Kandy Esala Perahara - August 1st to 11th

The month of Esala (July), during which period this annual pageant is usually held, had been considered a month of celebrations and festivity, both among Indians and Sri Lankans. Even from the lifetime of the Buddha in the 6th century BC, the Esala festival was held to commemorate the Buddha's Conception, his Renunciation and the First Sermon. Esala is also considered to be the beginning of the raining season (Vassana) when the monks commence their Retreat. Also, this month is considered to be the period when ritual performances to the protective divinities are held, (eg Pattini puja) as recorded in the text 'Pattini-Halla'. Being considered a 'chaste' month, the period is held sacred for the availability of water, hence prosperity.

Read More:- http://www.srilanka.travel/index.php?route=event/upcoming&event=111

Kandy Esala Perahara - August 1st to 11th

The month of Esala (July), during which period this annual pageant is usually held, had been considered a month of celebrations and festivity, both among Indians and Sri Lankans. Even from the lifetime of the Buddha in the 6th century BC, the Esala festival was held to commemorate the Buddha's Conception, his Renunciation and the First Sermon. Esala is also considered to be the beginning of the raining season (Vassana) when the monks commence their Retreat. Also, this month is considered to be the period when ritual performances to the protective divinities are held, (eg Pattini puja) as recorded in the text 'Pattini-Halla'. Being considered a 'chaste' month, the period is held sacred for the availability of water, hence prosperity.

Read More:- http://www.srilanka.travel/index.php?route=event/upcoming&event=111

“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 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.




Read More:- http://www.srilanka.travel/travel_news?news=236

Glamorous “Sri Lanka Night” Shines in Shanghai

Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai three day mega promotional campaign in China reached its climax with a glamorous ‘Sri Lankan Night’ which was held in the evening of 4th July 2014 at Pudong Shangri La Hotel in Shanghai. The event was graced by the distinguished presence of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development of Sri Lanka as the chief guest of this glamorous evening.

The other VIP guests who were present at the event included Hon. Shan Wijayalal, Chief Minister, Southern Provincial Council, Sri Lanka, Hon. (Madam). Zhang Li Li, Chairperson for Foreign Affairs, Shanghai Municipal Government, H E. Ranjith Uyangoda , the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China , Hon. Nazeer Ahamed, Provincial Minister (Tourism), Eastern Provincial Council, Sri Lanka , Hon. Dao Shu Ming, Chairman, China Friendship Association with Foreign Countries , Ms. Yasun Wang, Vice Chairperson, All China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese ,Mr. Yong Jiang Huang, CEO, Infinit-Tea Ltd, Mr. Wang Yingqi, Counsellor (Economic and Commerce), Embassy of China in Colombo, Sri Lanka and Mr. Gu Jun, Vice Chair of Municipal Commission of Commerce of Shanghai.

Read More:- http://www.srilanka.travel/index.php?route=event/travelnews&news=235

“Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” B2B Travel & Trade Forum Creates a Huge Opportunity for Sri Lanka

Under the joint mega promotional campaign “Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” from July 01st to 6th July 2014 in Shanghai –China , Sri Lanka Tourism implemented a tourism and trade promotional business forum specifically schemed to attract Chinese travel and trade partners was held on 4th July 2014 in Shangri-La Hotel, Pudong. The event was graced by the presence of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa , Minister of Economic Development who was the chief guest at the event along with Madam. Shang Yu Ying, Chairperson Municipal Commission for Commerce of Shanghai, China.

