Business
‘Sri Lanka, the perfect winter destination for Western tourists’
By Lynn Ockersz
Sri Lanka is a high potential travel destination and given its natural assets, geographical diversity, exotic appeal and welcoming, friendly people, the country could be considered a perfect winter destination for Western tourists, General Manager Air France – KLM, Indian Sub-continent, Jean-Noel Rault told The Island Financial Review.
Speaking to this newspaper in an exclusive interview on Air France’s (AF) decision to resume flights to Sri Lanka after a 30-year lapse, Rault said that AF would be expanding its long-haul network with the launch of three weekly direct flights between Paris and Colombo. The first flight departure from Colombo-Paris was on November 5 this year.
Customers will be able to travel to Paris and connect to AF’s global network with close to 200 destinations via the continent hub of Paris, Charles de Gaulle airport. Colombo will be served as a seasonal operation in the winter schedule 2021-22 and as a continuation of the AF flight from Male.
Sri Lanka’s high brand image and its popularity among Western tourists, among other factors, accounted for AF’s decision to resume flights to Sri Lanka, Rault explained. Now that AF has placed Sri Lanka on its map it is bound to attract tourists in substantial numbers, the General Manager added by way of outlining the mutual benefits that could accrue to Sri Lanka and France as a result of the AF decision.
On the other hand, the arriving tourists could be assured of a most pleasant time in Sri Lanka far away from home. Besides the country’s natural beauty and good weather there is appetizing food and friendly, hospitable people. All this means that Sri Lanka could look forward to considerable revenue from the AF decision to resume flights.
The younger tourists from France will be looking forward to traveling widely in Sri Lanka in quest of adventure. The more high-end tourists usually prefer to spend a relaxing, quiet time on Sri Lanka’s sunny beaches and other tranquil locations. Sri Lanka could look forward to both high-end and backpack tourists, Rault said. ‘Sri Lanka’s attractions are such that it could be considered a nice blend of all the pleasing features of regional destinations, such as the Maldives, Bangladesh and India.’
It was explained that Sri Lanka could facilitate in-bound tourism by reducing complex travel formalities and documentation. Such formalities should be simple and facilitatory of convenient travel. On the other hand, AF is increasingly modernizing its Boeing 787-9 aircraft which will be used on the Colombo-Paris flights to expedite tourist traffic to Sri Lanka. Among other things, the best of entertainment is on offer.
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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