Business
Sri Lanka Tourism performs a successful stint at the Arabian Travel Market – 2024 in Dubai, UAE
Sri Lanka Tourism made headlines at the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which was held from 6th May to 9th May 2024 in Dubai, UAE. The travel fair was held at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) in line with the theme of empowering innovation – transforming travel through entrepreneurship. This is the largest tourism event in Middle East which provides global exposure, business & travel opportunities for the tourism sector.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has been participating at this event since 2003 along with the members of the travel and tourism industry in Sri Lanka and this year SLTPB has vibrant and elegant stand with more than 60 participants from the travel and tourism industry.
The opening of the Sri Lanka Tourism pavilion at ATM took place at the Sri Lanka Stand with the participation of the Udaya Indrarathana -Ambassador of Sri Lanka in UAE, Alexi Gunasekera- Sri Lanka Consul General in Dubai, Chalaka Gajabahu-Chairman SLTPB, Dushan Wickramasuriya – Director Marketing SLTPB, and other official members of SLTPB & Missions. The colorful Sri Lanka pavilion was included with rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, stunning landscapes and abundance of wildlife.
A press conference was organized by SLTPB on the 2nd day of the Travel show which was 7th May 2024 with the presence of large number of international journalists and TV channels. Speaking at the press conference, the Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando, highlighted country’s vision on the idea of the new logo and the unforgettable experience which travelers could get from Sri Lanka. Chairman SLTPB, Chalaka Gajabahu highlighted the importance UAE tourists to boost the total tourist arrivals to the country and invited all participants to experience the country offering the best holiday choices for an interested traveler.
SLTPB & Emirates renewed its commitment in promoting tourism in Sri Lanka through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that includes of indicatives designed to promote and play a major role in reviving the tourism and trade sectors in the country. Chalaka Gajabahu-Chairman of SLTPB signed the MOU from the Sri Lanka Tourism while Ahmed Khoory Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations West Asia & Indian Ocean, signed from Emirates. The agreement was signed in the presence of Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs- Harin Fernando, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates-Udaya Indrarathna, Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai & Northern Emirates- Alexi Gunasekera, Emirates Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management-Nabil Sultan Al Murr, Emirates Country Manager to Sri Lanka & Maldives- Rashid Al Ardha, and Emirates Manager Government Liaison – Chandana de Silva.
ATM concluded successfully creating excellent platform to Sri Lanka Tourism to showcase its tourism offering and created new partnership with travel professionals and business stake holders in the Middle East region.
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
