Beauteous Sri Lanka: news

“Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” Shopping Mall Activation Attracts Heavy Crowd

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Sri Lanka Tourism implemented a shopping mall activation campaign from 04th -06th July 2014 in Shanghai – China under “Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” promotional campaign. Held at the Century Plaza on Nanjing Road, the three-day campaign themed "Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai" has attracted a large number of travel enthusiasts and urban public to this event. The entrance to the Nanjing Lu Century Square was designed with a life size replica of the ancient Yapahuwa Entrance and the event arena was decorated with elephants and wildlife replicas which were the main attraction for drawing the crowds to the shopping Mall event held in Nanjing Lu square. With world-renowned Sri Lankan jewelry, textiles, seafood, black tea and other special commodities presented, for the crowds gathered at the century square. Moreover, handicrafts featured with Sri Lanka ethnic characteristics have dazzled a large number of urban visitors, who were impressed by superb artistry of these products while travel enthusiasts were more concerned about the local cultural performances and natural beauty in Sri Lanka and actively took part in games at site.</div>
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During the three day period thousands of people visited the shopping mall activation site and experienced the taste of Sri Lanka through Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai promotional campaign. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in collaboration with Sri Lanka Inbound Tour operators Association and Sri Lankan Airlines offered special tour packages and complimentary air tickets to the winners at the shopping mall competitions. The lucky winners were selected during the games and competitions held on various topics on Sri Lanka to offer promotional tour packages to Sri Lanka. The Shopping Mall activation was able to gather heavy crowds to the Nanjing Lu Square each day and high level of enthusiasm and participation was seen from the public to experience Sri Lanka. All travel stalls and trade stalls offered information about the destination through promotional material and demonstrations etc.</div>
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“Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” Shopping Mall Activation Attracts Heavy Crowd

Sri Lanka Tourism implemented a shopping mall activation campaign from 04th -06th July 2014 in Shanghai – China under “Sri Lanka Shines in...

Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai - Mega Promotion Campaign in Shanghai, China

news 2:22 PM

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The second phase of the joint mega promotional campaign ( Sri Lanka shines in Shanghai) in Shanghai will be held from 01st July – 6th July 2014.

The key government stakeholders with private sector organizations will be partnering with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau to promote destination Sri Lanka in the Chinese market.

Programme

The Press launch - 1st July 2014 in Shanghai Pudong Shangri-la Hotel from 3.00 p.m.
Sri Lanka night - 04th July 2014 at Pudong Shangri-la Hotel from 6.00 p.m. onwards
 B 2 B meetings for Travel & Trade - 04th July 2014 from 09.00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. at Pudong Shangri-la Hotel.
Shopping mall activation - Nanjing-lu Century Square from 4th July – 06th July 2014 from 3.00 p.m. to 10 .00 p.m.

Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai - Mega Promotion Campaign in Shanghai, China

The second phase of the joint mega promotional campaign ( Sri Lanka shines in Shanghai) in Shanghai will be held from 01st July – 6th Ju...

Tourism earnings hit US$ 1.7 billion

news 9:00 AM

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The hotels and restaurants sub sector has continued its high growth trajectory by achieving 22.3 percent growth in 2013, compared to 20.2 percent in 2012.
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According to the Annual Report 2013 issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the sub sector has performed commendably to attract over 1.27 million tourists during the year recording a 26.7 percent, year-on-year growth, increasing tourism earnings to US$ 1.7 billion.
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The growth surpassed the achievements in 2012 for the second consecutive year despite the unfavourable global environment. These arrivals had exceeded the United Nation's World Tourist Organisation's (UNWTO) tourist growth estimate of six percent for the Asia Pacific Region and the five percent growth for the entire world.
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The report said the coordinated efforts of the relevant authorities spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to attract outbound tourists from non-conventional markets reflected an increase in the number of tourist arrivals from China and Eastern Europe.
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Even though, the industry has strong potential in the country, the continuity of the growth momentum is heavily dependent on the industry's ability to cater to the emerging trends in the tourism industry. As a country with a large number of attractions in natural and cultural resources, Sri Lanka will be further promoted as a niche destination for eco-tourism which encourages more local participation and is more sustainable in the long run than conventional mass tourism.
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The rising income of the middle class populace of India and China coupled with Sri Lanka's close proximity to those regions should also be capitalised. The recently concluded CHOGM also provided a rare opportunity for Sri Lanka to reposition itself as a key tourist destination.
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Courtesy : Sunday Observer

Tourism earnings hit US$ 1.7 billion

The hotels and restaurants sub sector has continued its high growth trajectory by achieving 22.3 percent growth in 2013, compared to 20....

