Travel

30% growth in tourist arrivals

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka has increased sharply this year month-on-month compared to last year which was marred by the global economic crisis.

A 30 percent growth in arrivals was recorded each month, the highest in several years, according to the Ministry of Tourism. MICE tourism is a major contributor to the growth.

President Tourists Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, Srilal Miththapala said there has been an upsurge in tourist arrivals this year and many of the city hotels are fully occupied.

"The summer holiday was good and the winter would be better with a series of activities lined up for the holiday makers", he said.

The Hikkaduwa Beach Fest, the Kandy Perahera, the Spice festival and the Kite festival are some of the much awaited events that would be held towards the end of the year.

The International Indian Film Awards (IIFA) would draw a large number of visitors from across the globe to one of the biggest and most specatular events in the travel and entertainment world.

The Indian showpiece to be held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium from June 3-5 will feature some of the leading film stars like Amrita Rao, Dino Murio, Celina Jaitley, Dia Mirza Neha Dupia Rithik Roshan, Shaeed Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and many other celebrities who would stun their fans around the world.

Improvement to the city and logistics are in progress to host the mega film bash that would showcase the country's legendry film industry and also as a tourist destination.

Sri Lanka has recorded the highest number of arrivals in the first two months of this year and has been listed as having 50 percent growth in tourist arrivals among 77 countries that have reported data, according to a UN report.Easing off all travel restrictions have enticed a large number of visitors to some of the finest beaches and culturally rich sites in the North and the East. The Eastern coast is popular for wind surfing and whale watching.

Exclusive privileges for Jetwing Club members

The Jetwing Club offers many benefits and privileges for all its members. Accessible to both Sri Lankans and expatriates, Club Membership provides opportunities that range from going on a weekend holiday to shopping spree discounts.

Jetwing Hotels, with some of Sri Lanka's most unique locations and amazing architectural properties, has drawn many eager travelers to Jetwing Club as a result. The fact that some of Sri Lanka's most prestigious tourism events were held in Jetwing Hotels throughout the island is another reason that contributes to the growth in its recent membership.

Since the re-launch of Jetwing Hotels' loyalty program in September, 2009 its growth has increased sharply. This is due to the boost in membership renewals which have taken place rapidly. The prestigious platinum membership aggregate hit the 250 mark last week indicating that the implementation of a sound tailor-made program for the most regular visitors at Jetwing Hotels has been successful.

The Jetwing Club website is a user-friendly program based on a 'help your-self' model. Membership is offered in three tiers, namely Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each different tier presents clearly defined benefit schemes.

The journey through the categories depends on a simple process of collecting points according to the money spent at all Jetwing Hotels.

Euro Disney reports widening loss

Theme park operator Euro Disney on Tuesday reported a 32.4 percent deepening in its first half net earnings loss that it blamed on falling attendance, notably by British visitors.

The group said the loss in the first half of its 2009-2010 fiscal year, which ended March 31, came to 95.2 million euros (121 million dollars) from sales that were down 7.0 percent from the same period a year earlier at 519 million euros.

Euro Disney's loss came to 71.9 million euros in the first half of 2008-2009.

The group said attendance at its complex near Paris fell 8.4 percent to 6.5 million visitors, reflecting fewer visitors from Britain and the Netherlands in particular.

The bottom line also suffered from lingering effects of the economic crisis.

"If they (visitors) come during school vacations, they no longer come for long weekends during off-peak periods," said Euro Disney chief executive Philippe Gas.

Hotel occupancy fell to 79.6 percent from 85.8 percent in the year earlier period, reflecting a drop-off in British visitors for the most part, along with a decline in corporate-related tourist activities, Gas said.

But the company said that average visitor spending had risen slightly to 43.51 euros from 43.01.

AFP

The Group with Delair officials

Ceylinco Savari with Delair

Ceylinco Life tied up with Delair Travels (Pvt) Ltd, a member of the Delmege Group to organise the 'Ceylinco Life Family Savari 2010'.

The tour which involved a great deal of meticulous planning provided a unique Singapore experience to 200 winners from 50 lucky policyholder families. Ceylinco Life Insurance policy holders were in for a treat when they were selected through a lucky draw. Fifty families comprising 200 took off to Singapore under the personal supervision of the experienced Delair Travels staff. Delair Travels (Pvt) Ltd planned the groups' tour. "The entire tour was a great success", said Brand Manager 'Ceylinco Life' Ushan Wijewardena.

"The support from Delair was brilliant and all aspects of the tour were well planned and executed".