'Destination Sri Lanka'- in step to impress the world

By Rosanne Koelmeyer Anderson

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Ayurvedha and a treasured island beyond beaches and nature's cultured adventures were the sentiments expressed as 'Destination Sri Lanka' was showcased to the world at the largest global travel and tourism event the ITB Berlin fair over the past three days amidst many other competitive destinations says Renton de Alwis, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourist Promotion Bureau and Sri Lanka Development Authority.

'Making an impact at a time like this when it is most needed is important. The Sri Lankan team of delegates in Belie are making the best of this forum to promote 'Destination Sri Lanka' on the global map. It is a golden opportunity to invite more global players to invest in Sri Lanka too.'The ITB Fair is the largest global event of the travel industry promoting domestic' inter regional and international travel throughout the world. .

Sporting the 'Green theme' within the 402 square metre stall area allocated to Sri Lanka against a very vibrant array of local attractions and Sri Lanka's tourism plans for the future, Sri Lanka was promoted as a blissful destination, a zone free of war; a land like no other. Against a backdrop of the sound of oriental drumbeats and the classical dance forms performed by our breath taking dancers, the Chandana Wickremasinghe dance troupe and Dance Guild, Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage with a positive image was portrayed authenticating that the actual tourist areas on this beautiful Pearl of the Indian Ocean still remain safe for tourists to visit despite the security concerns in the North and the East and the country's recovery since the recent tsunami. 'All performances will be taking place in front of Sri Lanka Pavilion where the entrance will be adorned by a replica of the impressive Watadage doorway and staircase which is a unique monument located in the medieval capital; Polonnaruwa (XIIth century A.D.) which is one of the seven World Heritage sites found in the island.

A dynamic delegation comprising Sri Lanka Tourist Board officials, tour operators, hoteliers, travel agents and many others in the industry are in Berlin encourage global travellers to recommence their travel tours to Sri Lanka in full strength having given the hospitality industry a face lift by presenting novel and exciting venture destination Sri Lanka has to offer. 'The goodness of ayurvedha, which has shown much growth has a potential market, the traditional masks, wood carvings, gems and the taste of Ceylon tea and other products were being promoted. We have already done our part to impress the world at the ITB Berlin Fair over the past few days', Mr. de Alwis says.

'The tea boutique will be placed adjoining the Watadage structure designed as a rural tea boutique. This year, in addition to serving black tea (sponsored by Ceylon Tea Board), the visitors could also get to know the various herbal teas with medicinal and hygienic effects highlighting the Ayurvedic tradition in Sri Lanka which is one of the most potential product segments in Germany. There are several hostesses clad in SriLankan traditional attire to attend to the visitor's requests to provide information on Ayurveda and its qualities. Through out the entire fair, the visitors can enjoy a cup of Ceylon Tea or various herbal teas at this stall which has been arranged with the assistance of the Tea Board'.

'Keeping to the focus of promoting Ayurveda, professional therapists from Sri Lanka will offer their services for Ayurvedic foot and head massages at the pavilion for the visitors while the renowned Ayurveda Resort in Sri Lanka; Siddhalepa will coordinate this feature.

A traditional mask carver will also be demonstrating his skills at the ITB stall during the fair. Originally, wooden masks depicting demons and deities were crafted to be used at exorcism rituals and ancient village theatre shows. The visitors can expect to have some insight into the traditional arts and crafts still thriving in the island since centuries.An authentic and valuable jewel studded handicraft from Sri Lanka displayed at the SLTB counter at ITB 2008 in a glass enclosure with a price quiz where visitors could participate. The coupons will be available for completion to the visitors in order to enter in to a draw.

In a drive to move on with success and make destination Sri Lanka a number one travel destination, the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) to have joined hands to appeal to global travellers to start visiting tsunami-hit countries stating as they need it and they are now ready to receive tourists. At an Awards Ceremony for the 'Best Tour Operators of Sri Lanka in 2007 (Germany): The three best tour operators in Germany who have had the highest number of tourist to Sri Lanka for the year 2007 will receive three awards from the Hon Deputy Minister of Tourism, and the Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. de Alwis says the Sri Lankan team is making the best of this forum. It a golden opportunity to invite more Global Players to invest in Sri Lanka, he says.

Being one of the panel speakers together with WTO Secretary General and President and CEO of PATA and other leaders of the Tourism Industry Mr. Renton de Alwis will address the UN World Tourism Organisation sessions on 'Climatic Change, Tourism and Poverty Imperatives' as well a the Pacific Asia Travel Writers' Conference on "New trends in Tourism and Aviation'.

The representative delegation in Berlin is confident of making a positive impact on Sri Lanka's tourism industry at this event and bringing home much fulfilled aspirations; hope of a better livelihood for the many thousands who spent many a day in hope for a better tomorrow.