013.


The Panel of Experts have made their determination based on tourists heading to the island in increasing numbers after the end of terrorism, attractions like beaches, elephant treks and a large number of UNESCO world heritage sites to visit in the country.

Rio de Janeiro is second and it has been based in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup taking place across the country in 2014. The World Cup is expected to attract a massive number of tourists which will have an effect on the already rising prices of tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants.

South Korean capital is in the 3rd place in the list. 

The other destinations are
Croatia: Vietnam; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Derry, Northern Ireland; Las Vegas, USA; Tbilisi, Georgia; San Diego, California, USA; Cape Town, South Africa; Alicante, Spain; and Dubai, UAE. 

Sri Lanka`s Coastal belt to be developed

Coastal belt from Galle Face to Mount Lavinia
 to be developed

Coastal belt Galle Face to Mount Lavinia

Sri Lanka plans to develop the coastline belt  from the Galle Face Hotel complex to the Mount Lavinia Hotel limits.The Project includes the development of the coastal belt from the Galle Face Hotel Complex to the Mount Lavinia Hotel limits, in addition to its beautification. Another aim is to overcome coastal erosion. 

The Project is due to be completed within three years. the estimated cost is US$ 25 million.

A special discussion on these development activities was held at Temple. It was presided by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The President has discussed the practical implementation of the project and the steps that need to be taken in the future.

Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Finance Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera participated in the discussion.

Sri Lanka steps up tourism publicity in China

Sri Lanka steps up tourism publicity in China

"Spring Festival"

The Embassy of  Sri Lanka in Beijing together with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau has organized a series of events to promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination in Shanghai, Hangzhou and Chengdu to attract Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka including those who will be travelling overseas during the Chinese "Spring Festival" holiday in February 2013.

Sri Lanka tourism pavilions were organized at the " China International Travel Mart 2012" (CITM) Exhibition in Shanghai and the "Chengdu International Travel Fair 2012" (CITF) Exhibition.

"The Embassy of Sri Lanka, in consultation with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, designed the Sri Lanka pavilions to exhibit the eight product categories of Sri Lanka tourism and were awarded the 'Best Organizer Award' of CITM 2012 in Shanghai and ' Certificate of Appreciation' at CITF 2012 in Chengdu," 

The Sri Lankan government hopes to attract one million tourists this year.

‘Refreshingly Sri Lanka’ launched

‘Refreshingly Sri Lanka’ launched

First-ever tourism coffee table book

Sri Lanka launched its first-ever tourism coffee table book titled ‘Refreshingly Sri Lanka’, authored by former  Tourism Chief and present Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Dr. Nalaka Godahewa.

The high quality coffee table book, ‘Refreshingly Sri Lanka’, with 250 pages carries over 160 exclusive photographs, supported by comprehensive text of over 30,000 words describing almost every key tourism attraction in the country.

The book covers the eight product categories of Sri Lanka tourism

• beaches
• wildlife
• heritage
• ayurveda
• sports
• scenic beauty
• festivals and essence.

A must read for travelers to understand why Sri Lanka was called the most beautiful island in the world by famous the 13th century explorer Marco Polo.

Sri Lanka and Russia to strengthen tourism

Sri Lanka and Russia to strengthen tourism

Russian companies have already expressed willingness to invest...

Steps are to be taken to strengthen tourism trade and investment bonds between Russia and Sri Lanka,the New Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Alexander A. Karchava said. 

He said that Russian tourists take up a large proportion of tourism around the world and a special programme would be implanted among Russian tourists to promote Sri Lanka as a greater tourist destination.

Mr.Alexander A. Karchava made this statement at a discussion with the Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa.

Ambassador Alexander pointed out that Russian companies have already expressed willingness to invest in a Power Plant and a Fertilizer Factory in Sri Lanka. He told the Minister that he had seen to himself the development that is taking place in The Colombo City.He highly appreciated it.

Also, a group of Russian Media would be entitled to promote Sri Lanka in Russia, he further added.

When Minister Basil Rajapaksa requested the new envoy to take measures to promote Sri Lankan tea in Russia, he has agreed to take immediate steps in that regard.

