Business
Sri Lanka Tourism hosts a FAM tour for Filipino tour operators in order to enhance bilateral and business connections
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) in collaboration with Sri Lanka Embassy in Manila recently hosted a familiarization tour for nine Filipino Tour Operators from March 29th to April 6th, 2023. The goal of the tour was to increase awareness of Sri Lanka as a new travel destination and to establish connections between Sri Lankan travel agents and Philippine travel agents. The familiarization tour included visits to various tourist destinations such as Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala, Galle, Bentota, and Colombo, showcasing the diverse offerings of Sri Lanka including luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, wildlife, ancient heritage sites, and world-renowned cuisine.
One of the main highlights of the tour was a visit to the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO world heritage site. The participants also visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa, (the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), and were entertained by the Udarata Cultural Show in the evening. Additionally, a B2B session was conducted between Sri Lankan travel agents and Philippine tour agents with the aim to establish Sri Lanka’s presence in the Philippines as a preferred travel destination and to establish partnerships and linkages.
This initiative by the SLTPB and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Philippines is a significant step in promoting Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and expanding its market reach. The familiarization tour provided the Filipino Tour Operators with a firsthand experience of Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings and an opportunity to establish business partnerships with Sri Lankan travel agents. The Travel Trade B2B secession was held on 04th April at Cinnamon Lakeside by participation of 60 Sri Lankan trade partners, creating economic opportunities for both countries. The Philippine travel agents also received Souvenirs from the SLTPB officials to mark their visit, and seemed to be equally delighted with their gifts and the warm hospitality which they have received during their stay in Sri Lanka. Given the proper accessibility and recognition, Philippines can become a crucial market for Sri Lanka bringing in more tourist arrivals from the Philippines in the long run.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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