Other distinguish guests who have participated for the inaugural ceremony of B2B Travel & Trade Business Forum included Hon. Shan Wijeyalal, Chief Minister, Southern Province, Sri Lanka, Hon. Dao Shu Ming, Chairman, China Friendship Association with Foreign Countries , H E Mr Ranjith Uyangoda , the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China , Mrs. Hasanthy Dissanayake. Consul General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai, Mr. Yang Jing Song, Chairman of Tourism Administration , Mr. Nasser Ahamed, Provincial Minister (Tourism), Eastern Province, Sri Lanka, Mr. Shen Shan Zhou, Deputy Director of Shanghai Tourism Administration and Mr. Chen Ping, Deputy Director of International Dept, Municipal Commission of Commerce, Shanghai, Mr. Anura Siriwardhane, Secretary, Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Sri Lanka, Mr. Bhashwara Gunarathna, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism, Dr. D S Jayaweera, Director General, Sri Lanka Tourism, Mr.Nishantha Wickramasinghe, Chairman, Sri Lankan Airlines, Mr Rumy Jauffer , Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism promotion Bureau, Mr. Mervin Fernandopulle, Board Member, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

Read More:- http://www.srilanka.travel/travel_news?news=234

“Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” Marks the Beginning with a Press Conference

( 01st July 2014, Shanghai) On the afternoon of July 1st, kick-off press conference of Sri Lanka Joint Mega Promotion Campaign - “Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” was held in Shangri-La Hotel, Pudong, Shanghai. The activity, sponsored by Ministry of Economic Development, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing China and Sri Lanka Consulate in Shanghai, was intended to comprehensively introduce tourism, culture, and economy of Sri Lanka to Chinese people.

The Consul General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai, Ms. Hasanthi Dissanayake, Mr. Rumy Jauffer, Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Mr. Asoka Hettigoda – Chairman of Siddhalepa Group of Companies and special invitees Mr. Er Dong Qiang , a Shanghinese Photographer and Ms. Chen Danyan, the famous Shanghai novelist and travel writer, Sri Lankan senior officials, and more than 120 media of China attended the conference.

Consul General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai, Ms. Hasanthi Dissanayake delivering the inaugural speech said, “Over a long history, China and Sri Lanka increasingly strengthened their friendship. I hope you really love the show we prepared in Shanghai. With China’s economic growth, out bound tourism also has been on the increase and I am happy to note that when last three years are considered, there had been unprecedented increase of Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai is in a way peaks it all and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau will introduce Sri Lanka through this event, of what Sri Lanka offers to the world, land of smiling faces and hospitality at its best” .

Read More:- http://www.srilanka.travel/travel_news?news=233

“Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” - Joint Mega Promotion Enters Shanghai to Attract Chinese Visitors to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Tourism is all set to execute the second Joint Mega Promotion campaign in China called “Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai ”, which will be launched in the Shanghai City from the 01st to 06th July 2014 followed by the major success of its first event held in Beijing last year. This Joint Mega Promotion campaign with joint efforts from Public and Private sectors has been initiated under the advice of H.E the President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The joint mega promotional campaign, an event organized in combination of the Public and Private sectors of the Sri Lanka is coming to China for the second time following the success of the first phase of this campaign held in Beijing last year.

The event is organized under the guidance of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, the Minister of Economic Development who will grace the event in Shanghai with his presence at “Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” joint mega promotional campaign.

Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Mr. Bhashwara Gunarathna, and Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Mr. Rummy Jauffer along with Sri Lankan Travel agents, Tour Operators, Hoteliers and Government Organisations will represent tourism industry of Sri Lanka at this mega promotional campaign in Shanghai. “Sri Lanka Shines in Shanghai” joint mega promotional campaign held under the guidance of Ministry of Economic Development is heavily backed by Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing and Sri Lankan Consulate General in Shanghai.

Read More:- http://www.srilanka.travel/index.php?route=event/travelnews&news=232

Sri Lanka Tourism Arrivals Increase 20.3% in May 2014

Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals recorded a growth of 20.3 % in May 2014 compared to the same period in year 2013. During the month of May, 2014 recorded 90,046 tourists arrivals in the country compared to the 74,838 arrived in May 2013 which is highest in foreign tourist history for month of May .

