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| Sunday, 14 July 2002 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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by Shirajiv Sirimane Sri Lanka and Thailand, two countries sharing much more than the Sun-Sea and Sand - tourists attractions, will strengthen their bonds further with the introduction of a new form of tourism that caters to a different segment of tourists altogether - cultural and Buddhist tourism, for those discerning holiday makers loving for a different kind of holiday, away from the beaten track.
A delegation comprising religious leaders, travel agents, members from the Tourism authority and journalists from leading magazines were in Sri Lanka last week on a six day familiarisation (FAM) tour. The group visited historic land marks in Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Anuradhapura and also made a trip to the Dalada Maligawa and the Malwatte temple. The group also stayed two days in Colombo. Thai Travel Agents' Association's Vice President Wasant Kudedakeng who acted as the group leader said that they were confident that Sri Lankan cultural land marks could be easily marketed to the Thai travellers. "This has been made easier due to the fact that both countries practise Buddhism." He said that unlike in Sri Lanka, there were not many places of historical interest for Buddhists in Thailand. "The Ruwanweli Seya temple is a manmade wonder and would be a great attraction," he said. Mr. Kudedakeng said that the fact that Sigiriya had been categorised as the eighth wonder of the world, would also be another plus point to market Sri Lanka. Action Tours Executive Director Phairat Soongkitbul said that though in some instances the hotels rates are higher than in Thailand, the services Sri Lankan hotels offer for the amount is of a better quality. "Sri Lankan hotel specially out of Colombo offer very good services." Global Union Express Co. Ltd, Deputy Director Tour Services said that Sri Lanka is a very interesting place. "This is the perfect set for a complete holiday. The food is similar and there are so many things in common to both countries." The Deputy Director said that the oldest Sacrad tree, the Sri Maha Bodhiya is a great asset to Sri Lanka. "I am very happy with the manner in which this tree has been preserved." The Deputy Director pointed out that however the government should pay more attention to the network of roads. "I am not saying that roads should be widened but they should be without pot holes. It may be a good idea to have a highway to the Cultural Triangle. Another suggestion is to have some domestic airports close to the Cultural triangle.'' Assistant Group Sales Manager Weekend Tours, Banchong Chanpan said that she was happy with the services of the national carrier SriLankan Airlines. "I think the staff uniform is one of the best in the world." She added that there were adequate flights to Sri Lanka and promoting tourism in a big way would not be a problem. Leading tour operator, Global Union Express Manager Lalida Owatwaroj said that Sri Lanka is yet to be aggressively promoted in Thailand. "we do not receive any promotional material and this is a grey area which needs urgent attention." The Manager said that similarly more information kits on Sri Lanka should be made available at the Katunayake airport as well. Petra Travel Co. Ltd Business Development Director Thanittha Thaweedech said that Thai tourists will not be interested in Sri Lankan beaches. "We have very good beaches and night life activities in Thailand and the ruins and the culture will be the major attractions for Thai tourists in Sri Lanka." The group also visited the Lake House and had one to one discussion with the Editorial Director, Bandula Padmakumara on the peace process. They also wanted copies of the Silumina newspaper (Poson edition) which had a full first page picture on the Sri Maha Bodhiya. |
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