Mega Tourism Caravan 6 in Moscow begins

news 8:37 AM

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June 03, 2014 (LBT) - The grand Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Show - Mega Tourism Caravan 6 -commenced its activities with a Cultural Show followed by a banquet, fittingly named ‘Sri Lankan Night’ at the Crystal Ballroom of the hotel ‘Lotte Plaza’ in Moscow, on the night of May 29. Under the guidance of Ministry of Economic Development Ministry and supported by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau the event was meticulously planned and executed under the close supervision of Udayanga Weeratunga, the ambassador to the Russian Federation.
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The 'Sri Lankan Night' at the Lotte Plaza is showcasing the 'Beauty and Traditions' of Sri Lanka became a tremendous success and gave the right impetus to other activities to follow in the Mega Tourism Caravan 6 show.
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The presence of over 200 guests at the 'Sri Lankan Night' comprising members of the diplomatic corps, leading travel and tour operators in Moscow, prominent businessmen in the tourism and tea trade, leading print and electronic media representatives and the members of the Sri Lankan community added glamour and quality to the evening.
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The photo exhibition which greeted the guests on their arrival added a lot of colour to the event too with over 120 photos displayed on visits of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Republic of Kazakhstan. The photos on display also included major tourist destinations in Sri Lanka such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Kandy, Sigiriya, Pinnawela and Nuwara Eliya along with scenic and pristine beaches on both Western and Eastern coasts, Hotels, Sri Lankan cuisine, traditional dancing and wild life.
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One of the highlights of the evening was the Sri Lankan Cultural Show encapsulating rich Sri Lankan culture through traditional dancing, drum fusions, mask dancing and a medley of folk songs.
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Addressing the august gathering the Ambassador explained why Sri Lanka is considered the best tourist destination in the Asian region and the recent acknowledgement of it by many internationally renowned tour operators. He also spoke of the long standing friendship between Russia and Sri Lanka and the strong bonds between the peoples of both countries and invited all those present from the travel trade to encourage their customers to visit Sri Lanka, which the Ambassador assured would be an experience to remember.
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The Crystal Ballroom of the Hotel Lotte Plaza in Moscow, where the event was held, is one of Moscow’s newest hotels. Situated in the heart of Moscow's shopping and financial districts, Lotte hotel is a much sought after hotel for its grandeur. Thus the hotel provided the guests with a luxurious environment to enjoy the unique evening of Sri Lankan dance and music. The ‘ThreeArticle 2 Michelin’ star chef, Pierre Gagnaire, along with a team trained exclusively in Paris, presided over the reception which followed the cultural show.
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With the auspicious beginning in Moscow, the three-week long ‘Mega Tourism Caravan 6’ will conduct shows in other Russian cities of Kazan, Samara, Saratov, Volgograd and Rostov, finally culminating with the show in Yerevan the capital of Armenia. The journey of ‘Mega Tourism Caravan 6’ will cover approximately 7000km. This show is a continuation of the programme launched by the Sri Lankan Embassy in the Russian Federation to promote tourism where the previous event the ‘Mega Tourism Road Show’ was held in October 2013, in Ukraine.
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The enormous task of organizing this three-week-long tourism promotion campaign, which has now become an annual event in the activity calendar of the Sri Lanka Tourism executed with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation. The event has been a tremendous success during a short span in popularizing Sri Lanka as a tourist destination in the CIS countries.
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Within the first four months of this year, Russian tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka have increased by 81.1% owing to the heavy promotional campaigns of this nature.

Mega Tourism Caravan 6 in Moscow begins

June 03, 2014 (LBT) - The grand Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Show - Mega Tourism Caravan 6 -commenced its activities with a Cultural Show...

How tourists are wiping out Sri Lanka’s elephants

news 10:50 AM

Tourism is fuelling an illegal trade in elephants that threatens to wipe out the species in Sri Lanka, international conservation experts have claimed.<br />
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The elephant population is at increasing risk, as a sharp increase in the illegal trade in the animals is compounded by the destruction of their natural habitat. Many are taken to supply captive elephants for Sri Lanka’s booming tourist industry and for a handful of rich individuals.<br />
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The Times

How tourists are wiping out Sri Lanka’s elephants

Tourism is fuelling an illegal trade in elephants that threatens to wipe out the species in Sri Lanka, international conservation experts ha...

Sri Lanka's promise of a "oneworld" experience

news 11:04 AM

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HAMBANTOTA (Sri Lanka): On June1, Sri Lankan Airlines, the country's national carrier will complete one month since its first flight flew out of Colombo on May 1 under the "oneworld" banner.
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For "SriLankan" which traces its origin back to 1947 the new beginning as part of the "oneworld global airline alliance" comes with the promise of a world class experience when tourist season picks up from July and peaks towards the end of the year. 
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The blue waters, golden beaches, coconut tree clad landscapes and the endearing hospitality high on sea food makes Sri Lanka a popular destination. As part of its tourism strategy Sri lanka has set a target of 2.5 million tourists by 2016. 
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The entry of "SriLankan Airlines" in the global alliance makes it the first carrier to be part of "oneworld" in the Indian subcontinent and is yet another sign of how fast the small island country is trying to make its presence felt on the international platform.
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The airline's addition to the alliance brings two new destinations on to the network- India's Tiruchirapalli and the picturesque Hambantota in Sri Lanka along with its Colombo base as a new oneworld hub. 
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With "SriLankan", the one world alliance launched 15 years ago now serves 1000 airports in 150 countries with 14250 daily departures; serving more than 500 million passengers a year on a combined fleet with other alliance partners of about 3,300 aircrafts.
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Some of the other alliance partners include Asia Pacific's cathay pacific, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Australia's Qantas, British Airways, Finnair, Qatar airways and American airlines among others. 
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With an extensive schedule serving southern India and as the leading international airline serving the Maldives, SriLankan now also strengthens oneworld's presence throughout South Asia, one of the world's fastest growing regions for air travel demand. 
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Srilankan Airlines chairman Nishantha Wickremasinghe shares the goals that his team seeks to achieve. "With the world airline industry ncreasignly focused on alliances, joining "oneworld" is one of the most significant developments to date for SriLankan Airlines. The alliance has put Srilankan more firmly on the global aviation map. It will vastly improve Sri Lanka's connectivity with the rest of the world, which is vital for our country's trade and tourism." 
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When Sri Lankan entry in "oneworld" alliance was announced on April 30, the government of the island nation chose to showcase before the worlds its brand new Mattala Rajapaksa International airport in Hambantota. This airport with its world class infrastructure is awaiting a deluge of tourists from this year. 
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Through this new airport Sri Lanka seeks to encourage tourists to visit Sri lanka's south and East coasts and Hambantota sea port. The ongoing construction work at the airport shows the government plans to cater to more flights in the future. 
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Hambantota District lies in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Referred to as an underdeveloped area at one point of time it was hit hard by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Now the district is witnessing a lot of development works and major development projects. The Mattala international airport is one of the key projects that forms part of the government's plan to transform Hambantota into the second major urban hub of Sri Lanka, away from Colombo. 
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Climatically speaking, travel reviewers suggest the best seasons in Sri Lanka are from December to March for the west coast, the south coast and the Hill Country, and from April to September for the ancient cities region and the east coast. December through March are also the months when most foreign tourists visit the island. 
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Sri Lanka's climate means that it is always the 'right' beach season somewhere on the coast. The weather doesn't follow strict rules, though - it often seems to be raining where it should be sunny, and sunny where it should be raining. Rainfall tends to be emphatic - streets can become flooded in what seems like only minutes.

Sri Lanka's promise of a "oneworld" experience

HAMBANTOTA (Sri Lanka): On June1, Sri Lankan Airlines, the country's national carrier will complete one month since its first flight f...

