|
|
 |
Greetings from sunny Sri Lanka; from the land of many treasures,
a land like no other:
- Region’s tourism leaders meet in Colombo
- An insightful guide to Birds of Sri Lanka
- Making an impact in Russia
- Sri Lankan food festival in Dubai
- IRCTC promotes intra regional travel
- Promoting ‘Two for One’
|
 |
|
| |
|
 |
|
The 3rd SAARC Working Group on Tourism met at the Hotel Taj Samudra in Colombo recently. Formed in 2004 the Group’s main focus has been to fully utilize the potential of the region –its geographical diversity, cultural importance, wildlife, social conscience and hospitability.
The discussions focused on large scale promotional campaigns, the importance of regional private sector involvement; joint interaction between the domestic government, private sector, the media and the SAARC committee.
Issues relating to visa restrictions, non – availability of direct flights to certain destinations and others which impact the industry were also addressed.
top |
|
 |
The first guide book on Sri Lanka, to be published in Russian, ‘Guide to Birds of Sri Lanka’ was launched recently, at the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau in Colombo. Representing the publishers, JMT Travels Tour Operators, Managing Director Natalia Chelnokova, presented the first copy to Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Mr. Bernard Goonetilleke.
The result of many years of research and visits by scientists interested in ornithology, this 122 paged book contains 120 distinctive and colorful pictures, of various bird species identified by their scientific names.
The book intended to facilitate Russian visitors increasingly interested in the diversity of destination Sri Lanka’s tourism offer, will also be exhibited in Russia in schools and universities.
A publication in Russian on the National Parks of Sri Lanka is due to be released shortly.
top |
|
|
 |
|
|
At the Moscow International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (MITT), held last month, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau made an impressive entrance at the pre exhibition session to introduce destination Sri Lanka’s strengths as a Meetings, Incentive travel, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Pavilion was well represented with Sri Lanka Tea playing a pivotal role in drawing crowds. The MITT which is the largest travel trade exhibition in Russia celebrated its 15th successful event this year; the Sri Lanka Pavillion, being present each year and attracting many visitors.
top |
|
 |
The Spice Island restaurant at the Renaissance Dubai Hotel is the venue for the Sri Lankan Food festival, running in its fourth successful year, drawing many Arabs, Europeans, and Asians to savor the culinary expertise of Sri Lankan Chefs Chandana Kathriarachchi and Achala Weerasinghe among others. Held during the Aluth Avurudda season in Sri Lanka, the Food Festival is on for two weeks from the 7th to the 21st of April.
Spice Island’s regular clientele and visitors in search of Sri Lankan fare are having an opportunity to taste authentic Sri Lankan dishes at this festival. The food festival is also offering prizes on a raffle draw, taking the festival beyond a mere dining experience to one of excitement to experience a holiday for two in an exotic island only four hours flying time away.
top |
|
|
 |
The state owned Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), is making arrangements to promote its Buddhist Circuit special train “Mahaparinirvani Express’ at an international level this year.
IRCTC is now gearing up for the third season of the Buddhist Circuit special, which starts in October 2009 and runs through to March 2010. In order to promote the train, IRCTC has planned to organise several road shows and B2B meetings in the South East Asian countries of Singapore, Thailand, Korea, China, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. It also plans to appoint General Sales Agents (GSA) in Sri Lanka, China and Vietnam. Currently, there are GSAs in Thailand, Korea and Taiwan.
For full story visit:
http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/irctc-to-aggressively-promote-mahaparinirvan-express-train-in-south-east-asian-countries-6047
top |
|
 |
Over 30 of UK's top tour operators have signed up to promote the new 2-for-1 holiday deals to Sri Lanka. Launched by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau in association with Sri Lankan Airlines and Qatar Airways, the offer is available on all new bookings for a minimum of seven nights for two people made between April and June for travel up to the end of June 2009.
‘As an additional bonus, on arrival in Sri Lanka holidaymakers are also able to visit some of the island's most popular tourist attractions including the famous Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and four UNESCO World Heritage sites for half price.’ States a communique issued by the Tourism Promotions Bureau London Office.
“Our tour operator partners are experiencing strong demand for the 2-for-1 promotion, which has been designed to stimulate bookings during the current economic downturn.” Said Sanjika Perera Director of the London Office.
For full story visit http://www.forimmediaterelease.net/pm/2563.html
top
|
|
| |
| |
 |
Please note that a major web upgrading initiative of Sri Lanka Tourism is also underway. We call on all tourism industry stakeholders to keep sending us snippets of news so we could include them in the weekly newsletters, we will bring to you on an improved format.
Sri Lanka Tourism wishes to thank all stakeholders for their wonderful support and assistance and wishes to invite them to get involved with 'Sri Lanka calling'. Please send your articles to stories@srilanka.travel
You are receiving this Newsletter because you have subscribed for our newsletter at our site.
If you do not wish to receive further news or mailings from srilanka.travel click here to unsubscribe.
|
|
 |
|
