Business
Move to bring Russian holidaymakers to Sri Lanka
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Sri Lanka’s two international airports, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake and Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), Mattala, will be partly opened from December 29 to January 16 to accommodate Russian tourists.
Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga told The Island Financial Review that the pilot project approved by the Cabinet is aimed at bringing around 6,000 holidaymakers from Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine adhering to health guidelines in Sri Lanka.
Sixteen hotels with beach frontage in Beruwala, Koggala ,Bentota, Ahungalle and Kalutara have been selected for the Russian tourists who arrive in the hotels from the airport after a compulsory second PCR test (first in Russia before 72 hours) prior to check in.
“These tourists will arrive on charter flights and each tourist is expected to spend about US$ 1500 a day,” he added.
The beach and roads leading to the hotels will be isolated to ensure that no Sri Lankans would come in contact with the tourists, and hotel staffs will stay in the hotels for 21 days.
Further speaking the former Russian Ambassador said:
“This would be a one-month pilot project and all flights will be charter flights with landing charges removed for airlines”.
“Four major airlines namely Aeroflot, Ukraine International Air, Sky Airlines and SCAT Airline have expressed their willingness to bring tourists to Sri Lanka. Initially, Ukraine International Airlines will bring 214 passengers to the country.”
“Russians are looking forward to travelling to destinations, especially by the sea, to spend their holidays. The age group of this segment is between 30-40 years. At a time the entire tourism sector has been affected due to non-arrival of tourists owing to Covid-19 pandemic, this would be a real boost for the sector.”
“Last year, about 45 million Russians travelled across the globe. 44,000 of these travellers would visit Sri Lanka if the country takes steps to accommodate them”.
“We need to establish more all-inclusive hotels and engage more Russian speaking staff to make the Russian tourists feel more comfortable”.
“Gem shops and souvenir stalls in these hotels also would be able to gain from this initiative. All stakeholders will get together, discuss and decide on a coordinated programme to make this a reality”, Weeratunga said.
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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