Sri Lanka Tourism braces for busy winter season

Series of events lined up as sequel to Sri Lanka being selected as host country for World Tourism Day next week by the WTO

Sri Lanka being selected as host country for World Tourism Day (27 September 2007) by the World Tourism Organisation, will unleash a series of events to capture global attention as well as local interest.

This year’s theme is “Tourism opens Doors for Women.”

The communication campaign entitled “Men Don’t Get It” will be revealed on this occasion
Sri Lanka Tourism has also announced its projects relating to the consolidation and renewal of its identity starting from next week and going on till January 2008.

The elaborate arrangements are likely to give a further fillip to improved sentiments in the leisure industry with a rebound in tourist arrivals. The industry is also hopeful of a busy winter season.
Beyond its classical products – culture and beaches – Sri Lanka has decided to concentrate on upmarket clientele and is developing a number of luxury establishments.

The principal tourism themes that will be developed are as follows:
“Nostalgia” – Tourism, “Nature” Tourism, “Hertiage” Tourism, “Adventure Lovers”   Tourism, “Wellness and Ayurveda” Tourism, “Business” Tourism in Colombo.

A Social Responsibility project  will be launched to develop the Sri Lankan identity vis-à-vis responsible tourism. This new project will focus on the local communities. Tourists visiting Sri Lanka will be able to do community service in many sectors, such as children welfare, animal welfare, peace building programmes and projects to assist the handicapped individuals. In doing so, they will be able to participate in a noble cause during their vacation period.

A communication campaign B2B and B2C will be launched in Fall 2007 in order to promote the special promotions and provide general information on the destination
Finally, the active re-launch of the destination will be put in place through various activities with the tourism professionals:

Operation « Half Price for your Better Half” – from October to December 2007 and January 2008. In combination with a reduction (50%) in the air fare for the 2 nd person – the Tour Operators selling a “special package” can offer a reduction of 50% to the 2 nd person on the entire package ( air and ground package)
Incentive for Travel Agents:

As a motivating tool, travel agents will receive gift checks for the value of 20 Euros for each person purchasing a special package. These promotions will start from 1 October to 15 December 2007 and from 1 January to 31 Janaury 2008.

“Mega fam trips”: A intensive programme of eductours from October 2007 to March 2008 for those Tour Operators participating in those joint promotions with Sri Lanka Tourist Board and SriLankan Airlines. During this period, 10-12 agents will travel to rediscover the destination.  

Joint Promotions by Sri Lanka Tourist Board and  those Tour Operators willing to participate on an equal basis in the costs. Each project will be examined on a case-by-case basis and then detailed budgets will be established.

A Treasure Hunt will take place from 5-12 October 2007 in Sri Lanka to discover exceptional tourist sites for travel agents. Over 40 counter sales staff will participate in this unique experience destined to discover the hidden treasures of Sri Lanka through active participation and interaction with the local communities.

The 2nd edition of Raid Amazones in January 2008. 4 years after the 1st edition of Raid Amazones in January 2004, the 2008 version will take place in the centre of Sri Lanka: notably in the area of the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya.