Business
Sri Lankan tourism seen as bouncing back with positive influx of arrivals
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) with the support of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) , marked a milestone in its tourist arrivals by receiving 624,874 tourist arrivals by end of June this year. This is a significant increase when compared with the number of tourist arrivals received for the year 2022.
The total number of tourist arrivals received up to December last year (2022) was 719,978. Due to the continuous promotional efforts and marketing campaigns, Sri Lanka Tourism, as the National Tourism Organization, has been able to get back to business and encourage more tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka from all parts of the world, despite all the challenges it had to face during the Covid Pandemic and the Economic crisis. India established itself as the most important source market by bringing in the highest number of arrivals to Sri Lanka. The other source markets such as UK, Russia, Australia, China , Germany , Canada, Maldives , United States, France also made an impact for the arrivals upto June this year. .
It has been a long journey for Sri Lanka Tourism throughout the years but nevertheless, it has bounced back by welcoming a large number of tourist arrivals consisting of an average of 100,000 per month. This is due to the continuous promotional activities of SLTPB, in collaboration with the SLTDA and SLCB who have given their tremendous support. Up to end of May 2023 Sri Lanka Tourism has generated an income of USD752 mn , thereby actively contributing to the Economy.
Sri Lanka Tourism also briefed the media and Industry recently regarding its achievements and progress made during the past one year and its plans for future. Sri Lanka Tourism participated in several Mainstream trade fairs such as the ATM Dubai, ITB Berlin, MITT Russia, and SATTE India and GITF China, and also organized roadshows in major cities in India and China. SLTPB plans to participate at upcoming IFTM in Paris, and WTM in UK during year. As the leading promotional arm of Sri Lanka Tourism, SLTPB has several plans to carry out through this year, including a one-year global campaign targeting key markets, also a domestic campaign to encourage the 22 million Sri Lankans to welcome visitors from around the world.
Sri Lanka Tourism has also been seeking the support of celebrities, travel influencers and bloggers through the visiting Journalist and Blogger Program of the SLTPB, and also promoting Sri Lanka as a film Tourism destination.
Another important initiative of Sri Lanka Tourism is to improve the infrastructure facilities of Sri Lankan tourism locations, and also upgrade all the tourist hotels, also introducing new tourism attractions in the long run. (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.”
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