 

Colombo Night Races in mid-December

Colombo Night Races in mid-December

Colombo Night Races

The Colombo Night Races 2012 conducted by the Asian Motor Racing Club together with Carlton Motor Sports Club and the Sri Lanka Motor Cycle Club, will be held on December 14th and 15th.
The races will see both cars and motorbikes line up in different categories on a circuit that is drawn out from streets in the Galle Face Green and Fort in downtown Colombo,Sri Lanka.

According to organizers, seven Car events and four Motorcycle events are scheduled to be held on Dec. 15.
The track is going to be more or less similar to the last year’s & over 7,500 local & foreign visitors are expected for the event. The hotels are also preparing for the event with comfortable accommodations for the crowd.

Cable car service to Sri Pada(Sri Lanka)

Cable car service to Sri Pada(Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka's sacred mountain Sri Pada

Cable car service to the famous pilgrim destination Sri Pada will be launched from next year,Sri Lanka Minister of State Administration John Seneviratne Said.

Hundreds of thousands of local and foreign devotees belonged to many religions trek to the summit of the sacred mountain each year during the season which is normally between the full moon days of December and May months.

that a cable car service will be established to connect Erathna town in Kuruwita to the top of the Samanala mountain range where a venerated ancient foot mark is believed to be located.

The cable car service is expected to promote tourism in the picturesque vicinity and also to ease the climb of several kilometers for the weak.

Sri Lanka among top 5 emerging tourist destinations

Sri Lanka among top 5 emerging tourist destinations

2012 Emerging Tourism Countries

Sri Lanka has been listed among the five new emerging travel destinations by the World Travel Market's industry 2012 (WTM) report.

The report, launched in London last week, highlights travel trends, and is referred to by many professionals in the industry in making their strategic plans.

The Tourism Development Authority said the three key factors highlighted for Sri Lanka were re-emerging after the civil war; investing in infrastructure; and beauty of destination.

Other countries are:

• Mexico
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Argentina

according to a statement issued by Sri Lanka's Tourism Development Authority on Monday. 
Sri Lanka's tourism sector has been booming since the end of a three-decade war with the Tamil Tigers in 2009.The government has targeted one million tourist arrivals for 2012 and revenue of $1 billion from foreign direct investment.

By 2016, it hopes to reach 2.5 million arrivals despite industry experts warning of massive infrastructure upgrades to meet this target.  The World Travel Market (WTM) is a British event aimed at the global travel industry. 

Thousands of travel industry professionals, government ministers and representatives of the international media, converge on ExCeL London each year in November to attend WTM.

Tourist Arrivals Continue To Increase in Sri Lanka

Tourist Arrivals Continue To Increase in Sri Lanka

Visitor Arrivals Increased In September

The year 2012 has continued to exceed expectations for tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka.  Tourist arrivals in the month of September increased by 18.1 percent compared to the same period last year(2011).
--> Statistics released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority indicated that 71,111 tourists arrived in the country in the month of September compared to the 60,219 tourist arrivals in September 2011. Arrivals during the first nine months of the year has increased by 16 percent to 693,772 from the 598,006 arrivals in the same period last year.

Sri Lanka Tourism is optimistic that Sri Lanka would attract over one million visitors by the end of this year

Lonely Planet Ranks Sri Lanka Best To Visit In 2013

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2013

The Lonely Planet ranks the top 10 countries and cities to visit in 2013

"The Lonely Planet", the world's largest travel guide and the digital media publisher ranked Sri Lanka as the top destination in the world to travel in 2013.

The travel experts and the voters have predicted that Sri Lanka will be on the top of thehottest new destinations for the travelers in year 2013.

The long-running civil war now over Sri Lanka is emerging as one of the planet's best-value destinations, The 2013 travel guide "The Lonely Planet" says.

-->

"investment is again fuelling the tourist industry in Sri Lanka and visitor numbers are steadily increasing.Prices are affordable. Indeed, Sri Lanka is emerging as one of the planet's best-value destinations," Under the title "Serenity returns to Serendib" the world's most trusted travel publisher says. 

