Business
Sri Lanka Tourism commemorates World Tourism Day 2021
As Sri Lanka begins to open its borders to the world, Sri Lanka Tourism continues its strategic efforts to promote the island to capture the attention of a global audience seeking an outlet to experience travel once again. In its latest initiative, special programmes and events have been organized to celebrate World Tourism Day 2021 in Haputale, under the guidance of the Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Ministry of Tourism – Uva Provincial Council and the Uva Wellassa University. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) promotes sustainable, responsible and universally accessible tourism on World Tourism Day commemorated worldwide on the 27th of September every year.
This year’s World Tourism Day will be celebrated under the theme ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’, focusing on fostering a people-centric, technology-driven, and sustainable tourism sector from the grassroots level, to achieve overall sustainable economic development. The official ceremony will take place at the Kelburne Mountain View in Haputale under the patronage of Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga, with the presence of other officials from Sri Lanka Tourism. A ceremonial event will also be held at the Uva Wellassa University.
Apart from the official celebration, a series of other events have been planned, including seven webinars on diverse topics. Generating further excitement to commemorate World Tourism Day, The Ministry of Tourism – Uva Provincial Council and Uva Wellassa University will be organizing seven competitions under the following categories: Inter University Category (Best Travel YouTube Channel Competition, Best Travel Facebook Page Competition and Best Travel E-Poster Competition); Open Category (Best Travel Photography Competition, Best Travel Videography Competition and Best Innovative Tour Package Competition and Best Social Media Page/Blog Competition).
Sri Lanka Tourism is taking strategic measures to improve the performance of the domestic tourism sector by upgrading community-based tourism products, increasing registration of SMEs, uplifting industry standards, enhancing strategic marketing and improving efficiency of public services and infrastructure. Such initiatives are expected to create opportunities particularly to tourism and hospitality-based SMEs as well as the rural community. It serves as a catalyst for job creation for youth, women, minorities, indigenous people and other marginalized groups, and as a stimulant of infrastructure and public service development in rural areas.
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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