FEATURE SRI LANKA
reef of Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is scheduled to begin this month (December) near Hikkaduwa on the southern coast.
Tourism Talk
SANJIKA PERERA outgoing UK manager Sri Lanka Tourism “Looking back on my
time in this role it is amazing how the tide has turned for us – from the challenges we had just four years ago, with all the negative publicity and protests in Parliament Square during the war years to now, where we are seeing visitor numbers growing by almost 30 per cent. There was a big pent-up demand for the country and I think it will continue for another couple of years as well. Where once our hotels had to discount heavily and we were seen as a ‘low-value’ destination, we can now match the price to the excellent products and the attractions on offer in Sri Lanka."
UK and I think we will do.” For Kuoni, which has been selling Sri
Lanka for 26 years, the country is the second most popular destination in 2011, behind Maldives – and the operator puts its popularity down to its affordability and wide appeal. “Sri Lanka embraces both beach and
culture with great-value touring options,” says product manager Sheena Paton. “It is a magnet for those holidaymakers who want to fly and flop and, increasingly, for those who want to tour. “New areas opening up to tourism,
such as the unspoilt area of Trincomalee on the east coast, will certainly win over even more travellers in 2012.”
What's New Sri Lanka will bring in a visa, or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) on January 1 2012. Originally set at $50, opposition from the travel industry has seen this reduced to $25. The ETA replaces the free visa-on-arrival system and must be purchased at
www.eta.gov.uk.
To help counter the lack of accommodation, Sri Lanka
Tourism has launched a Home Stay and Bungalow programme (www.
srilankanhomestay.com) featuring properties across the country. Guests can engage in local customs and traditions while enjoying authentic cuisine and other attractions. The tourism board is providing training for properties, covering areas such as on-line marketing, housekeeping, cooking,
preparation of authentic cuisine, kitchen hygiene and emergencies, etc. Sri Lankan Airlines is planning to expand its fleet of aircraft, from 17 to 28, by 2016, through a mix of new and leased aircraft. The airline also hopes to have double-daily flights on each of its European services by 2012.
The airline has expanded its FlySmiles
(
www.flysmiles.com) frequent flyer programme, with YoungSmiles, for those aged two to 18, with special attractions tailored to fit the needs of the age groups, including free flights.
Mirissa is establishing itself as a premier whale-watching destination
20 December 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
From The Front Line SHEENA PATON
market manager, Indian Ocean, Kuoni “Sri Lanka is an exotic
The Minor Hotel Group – which operates the five-star Anantara brand – has chosen Sri Lanka to launch its upscale boutique brand, Avani Hotels and Resorts. The Avani Bentota Resort & Spa, located along Sri Lanka’s southern shores, should be fully completed by late 2011, while Avani Kalutara Resort will open sometime during 2012. The Estate House at Rosyth, a 1926-built colonial planter’s bungalow located on a hillside near Kandy, has been converted into a small boutique hotel. It is set in a private working tea and rubber estate. The iconic Fortress Resort and
Spa in Galle has launched a butler service featuring 15 butlers from the Australian Butler School. Six Senses Resorts & Spas is to
open Six Senses Before Galle in Ahungalla and Six Senses Meeraladuaa, a 16-room tented camp on an island in the Maadu River. Both resorts will open in late 2012. A coral re-growth restoration
programme, to revive the depleted coral
Island rich in culture and new experiences can be found at every turn. Sri Lanka offers excellent value for money and you can do anything – from relaxing on the coast to sightseeing to visiting traditional tea plantations and wildlife safaris. The best way to experience Sri Lanka is to join a tour. "Many customers like to end their
journey at the coast for some relaxation before heading home. "Somewhere like Jetwing Sea, exclusive
to Kuoni in the UK, is an ideal place to recuperate before departing. Situated on Negombo beach, it has a beautiful coastline, delicious food and is just a 30- minute transfer to Colombo airport.”
KEVIN COLES freelance consultant Travel 2 “Sri Lanka is a real focus
for us and sales are booming well into next year. Our eight-night Heritage Tour covers many of the main archaeological sites. The Fortress in Kogalla is a stunning hotel that is popular with honeymooners. The food
Above: Trunk calls in Minneriya National Park;
Opposite: Sri Lanka's southern coast is a top spot for spotting blue whales, the largest sea mammal
Selling Tip “Suggest an Ayurveda treatment. Many hotels offer a spa and/or yoga and meditation centre”
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