Business
Sri Lanka Tourism lures Digital Nomads
Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism
Sri Lanka was recently recognized as one of the top destinations for Digital Nomads, emerging second in Club Med’s index of the best places and countries around the world to become a Digital Nomad. Club Med collected and assessed data in line with the growing demand for the nomadic lifestyles which enables travellers to escape to picturesque locations where they can work remotely from. This recognition comes just as Sri Lanka Tourism is charting a new path and offers yet another avenue to market the island in a bid to boost tourism. Digital Nomads are a growing segment within the tourism industry, of people who choose to embrace a location and enjoy a technology driven lifestyle which enables them to travel and work remotely, anywhere in the world.
“Sri Lanka was ranked so highly because of its comparatively low living costs, average temperatures of 30°C along with ample activities and landmarks for visitors to enjoy, and a beautiful working backdrop of lush green mountains, coral reefs and powdery sand, which combines to offer a great remote working experience”, noted Club Med, allocating Sri Lanka a score of 238 out of 320. This emerging segment of Digital Nomads, travel independently, using information researched online through organic sources. The free and independent nature of their travels combined with their long travel stay patterns in one destination makes this segment a lucrative market to pursue.
Digital nomadism is the ultimate work-travel lifestyle many Digital Nomads aspire to, which allows them to explore the exciting destinations while working remotely, a lifestyle that is increasingly becoming the ‘new normal’.” Sri Lanka is poised to be as the perfect post pandemic destination with its wide-open spaces and nature-based attractions. After experiencing prolonged lockdowns and travel restrictions, people are embracing the ‘work from anywhere’ concept with the requirements being a picturesque setting, cultural experiences, adventure and good wifi connection”, said Ms.Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism.
Sri Lanka is positioned well to promote the “work from your own tropical paradise’ concept and Sri Lanka Tourism recognizing this is facilitating the expansion of the Digital Nomad market as part of its sustainable strategies. This strategy has received prominence globally with inclusions in listings such as the Club Med listing. Sri Lanka Tourism is currently working on securing the necessary framework to support the expansion of this market and is looking at the possibility of long-term visas for Digital Nomads which is essential to secure this segment.
The positive impact this segment of independent long-stay travelers will have on industry stakeholders is tremendous. With the multitude of immersive experiences, the destination has on offer, the SME segment will also experience growth by providing support services and curated experiences to this high yielding emerging market. Digital Nomads not being sensitive to seasonal travel is also an added advantage to boost off-season tourism with the benefit of digital content generated by this segment pushing promotions for Sri Lanka Tourism organically.
(Sri Lanka Tourism)
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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