TRAVEL

Sancharaka Udawa:

Tourism service providers to network

Tourism will be the leading foreign exchange earner and within the next five years one out of seven in the country will be earning from the industry, said Deputy Minister of Tourism Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena.

He was addressing a ceremony to launch the Sancharaka Udawa, the Tourism Products Meet Mart organised by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO).

He said the tourism industry has recorded an unprecedented growth and it has the potential to be the main revenue earner in the country. Hotel occupancy has recorded a remarkable growth due to the large influx of tourists to the country.

"The 2011 Visit Sri Lanka campaign is expected to have a major impact on Sri Lanka tourism. An event a month and a host of activities to captivate the discerning traveller have been lined up for the mega promotion", Abeywardena said.

"The remaining sites of the Kalpitiya Tourism Promotion Zone have been leased to investors and the location will be ready for tourism soon", he said.

The tourism industry is the main beneficiary of the peace dividends with a 45 percent growth in arrivals this year compared to last year. Improvement of roads, resumption of sea planes, increase in the number of hotel rooms, logistics and trained personnel will help achieve the tourism targets.

Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa said the benefits of tourism should be shared by all, for which there should be a collective effort to develop the industry.

He said even a winsome smile will carry a long way in enticing visitors. Cottage industries and the village community could help promote tourism in a responsible way.

"The tourism industry must be focused on providing the best service if it is to reach the target of attracting 2.5 million visitors by 2016. The duration of stay and the spending of tourists have to increase for tourism to bloom", Dr. Godahewa said.

The SLAITO Meet Mart which will be held on January 27 will provide an opportunity for all tourism related service providers to network and promote products and services.

President SLAITO, Nilmin Nanayakkara said the objective of the forum is to promote less exposed persons to the main stream of tourism and create a platform for small and medium service providers to build links with tour operators.

The forum will help introduce new products and services to the tourism industry and solve undersupply of the membership. Improvement of logistics in transportation and accommodation will be addressed at the meeting.

Boutique hotels, villas, guest houses, heritage properties, home stays, restaurants, bars and coffee houses, night clubs, pool bars, drama and theatre, sports and soft adventure, transport agents, vehicle owners for wildlife tours and those speaking foreign languages will participate in the event.

LF

Tourism gears for February influx

By Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

Sri Lanka Tourism targets 700,000 tourists and a revenue of US$ 500 million in 2011 which has been declared the 'Visit Sri Lanka' year, said Acting Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Malraj B. Kiriella.

He said tourist arrivals in November were 72,251, the highest during a month compared to 2009. The highest number of visitors last year was recorded in December with 56,862 travellers. Tourist arrivals last year were 447,890.

Tourist arrivals this year recorded a 45 percent month-on-month growth compared to last year. A 31 percent growth was recorded in January and 63 percent in November this year against last year.

There has been a significant growth in arrivals from all major markets from North America, Western and Eastern Europe, Africa, Middle East, East Asia, South Asia and Australia. Kiriella said a sound road network and adequate number of hotel rooms are vital to induce more visitors to the country.

"The tourism industry hopes to build around 1,500 rooms next year under the long-term strategic plan to attract 2.5 million visitors by 2016", Kiriella said.

The tourism industry plans to increase the number of hotel rooms to a round 40,000 from the current 14,000 rooms.

Hotels are being built in the East coast and more locations have been identified for construction.

Kiriella said tourists arrivals this year would be around 620,000 the highest since 2004 which recorded around 570,000.

The Visit Sri Lanka campaign will help attract the high end tourists to the country. "Sri Lanka Tourism is targetting the high end sector of tourists who spend more on a longer holiday", Kiriella said.

The earnings from a tourist per night has increased to US$ 80 from US$ 50 which is a significant growth in the revenue from the tourism sector.

"The event a month program next year will thrill visitors with some of the finest entertainment under twelve themes throughout the year", he said.

Beaches, sports and adventure, conferences, people and culture, religious, weddings and honeymoons, body and mind wellness, heritage, nature and wildlife, community tourism, culinary and shopping are some of the themes for the promotion of tourism.

Kiriella said February has been dedicated to sports and adventure to coincide with the Cricket World Cup next year. Hambantota has been selected as the venue to host some of the matches.

He said special air packages will be introduced to facilitate travel of domestic and foreign visitors. Air Force helitours will operate during the season.

"Sri Lanka Tourism has planned to set up tented camps for visitors during the month", Kiriella said.

Sri Lanka Tourism launches logo

At a well attended World Travel Market (WTM) press conference held recently, Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr. Nalaka Godahewa launched the 2011 Visit Sri Lanka campaign, with its theme 'having eight wonderful experiences in just eight days' and Sri Lanka Tourism's new logo.

The eight colours of the letters in 'Sri Lanka' in the logo represent the following eight areas - Pristine: Beach Wild: Wildlife and nature Thrills: Sports and soft adventure Scenic: Tea and hill country Heritage: 2500 years of civilization and eight UNESCO sites Bliss: Ayurveda and upmarket boutiques for those chilling out Essence: Authenticity of people, eco- tourism, culture, the arts, shopping Festive: Entertainment - festivals and events and a unique place for weddings and honeymoons.