Mega Tourism Caravan 6 Day 1 - Sri Lanka Culture and Traditions Showcased in Moscow

news 11:55 AM

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The grand Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Show- Mega Tourism Caravan 6 commenced its activities with a Cultural Show followed by a Banquet, fittingly named " Sri Lankan Night" at the Crystal Ballroom of the hotel " Lotte Plaza" in Moscow, on the night of 29 May 2014. Under the guidance of Ministry of Economic Development and supported by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau the event is meticulously planned and executed under the close supervision of His Excellency Udayanga Weeratunga the Ambassador to Russian Federation. The 'Sri Lankan Night' at the Lotte Plaza was showcasing the 'Beauty and Traditions' of Sri Lanka became a tremendous success and gave the right impetus to other activities to follow in the Mega Tourism Caravan 6 show.
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The presence of over 200 guests at the 'Sri Lankan Night' comprising members of the diplomatic corps, leading travel and tour operators in Moscow, prominent businessmen in the tourism and tea trade, leading print and electronic media representatives and the members of the Sri Lankan community added glamour and quality to the evening.
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<img height="212" src="http://srilanka.travel/image/data/New%20items%20news/MEGA%20TOURISM%20CARAVAN%206%20Day%201_3.jpg" width="320" /><img height="211" src="http://srilanka.travel/image/data/New%20items%20news/MEGA%20TOURISM%20CARAVAN%206%20Day%201_2.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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The photo exhibition which greeted the guests on their arrival added a lot of colour to the event too with over 120 photos displayed on visits of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Republic of Kazakhstan. The photos on display also included photos of major tourist destinations in Sri Lanka such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Kandy, Sigiriya, Pinnawela and Nuwara Eliya along with scenic and pristine beaches on both Western and Eastern coasts, Hotels, Sri Lankan cuisine, traditional dancing and wild life. One of the highlights of the evening was the Sri Lankan Cultural Show presented by the Dance Guild of maestro Chandana Wickremasinghe encapsulating rich Sri Lankan culture through traditional dancing, drum fusions, mask dancing and a medley of folk songs.
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Addressing the august gathering the Ambassador eloquently explained why Sri Lanka is considered the best tourist destination in the Asian region and the recent acknowledgement of it by many internationally renowned tour operators. He also spoke of the long standing friendship between Russia and Sri Lanka and the strong bonds between the peoples of both the countries and invited all those present from the travel trade to encourage their customers to visit Sri Lanka which the Ambassador assured would be an experience to remember.<br />
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<a href="http://www.srilanka.travel/index.php?route=event/travelnews&news=229" target="_blank">Read More>></a>

Mega Tourism Caravan 6 Day 1 - Sri Lanka Culture and Traditions Showcased in Moscow

The grand Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Show- Mega Tourism Caravan 6 commenced its activities with a Cultural Show followed by a Banquet, ...

New Korean Ambassador meets Minister Basil Rajapaksa

news 11:39 AM

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90PB8fK9xZXcgwwdeP0t9WtJLQ-kSrqhArYzE_LnySSHXHg8L8f_zk-iV-R1ClHei0e1qI8Q0iuqWz8uhu_zvgmR0906eC_1YpshY8zcvhwoYXprgrYEh8dh8SYIPtH7sXCmzm2Y37nFW/s1600/New+Korean+Ambassador+meets+Minister+Basil+Rajapaksa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90PB8fK9xZXcgwwdeP0t9WtJLQ-kSrqhArYzE_LnySSHXHg8L8f_zk-iV-R1ClHei0e1qI8Q0iuqWz8uhu_zvgmR0906eC_1YpshY8zcvhwoYXprgrYEh8dh8SYIPtH7sXCmzm2Y37nFW/s1600/New+Korean+Ambassador+meets+Minister+Basil+Rajapaksa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Chang Won-sam, newly appointed Sri Lankan Ambassador to Korea, paid a courtesy call on Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development,recently at the Ministry of Economic Development. Reviewing the present status of bilateral relations, new Korean Ambassador stated that he wish to further improve bilateral relations between the two nations.<br />
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The Ambassador agreed to boost trade and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. He expressed that Korean Government wish to provide further assistance to develop areas such as health, tourism, agriculture and education in Sri Lanka. Minister Rajapaksa thanked the Korean Government for provide necessary assistance for development works in Sri Lanka. Diplomatic relation started between the two countries 37years ago and strong relationship prevailed during the period. Korea and Sri Lanka have developed mutual cooperatione and friendly relations in various fields such as politics, economy, development cooperation, cultural affairs, and personnel exchanges.

Sri Lanka is now the 3rd largest partner country of Korea’s Official Development Assistant (ODA) programs. Every year thousands of young Sri Lankans migrate to Korea to work in various industrial sites across the country, making a meaningful contribution to Korea’s economic development.<br />
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www.news.lk

New Korean Ambassador meets Minister Basil Rajapaksa

Chang Won-sam, newly appointed Sri Lankan Ambassador to Korea, paid a courtesy call on Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development,r...

Sri Lanka's tourism revenues surge

news 10:00 AM

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<a href="http://www.srilanka.travel/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaRO0vc-No7RmGeJmdPI1g9vFblQApFFzujZWI-ikeQpeia5bc0O-pKbBCHhxutVCLqGUsHeAaW1ilX2vp6Gsb_aw83V9b8d00LEFKsdndiik_DynWlnGG-srd0wK_y1gLm_eTupOxWTY/s1600/Sri+Lanka.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
COLOMBO, <a href="http://www.srilanka.travel/" target="_blank">Sri Lanka</a> - Earnings from Sri Lanka's booming tourism industry jumped 26.2% in March and April to 192.2 million US dollars, the Central Bank said on Monday.
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Releasing its external performance report the Central Bank noted earnings had increasing an impressive 49.8 percent from the same period last year.
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Tourist arrivals grew at a rate of 39.5 percent, year-on-year to 112,631 in April 2014.
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The top five sources of tourist arrivals in March 2014 were India, UK, Germany, China and Russia, accounting for about 44 percent of total tourist arrivals during the month.
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Since the end of a three decade war in 2009 Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals have boomed reaching over 1.2 million last year and attracting earnings of 1.7 billion US dollars, according to the Central Bank.
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The tropical island is aiming to attract 2.5 million arrivals by 2016, buoyed by fast increasing numbers from China.
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Only 27,627 Chinese tourists arrived in Sri Lanka in 2012, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) but the numbers nearly doubled to 54,288 last year. China is now the third largest source of tourists for Sri Lanka.
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In January 2014 Chinese arrivals grew a staggering 119.2 percent increase with the arrival of 21,098 travelers in the first two months of the year.
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March proved to be much the same with China recording nearly three times the arrivals rate of last year jumping from 3,328 in 2013 to 10,779 this year.
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China has now become the third highest source of tourists for Sri Lanka behind India and UK as well as being the fastest growing market.
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This is largely due to massive advertising campaigns launched in China by the Sri Lankan government and greater engagement with Chinese media.
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In total 421,501 arrivals have been recorded so far, which is a 24.8 percent increase from the previous first quarter.<br />
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<img alt="Original and unique global international news with a focus on travel and tourism" height="44" src="http://www.eturbonews.com/themes/etn_v2/images/logo.jpg" width="200" />

