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| Friday, 16 July 2004 |
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Nepal promotes tourism in Lanka by Sudarshana Perera
Nepal Tourism Board is in the process of discussing with the National Carrier "SriLankan Airlines", Sahara and Jet Airways to provide direct service for Sri Lankan passengers. Nepal has already introduced free visa on arrival for all SAARC nations to facilitate tourism corporation and enable direct contact with people. The Nepalese officials are also interacting with Sri Lankan officials to acquire expertise and marketing concepts to revive its tourism sector as they felt Sri Lanka tourism has done extremely well despite political hiccups. Sanjeev Pandey of the Nepal Tourism Board addressing the media in Colombo said that South Asia has an immense tourism potential and regional countries should go to promote intra-regional tourism for the distribution of its benefits. The unsurpassed hospitality, the value for money and the cultural similarity are the very basis of our tourism attraction. Nepal Ambassador, Bal Babadur Kunwar said that his country would follow Sri Lankan example to figure high tourist arrivals while promoting the destination throughout the world. Ram Thapaliya of the Board said the spiritual similarities Nepal has with Sri Lanka would do well to further promote tourism in both countries. Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and latitude variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meters above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometres resulting in climatic conditions from Sub-tropical to Arctic. Commerce has been a major occupation in Nepal since early times. Being situated at the crossroads of the ancient trans-Himalayan trade route, trading is second nature to the Nepali people. Kathmandu Valley houses a number of museums and art galleries displaying art work of the past and present. Some are: The National Museum at Chauni, Museums at Kathmandu Durbar Square, Museum of Natural History at Swayambhu, National Library at Puchowk and Kaiser Library at Thamel. **************** New management makes progress at Deer Park Hotel From Shirajiv Sirimane in Polonnaruwa
According to Managing Director Jinasena Group, Nihal Jinasena who was speaking at the official opening of the Angsana Resorts and Spa's first hotel in Sri Lanka, the Deer Park Hotel in Giritale, said that this is because of the improving political and economic situation in the country. "People are no longer afraid to travel to Sri Lanka and even the Sri Lankans are travelling more frequently," he said. The opening of the road to North is another advantage. The hotel's turnover for the previous year was only Rs. 60 million and this year the management is targeting Rs. 200 million. "The tie up with the Angsana Group would bring in a high end clientele," he assured. The Deer Park hotel was opened in 1996 as an upmarket property due to many requests for such a property in the area. He said that his son Lalin designed a website for the property and it won a PATA gold (Asian Travel Association) award which brought their hotel to the attention of the Angsana group. "With this liaison we are aiming to place Deer Park as one of the most sought after hotels," he said. "The Banyan Tree Group has always recognised the vast tourism potential of Sri Lanka", said Ho Kwon Ping, Chairman, Banyan Tree Holdigns Pte. Ltd. "We bring to the table our management expertise and the service standards of a world-class hotel brand. Deer Park Hotel will offer the adventurous yet discerning traveller the comforts of a quality hotel, adding a fine touch to the soft adventure and cultural experience of this location. This is what makes the hotel unique and this is our competitive advantage." He said that the Sri Lanka Tourism potential is higher than Thailand of Bali in Indonesia and his company had identified this. "This is the right time to invest in Sri Lanka," he said. The group is looking out to invest on another resort type four-star hotel in the South. When a suitable property is found they would invest around US $ 25 to 30 million. In addition the company is looking to develop small estate bungalow type properties in the plantation sector. AIBD conference from July 26 - 29 by Anjana Samarasinghe The 3rd General Conference of the Asian pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) will be held from July 26 to 29 at the Colombo Hilton. AIBD has selected Sri Lanka to host their 3rd General Conference. As broadcasting host, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) is responsible for the organisation and logistical support of this event. Members of AIBD attending this year's conference are represented by delegations from 26 countries such as China India Indonesia and Singapore. This international board base will represent 70% of the total audience. These will be led by senior AIBD members and industry experts. There will be professional discussions on subjects like National development and the role of television as a mirror or window. This conference will benefit in promoting Sri Lankan tourism said the chairman of SLRS M.M. Zuhair at the media briefing which was held on July 14, at the SLRC lobby. International Media who take part in this conference will carry out the positive message about our country and it will be a good marketing tool for Sri Lanka said Director General of SLRC Nishantha Ranatunga. This is an important forum for ourselves and our industry contemporaries and we are proud to have this excellent opportunity to conduct the conference in Sri Lanka said secretary, Ministry of Information and Media W.B. Ganegala. |
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Produced by Lake House |
Nepal Tourism Board is seeking Sri Lanka's fullest support to promote
intra-regional tourism particularly Eco, adventure and spiritual tourism
as both countries could promote places of market Buddhist attractions. The
Board which is on an aggressive marketing drive in Sri Lanka would also
promote Nepal here to win over more Sri Lankan tourists visiting places
such as Lumbini and other historical places.
The Deer Park hotel, which came to a management agreement with one of
Asia's, leading hoteliers Banyan Tree Group in Singapore, said that their
best occupancy figures were recorded last February.