The cumulative total of foreign tourist arrival for first five months of 2014 is 624,178 giving record of a 26.5 percent increase from the 493,294 came during the corresponding period in 2013.

Most of the tourists arrived from Western Europe with 200,605 tourist arrivals in the first five months of this year recording an 18 % increase over corresponding 2013 figures. France recording 31.2%, Germany 22.6% followed by UK topped the list of Western Europe. Arrivals from South Asia, the other region from where most of the tourists come, increased by 19.4 percent in the year with 145,373 tourists visiting the island while, arrivals from India increased 22.3 percent to 64,327 in May.

Read More:-   http://www.srilanka.travel/travel_news?news=231

Sri Lanka Wins “Best Booth Design Award” at the Korea World Travel Fair 2014

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau bagged the “Best Booth Design Award” at Korea’s largest international travel fair, Korea World Travel Fair (KOTFA) held last week in Seoul from 29th May to June 01st, 2014. Sri Lanka Tourism stall stood elegant at the exhibition, with grand décor of culture, beaches, wild life, festivals, water sports, Buddhist attractions of Sri Lanka. Among the crowd of visitors that attracted the stall were the representatives from national tourist organizations, tour operators, tour & travel agents, and online travel agencies. More than 60 countries participated for KOTFA this year representing Asia, Europe, Oceania, America, Africa and Middle East. Destinations such as Russia, Malaysia, China, Egypt, Thailand, Maldives, Sweden, Kuwait, South Africa, India were among the international participants at the KOTFA 2014.

For the second consecutive year, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau together with representatives from the travel and hotel industry in Sri Lanka participated at the KOTFA Travel fair 2014. Sri Lanka Mission in Seoul facilitated the participation of Sri Lanka Tourism at the event.

Read More:-  http://www.srilanka.travel/travel_news?news=230 

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotional Strategy Leads Emerging Markets to Change the Tourism Mosaic of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Tourism arrivals domain has been changed by the emerging new markets occupying the place of long held traditional dominant markets according to the arrival statistics issued for January 2014. This can be seen as an effective result of the strategic promotional campaigns executed in year 2013, giving much focus on the identified emerging markets than totally relying on the traditional European markets for growth.

The growth factors of the emerging markets compared with 2013 January vs. 2014 January, recorded extremely high levels of improvement. According to the latest arrival figures, the highly focused emerging markets such as China has gained 3rd place, Russia move up to 4th place while India remaining at 01st followed by Ukraine, Australia as graphically illustrated .

Arrivals from East Asia increased to 95.6% with arrivals from China recording a significant 224% growth. South Asia recorded 14.6% growth with India contributing the highest number of arrivals 17,886 up from 16,938 with 5.6% rise. The arrivals from traditional Western European market though relatively low to emerging markets recorded 17.9% growth while UK recording 13.6% increase. However Eastern Europe arrivals have increased by 63.6% as a result of effective, targeted, well designed promotional campaigns executed in those countries. Russia leads the arrivals board from East Europe recording 91.6% growth . Other regions also scored high levels of growth namely Australasia scoring 15.1% ,USA recording 31.5% and North America with 22.4% growth levels.

Read More:-  http://www.srilanka.travel/travel_news?news=216

“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 “Label Aventure” entered into an agreement for producing the 10th season of Adventure reality series called “Peking Express” for the 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 “Share the dream”.

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.

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.

Read More:- http://www.srilanka.travel/travel_news?news=217

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, 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.

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.

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.

Read More:-  http://www.srilanka.travel/travel_news?news=229

"The New York Times" - USA names Sri Lanka among 46 places to go in 2013.

Kalpitiya, A spit of land two hours north of Colombo that boasts one of Sri Lanka’s least developed stretches of coastline, is flanked by the Indian Ocean on the west and the emerald green Puttalam Lagoon on the east.

