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To World's End and beyond... in Lanka

by Tharika Goonathilake

Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with Adventure Centre Asia will host the country's first ever Adventure Race in July this year as part of a mega drive to promote Sri Lanka's adventure tourism product to the world.

The event, which is expected to draw over 200 local and foreign participants in a three to four day event has some of the most hair raising experiences in adventure racing, including river rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, wilderness running, canoeing, rock climbing and a host of other disciplines.

This year's theme is `The Adventure Race Sri Lanka 2003', to the World's End and beyond.'

"Sri Lanka is a first class destination for adventure tourists, and this event will certainly help to project Sri Lanka's diverse adventure tourism product," Adventure Centre Asia, CEO and the Race Director for the event, Peter Stewart told a press conference last week.

Adventure sports and related tourism is one of the fastest growing segments in the tourism industry in the world, given its lure of self discovery, tests of endurance, skills and the ultimate build up of team spirit. Stewart and his team who have already conducted a 12,200 miles, 12 day, tour check, on Sri Lanka's varied terrain, is here on an invitation of Adventure Specialist and Deputy Race Director Marlon Saldin and the Sri Lanka Tourism Board.

Adventure Centre Asia, is a pioneering sports and adventure tour company based in Nepal and since its establishment in 1995, has been involved in the organisation of similar races and adventure tours in many countries, including eight eco challenges in the Asian region.

"Adventure races are a very popular style of racing gaining ground as one of the fastest growing segments in the tourism sector. Sri Lanka has what it takes to be a top adventure tourism destination," Stewart said.

The race, which will cover the Nuwara Eliya district, Horton Plains, World's End, Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, Adam's Peak and Kitulgala, offer teams- comprising four members each including a female participant, to test their skills in varied outdoor disciples and vie for the prestigious Adventure Race Sri Lanka trophy.

Stewart said that races of this nature, helps participants find the flavour, cultural attractions of the country and help people to get a grasp on what the country has to offer, through a first hand experience.

"There are also other spin offs such as the benefit to the local communities and the experience that could be gained in being part of a mega event of this nature,"he said.

Sri Lanka Tourism Board Director Marketing M.N.L Lantra said that measures will be taken to make the event a regular feature in the country's calender of events.

He said this was an ideal opportunity for the industry to work together to promote the event, given the immense potential for promoting tourism.

Deputy Race Director Marlon Saldin said that the event is open for sponsorships and that interested companies should get in touch with the organisers or the Sri Lanka Tourism Board.

Prior to the main event, measures will also be taken to hold a national race a one night-two day event in April to give Sri Lankans an opportunity to test their skills.

More information can be obtained form www.ac-asia.com.

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Dutch tour promotion in Negombo

Sights that would interest the Dutch in Negombo are promoted to the standards of Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg) market by Airwing Tours and Travels, Negombo.

According to the Chairman of Airwing Tours, Mervyn Fernandopulle there is a very good response for this promotion.

"We have organised a day tour for this promotion." He said that the tour will commence from the Negombo Fort and will include a visit to a Dutch house and meals will be provided by a Dutch family. He added that the main attraction of the tour would be the boat ride along the historic Dutch canal. A leading tour operator in the area said the Ministry of Tourism should take some measures to clean the canal as it is a major attraction for both the local and foreign tourists.

"We have plans to organise boat rides along the canal but we are unable to implement them properly since the canal is filthy. The canal runs dry in some areas.

An official of the Negombo Municipality said that this problem is being addressed.

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Cultural exchange programmes for tourism

by Nadira Gunatilleke

The Government will sign several cultural exchange agreements with leading countries including USA, Japan, Italy and Bhutan in order to promote cultural ties between the countries while offering a window into Sri Lanka's rich cultural diversity.

"The documentation in connection with these agreements has already been handed over to the Foreign Affairs Ministry under the direction of Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs Dr. Karunasena Kodithuwakku, the 'Daily News' learns.

As the idea is promoted on a concept of Human Resources Development, the Minister aims at showcasing what Sri Lanka has to offer while promoting tourism generating opportunites.

At present Sri Lanka has Cultural Exchange Agreements with 30 countries.

However, there is much more to be done in tapping the poteintal of these agreements not only to create stronger cultural ties but also to explore the possibilites of generating tourism.

Although Sri Lanka is a party to around 30 worldwide Cultural Exchange Agreements, cultural exchange programmes have been conducted only in about fifteen to twenty countries so far. There had been several cultural exchange programs between India, Pakistan, Korea, Bangladesh and China.

However, Sri Lanka is yet to have a Cultural Exchange Agreement with Bhutan, a SAARC member country.

Dance shows, musical shows, circus shows, magic shows and several other cultural events are being organised under these cultural exchange programs.

Exchange of dancing troupes among other countries is one of the popular aspect of these cultural exchange agreements.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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