Sri Lanka's tourism revenues surge

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - Earnings from Sri Lanka's booming tourism industry jumped 26.2% in March and April to 192.2 million US dollars, ...

Sri Lanka's tourism earnings jump 26.2 percent in March, April

news 12:00 PM

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.srilanka.travel/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHUgs9jIJZsqufH8bhNDTlqpHrla5w_kZijWnD4joH0W8XkYn8Byp-RReOn7P7cxOB-wPF6ifdxSoTCH_eENmD9FL9NPFZQUggzDfDnFzrpBmH9mOZTgJXfDqd7s5vkIyxNsJNs1-OUls/s1600/Sri+Lanka's+tourism+earnings+jump+26.2+percent+in+March,+April.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
COLOMBO, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Earnings from Sri Lanka's booming tourism industry jumped 26.2 percent in March and April to 192.2 million U.S. dollars, the Central Bank said on Monday.<br />
<br />
Releasing its external performance report the Central Bank noted earnings had increasing an impressive 49.8 percent from the same period last year.
<br />
<br />
Tourist arrivals grew at a rate of 39.5 per cent, year-on-year to 112,631 in April 2014.
<br />
<br />
The top five sources of tourist arrivals in March 2014 were India, UK, Germany, China and Russia, accounting for about 44 percent of total tourist arrivals during the month.
<br />
<br />
Since the end of a three decade war in 2009 Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals have boomed reaching over 1.2 million last year and attracting earnings of 1.7 billion U.S. dollars, according to the Central Bank.
<br />
<br />
The tropical island is aiming to attract 2.5 million arrivals by 2016, buoyed by fast increasing numbers from China.
<br />
<br />
Only 27,627 Chinese tourists arrived in Sri Lanka in 2012, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) but the numbers nearly doubled to 54,288 last year. China is now the third largest source of tourists for Sri Lanka.
<br />
<br />
In January 2014 Chinese arrivals grew a staggering 119.2 percent increase with the arrival of 21,098 travelers in the first two months of the year.
<br />
<br />
March proved to be much the same with China recording nearly three times the arrivals rate of last year jumping from 3,328 in 2013 to 10,779 this year.
<br />
<br />
China has now become the third highest source of tourists for Sri Lanka behind India and UK as well as being the fastest growing market.
<br />
<br />
This is largely due to massive advertising campaigns launched in China by the Sri Lankan government and greater engagement with Chinese media.
<br />
<br />
In total 421,501 arrivals have been recorded so far, which is a 24.8 percent increase from the previous first quarter.

Sri Lanka's tourism earnings jump 26.2 percent in March, April

COLOMBO, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Earnings from Sri Lanka's booming tourism industry jumped 26.2 percent in March and April to 192.2 million...

Sancharaka Udawa – “A Must Exploit Opportunity”

news 9:11 PM

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The Press launch of Sancharaka Udawa 2014 was held on yesterday 12th May 2014 at Monara Restaurant of Sri Lanka Tourism & Hotel Mgmt. Institute, with the participation of many industry members, local media and travel industry stake holders. The head table of the press conference was represented by Dr. D.S. Jayaweera – Director General, Sri Lanka Tourism, Mr. Rumy Jauffer - Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism, Mr. Mahen Kariyawasam -SAITO President, Mr. Harith Perera- SLAITO, Mr. Ziyan Ameen- President SLAPCEO, and Mr. Nilmin Nanayakkara – Immediate Past President SLAITO.<br />
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Sancharaka Udawa 2014 exhibition & convention is an important annual event for all stakeholders engaged in the tourism industry. Be it a hotel of different size or scale, a services provider of different thatcher, or a supplier with diversity the Sancharaka Udawa 2014 is an opportunity, which house their needs and solutions under one roof.<br />
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Better than before, this year’s event held for the 4th consecutive year on 27th and 28th of June 2014 at the Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre. It will consist over 200 stalls and a special pavilion of outbound tourism service providers. Sancharaka Udawa 2014 is organized by Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) together with Sri Lanka Tourism to bring together a wide network of personnel across the industry. It is the only gathering of this nature in Sri Lanka - since its inception in 2011.<br />
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Concurrently the general membership of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound tour Operators (SLAITO) will hold their Special General Meeting on 27th June 2014 at 9.00 am at the same venue. This will ensure the attendance of key players in the Tourism Industry at Sancharaka Udawa 2014.<br />
<img height="265" src="http://srilanka.travel/image/data/New%20items%20news/Sancharaka%20Udawa_1.jpg" width="400" /><img height="265" src="http://srilanka.travel/image/data/New%20items%20news/Sancharaka%20Udawa_12.jpg" width="400" />

Sancharaka Udawa – “A Must Exploit Opportunity”

The Press launch of Sancharaka Udawa 2014 was held on yesterday 12th May 2014 at Monara Restaurant of Sri Lanka Tourism & Hotel Mgm...

