Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) consolidated its ‘So Sri Lanka’ brand idea at the 52nd ITB in Berlin by rolling out the next phase of its strategic brand identity. SLTPB presented a captivating documentary film to the global media at the ITB press conference held on 7 March as the digital film launched across the UK, Germany, France, India …

Sri Lanka’s singular greatest strength is its location. It is at the epi centre of South Asia and at the central point between Asia’s economic powerhouses. In order to really achieve Sri Lanka’s MICE potential it is imperative that we strategically capitalise on its location, General Manager Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) Inoshini Perera said. Sri Lanka has already begun …

True to its reputation, ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market – France) opened its doors last week at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, from 3 to 6 December, at the most famous venue of the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival. Describing Sri Lanka in detail Ms. Sarangi Thilaksena, Assitant Director, SLTPB, giving information on Sri Lanka to a visitor Going through …

SriLankan Airlines, in partnership with immersive entertainment specialist SkyLights,  unveiled a new Virtual Reality (VR) cinema at its Business Class lounge. Installed in the Serendib lounge at Bandaranaike International Airport, SkyLights’ Allosky and Skykids cinematic VR headsets offer passengers the unique opportunity to relax and enjoy the latest films and TV series in 2D, 3D and 360° on individual immersive …

NKAR Travels & Tours Ltd., one of the leading tour operators in Sri Lanka won the award for“Major Inbound Tour Operator (Medium Category)” at the National Tourism Awards 2018 conducted by The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority recently. NKAR Travels & Tours Ltd. Managing Director Nilmin Nanayakkara said they are honored to have been bestowed with this recognition. “We will …

An exotic destination, a prime bucket-list country, low on the travel radar is now teeming with tourists. Sri Lanka’s international endorsements, leisure additions, increased connectivity has positioned her as a must-visit destination. With the advent of a new slogan, Sri Lanka continues to lure visitors for many reasons. The month of December in 2018 has seen a sharp incline in …

After months of preparation, The Mall at Colombo City Centre opened to the public on last month (sep 2018) amidst an ambience of colourful celebrations. Conveniently situated by the historic Beira Lake at the heart of the city, the ultramodern lifestyle destination is billed as Sri Lanka’s first international mall, and is set to transform not only the lifestyles of …

Regarded as one of the best and oldest hotels this side of the Suez, the Galle Face Hotel is one of Colombo’s most iconic institutions. For over 150 years, the landmark hotel has set the bar for luxury accommodation and is the preferred choice for guests. The hotel has a long-standing history of hosting prominent visitors, counting among them Sir …

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) which is the sole government body to promote MICE tourism to Sri Lanka took part in the biggest MICE trade fair in Europe, IMEX Frankfurt 2018 in May in Germany to entice the upscale clients in to the country and this is a direct approach to bring in MICE travellers from Europe to Sri Lanka. …

Sri Lanka was elected on Wednesday to one of four seats available for the Asia-Pacific region on the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, for the period 2018-2022, at the election which took place in Paris during the 7th General Assembly of UNESCO, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a release. Eight countries contested from the Asia-Pacific …

We Sri Lankans are blessed to have a landscape that takes us from misty mountains and lush valleys to sun-kissed beaches within a day. However, getting there by road still continues to be a hassle in terms of time consumed and facilities on the way. It is in this regard that F-Airways Ltd., having earned the prestigious Air Operator Certificate, …

Situated on two-and-a-half acres of land by the Wilpattu Sanctuary, The Ibis hotel provides a serene escape for those wanting to experience Sri Lanka. Wanting to show each visitor the beautiful nature surrounding their villa, the once family home was converted into a tranquil escape for their guests to experience the nature and wildlife outside their room. Just a few …

As Sri Lanka celebrated the 150th anniversary of Ceylon Tea in 2017, Emirates marked its 25 year partnership with Dilmah, the country’s premier tea brand. A collaboration that began in 1992 has resulted in a select range of 10 types of tea being produced exclusively for Emirates passengers on flights worldwide, catering to a wide palate of taste and sensory …

