Business
Sri Lanka Tourism makes waves at the Guangzhou International Travel Fair
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau made a valuable contribution at the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF 2023), especially as the partner country this time. SLTPB was able to reap a lot of benefits, opportunities and branding opportunities and promotions.
GITF was held from May 19-21st and a press conference was held on May 22 in Beijing. It included all the leading media houses in China along with pioneer travel operators in northern China. The Sri Lankan delegation included Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando, chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chalaka Gajabahu , chairman , Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Thisum Jayasuriya, Chinthaka Liyanarachchi , Assistant Director and Ms. Randima Madhavi, Junior Manager, SLTPB .
At this fair, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau been awarded as the most Distinctive Tourist Destination and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau achieved another landmark receiving the award for the best charming MICE destination. Another award which was bagged by Sri Lanka Tourism was the gold award for the best marketing strategy conferred by China Tourism Award. A Tourism Promotion Roadshow was also held on May 23 in Kunming. Nineteen travel industry participants and over 70 travel agents from China, national and provincial level media participated in this trade extravaganza.
Further, Sri Lankan flavor was added with a food festival to promote Sri Lankan Cuisine, organized by the Consulate General office of Shanghai on May 25. In addition, leading tour operators in China had an animated discussion with the chairman and the Consul General, to promote Sri Lanka Tourism and attract more Chinese tourists.
The press conference held in Beijing on May 22 was attended by both Chinese and local counterparts where all the leading media houses in China participated. They were able to receive a lot of information regarding Sri Lanka’s unique travel and holiday opportunities. Minister of Tourism Harin Feranando , Dr. Palitha Kohona , Sri Lankan ambassador to the republic of China, Chalaka Gajabahu , chairman , Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau , Thisum Jayasuriya , chairman , Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and Chinthaka Liyanarachchi participated in the press conference , where they also actively engaged in a panel discussion and answered inquiries made by both media and travel agents.
At this media briefing, Sri Lanka – China Corporation also celebrated 10 years of the Belt and Road initiative introduced by Chinese leaders. Further, the Chinese visit included several memorable events, such as, buyer’s night at the GTIF, where both Sri Lankan and Chinese counterparts were able to interact and exchange information. The visitors were also able to get a taste of Sri Lanka at the Sri Lanka stall, which was beautifully constructed.
The Tourism Roadshow in Kunming proved to be a major success with a large number of Chinese participants attending the event and keen to interact with the Sri Lankan counterparts and gain information about Sri Lanka as a world renowned travel destination and the exclusive tourism products and holiday opportunities it has to offer. The roadshow was made more colorful with a cultural performance with unique dance performances which mesmerized the visitors. The Sri Lankan delegation, under the patronage of Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando was also able to schedule a meeting with the China Southern Vice President in Guangzhou.
Subsequently, a consumer promotion was held and organized by leading tour operators in Shanghai where Sri Lanka Tourism officials also participated. They showed a keen interest in promoting Sri Lanka, doing everything from their end to highlight Sri Lanka as a must visit destination. Overall Sri Lanka’s participation of GTIF China this year turned out to be a major success in promoting Sri Lanka as a world renowned travel destination blessed with unique opportunities for the modern traveler. Specifically, as air connectivity and bilateral ties between the two countries are further strengthened, it will be a unique opportunity to give the needed recognition to China as a key source market to encourage more Chinese tourists to visit the island. (SLTPB)
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