Sri Lanka Attracts High End French Tourist Group

news 11:38 AM

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The growing demand from incentive Travelers in the MICE tourism segment had increased quite sharply over the past years who are traveling mainly for the purpose business and investment. Sri Lanka Tourism has identified MICE segment as a key driver of tourism growth and a contributor for overall economic development of Sri Lanka. As a result of the <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wonder of Asia</i></b> promotional campaign initiated by Ministry of Economic Development and Sri Lanka Tourism in Europe, Sri Lankan Travel agents have been receiving many up market incentive groups to Sri Lanka during the recent past. One of Sri Lanka’s leading travel agents <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Connaisance De Ceylon</i></b> received a group of 130 pax incentive group from Toulouse – France on 26th March which is latest addition to the group incentive travelers visiting the country.</div>
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The group consisted of high end tourists from France representing different segments and mainly looking for investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. Due to the new infrastructure developments in the country especially in the areas of domestic air travel, the group took flight using MI 17 helicopters of Heli Tours. A fleet of 06 helicopters carried the incentive group for sightseeing tour from Kandy to down south. The Helitours Pvt Ltd unveiled its newest fleet of helicopters recently which are highly sophisticated for tourist travel.</div>
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The groups was highly impressed with the novel experience of having the opportunity to take a birds eye view of Sri Lanka’s luscious greenery and landscape from skies above. They were in full of praise on the latest developments taken place in Sri Lanka for high end tourist travelers such as what they experienced travelling by helicopters. Chairman of Connaisance De Ceylon Mr. Chandra Wickramasinhe played a pivotal role in bringing down and organizing the innovative experience offered to the insentive group from France.</div>
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Sri Lanka Attracts High End French Tourist Group

The growing demand from incentive Travelers in the MICE tourism segment had increased quite sharply over the past years who are traveling m...

CNNGo Featured on Sri Lanka

news 9:18 PM

CNNGo Featured on Sri Lanka

“Sri Lanka Tourism & Peking Express (Belgium) Sign an Agreement to Promote Sri Lanka Through a Popular Adventure Reality Series”

a, news 7:48 AM

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Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and The Echo Line Limited (ECL)- a Belgium based Film Production Company along with the French Company “Label Aventure” entered into an agreement for producing the 10th season of Adventure reality series called “Peking Express” for the <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">French TV channel M6. The program will showcase entire 03 episodes out of the 11 taking place in Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka will get 330 minutes of exposure with the title called <i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“Share the dream”.</i></b></div>
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Peking Express is a Dutch/Flemish reality game show that follows a series of couples as they hitchhike to or from Beijing. The series has already gone through five seasons. In the Netherlands it is screened by Net 5 and in Belgium by VT4. A German version was shown in 2004. The concept has also been sold to Scandinavia where it was broadcast for the first time in the autumn of 2007. The Scandinavian version is shown on Kanal 5 in Sweden, TV Norge in Norway and Kanal 5 in Denmark.</div>
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A French version named Pékin Express is screened by M6, with nine seasons aired by 2013. It can be seen on TV5 outside France. In Spain, the local version Pekín Express is shown on Cuatro, with four seasons by 2011. An Italian version has been produced in 2012 by RAI and shown on Rai 2 with success; a second season will be broadcast in 2013. In this connection, a team of 48 members will be in Sri Lanka from 14th – 25th Feb. 2014 for the filming of the 3 episodes of this show.</div>
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The tourism industry of Sri Lanka will receive enormous publicity from this TV series to target western European travelers to attract through this programme. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau will be hosting their entire stay during the filming in Sri Lanka in February 2014 will facilitate their project by granting necessary approvals and waive off the crew registration charges. Mind Fire Production (pvt) Ltd. has been appointed as Local producer and facilitator for this production.</div>
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The agreement was signed by the two parties at the press conference held on 13th February at SLTPB in this regard. Officials including Mr. Rumy Jauffer –Managing Director SLTPB, Dr. D.S. Jayaweera –Director General SLTDA, Mr. Mahen Kariyawasam –President SLITO, Mr. Phillip Hendrickz – Producer Echo Line Limited (ECL)- Belgium expressed their views on the program and its befits to promote tourism industry of Sri Lanka at the press conference held.</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://srilanka.travel/image/data/New%20items%20news/Peking%20Express%20updated1.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 770px;" /></div>
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Art Director of Peking Express Sharing Program Content</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://srilanka.travel/image/data/New%20items%20news/Peking%20Express%20updated3.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 770px;" /></div>
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Dr.D.S. Jayaweera - Director General SLTDA</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://srilanka.travel/image/data/New%20items%20news/Peking%20Express%20updated6.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 770px;" /></div>
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Mr.Rumy Jauffer Managing Director SLTPB Addressing the Gathering</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://srilanka.travel/image/data/New%20items%20news/Peking%20Express%20updated7.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 770px;" /></div>
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Phillip Hendrickz - Programme Director Peking Express</div>
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<img alt="" src="http://srilanka.travel/image/data/New%20items%20news/Peking%20Express%20updated4.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 770px;" /></div>
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Mr. Mahen Kariyawasam SLITO President Delivering a Speech</div>
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Audience Watching the Program Preview</div>
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“Sri Lanka Tourism & Peking Express (Belgium) Sign an Agreement to Promote Sri Lanka Through a Popular Adventure Reality Series”

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and The Echo Line Limited (ECL)- a Belgium based Film Production Company along with the French Company “...

Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka for Rhineland-Palatia celebrates 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and Germany

a, news 1:26 PM

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<a href="http://asiantribune.com/sites/asiantribune.com/files/images/2012/Bodenheim2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://asiantribune.com/sites/asiantribune.com/files/images/2012/Bodenheim2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Berlin, 22 February, (Asiantribune.com):
The Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka for Rhineland-Palatia, Mr. Nihal S. Samarasinha, organised an event to celebrate 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and Germany and the 66th Independence Day of Sri Lanka with a reception and commercial exhibition organised in cooperation with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin.

The Honorary Consul presided over the event. The Sri Lankan Ambassador, Sarrath Kongahage, and the Mayor of Mainz-Bodenheim, Mr. Thomas Becker-Theilig, were the guests of honour on the occasion. More than 450 persons including Sri Lankan expatriates and business personalities attended the event.

The event commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp followed by the reading of the National Day Message of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the national languages of Sri Lanka as well as the German language.

A commercial exhibition had been organized with Sri Lankan business organizations and entrepreneurs showcasing their products and opportunities. There were stalls with Sri Lankan tea, gemstones and herbs. Sri Lankan Airlines and the Sri Lanka Business Council were present at the event. One Sri Lankan radio station was present and provided information about their programme.

Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador briefed the business community from Rhineland-Palatia of Germany on the vast potential for investment and trade with Sri Lanka. The ambassador further highlighted the skilled workforce, the strategic geographical location, the infrastructure facilities, the good banking system and investor friendly regulations, which included protection of foreign direct investment under the Constitution of Sri Lanka, as attracting factors for investors on the island. There were increasing numbers of tourist going from Germany to Sri Lanka, which has a tremendous scope for investment in the tourism sector, the Ambassador pointed out.

The guests were also treated to a Sri Lankan buffet and pure Sri Lankan tea.

As a special treat, there was a raffle draw with an airway ticket to Sri Lanka as special price. </div>
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 - Asian Tribune -</div>

Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka for Rhineland-Palatia celebrates 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and Germany

Berlin, 22 February, (Asiantribune.com): The Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka for Rhineland-Palatia, Mr. Nihal S. Samarasinha, organised an ev...

TRAVEL: Postcard from Sri Lanka — a cross-island hop that’s making waves

a, news 1:21 PM

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEisfQM8RYPheTzlxuLeRWfxAnbVa5_ZqacvcJCIyyddadAx3RF-a9DMO0D0fHb54enBfa507a-0LPtaSG782MedAWWUOfDK1DMljhOpxHXFEszsTyDYVol4owXyD5U3xNd4vmXjVAh1K4QPaLlmG2rwIq95WSFnODnHoornYxeSMXKCeMyVC0RLFD5_ZOyoZgsSrh5BKy_mkynXptlTXnko1LjQrFnm1z7mJfnQFG2AxUTuPqcVYqnzdTTUlkDS3Gw3yLqYI0h5ERfEmd1kBqan_RG8mmCuTb-MYk4=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kandy Lake, Sri Lanka." border="0" src="http://www.bdlive.co.za/incoming/2014/02/20/210214bl-webstrap-kandy-lake-sri-lanka.jpg/ALTERNATES/crop_400x250/210214BL+webstrap+Kandy+Lake+Sri+Lanka.jpg" /></a>HIGH in Sri Lanka’s hill country, Kandy has what must rank as one of the world’s most scenic airports. Ringed on both sides by lush jungle, it is pleasingly quiet as I wait by the patch of grass that acts as its main departure gate. Groups of schoolchildren hang around nearby, hopefully scanning the horizon. And in front of us lie the blue waters of Polgolla reservoir: the runway for today’s flight, which is due shortly to touch down from the capital Colombo.

Since 2009, when more than two decades of civil war came to an end, Sri Lanka has enjoyed a mini-boom in tourism as foreign travellers return to the tropical beaches and tea plantations of the teardrop-shaped island.

But while a gleaming new highway now connects Colombo to the southern city of Galle, Sri Lanka’s other attractions — notably its eastern beaches and verdant central highlands — remain tough to reach, typically requiring lengthy drives on bumpy, single-track roads.

One solution arrived last year with the launch of Cinnamon Air, a scheduled airline that makes use of lakes and rivers instead of airstrips. Cinnamon Air can now whisk visitors from Colombo to Kandy — typically a four-hour drive — by Cessna seaplane in a little more than 30 minutes. The service is expanding too, having launched new routes to Sigiriya, site of a famous hill-top fortress in the north, and Batticaloa, close to the best beaches in the east. In May, a further three weekly flights will be added to the port of Trincomalee, also on the island’s east coast.

Cinnamon’s services are part of an evolving trend for using seaplanes in Sri Lanka. In 2011, the national carrier, SriLankan, introduced "air taxi" seaplane services, which are now being operated by Cinnamon on a code-share basis. Meanwhile Simplifly offers private charters and sightseeing flights by seaplane and by helicopter.

My journey began the old-fashioned way, with a serene train ride up from Colombo: a spectacular but slow-moving affair that winds steadily through mountain passes before pulling into Kandy’s dilapidated railway station.

Overnight, I stayed at the Kandy House, a villa originally built in 1804 as a residence for the chief minister of the Kingdom of Kandy, Sri Lanka’s last independent monarchy, which succumbed to British rule in 1818. The property now operates as a gorgeous nine-room heritage hotel, set in a tropical garden about 20 minutes’ drive outside of town, and has impressive wooden interiors redesigned by a protégé of Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.

It is the return flight, however, that proves to be the highlight of the entire trip. It is an experience that begins as the seaplane roars in to land, delighting the schoolchildren nearby, before pulling up to a pontoon dock fabricated from wooden planks and oil drums. After a perfunctory check-in, the captain — a dashing Swiss expatriate in shorts and aviator sunglasses — ushers me on board his eight-seater aircraft.

We wait inside as he talks on the radio, briefly delayed by strict rules enforced by Sri Lanka’s army. "The Tamil Tigers once used a small training aeroplane to bomb Colombo during the war, so there are still endless restrictions on flying," the captain explains, with a smile. "But we get by okay now."

The flight itself is as exhilarating as it is brief. We rattle off the water in a whirl of propellers, before soaring over the valley above a breathtaking panorama of Kandy’s hilltop houses and Buddhist temples, all bathed in bright sunshine. The aircraft then banks off to the south. Yet for all the serenity below, this is still flying at its most visceral: the tiny seaplane sways this way and that in the wind, while dipping in and out of thick patches of cloud.

I crane my neck to see first mountains and tea plantations passing far below; then paddy fields; and finally the patchwork of agricultural lands that lead into the outskirts of the capital. And less than half an hour later, we touch down on a lake close to Sri Lanka’s parliament building that acts as a dropping-off point for downtown Colombo. I clamber out on to another rickety pontoon dock, and pause to catch my breath.

Cinnamon Air’s operation isn’t perfect: at $172 one-way between Colombo and Kandy, its flights are expensive, especially compared with the train. Having only three aircraft means that the company operates a service that is infrequent, at best. Nonetheless, director Romesh David hopes that his new venture will tap into broader changes in Sri Lanka’s postwar tourism economy.

