Business
Why Sri Lanka needs to look at Art Tourism
“Tourism would not exist without culture. Culture is one of the principal motivations for the movement of people, and any form of tourism will provoke a cultural effect, on the visitor as well as the host.” – Professor Jafar Jafari, expert and theoretician of the tourism and hotel industry.
Following the upheaval caused by a pandemic and an economic and political crisis, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has begun a promising recovery in 2023. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the number of tourist arrivals has been on an upward trend since January this year, with the purpose of travel of nearly 55% of the tourists arriving in March 2023 being on pleasure or vacation.
Speaking of tourists who travel to Sri Lanka in search of art, culture, and history, Donovan Abeyewardene, ArTravele – Artisan in Travel, Luxury Brand of Walkers Tours said, “As a country, we must look into how best we can cater to their needs. It is important to pair arts and culture with tourism, through which we can bring visitors to specific areas of the country. This will result in community wellbeing by invigorating local areas through creative practice.”
An aspect of tourism that has the potential to attract tourists of a similar interest group is art tourism, which involves travelling to experience and engage with art and art-based activities at destinations such as art festivals, galleries, and museums. With an intensely rich history, culture, and natural beauty, Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for art tourism. The country has a diverse range of artistic traditions that includes music, dance, literature, and visual arts, and modern and contemporary artists, who have been making a name for themselves in both local and international art scenes.
Sri Lanka can develop multiple methods to promote its art, culture, and tourism sectors. Speaking on how this can be achieved, hotelier, restaurateur, fashion & interior designer, and event planner; Nayantara ‘Taru’ Fonseka said, “We need to promote cultural tourism through packages that highlight the country’s unique art and cultural experiences. This can include visits to historical sites, art galleries, museums, and festivals of traditional music and dance. If we promote local artisans, Sri Lanka can create a unique cultural experience for tourists while also supporting local livelihoods.”
Developing and investing in art and cultural hubs that bring together artists, audiences, and patrons of arts is extremely important to sustain this industry. Such communities can help foster a vibrant artistic community while attracting tourists, thus connecting the art tourism industry in Sri Lanka to the wider region. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) is an organisation that is working towards establishing a community of artists, patrons, and audiences around modern and contemporary art in Sri Lanka. Speaking on the work they do to establish a market for art tourism in Sri Lanka, Sharmini Pereira, Chief Curator at the MMCA Sri Lanka, said “To attract tourists, Colombo needs to have a strong cultural offer. The MMCA Sri Lanka is the only museum in the country dedicated to displaying modern and contemporary art. Modern art museums, especially those of architectural note, are tourism drivers.” She further added, “The Tate London, the Guggenheim Bilbao, MoMA New York and Singapore Art Museum are not only tourist attractions but have helped to establish these cities as cultural destinations. We have the artists and the art history, all that is missing is a permanent modern art museum, which is what the MMCA Sri Lanka is endeavouring to establish.”
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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