Business
Webinar on “Opening Sri Lanka for Indian Travelers”
After much speculation and carefully revised health protocols, Sri Lanka Tourism is taking progressive measures to rejuvenate the Tourism sector amidst the current pandemic situation. As an effort to boost tourist arrivals from India, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, along with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, organized a virtual awareness session on opening Sri Lanka for Indian travellers. The online session was joined by more than 280 prominent Indian outbound tour operators / travel agents and journalists from reputed newspapers, Sri Lankan Airlines, and representatives of key tourism associations of Sri Lanka also participated in the Webinar.
Dr. Valsan Vethody, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai made the opening remarks. He highlighted that the Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka is beginning to see an opportunity to get back on its feet and revive itself due to the accelerated e vaccination program. He further mentioned that the Indian government has considered opening Sri Lanka to the Indian travelers as a positive step and invited all the stakeholders in India to join this endeavor. Representing the Sri Lankan participants, Ms. Madubhani Perera, Acting Managing Director/ Director PR of SLTPB, Dushan Wickramasuriya, Director Marketing of SLTPB, Sanath Ukwatte, President of Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), Nishad Wijetunga, Vice President of Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), and Mervyn Fernanodupulle Past President of Association of Small & Medium Enterprises in Tourism (ASMET) also contributed with their respective speeches. The Indian Agents were updated on crucial points such as Airline connectivity, adhering to health guidelines, traveling within the Bio Bubble and arranging accommodation at safe & secure hotels in Sri Lanka.
Ms. Madubhani Perera expressed that India is a very important source market for Sri Lanka. She mentioned that Sri Lanka Tourism has a target of achieving USD 10 billion income to the country, and a total of 7 million tourist arrivals by the year 2025, which is a challenging task due to the current pandemic situation impacting global tourism. Sri Lanka Tourism is taking all the necessary steps to achieve this target by 2025 or even to a closer level, with the planned promotional activities including the Global Campaign which is expected to be launched early next year.
Dushan Wickramasuriya, Director Marketing also made a comprehensive presentation to the audience by highlighting the importance of the tourism industry to Sri Lanka which has contributed 4% to 5% to our GDP.
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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