"We are seeing fewer visitors coming from Europe for two-week visits and more coming for just six or seven days — and also more from India and China, where traditionally people don’t take long holidays," David tells me. "But people still want to see the best of the island — the beaches and the hills — so they want to move quickly. And for that, we really are the best option."</div>

TRAVEL: Postcard from Sri Lanka — a cross-island hop that’s making waves

HIGH in Sri Lanka’s hill country, Kandy has what must rank as one of the world’s most scenic airports. Ringed on both sides by lush jungle,...

“Sri Lanka is Set for a Tourism Boom ” Says China Daily Newspaper

a, news 1:28 PM

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The latest issue of leading Chinese newspaper, China Daily Asia Weekly has carried an article on Sri Lanka Tourism stating that “Sri Lanka is all set to transform its tourism sector and make it the largest foreign exchange earner by attracting 2.5 million tourists in year 2016.On its path for expanding tourism sector a heavy focus has been given to attract Chinese tourists and investors alike”. The cover story of the has highlighted that Sri Lanka is becoming one of the most sought after new holiday destinations for Chinese travelers who seek a mix bag of exotic experience and exciting travel.</div>
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Raving the richness of Sri Lanka’s diverse landscape, the China Daily comments: “With its golden beaches, towering mountains, ancient monuments and stunning wildlife all enclosed in a compact island, Sri Lanka is pretty much the perfect holiday destination”. The article features views of various Sri Lanka tourism industry authorities and other stakeholders capturing their thoughts on the Chinese market tourism promotions and investments. “Tourism is a key revenue-generating sector of the Sri Lankan economy and we have identified China and a few other countries as the potential market to promote our tourism, We are also planning to take part in five international travel fairs and organize familiarization tours for around 200 foreign journalists and tour operators in 2014.” Last year, the three-day Sri Lanka Shines in Beijing campaign was conducted in the Chinese capital, while promotional campaigns and a 200-bus branding exercise we carried out in the major Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou for a period of six months.” the top management of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau has mentioned to China Daily Asia Weekly.</div>
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Mr. Nishantha Wickremasinghe, chairman of Sri Lankan Airlines has revealed that “China is a main focus in Sri Lankan Airlines’ marketing and promotional plans, as the future of the travel industry is in this region. We are also making every effort to welcome Chinese to Sri Lanka and provide the necessary facilities on board as well as on the ground. Chinese-speaking passenger relations officers have been recruited to travel on flights to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong” explain their plans to capture travelers from this growing market.</div>
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The article goes on to explain that according to Mahinda Chinthana Development Policy Framework the measures have been taken by the Ministry of Economic Development to promote upscale tourism in Sri Lanka. “Spending per tourist per day is expected to rise over $200 during the next ten years,” the document has said. “Eco-luxurious experiences for upscale tourists will be ensured. International shopping facilities will be promoted in major cities to assure shopping experiences for tourists.” The multiplier effect in the tourism sector is also envisaged in the construction, furniture, transport and food and beverage industries. Estimates suggest that these sectors will provide employment for about 100,000 people along with the new investments.</div>
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The government is also planning to improve the productivity of the tourism industry, through building professionalism in the travel and hotel industries. The private sector will be encouraged to set up human resource development centers to meet the emerging needs of the tourism industry locally and abroad. The article concludes in a statement saying that: “Increasing Chinese tourists and Chinese investments in the Sri Lanka tourism sector will ensure economic growth in the island.”</div>
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Currently the Chinese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka is on a steady rise with 224% growth recorded in January 2014 reflecting the effectiveness of the promotional campaigns executed in year 2013 onwards.The latest jump shows encouraging signs as the Government of Sri Lanka’s vigorous campaigns to capture a slice out of the growing Chinese outbound tourism market. According to the China Tourism Academy, the number of Chinese tourists going abroad is set to rise from 83 million in 2012 to more than 200 million by 2020.</div>
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<a href="http://srilanka.travel/public_html/pdf/Sri%20Lanka%20Preparing%20For%20Tourism%20Boom%20Article.pdf" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s; border: 0px; color: #289dc7; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s;" target="_blank">Click Here </a>to download 'Sri Lanka Preparing For Tourism Boom Article' PDF</div>
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<a href="http://srilanka.travel/public_html/pdf/www-chinadailyasia-com%20online%20article%20PDF.pdf" style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s; border: 0px; color: #289dc7; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.3s;" target="_blank">Click Here </a>to download 'www-chinadailyasia-com Online Article' PDF</div>
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“Sri Lanka is Set for a Tourism Boom ” Says China Daily Newspaper

The latest issue of leading Chinese newspaper, China Daily Asia Weekly has carried an article on Sri Lanka Tourism stating that “Sri Lanka...

Sri Lanka Tourism Stall Wins “Best Decoration Award” at the OTM - Mumbai and New Delhi

