Travel

Hard sell:

Be a part of 'push' strategy

This week's sales calls carried out by the Convention Bureau in Mumbai gave the Bureau an insight into the buyers' requirements and competitor strategies, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) General Manager Vipula Wanigasekera said.

"We call this 'feet on the street' and this time we met the many top operators and the MICE decision makers in Mumbai where the depths of the discussions were more fruitful and ideally fitted in prior to the planned country promotions in four cities of India by the Promotion Bureau with other partners including ourselves," Wanigasekera said on his visit with Nimalaka Morahela of the Bureau. Bureau's focused approach is necessary in the MICE sector given the circumstances and nature of competition hence the reason for SLCB to meet them in their cubicles, to which SLCB's key partner SriLankan Airlines has been fully supportive'".

Beehive communications, PR agency for Sri Lanka Tourism assisted the Convention Bureau for the series of visits. India is placed as a primary market in 2007 and various promotions were undertaken by the Bureau and SriLankan Airlines since then. Sri Lanka has so far hosted a large number of corporates from India for their meetings and incentives. Among them were Johnson and Johnson, Sony Ericsson, Max New York, Virtusa, Titan, Bosche Wipro, Asian Paints and many other leading brands including Pharmaceuticals, Insurance companies and banks.

India continues to be a promising market for Sri Lanka, inspite of the economic downturn which would bring down the overseas visits of Indian corporates to some extent. The advantage for Sri Lanka is that, India is becoming more value sensitive and Sri Lanka can attract the corporates who seek value for money in the next few years as against the places they have visited before.

(Immediately opened a few bids for Sri Lanka).

The sales visits which convinced the MICE operators that Sri Lankan MICE Industry is serious and could beat the competitors one way or another.

The competing countries are quite aggressive in the Indian market and right now their representatives are walking from door to door selling the products coupling with massive incentives like 1 night of stay free, sponsored gala dinner and entertainment.

Some of the industry members have done extensive work and we need to boost their efforts, the Bureau said.

The success behind their efforts is again 'feet on the street'. SLCB also marketed Asoka Wathika and it believes the 'Ramayana trail' has a potential to generate thousands of groups into Sri Lanka regularly throughout the year if the combination of the product and promotion works well.

The Ramayana was launched with the full backing of the Convention Bureau last year.

Seasonal specials from Breeta's Garden

Beverley JANSZ

Breeta's Garden Hotel, Ginigathhena will offer seasonal specials for foreign and local tourists travelling to Nuwara Eliya for the April holiday season.

A wide spread of Western, Eastern and Sri Lankan cuisine in the form of breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets will be offered at very special prices, Managing Director, Breeta's Garden Hotel, Ajith Bandara said.

On account of the peaceful conditions prevailing this year, Nuwara Eliya will be inundated with tourists this April Season Managing Director, Alpine Hotel Nuwara Eliya Mahinda Kumara said.

All hotels in Nuwara Eliya are expected to run to packed houses this April Season, he said.

All hotels have made plans to offer both, foreign and local tourists good food, attractive bargains, the best in entertainment this April Season.

A host of attractions have already been planned by the Nuwara Eliya Hoteliers Association for the April Holiday Season, its President Mahinda Kumara said.

Keells Resort Hotels Avurudhu offer

John Keells Resort Hotels has planned several exciting ways for one to make the most of it. On all weekends throughout April, guests could treat their families and themselves to holiday filled with a little bit of everything for everyone.

Among the activities scheduled to make the weekends more enjoyable is 'Cooking with the Chefs', that is to give lessons for any willing students who wish to try their hands at some recipes.

A special corner has been arranged for the children with a professional carer who will keep them occupied during a specified period of time, while their parents relax. A host of games and activities such as painting, getting messy with chocolate making, cartoons, learning more about nature and many other fun activities have been planned to keep the young ones happy and busy.

High tea by the pool will be a 'High Flown' affair, with a selection of delectable sweetmeats available to all in house guests.

All guests will get the opportunity to take part in the Avurudhu games along with the Avurudhu Kumari pageant.

SKAL International Colombo

The Annual General Meeting of SKAL International Colombo was held last month at the Galadari Hotel.

A website for SKAL International Colombo - www.skalsrilanka.org, was also launched on this date, describing the membership and their related activities to the Skalleagues numbering over 25,000 the world over in many countries, in a Promotional Program of Sri Lanka.

The office-bearers for the ensuing year 2009/2010 was elected and the new Committee comprises.

Wing Commander Noel Fernando as President - Mrs. Sharmalie De Vaz as Vice President, Mrs. Zahara Mufti as the Secretary, Ms. Shibani Thambiyah as the Treasurer, Sega Nagendra as Immediate Past President, T.M.F. Pakeer - Asst. Secretary, Berty Wickramapala - Public Relations Officer and Fahmy Cader not in the picture, as a committee member.