Travel

Arugam Bay back to life event

Shirajiv SIRIMANE

One of the most sought after destinations in Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay, will once again burst with life when it will host the international Windsurfing Championships and beach carnival next July.

Arugam Bay last hosted an international event of this magnitude in 2004 and it was a major intentional tourist attraction. By hosting this event Arugam Bay will once again enter to the international tourist map giving value to the destination.

Managing Director, Crystal Holidays (Pvt) Ltd, Wasana Hettiarachchi said that his company has tied up with an UK based company to host this event. "We have already spoken to the SriLankan airlines and the Tourism Authority and they have pelaged their support to assist us," he said.

The event will also bring in over 200 foreign visitors to the venue and hotels around would get an opportunity to earn extra revenue. The foreign press too would be in large numbers that would give the much-needed additional exposure to the country.

He said that Sports tourism is gaining popularity and this is why he is taking a lead to promote the event. "A Veterans English Cricket tour too is on the cards for next year," he added.

Director UK, Professional Surfing Tour, Dave Reed said Arugam Bay is one of the best locations in the world to host surfing events. "We have spoken to leading Surfers who are ready to come to Sri Lanka," he said. These surfers are from Australia, South Africa, London, Germany and other European countries," he said.

Since there is peace in the region the venue should be promoted more aggressively to the international market. The contest will also offer prize money totaling British Pounds 5,000.

Galle to host tourism events

The majestic and historic Dutch Fort in Galle will be a hive of activity from December 22 to 29 with 'Galle Season 2008' reviving all that makes Galle stand out as an interesting town full of diversity steeped in tradition.

A community led initiative 'Galle Season 2008' will showcase the traditions of the South and be an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the warm hospitality and the Sri Lankan culture; particularly synonymous with Galle. In addition the third Galle Literary Festival will be on from 28th January to 1st February, and once again it will take place in and around the world heritage site of the Galle Fort.

Tourism Ambassador and international singer Alston Koch said that events of this nature should be conducted in places like Galle to attract the Colombo crowd to travel to the venue.

"In addition musical events too should be conducted on Sunday's in Galle along with food outlets so that it would attract the Colombo crowd.

This is some thing done in many countries and the Ministry of Tourism should introduce this. I will come and sing for free if a gala launching ceremony is held," he said.

Another achievement for Earl's Regency

Earl's Regency Hotel, Kandy was placed first for the second consecutive year in the category of landscaping and beautifying the premises of hotels and tourist guest houses outside the Kandy Municipal limits at the "Nagarayata Uyanwathu - 2008" competition.

Grand Hotel wins U.K Food award

Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya established in 1806 was awarded the "Good Food" award for the fifth consecutive term by Saga Holidays U.K.

Saga Holidays UK is one of the leading up market tour operators, who have been operating in Sri Lanka since 1996 and have grown by expanding their programme promoting Sri Lanka from sun and sand to nature, adventure, wild life holidays and cruise holidays.

A niche market tour operator, Saga Holidays specialises in catering to senior citizens, with more spending power and has a repeat client base of over a million, who travel with them worldwide and a data base of over five million British nationals who travel with them all over the world. SAGA Holidays performs year round and was one of the few tour operators who have been operating to Sri Lanka in spite of travel advisories during the tsunami and the recent past.

This accolade was awarded for the fifth consecutive year, based on a year's customer feedback and regular inspections done by SAGA Holidays for consistency and standards maintained on food quality, presentation, variety, hygiene and food temperature and of course service. To coincide with the festive season the Grand Hotel will be having loads of fun packed activities in addition to a 25 per cent discount on all full board rates to all Sri Lankans and expatriates (Resident visa holders)

Galway readying for X'mas

The Christmas Cake Mixing of Galway Forest Lodge Nuwara eliya was celebrated recently.

The participants were:

Executive Resident Manager Harintha Jayawardena, Executive Chef Wijesiri Delthalawage, Accountant Ajith Weerasinghe, Executive Secretary Shiromi Mahanayake, Housekeeper Herath Rathnayake, Sous Chef Nimal Karunarathne, Asst. Front Office Manager Dushantha Rajakaruna, Food and Beverage Executive Ruwan Mahagamage, Accounts and Computer Officer Sumeda Welikala, Senior Chef De Partie Kamalasiri Perera, Demi Chef De Partie K. Alfred, Commi-II (Pastry) Riza Badoordeen, Commi-III (Pastry) Chamika Eranga, Charles Kingsley, Josuwa Roy, Priyantha Samarasinghe, Roshan Herath, Roshan Basnayake.