The 2013 Travel Guide highlights the emerging new popular places to visit in Sri Lanka, including the newly opened up East coast and less traveled paths in the western coast as well.

Top 10 countries to visit in 2013

1. Sri Lanka

2. Montenegro

3. South Korea

4. Ecuador

5. Slovakia

6. Solomon Islands 

7. Iceland

8. Turkey

9. Dominican Republic

10. Madagascar

Lonely Planet's top 10 cities to visit in 2013

1. San Francisco, US

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

3. Hyderabad, India

4. Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland

5. Beijing, China

6. Christchurch, New Zealand

7. Hobart, Australia

8. Montreal, Canada

9. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

10. Puerto Iguazu, Argentina

Five-star hotel opens in Sri Lanka's Pasikuda beach

Five-star hotel opens in Sri Lanka's Pasikuda beach

East coast five star hotels

A five star hotel for local and foreign tourists has come up on Pasikuda beach paving the way for a tourist spring.Uga Escapes, a Finco Group company has opened a beachfront luxury boutique resort, Uga Bay Hotel in Pasikuda,Sri Lanka.

The Uga Bay Hotel built at a cost of 850 million rupees includes a bay suite and a beach chalet on a nine-acre block of land in the Eastern coast which is famous for its white sandy beaches, whale watching and for surfing.

-->

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Authority has set up a tourism development zone in Pasikuda which is popular for its clean beaches and 14 hotels are to be built in the 150-acres.
Sri Lanka has been able to achieve a steady development in the tourism industry in the past two years. In 2011 exceeding the target, 854 thousand tourists arrived in the country. The tourist target this year has been stipulated to be 950 thousand. Already this target has been exceeded. It is envisaged to attract 25 million tourists by 2016.

"Sri Lanka Trade Fair and Food Festival" in Oman 2013

Sri Lanka Trade Fair and Food Festival 2013

Around 40 Sri Lankan business firms and companies interest in taking part in this trade exhibition...

The first Sri LankanTrade Exhibition and Food Festival  scheduled to be held in Muscat on October 9, 10 and 11 has been postponed to  February 2013,with the aim of propagating Lankan cuisine, cultural heritage and trade. 
Sri Lankan ambassador Asoka Girihagama said that this would be organized to mark 25 years of diplomatic relations between Oman and Sri Lanka.
-->

The ‘Sri Lanka Trade Fair and Food Festival’ would literally see a miniature face of the country along with all its gastronomic delights. “This is the first of its kind in the bilateral relations of the two nations and it’s a milestone in the long way ahead”, the ambassador Asoka Girihagama added.and collections and finest tea as well as is a home for some breath-taking landscapes.He believes that Oman was one of the promising destinations among the Gulf countries to promote Sri Lankan products.
Around 40 Sri Lankan business firms and companies have already voiced interest in taking part in this trade exhibition and food festival.

Around 30 different products belonging to many sectors will be exhibited.

These mainly include, apparel, electrical and electronics items, foot wear and leather products, tea, printing and stationery, wooden products, rubber and rubber based items, boat building, floriculture, diamonds, gems and jewellery, ornamental fish, ceramic, handloom, processed foods, toys, handicraft, tourism, herbal and spa, among other items at the exhibition, he said.

This trade exhibition will be a main gateway for Sri Lankan products to enter the Sultanate's market. "We are positive that we will be able to elicit a good response from people in Oman," Girihagama said. "The trade between Sri Lanka and Oman stood at $102 million in 2010. It will grow up to $500 million during the next two years. At present, plans are underway to draft a constitution for the Oman - Sri Lankan Business Council.

“We have identified Oman as one of the potential markets that Sri Lankan exporters and entrepreneurs could enter easily with confidence due to its low competitiveness and rich market conditions. and This could also be used as an opportunity to boost tourism from the Middle East region to Sri Lanka.In line with that, we have invited the corporate bodies, business entities and companies in Sri Lanka to take part in the forthcoming exhibition”,  Ambassador Asoka Girihagama  added.