Business
Miss World Tourism 2023 will connect a new audience to destination Sri Lanka : Diana Gamage
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Tourism State Minister Diana Gamage said in Colombo last week that Miss World Tourism 2023 which would take place in Sri Lanka from July 20th to 30th would get participants from 40 countries, some of whom have little awareness about the country and would never visit it if not for the upcoming tourism event.
“These countries will be sending their most exquisite representatives to vie for the coveted crown at the competition. The Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Promotion Bureau are working hand in hand during this historic 11-day extravaganza to make it an awe-inspiring spectacle for the visitors. All those who are coming are global travel influencers, the new key actors in tourism promotion. Sri Lanka will be able to gain great mileage from the compelling content they create to showcase our destination among their fan bases,” she said.
“In the face of challenging economic times, Sri Lanka can find solace in the transformative power of tourism. Radika Gunawardhana who has won accolades as Mrs. World Gold Medalist 2013, Mrs. Asia International 2015, and a recipient of numerous national and international beauty pageant titles from 2005 to 2015 would lead the exercise of putting this event together,” the state minister said.
“We have made elaborate arrangements for the interested global community to witness the enchantment of Miss World Tourism pageant in Sri Lanka as it unfolds on scenic locations of our country. It won’t just be a beauty pageant. It will relay to the world Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, tourist attractions and local hospitality as they had never known before.”
Responding to a query from The Island Financial Review, she said, “The specialty here is there is no prize money for the winning contestants and they pay their own air-fare as a support for our country at this difficult time. However, we will be providing them with star-class accommodation, Sri Lankan gastronomical delights and all visits to tourism locations and other necessary facilities for free. It is encouraging to see that there are people out there with so much goodwill to support Sri Lanka in its Tourism marketing without expecting any remuneration.”
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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