Business
‘Tourism can provide the oxygen our economy needs to revive’
By Lynn Ockersz
Tourism can provide the oxygen Sri Lanka’s economy needs to revive. The hard currency that comes in through tourism remains in the country and filters down not only to direct employers and employees, but to suppliers and service provides as well. However, the time is ripe to ensure that tourists visit less frequented areas of the country, rather than overcrowd our main assets of Sigiriya, Kandy and Yala, chairman, Jetwing Symphony PLC and Lighthouse Hotel PLC, Hiran Cooray told The Island Business Review in an interview recently.
The interview:
How do you assess Sri Lanka’s chances of bouncing back in the tourism sector, now that it is opening its doors to foreign tourists once again?
Within the last two weeks lots have changed after our Health Authorities relaxed the arrival process and the European Governments took us out of the red list. This comes as a massive relief for us as we see booking confirmations increasing daily. With the spread of Covid and number of deaths on the decline, we can expect arrival numbers to increase from November onwards. We at Jetwing are very confident that we will have a good winter season.
Anything specific that the state authorities could do to help revive our tourism sector?
There is a bit of a confusion with regard to provincial border crossing, Restaurant and bars are not fully operational and public transport is not available. Even though we know people cross borders and it is not a hindrance to the incoming tourist, we still give a fairly negative message to the World. I do hope the authorities will take these restrictions out as soon as they are comfortable to do so.
Our country has not been properly positioned for years. It is important to promote and position the destination for what it truly deserve. We are blessed with one of the most unique Islands in the World. This needs to be communicated properly which then will give more confident to all of us who are in Tourism to earn more money and contribute at least 10% to the GDP.
Any innovative tourism products that Sri Lanka could offer?
Sri Lanka now offers many unique experiences and I think we need to keep adding onto what we have been traditionally offering . For more than 50 years we have been talking of Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Yala as the only offering for round tour.
Last weekend with a group of Traveller Made agents who bring in high net worth travelers to the country, I climbed Kudumbigala Hermitage and Balumgala which borders Kumana National park. They were most amazed with that experience.
The Sunrise from the East with the views of the Panama Tank and forest was stunning. They literally refused to come down as they felt it was such a joy to stay there. They asked me why we kept it as a secret as they thought the experience of climbing, seeing the Buddist monk meditating and the views were much more heavenly than the experience of climbing the Sigiriya rock. There are many more experiences like this which are not promoted and it is time now to disburse the tourists to the less visited areas rather than overcrowding our main assets of Sigiriya, Kandy and Yala.
Basically, what needs to be done to revive the national economy in the New Normal?
I am very confident Tourism can provide the Oxygen our economy needs to revive. The hard currency that comes in through Tourism remains in the country and it filters down not only to the direct employers and employees, but to suppliers and service providers. We must not also forget that we carry the responsibility to safeguard all our people and visitors. Therefore it is important to talk of our health benefits through Ayurveda and Traditional Hela wedakama.
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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