TRAVEL

Travel agents on educational tour

Exotic Holidays International welcomed a travel agents group from Israel who arrived in Sri Lanka on an educational tour organized by Royal Jordanian Airlines at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Picture by Kumarasiri Prasad-Airport Correspondent

‘Country should focus on corporate tourism’

Sri Lanka is a newly opened unique destination. It is not only an island, but a country with diverse tourist attractions.

The country also needs to focus on corporate tourism which will yield high income, Galle Face Hotel Leisure Division Vice President and General Manager Chandra Mohotti told Daily News Business.

The main feature of the tourist industry at present is that the bookings are not seasonal and it spreads throughout the year. This is a positive indication for the growth of the tourist industry.

The total influx of tourists may then exceed the expectations of the tourism authorities, he said.

The tourism industry has taken a major turnaround with peace stabilizing in the country.

This proves that peace was important for the industry to grow. It also indicates that the destination security situation was the main impediment for the growth of the industry. The growth involves not only the tourism industry, but also, many other market segments. The upward movement in tourist arrivals is continuing and this is a positive sign for the industry.

The arrivals include corporate tourists for business, development and investment.

Arrival of Sri Lankan expatriates abroad, regional short stay tourists and arrivals associated with development work undertaken by the Government also form important components of arrivals.

All these segments did not materialize during the war.

Now they will continue with large numbers mainly because of the belief that peace has now stabilized in the country and that it is a safe place to travel to, he said.

The tourist arrivals, which have begun, will increase immensely in 2011 because it is now been established that the country is stable and safe. This time around the traditional tourism markets, which Sri Lanka enjoyed in 1980s, are not the only markets because regional travel from the neighbouring countries such as India, Pakistan and the Maldives has been encouraged by the Government.

The Galle Face Hotel is over 150 old years and it recently underwent a refurbishment to upgrade the facilities to meet the growing demand, Mohotti said.

SJ

Three star hotel in Arugam Bay

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

The Arugambay Travels and Tours company is building up a three star hotel in Arugam Bay with a US $ 5 million investment. The initial stages of the construction of the hotel are ongoing at present and after completion it expect a huge demand from both local and foreign tourists, Arugambay Travels and Tours (Pvt) Ltd Managing Director A M Jaufer told the Daily News Business.

“We are looking for investors or a company to join hand with us in the construction of the hotel. This will be important as the country’s tourism industry is booming and expecting better performance in years to come,” he said.

“The commencement of operations of domestic flights has provided fuel for the tourism sector to grow. The company operates Helitours on every Tuesday taking passengers to Arugambay and Batticaloa. We could charter flights at the request of passengers and we are also the agents for Deccan Aviation.

“The SriLankan Airline operated air tax service needs to be spread across the Eastern Province for greater benefit.

Measures are under way to provide this facility for tourists to explore Sri Lanka on a fast mode of transportation,” he said. The company has increased logistic support by partnering with FedEx, as an authorized agent to provide courier facilities to customers. It has upgraded the service quality and is an agent for Western Union service too.

These agencies have enabled the company to become a total service provider. “We are doing the ground work to promote the handicraft industry in the Eastern Province as a cottage industry where the growth of tourism sector will have a good demand. We cater to both domestic and foreign tourists and the region could benefit from the industrial growth,” he said.

The authorities need to provide the necessary facilities to the travellers to encourage them to visit the Eastern Province so that regional development will take place at a rapid pace. It is important to maintain and upgrade the environment in according to the green concept.

There are more places which have been identified as potential tourism attractions and these places need to be further developed. For this a concerted effort is necessary and the benefit should reach all the segment of the region, Jaufer said.

Arugambay Travels and Tours (Pvt) Ltd and Arugambay Travels Hotel (Pvt) Ltd headquartered in Colombo was started in 1994. It was re-started after the tsunami and has a regional office in Arugambay.

Area tourism development:

Arugam Bay fishing community vital

Immediate measures should be taken to address the concerns of the fishing community of Arugam Bay who play a significant role in contributing towards the development of tourism in this world-renowned surfing destination, said the Arugam Bay Tourism Association (ABTA) Chairman MHA Raheem.

Since the very beginning, Arugam Bay has been known as a fishing village and the fisheries sector has grown to be regarded as one of the major income generating industries of the area.

The main livelihood of the majority of the people of Arugam Bay, over 600 fishermen are currently involved in the sector, while 1,500 families directly benefit through its activities.

