Business
Sri Lanka Tourism kicks-starts an aggressive media and travel influencer campaign for Russia and Ukraine markets
(Two groups of elite travel writers & influencers from Russia & Ukraine were invited and facilitated by Sri Lanka Tourism)
Targeting on immediate promotional boost within potential Russian and Ukrainian winter-holiday seekers, Sri Lanka Tourism has organized massive media and influencer promotion in the months of November/ December 2021 together with some high profile media / influencer delegations with a combined media reach of 12 million audience (in total circulation & subscriptions) covering both countries. Considering the current global travel trends, this is expected to be an important strategic move for Sri Lanka tourism for a speedy recover.
Due to the pandemic concerns, travelers are reluctant to make early bookings in advance and much prefer make quick travel decisions by analyzing the latest travel updates and recommendations. Considering this ‘New Normal Travel Patterns” organizing last moment media promotions will strategically position the island as a top of the mind holiday destination during the last moment winter holiday planning for 2021/2022.
Excluding all CIS countries (where Russians travel mostly for work and to visit their relatives), Turkey is the most popular country for Russians (as well as for Ukrainians) by a significant margin. 3.9 million Russian tourists visited the country in January-September 2017 and almost a million more (4.9 million) in the same period in 2018. Besides Turkey, the most popular countries among Russian tourists are: China, Thailand, Spain, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Germany, UAE, and Tunisia.
According to ‘Visa’- the international payment company, released their Visa Global Travel Intentions Study and revealed how much money people from different countries spend on a trip. Between 2016 and 2017, Russian travelers spent $1,676 per one trip – more than European travelers who spend $1,174. At the same time, 51% of the budget is spent before the trip, and 49% – at the place of destination. 70% of Russians use bank cards when they plan their travel trips (www.tourism-review.com). In 2020 alone, over 12 million Russians travel abroad which is a 45 % decrease from the year before in 2019- (approximately 19.8 million in 2019) and 2.1 million tourists were visiting Turkey.
These eleven (11) high prolific travel writers (representing key media publications) and travel influencers (Instagram & YouTube) were invited to Sri Lanka from 21st November to 8th December period to increase awareness about the reopening of Destination Sri Lanka for international tourists from 1st of October.
Some of the key publications invited are: Vogue- Ukraine : https://vogue.ua/,
Harper’s Bazzar- Russia: https://bazaar.ru/, Total Escape- Ukraine: https://escapemgz.com/ ,
Areoflot Inflight Magazine- Russia : https://www.aeroflot.ru/ruen/information/onboard/entertainment .
Also, famous Ukrainian Travel Bloggers & Instagramer Yana Usipava (539,000 followings in Instagram -Link: https://www.instagram.com/yana_osypova/) and Maxis & Olha Uzol from the popular YouTube travel vlog : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwv4Vw-oa1cTPd4sfvDuSJw have also been part of this Sri Lanka Tourism’s media & influencer promotion .
According to Ms. Maria Alikhanova Golikova Director for Tourism at Aeroflot In-flight Magazine
‘while popular high end destinations for Russians such as Italy, France, Bali (Indonesia) are still in hold to welcome Russian travelers, there is greater opportunity for emerging destinations like Sri Lanka to grab the market attention. Since there is direct flight connection now, Sri Lanka can be easily positioned as top of the mind tropical travel option to consider during the upcoming seasons 2021/2022.
To add on with that Ms. Maria Kudimova, Editor of Ukrainian travel magazine Total Escape has stated that “By combining amazing beaches with wild safaris, breathtakingly beautiful highlands, rich local cuisines Sri Lanka has all the elements to become a perfect island holiday destination for Ukrainian travelers. “
Ms. Maria Kudimova, Editor of Ukrainian travel magazine Total Escape,Trying Sri Lankan Prawns Curry at ANI –Resorts ,Dickwella .
Popular Ukrainian Travel Influencer Ms. Yana Osipava invited all of her virtual fans to explore Sri Lanka by stating:
“First time in Sri Lanka and I was so excited to witness Beautiful beaches, Great Hotels, Wild Elephants and Heritages such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
(Ms. Yana visiting a Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda)
According to Ms Yulia Markovchina , Public Relations Director for La Bibliotheque -Russia :
‘’Sri Lanka has so much to offer for Russian and Ukrainian high-end travel market and potential luxury travelers are still not fully aware about the Destination’’
Both media & travel influencer groups traveled separately around the island covering Koggala, Dickwella, Yala, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Habarana and Colombo . Local Tourism & Hospitality Industry partners including ANI Sri Lanka Resort –Dickwella, Amaya Resorts & Spa (Langdale Boutique Hotel by Amaya), Jetwing Yala Hotel, The Fortress Resorts & Spa, The Galle Face Hotel, The Theva Residency- Kandy , Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Table by Taru have joined hands with Sri Lanka Tourism Promoion Bureau to undertake the destination promotions.
Wild Safari at Minneriya National Park by Maksym Uzol from YouTube Channel UZOL AND MANKO
Invited media and travel influencers will be expecting share the unique experiences try have enjoyed in Sri Lanka within their millions of travel seeking audiences in Russia and Ukraine and invite them to explore Sri Lanka as their next bucket list destination.
Overall, with the pandemic lockdown and stages of travel restrictions, Sri Lanka Tourism has continued to undertake various media & travel influencer related promotions to ‘’Keep The Sri Lankan Holiday Dream Alive’’. Total of 24 International media personnel and travel influncers were facilitated in Sri Lanka within the last 11 months and reached to over 25 million global audience via various online news articles, YouTube vlogs, Instagram & Facebook Posts, etc. Key source markets were focused on including India, UK, UAE, Russia, Ukraine, USA & Canada and Norway. Under Sri Lanka Tourism’s Visiting Journalists & Blogger Programs during the period of 2021, destination Sri Lanka has been featured in many mainstream online news channels and social media platforms. Approximately over 500 various ONLINE & Social Media Posts were created about destination Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka was featured at BBC.travel in May 2021
(Link: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210502-the-unsolved-mystery-of-sri-lankas-stargate)
Authentic Sri Lankan Food Culture promoted via YouTube in July 2021
(Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRBmu-eHeBE )
Sri Lanka Re-open Back for Int. Tourists and Travel Bio-Bubble
(Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGKwnJYiAAg)
Contact: Public Relations Division
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau 80, Galle Road, Colombo 03. 94 112 426 900, sureshnie@srilanka.travel
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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