Sri Lanka represented at the ITB Berlin
TOURISM to Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Indonesia continues the
process of recovery - Sri Lanka presents typical local attractions for
the eyes, nose and palate.
Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and the Maldives, among the countries most
affected by the tsunami, are facing the tourism year of 2006 with
optimism and are strongly represented at the 40th ITB Berlin, which will
be taking place from 8 to 12 March 2006.
India will occupy an entire hall while the presentations by Thailand
and Indonesia together will cover more than 1,000 square metres in Hall
26, while visitors to the fair will find the Maldives on a display area
of some 400 square metres in Hall 5.2.
One of the countries most affected by the floods was Sri Lanka, but
rapid progress has been made in restoring its tourism facilities. By the
time the ITB 2006 takes place all 248 star hotels will be operating
again.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Board is placing its hopes on the world's
largest tourism trade fair in pursuing its strategic objectives.
Compared with last year the stand area has been increased by 12 per
cent and now occupies 400 square metres.
As many as 50 tourism firms from Sri Lanka have stated their
intention of attending and the entire tourism sector of the country will
be represented at the ITB Berlin, from hoteliers to incoming tour
operators.
The trend next year in Sri Lanka will be dominated by small luxury
hotels offering outstanding services, often in former colonial villas or
estate houses, confirming that tourism quality is definitely improving
in Sri Lanka.
Ayurveda therapists will be on hand, offering massages and advice
about this ancient form of treatment.
And a group of ten dancers from Kandy will be giving traditional
performances every half hour. A Ceylon tea boutique will be serving
original tea from Sri Lanka to visitors to the fair.
The gateway leading onto the Sri Lankan stand is a reproduction of
that of an ancient shrine in the former capital Polonnaruwa.
The area occupied by the stand of the national carrier, SriLankan
Airlines, which is adjacent to the Sri Lankan stand, has been increased
by 25 per cent this year.
One of the company's plans for the ITB Berlin involves a special
promotion with an opportunity to win trips in May and June 2006, to
assist Sri Lanka and India to recover from the effects of the tsunami.
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