Business
Brand Sri Lanka reports robust health as per latest brand report
Sri Lanka Tourism has driven a host of initiatives in recent months, to increase brand recognition and recall for the ‘Sri Lanka’ brand across multiple platforms. The work undertaken in strengthening the Sri Lanka brand is expected to provide a much-needed boost to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and re-establish Sri Lanka as the destination of choice for travelers this winter season and beyond.
However, to cement Sri Lanka’s brand standing in top source markets post-COVID, the local tourism industry will need to develop and launch innovative campaigns and packages, that attract high value tourists to the country.
To support this endeavor, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), in collaboration with the Australian Government-funded Market Development Facility (MDF), invited stakeholders in the tourism industry to a webinar on ‘Business and Consumer Insights for Tourism Reopening in Sri Lanka’.
The event shared findings and analysis from SLTDA-MDF’s latest report, ‘Sri Lanka’s Competitive Brand Standing and Consumer Travel Perceptions to Drive Smart, Sustainable Tourism Recovery’ to support the industry to make informed decisions as Sri Lanka competes in the highly-competitive post-COVID tourism marketplace.
Developed by Twenty31 Consulting Inc., global leaders in tourism data, the report was informed by over 10,000 online surveys and interviews of travel consumers across 10 key outbound travel markets for Sri Lanka – China, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States.
Prominent panel, represented by Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority; Hiran Cooray, Jetwing Symphony PLC; Oliver Martin, Partner, twenty 31 Consulting Inc; and Katherine Droga, Founder, Droga & Co spearheaded the discussion.
The discussion focused on how the Sri Lanka destination brand is perceived in the shrunken and competitive post-pandemic travel market, based on consumers’ path to purchase – familiarity, impression, interest, and recommendation. In other words, how familiar consumers are with the brand, current consumer perceptions, interest and intent around travel to Sri Lanka, potential to recommend Sri Lanka as a holiday experience, and demographics of Sri Lanka’s ideal travel consumer.
Overall, the report revealed that the ranking shows a positive trajectory for Sri Lanka, with scope to boost Sri Lanka’s brand perception.
The key findings from the report revealed, that about 70% of high value consumers select a destination solely based on the perception of the brand, and that 44% of travel consumers have a positive impression of Sri Lanka’s travel experience, a key insight for Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery strategy post-COVID.
Across all ten source markets, Sri Lanka’s ideal travel consumers were characterized as immersive and learner travelers with high education and incomes, interested in authentic cultural experiences, enriching knowledge and learning about other cultures and history.
Further, it was found that the emerging post-COVID travel consumers are willing to pay for a higher quality tourism experience and that price slashing is not needed to stimulate travel to Sri Lanka. An overwhelming majority of travel consumers were also willing to pay more for a responsible and sustainable tourism experience.
With a multitude of authentic experiences, cultural offerings and with sustainability at the core of the tourism strategy, Sri Lanka is well-placed to attract these tourists.
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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