Now, before large resort developments at the peninsula’s tip come to fruition, is the time to visit. Base yourself at Alankuda Beach, which from November through April is the launching point for dolphin and sperm whale watching expeditions; May brings wind and kite surfing. Dry land diversions include a 17th – century Dutch fort and the Shrine of St. Anne, Sri Lanka’s oldest, as well as leopard, sloth bear and elephant spotting at nearby Wilpattu National Park.

Find More Information:

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/01/10/travel/2013-places-to-go.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Read More:- http://www.srilanka.travel/index.php?route=event/travelnews&news=143

Sri Lanka Tourism Participates for Korea World Travel Fair 2014 (KOTFA 2014)

Sri Lanka Tourism participates for the 29th Korea World Travel Fair 2014 (KOTFA 2014) held from 29th May to 1st June 2014 in Seoul.

KOTFA is the leading Travel Fair organized by the Korean World Travel Fair Committee, that is being held annually in Korea having participation of more than 500 travel related organizations from over 60 countries (KOTFA 2013 Report) and the only travel fair being held in Seoul, Hosted by the Korean Tourism Association.

KOTFA has been identified as a proper plat form to exhibit Sri Lanka in Korean market as SLTPB participates annually together with trade participants.

Korea has been identified as one of the most prospective potential markets considering the tourism arrivals to Sri Lanka. Adequate marketing campaigns and promotional activities carried out in order to maintain the continuous improvements of the arrival numbers from Korea, to attract high spending Korean tourist and also to make the Koreans aware about the attractions of Sri Lanka.

This year there are 11 travel companies participating from Sri Lanka for KOTFA 2014 :

Sri Lanka Booth Number A-109

Read More:- http://www.srilanka.travel/index.php?route=event/meetus

Poson Festival – June 12th

Marking the birth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Poson poya day is much celebrated event and dates back in 3rd Century BC when king Devanampiyatissa was converted to Buddhism by Arahat Maha Mahinda, the son of King Asoka, the Emperor of India, after which Buddhism was declared the State religion.

The entire country celebrates this significant milestone, but it all culminates at Mihintale, known as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, for it is believed to be there that the conversion took place. In fact it is in the Ambasthale Dagoba, the temple in Mihintale, accessible by 1840 steps, that it is in believed that the historic encounter took place.

On Poson poya day, many devotees make their way to temple to spend reflective hours in meditation while there are also several sil campaigns, Dan Sal, Poson devotional songs and pandols among others. 

Mihinthalaya

Mihinthalaya

Mihinthalaya

World Youth Conference

World Conference on Youth 2014 will take place from 6th to 10th May, 2014 at BMICH in Colombo with the participation of nearly 1500 young citizens representing all the nations, countries and backgrounds of the world. Held under the theme 'mainstreaming Youth in the Post-2015 Development Agenda' the conference seeks to create an platform that enables young people to review the progress on the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

International Conference on Digital Marketing 2014

Organized by The International Institute of Knowledge Management, the International Conference of Digital Marketing is to be held at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo on 03rd and 04th June 2014. The conference seeks to involve researchers, scholars and professionals examining theories, strategies, challenges, and future trends of Digital Marketing.

Vesak Festival - May 14th

Vesak is the main Buddhist religious festival in Sri Lanka. During this time, people celebrate the triple anniversary of Lord Buddha - his birth, his attaining of Enlightenment and his passing away into Nirvana.
Also known as the Buddhist Festival of Light, colorful bamboo framed lanterns adorn the interior of every home and incredible luminous displays decorate the streets of most towns. Visit Bhauddoloka Mawatha, the main street in Colombo, to catch this glowing spectacle in full glory.
Vesak marks the first month of the Buddhist Calendar. This is a day spent in reflective prayer as people cease wordly pursuits and engage themselves in religious activities. Devotees Buddhists pray in temples from dawn until the dusk. As the sun sets, devotees partake in processions and return to the temples in the evening to hear monks read stories from sacred texts.
Stalls on the roadside distribute free refreshments to passers-by and there are some fantastic mime and street theatre performances, staged on tall platforms near temples in cities and towns throughout the country.

