Business
SL targeting more than I million Chinese tourists; 3000 Chinese athletes to participate in May marathon
By Ifham Nizam
Sri Lanka will go all out to get more than 1 million Chinese tourists to visit the island nation within the next few years, Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) chairman Shirantha Peiris said.
Peiris, who is involved in launching the tourism arm of what is referred to as the China Project, told The Island Financial Review that attracting Chinese visitors here is one of the prime objectives of the Project.
A study tour of China was organized by the Prime Minister’s office and the delegation was led by State Minister of Social Empowerment Anupa Pasqual.
Peiris added: ‘During the study tour I was able to connect, Agro Tourism / Home stays and discuss collaborations with hospitality & tourism institutes. I also had discussions with VP Chongqing Vocational Institute of Tourism on exchange programs.
‘I was involved in launching Sri Lanka’s Ni Hao Zhong Guo (China Project) Smart Tourism (System) Industry Education project.
‘As a result of these projects, we have already initiated a dialogue for a marathon to take place in Sri Lanka during the first week of May 2024, with 2000 – 3000 athletes participating from China. We will also have support staff and families accompanying the athletes. Sri Lankan athletes too will be invited to take part.
‘The first batch of Chinese tourists is due to arrive this month for leisure travel, while the second batch of some 5,000 is scheduled to visit in May to participate in the first Chinese marathon here.
‘With regard to the SLITHM degree program, we have successfully held the Institutional Review last year and gone through the Subject Review in January 2024. SLITHM is hoping to introduce the degree program for locals and international students in 2025, subject to all approvals, including Cabinet approval being granted.’
Speaking at a press briefing in Colombo on Wednesday, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Director General Nalin Perera said the tourism sector is anticipating Rs. 7 billion in revenue this year.
‘Out of this, Rs. 5.18 billion will be from embarkation fees and a further Rs. 2,087 billion will be utilized from the Tourism Development Levy, he said.
Perera added: ‘Out of this amount, 70 per cent will go to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) 14 per cent to the SLTDA, 12 per cent to the SLITHM and the rest to the Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau.
‘SLTPB is gearing up to introduce a fresh tourism brand — the Buddhist Trail, to tap into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the country. Marine tourism is another area into which we are planning go all out within the first quarter of this year.
‘The former initiative aims to highlight Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage and promote the island as a prominent pilgrimage destination on a global scale.’
SLTPB chairman Chalaka Gajabahu said: ‘Sri Lanka, as a Buddhist country, holds immense potential to establish a unique tourism brand that resonates globally.
‘At the developmental stage, the Buddhist Trail project aims to emulate the success of similar initiatives like India’s Buddhist Tourism Circuit and the Ramayana Trail. The Ravana concept too will be promoted.
‘The Buddhist Trail focuses on significant Buddhist sites countrywide.
“With the rich heritage, breath-taking landscapes and profound spiritual significance, Sri Lanka can emerge as a leading destination for Buddhist pilgrimages and cultural exploration on the global tourism map.
‘We will make Sri Lanka a more happening destination; 2024 is going to be a very positive year.’
‘The fresh initiatives by the tourism authorities aim to significantly boost tourism activities, with the goal of increasing the average daily spend of tourists to USD 500 from the current USD 160, putting Sri Lanka in league with luxury destinations like the Maldives.
‘As per the provisional data by the Central Bank, the earnings per tourists witnessed a rebound in January 2024. The earnings per tourist arrival have improved to USD 1,641 in January, from USD 1,580 in the 1H23 period. In the 2H23 period, the earnings dropped significantly.
‘This is a step-by-step process. It won’t happen overnight. The event calendar will feature a diverse range of activities, including a water festival, Ride for Ceylon and a ‘unique’ event in Sigiriya.
‘I can’t divulge more details of the Sigiriya event but I can say it will be a surprise.
‘Additionally, a key meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) event is scheduled to be held in the south of Sri Lanka next year.’
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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