The results of, 18 months of planning and brainstorming, was officially unveiled last week to the industry and media, on the new marketing strategy and activity plan to be implemented by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. Spurred on by the turn around in visitor arrivals since November 2007, the plan benchmarks arrivals of 2006, as the target for 2008, with an over US$ 100 million increase in earnings.  

Destination Sri Lanka’s brand positioning as an island of pleasant surprises and myriad of treasures will now be professionally showcased to the world by the excellent team of creative advertising professionals at Ogilvy Outreach.  

top

The 16th Annual Country Roads Concert will go on the boards at Mt. Lavinia Hotel in the suburbs of Colombo on March 16th this year. ‘The Mavericks’ a 5 piece Country Music Band and folk singer Astrid Brooke, will be in Sri Lanka, to perform at this concert; featuring an array of talented local artistes including ‘The Country Revival Band’, ‘Anno Domino’ and ‘Cosmic Rays’.

 An evening of fun and music is in the offing at the Country Road Concert when it unfolds its 16th uninterrupted annual performance. Astrid Brooke eager to return to Sri Lanka and perform at the concert said “I am very much looking forward to the concert. I do feel for you all, over there, as your country is so beautiful. A couple of friends visited SL recently on a holiday and they loved it and said they will be returning again”  

top

Within a minutes drive from the heart of the city on a tree lined avenue at No.33 Wijerama Mawatha, House of Siddhalepa has opened Colombo’s 1st Ayurvedic Spa. In this recently refurbished colonial mansion, the ambience is one of peace and tranquillity, with guests treated to authentic ayurvedic relaxation therapy.  

Treatment rooms come with beds made of Khomba; a wood rich in medicinal properties and proven to be relaxing to the body. Rooms are painted in a variety of soothing colours making the environment inviting. For more details visit www.siddhalepa.com  

top

Tamarind Hill the newest addition to the boutique hotels in the south of Sri Lanka got many rave reviews from visiting media personnel covering the cricket series when they visited Galle. Some of the views expressed were:  

Adam Mountford of BBC Radio (England) “It is a beautiful building. But top of mind will be the friendly staff who helped make our stay so memorable”  

Christopher Martin – Jencin BBC The Times (England) “This is a beautiful place and your hospitality exceptional, typical of Sri Lanka. I like to think that one day I will return here for a proper holiday with my wife”  

John and Edwina Smart (England) “ A haven of peace ………….As usual it is the Sri Lankan people that make the difference………………just as expected smiling, helpful and accommodating. Our 10th trip to Sri Lanka”  

For more details visit www.taruvillas.com

top

In a recent visit to Doha, Qatar, the Deputy Minister for Tourism Hon. Faizer Mustapha launched a major publicity campaign aimed at winning over the large tourist market in the Gulf.  

“The flight connectivity for Middle East is the best out of all countries and being only four and half hours away, Sri Lanka can be one of the most preferred destinations for Western, Middle Eastern, and Asians living and working in the region, when they seek holidays abroad” Said, Minister Mustapha, who was in Doha, for negotiations with Al Jazeera, to promote destination Sri Lanka on the channels.  

top

Sri Lanka Calling congratulates Rohan Pandithakorrallage, Director Human Resources of Aitken Spence on being presented with the coveted HR Leadership Award at the recently concluded Asia Pacific HRM (APHRM 2008) Congress in Mumbai, India.  

The congress was held from the 12th to 14th February at Taj Lands End, Mumbai with the participation 900 professionals representing 60 countries across the region. It was chaired by Arun Arora, President, The Times of India and CEO, The Economic Times.  

top

 SriLankan Airlines will take on an active role in promoting solutions for the meetings industry through strategic reorganization of its Meetings, Inaugurations, Conventions and Events division said a recent communiqué.

Strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a preferred venue, SriLankan Airlines together with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and hotel and travel service providers, toured neighbouring India, on an extensive Road Show, showcasing the variety of settings available for the Indian businesses. From metropolitan Colombo to historic Kandy, the cultural triangle, to the tropical beaches, Sri Lanka’s strengths as an MICE destination were presented to an eager audience.  

top

Seven media personnel from Korea representing Korea Post, IT Times, Korean Times, Jungang Ilbo Newspaper and Korea Herald were in Colombo during the time of the Korean Food Promotion at the Cinnamon Grand from the 8th to 18th February. While visitors to the Cinnamon Grand were delighted with Korean cuisine, visiting media travelled to explore the wonders of Sri Lanka.  

Upon a briefing session with Sri Lanka Tourism, they travelled from Colombo to Galle and through to Kandy, Dambulla, Sigiriya and Nuwara Eliya, and were fascinated by the diversity of the landscape of Sri Lanka. ‘An unforgettable experience of an enthralling landscape far removed from the journalistic anticipations and trepidations’ they said.

top