“Leading Tourism Newspapers Endorse Sri Lanka Tourism Promotional Campaign in China”

The latest issues of leading Chinese newspapers namely “China Tourism News” and “Oriental Morning Post” have heavily endorsed Sri Lanka Tourism promotional strategy and campaigns being carried out in Beijing and Shanghai over several months period starting from last year. The cover story of “China Tourism News” states that “Sri Lanka has seen a rapid growth in number of Chinese Tourists visiting Sri Lanka” and the Oriental Morning Post article says ‘Sri Lanka the Fascinating country causing a climax in Shanghai”

The Full articles as appeared in the newspapers are inserted below:

Article 01 : Rapid Growth in number of the Chinese Tourists visit Sri Lanka – China Tourism News – Published on 28th February 2014

Article 02 : Sri Lanka the Fascinating country causing a climax in Shanghai - Oriental Morning Post - Published on 7th March 2014

 

Read More:- http://www.srilanka.travel/travel_news?news=224

CNNGo Featured on Sri Lanka

 

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 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 Wonder of Asia 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 Connaisance De Ceylon 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.

 

Read more:- http://www.srilanka.travel/travel_news?news=226

Sinhala & Tamil New Year Festival- April 13th & 14th

When the sun moves from Pisces to Aries, the Sinhalese Buddhist and Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka join forces to celebrate Aluth Avurudda – their mutual new year.

This is also coincides with the time when the harvest ends, so the colorful fruit from the trees is collected in bulk to fuel the week long celebrations. Festivities are prepared well in advance and most of the country grinds to a halt as hundreds travel home to be with their families and stores close down in their wake – it can be impossible to track down the simplest of things just before it all starts.

The rituals begin with the cleaning of the house and lighting of an oil lamp, and woman congregate to bash on the raban (drum) to warn others of the incipient change in the year. If you fail to hear this, a storm, firecrackers is bound to hammer the point home. Families indulge in a variety of rituals which are carefully determined by astrological calculations-from lighting the fire to making the kiri bath (milk rice) bath, to entering into the first business transaction and eating the first morsels.

Once these are done, the partying really begins as families mingle in the streets, homes are thrown open and children are left out to play. The ubiquitous planting is dished out alongside celebratory feasts of kaung (small oil cake) and kokis (small and light sweetmeat, originally from Netherlands).

Aluth Auvrudda has become an important national holidays for both the cultures of the Sinhalese Buddhists and the Tamil Hindu Sri Lankans, and is unique as such , as it is not celebrated elsewhere in the world. 

If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka during this time of the year, please speak to your accommodation provider/ tour guide to see any events around. You will be able to participate in traditional Sinhala games and experience the essence of Sri Lanka.

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 7-9th 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.
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.



Read more:- http://www.srilanka.travel/travel_news?news=220

Korea – Sri Lanka Travel & Tourism Club Launched

Korea – Sri Lanka Travel & Tourism Club Launched

The Korea-Sri Lanka Travel & Tourism Club was launched at the Millennium Hilton Hotel in Seoul on 14th February 2014. The club was created to enhance the cultural and economic relationship between Sri Lanka and South Korea. One of its main goals is to promote tourism, a core area of growth for Sri Lanka-Korea relations. The chief guest of the event, Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development met with more than 100 Korean and Sri Lankan members of the club who were present at the launch ceremony. Minister of Environment and Renewable Energy Hon. Susil Premajayatha also attended the event.
During the event, Minister Rajapaksa further expressed his sincere appreciation to the organizers and members of the tourism club for leading the launch, promoting tourism and cultural relations between Sri Lanka and South Korea and initiating the campaign to increase awareness of Sri Lanka as a popular destination for Korean tourists. Sri Lanka is already being vigorously promoted in Korea’s main markets, particularly through a series of promotional campaigns that will be presented throughout the year. This club will provide the additional boost for the tourism campaigns.

