Business
Ground-breaking initiative in Health Tourism
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
For the first time in the history of local tourism, a tour operating company has undertaken to venture into inbound Health Tourism to enable Seychelles tourists to bring foreign exchange into Sri Lanka.
“We have already launched this package after coming into agreement with leading Sri Lankan and Seychelles private hospitals and agents to kick it off soon, Chief Operating Officer, Ceyline Travels (Pvt) Limited , Charmini Abeywickrama said.
Abeywickrama speaking to The Island Financial Review said: “At a time Sri Lanka is craving for foreign exchange for the country we have taken the initiative to create a new avenue to generate forex for Sri Lanka; forex being a pressing need.
Abeywickrema added: “The launch of direct flights between Colombo and Seychelles has also helped our operation and we are looking at attracting more than 1,000 customers within the first six months of this year.
“They will also be coming along with caretakers or families and we expect this medical package to be responded to by more than 4,000 travelers from Seychelles up to 2023 end. A special tour package has also been offered to them as well.
“We will then repeat this package to African countries, aggressively promoting Sri Lanka as a Medical Tourism destination.
“With over 35 years’ experience in the industry, we will also promote religious tourism in Singapore, China, Korea and Japan from this year. We are marketing this to high- end clientele in these countries who will stay in luxury hotels with a minimum stay of around 10 to 12 days.
“We are looking at obtaining a GSA for a cruise liner, as we see an emerging market for this.
“Since Sri Lanka’s outbound market is picking up, we will also open a travel arm in our mother company’s Ceyline Shipping office in Dubai in the near future. We will then open our regional offices in Maldives, Seychelles, Myanmar and Philippines within the next 18 months.
“Ceyline Shipping was the first to accommodate seafarer crew transfers during the Covid-19 pandemic, helping to convert Sri Lanka into a hub for this operation and generating huge forex when the country needed it most. We are continuing this operation.”
Ceyline Travels, a specialized travel agent in Sri Lanka since 1996, was established to fulfill the travel needs of marine sector stakeholders and has diversified into other areas, such as, providing an array of both local and outbound travel services, to both corporate and individual travelers .
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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