a, news 7:40 AM

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Sri Lanka Tourism stall was awarded the “Best Decoration Award” at India’s biggest international travel show, OTM- held in Mumbai from 7-9th February and in New Delhi from 13-15 February 2014. Sri Lanka Tourism stall stood elegant at the exhibition, with its décor of water sports, Colombo city, beaches, wild life and festivals of Sri Lanka. Among the crowd of visitors that attracted the stall were the representatives from national tourist organizations, state tour operators, tour & travel agents, and online travel agencies. Countries such as Russia, Malaysia, Switzerland, China, Egypt, Thailand, Maldives, China, Sweden, and Argentina were among the other international participants at the OTM 2014.</div>
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For the third consecutive year, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau together with 26 company representatives from the travel and hotel industry in Sri Lanka participated at the OTM Mumbai and New Delhi. Sri Lanka Mission in Mumbai and Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi facilitated the participation of Sri Lanka Tourism at the event.</div>
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OTM is considered the largest travel trade show in India, connecting the global travel fraternity for more than two decades. OTM is also the only travel show in India with a balanced mix of travel trade, corporate and general visitors. It is the best platform for marketing to the Indian travel trade, MICE segment and tourists. Every year, OTM draws participants from National Tourist Organizations, State Government Tourism Departments, Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Hotel & Resorts, Airlines, Online Travel Agencies and many other segments of the travel and tourism industry.</div>
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More than 1200 exhibitors and 15,000 trade visitors from 70 countries and 30 Indian states gather for OTM ,making it the perfect meeting place for networking, face-to-face interaction, deals of tomorrow and building successful long-term business relationships.</div>
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Sri Lanka Tourism, under the guidance of the Minister of Economic Development, Hon.Basil Rajapaksa, successfully launched two mega joint promotional campaigns in India , named as “Get Sri Lankaned” in Bangalore and Mumbai in year 2013 with the aim of increasing the visitors from India. The ‘Get Sri Lankaned’ campaign is scheduled to cross over to the other cities in India namely Delhi, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad in the next months of the year 2014.</div>
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India is seen as a key potential market for Sri Lanka and currently the top market generating highest number of tourists to the country. Sri Lanka makes an ideal destination for Indian travellers due to factors such as close proximity between the two countries, Sri Lanka’s diverse tourist attractions such as, pristine beaches, Shopping, Adventure, Food, Nature, Casinos, Night Life and many more. Nearly 100 flights(Sri Lankan airlines, Jet airways, Indian airlines) travel between India and Sri Lanka per week. Sri Lankan Airlines operates in eight Indian cities, giving easy connectivity between the two countries.</div>
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India is also one of the fastest growing markets of outbound tourists. According to the UNWTO, Indian outbound tourists will rise to 50 million by 2020. SLTPB is expecting to attract 400,000 Indian tourists by the year 2016, thus helping to reach Sri Lanka’s goal of 2.5 million visitors by the year 2016.</div>
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Receiving Award at OTM Mumbai</div>
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Receiving Award at OTM New Delhi</div>
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Sri Lanka Tourism Stall Wins “Best Decoration Award” at the OTM - Mumbai and New Delhi

Sri Lanka Tourism stall was awarded the “Best Decoration Award” at India’s biggest international travel show, OTM- held in Mumbai from 7-9t...

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotional Strategy Highly Acclaimed by China - Wins the Prestigious Award for “Most Friendly Government Institute Worked with China in Year 2013”

a, news 7:45 AM

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Embassy of The People’s Republic of China has placed honor on Sri Lanka Tourism by declaring them as the winner of the prestigious award for “most friendly government institute worked with China in year 2013”. The award was received by Mr. Bashwara Gunarathna –Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism from H.E. Ambassador of China Wu Jianghao, in a grand ceremony recently held at BMICH-Colombo parallel to Chinese New Year Celebrations.</div>
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The "Happy Chinese New Year Art Performance" held at BMICH was graced by the presence H. E. President Mahinda Rajapaksa ,Hon. Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, Hon. Minister Maithreepala Sirisena , Mr. Lalith Weeratunga –secretary to the president . "Top 10 Sri Lankan Partners", "Excellent Construction Projects in Sri Lanka" and "Excellent Sri Lankan Staff" were awarded to the contributors for China-Sri Lanka cooperation at the Celebration. Colorful and diverse performances were staged by staff from both Chinese and Sri Lankan companies, local Chinese entities and Chinese Embassy at this occasion. Sri Lanka Tourism won the award for excellence formulating a novel tourism strategy for China during year 2013 and partnering and collaborating with Chinese authorities to gain their maximum contribution to successfully implementing the strategy in the Chinese market.</div>
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Sri Lanka Tourism carried out several major promotional campaigns in China by identifying it as a major emerging market. The strategic promotional campaigns of Sri Lanka Tourism were designed on the instruction and direct guidance of the Minister of Economic Development, Hon.Basil Rajapaksa, and secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development Dr.P.B.Jayasundara, using innovative tools and methods which were far away with traditional promotional methods executed previously. Accordingly, Sri Lanka Tourism carried out aggressive mega promotional campaigns in many emerging markets including China in year 2013 in order to increase awareness, product knowledge on the destination.</div>
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During the mega tourism promotional campaign in China, Sri Lanka Tourism launched a Bill Board Advertising Campaign in the city of Beijing, going parallel to a series of other promotional activities such as promoting Sri Lanka through Light box advertising, print media advertisements , Radio jingles ,Web sites ,PR campaigns to create awareness.</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The BillBoard campaign</b> is the first ever promotion of its kind ever to be executed in Chinese market at this scale. The LED backlit hoarding screens will be displayed in over 21 strategic locations in Beijing , These bill locations showcasing major tourism attractions in Sri Lanka including history and culture, beaches, wildlife, festivals, ayurveda and spa, gem & jewellery that are of interest to the Chinese travelers. Meanwhile Prominent places in 18 subway railway stations in Beijing have been identified to promote high spots of tourism attractions in Sri Lanka through this campaign.</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A major Bus branding Campaign</b> has also been launched parallel to the advertising promotions for a 06 months period which is active in china to this date. The Bus Advertising Campaign which was conducted with the branding of 300 buses among the Chinese public living and visiting cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chendu and Guangzhou.</div>
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Sri Lanka Tourism also launched a major <b style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">advertising campaign in Shanghai</b> city covering outdoor hoardings, Radio, print media, websites which is on going in the Shanghai city currently, multiplying the effect generated by Beijing campaign.</div>
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Some of the policy decisions made with the support of Chinese government such as removing exist permit, agreement to promote 100,000 tourists to Sri Lanka etc. have contributed to increase the travelers from China. Further the two governments signed agreements to promote Sri Lanka through major Chinese Travel Media, as a result some of the leading Chinese TV channels such as China Travel Channel, Outlook Traveler China, CCTV 6 and Print media visited Sri Lanka totaling up to 56 media personalities during 2013. Sri Lanka Tourism also brought down many Chinese Travel Agents and tour operators from various cities to create awareness on the destination aimed at attracting prospective travelers.</div>
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Chinese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka is on a steady rise at the moment and has recorded a significant 224% growth in January 2014 reflecting the effectiveness of the promotional campaigns executed in year 2013 onwards.The latest jump shows encouraging signs as the Government of Sri Lanka is campaigning vigorously to capture a slice out of the growing Chinese outbound tourism market, which during the year 2012 in total stood at 83 million tourists.</div>
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Sri Lanka Tourism Promotional Strategy Highly Acclaimed by China - Wins the Prestigious Award for “Most Friendly Government Institute Worked with China in Year 2013”

Embassy of The People’s Republic of China has placed honor on Sri Lanka Tourism by declaring them as the winner of the prestigious award fo...

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