Read more:- http://www.srilanka.travel/travel_news?news=221

Navam Perahera - Colombo

The Navam Perahara of Festival of Gangarama , a Buddhist perahara with nearly 1000 performers and 100 richly clad elephants parades the streets of the colombo on the full moon Poya day  of February.

The Hot Air Balloon Festival......

 The Annual Hot Air Ballooning Festival organized by the Ceylon Air Ship and Balloon Club is held in March in and around Sigiriya, Hambanthota and Colombo with the participation of nearly 40 participants from around the world. The Balloonists follow a path around the country traveling from down south to North-central plains of Sri Lanka and ending in Independence Square in Colombo for final display of the balloons participating in the event.

Travel and Leisure Magazine Recognized Sri Lanka as the “Best Travel Destination” for Chinese Travelers......

  Sri Lanka was awarded with the “Best Travel Destination” Award at the Annual Travel Award Ceremony of the Travel and Leisure Magazine of China held on 16 January 2014 in Beijing. Awards were given for Best Travel Destination, Best Hospitality Provider, Best Airlines and Best Travel Organizer. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to China Ranjith Uyangoda received the Award at the awarding Ceremony, which was attended by more than 400 representatives including diplomats, travel executives and travel media personnel. The Travel and Leisure Magazine identified Sri Lanka as the Best Travel Destination through an opinion poll conducted among its Journalists and Readers in China. At the awarding ceremony, a Holiday Package jointly sponsored by the Sri Lankan Airlines and Jetwing Travels of Sri Lanka was awarded to a lucky winner.

10 Good Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka

  If golden beaches, rising waves, misty mountains, mighty elephants, stealthy leopards, giant whales, a majestic past, lovely tea and warm smiles could sum up a country, that would be Sri Lanka.

With many sites and scenes bottled up in to a small island, a traveller could be riding the waves in the dawn and admiring the green carpeted mountains by dusk. Travel destinations in Sri Lanka provide an array of holiday experience from sun kissed beach holidays to a marathon of wildlife watching, adrenaline pumping adventure sports and pilgrimage to some of the oldest cities in the world.
The smiles and hospitality of Sri Lanka id world famous and so are its spicy food, exotic fruits and array of sweetmeats found nowhere in the world. With so many cultures living next to each other life in Sri Lanka continues among a series of festivities throughout the year, an ideal recipe for fun and leisure....
        

                 01.Diversity

                    02.People

                       03.Cultural Heritage

                          04.Festivals year Around

                             05.Ayurveda & Spas

                                06.wildlife

                                   07.Adventure & Special Interest Sports

                                      08.Hotels

                                         09.Food

                                            10.Shopping

Visit more:- http://www.srilanka.travel/good_reasons_to_visit_srilanka

 

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotional Song - “Paradise Calling” Launched

Sri Lanka Tourism’s promotional song titled “Paradise Calling” was ceremoniously launched at a function held at “Ape Gama” in Battaramulla in the presence of Hon. M.L.A.M Hizbullah – Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Willie Gamage secretary to the Ministry of Botanical Gardens and Public Recreation . Mr. Bhashwara Gunarathna Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism , Mr. Rumy Jauffer Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, Dr.D.S Jayaweera – Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Mr. Nilmin Nanayakkara Board Member of SLTPB. The song’s Musical concept and Direction was done by Sri Lanka’s famous young artist duo Bathiya & Santush. The lyrics were written by veteran song writer Mr. Kelum Srimal. The launching ceremony was held with the participation of more than 24 young vocalists and many distinguished guests representing travel and tourism industry of Sri Lanka. This is the brain Child of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa Minister of Economic Development to produce a promotional song for Sri Lanka Tourism industry.

  visit more:-http://www.srilanka.travel/travel_news?news=210