Fishermen also play a huge role in contributing towards tourism development, showcasing Arugam Bay’s rich eco systems to visitors. In addition, Arugam Bay is also known for fresh fish and seafood dishes, which are much sought-after by tourists to the area.

However, lack of adequate facilities, such as a proper boat yard, access to drinking water and sanitary facilities and the non-availability of an information centre, has posed a major threat to the fishermen operating in the area, said Raheem.

Furthermore, the recent floods have also had an adverse impact on fishing activities with a number of boats disappearing.

“The beaches of Arugam Bay are shared both by tourists and the fishermen. During the tourist peak season, fishermen are not able to carry out their activities here,” Raheem said.

“Therefore, we request the local Government authorities to take urgent steps to look into these concerns, thereby enhancing the facilities provided to the fishing community and improving their conditions. This will benefit not merely the fisheries industry, but the tourism sector and contribute towards the overall development of Arugam Bay as well, said Raheem. He said that steps should also be taken to ensure that fishing activities are conducted in a more organized and planned manner.

If the local authorities are able to develop these activities, that will be one of the biggest gifts that can be given to the Arugam Bay fishing community,” said Raheem.

American Express launches ‘1 for 1 Lodging’ promo

The recently launched ‘1 for 1 Lodging’ promotion allows American Express Credit Cardmembers the opportunity to avail themselves to a complimentary night’s stay for every room night booked using their American Express Card, at a select range of 14 top class partner resort and boutique hotels.

Nations Trust Bank Cards Chief Manager Lewie Diasz said, “We are delighted to reward our Cardmembers with a complimentary night’s stay at some of the finest resorts and boutique hotels in the country. Our partner hotels are looking forward to extend their hospitality to our Cardmembers and are certain to give them the comfort of an excellent and well deserved break. We will continue to tie up with a select range of partners throughout the year ensuring our valued Cardmembers will have a choice of destinations to suit their requirements. Be it an escape to comfort and luxury within a couple of hours drive from the bustling City of Colombo to the cool climate of the hill country for their mid week and weekend getaways.

“American Express has an assortment of partners on this program to meet the need for a vacation in most of us.

Ranging from quick getaways to comfort; Riverina and Club Palm Garden located at Beruwela and the Privilege Wadduwa- the all suite beach hotel to inducing indulgence for the body and soul at the range of resort spas such as the Eden Resort and Spa Beruwela , Sidhalepa Resort and Spa situated at Wadduwa , Cataloupe Aqua at Habaraduwa and Temple Tree Resort and Spa situated at the coastal city of Induruwa.

While Tamrind Hill Galle promises a holiday that is truly timeless in a 19th century manor set in a breathtaking environment, the River House, Balapitya, a boutique hotel style comfort is described as tranquil, luxurious and delightful. Combining nature, history and wildlife the Elephant Corridor - situated between the Minneriya National Park and the Sigirya National Park offers wildlife enthusiast among American Express Cardmembers the ideal escape with sightings of elephants.

Be it a visit to the Ancient city of Anuradhapura with a couple of nights’ stay at Randiya Hotel to the breathtaking views this country has on offer in the chilly hill country partnering hotels Dunhinda Falls Badulla, Melheim Resort and Olympus Plaza Hotel Haputale are just what is needed to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

While the complimentary second night is exclusively offered to the Cardmember, American Express has on offer as much as 30 percent Savings for bookings made using the Card for the Cardmember’s family and friends.

Budget airlines open up Asia’s skies to the masses

A decade ago, even some of Asia’s wealthier people could face a long bumpy ride on a bus to visit family or take a break on the beach — flying was simply too expensive.

Not any more. The proliferation of low cost airlines across the region, particularly in Southeast Asia, has opened up air travel to the masses.

Malaysia-based AirAsia, which launched in 2001, was one of the first airlines to rip open Asia’s skies to the general public.

“Suddenly, people who had never been on planes — people who lived in villages and used to go on a 12-hour bus ride to see relatives — suddenly they were flying,” says planemaker Airbus’s Asia communications director Sean Lee.

“If the same thing happens in China, India and Indonesia, with their massive populations, imagine — the potential is huge.”

So huge, in fact, that Airbus predicts that a third of all new planes will be sold into the region over the next 20 years — 8,560 aircraft worth a cool $1.2 trillion.

AFP