Sri Lanka CERT, the national computer emergency readiness team, has been entrusted with the task of providing a wide range of cyber security services for the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the apex body of Sri Lanka Tourism. SLTDA Chairman Kavan Ratnayaka awarded a contract in this regard to CERT Chief Executive Officer Lal Dias, at a brief event …

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has upgraded its mobile app and launched a promotion to celebrate. The bonus points promotion, valid until 30 April, invites travellers to ‘Unlock the World of Shangri-La’ at over 100 hotels and resorts across the Shangri-La, Kerry Hotels, Hotel Jen and Traders Hotels brands. The new Shangri-La app is available for iPhone and Android platforms. Key …

The world’s leading triathlon enters the Sri Lankan market, showcasing Sri Lanka as a global destination for international sporting events  Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) will be the title sponsor of the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo Triathlon, which will be held at Galle Face Green, Colombo on February 25. For the first time, Sri Lanka will be hosting over …

Asia pacific conference (APC) is the annual convening of AIESEC and its leaders from 24 countries in Asia- Pacific Region, aimed at celebrating youth leadership, cultural diversity and global togetherness. The Purpose of this conference is to be the unique platform to the regional network of AIESEC leaders to gather in order to drive initiatives, implement strategies and develop the …

Sri Lanka’s commercial capital is situated on the west of tear-drop shaped Island in the Indian Ocean. It is known for a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes. IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo will take place in the heart of the city. The 1.9km ocean swim will be held at the historic Galle Face Green, followed by a …

Movenpick Hotel Colombo, the capital city’s first new international five-star property in 25 years, was inaugurated by President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday amid many distinguished guests attending the event. The strikingly-modern 24-floor property owned by Softlogic group, which officially opens its doors to guests on16th January, will see Swiss management firm Movenpick Hotels & Resorts introducing a unique hospitality concept …

Located at One Galle Face along the Galle Face Green promenade, which is the most exclusive address in Colombo, Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo will offer uninterrupted Indian Ocean views in most of its 500 guestrooms and suites and 41 serviced apartments. The hotel sits on 10 acres of land that will also soon accommodate an office tower, two residential buildings and …

The soon to be completed Galle Beach Hotel the latest offering from Asia Leisure Ltd., the leisure subsidiary of Asia Capital PLC, is currently been constructed on a two-acre land consisting of 100 sea view rooms. The hotel was designed by the award winning Japanese architect Miyake Masaki along with a-designed Studio as the main architects, NJ consultants being the …

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) www.srilanka.travel, under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, and in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) www.slra.lk is organizing the ‘Colombo International Shopping Festival’ (CISF) during the month of October 2017 culminating with a Shopping weekend scheduled for 20th, 21st and 22nd October, 2017 at the …

Providing a stepping stone to make Sri Lanka a retail hub and to convert the island to a 365-day destination, Sri Lanka Retailer’s Association (SLRA) will organise the first-ever Colombo International Shopping Festival (CSFI) in collaboration with Tourism Development Ministry and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) during the entire month of October. Rs. 50m promotion campaign to carve a …

NKAR Travels & Tours Ltd. last week partnered a signature MICE Tourism initiative for Sri Lanka in collaboration with its Indian counterpart at Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel Colombo. The event was held under the patronage of Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau Chairman Prema Cooray who expressed his delight in NKAR taking such an initiative. Moreover, NKAR Travels Chief Operating Officer Dr. Damian …

Opened just two months ago, the resort has quickly proven to be quite the hit among locals and foreign travellers alike, with its offering of modern global hospitality blended with the unique flavours of a charming fishing village. From sun, sea and surfing to great rooms, super food and warm people, Marriott Resort and Spa has it all and a …

Tourism Minister John Amaratunga was felicitated by Sri Lanka Tourism on his election as a Vice President of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) at the 22nd General Assembly that took place in Chengdu, China last week. The felicitation was held at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), amidst a distinguished gathering on Monday (18). …

The annual Tourism Leader Summit which takes place for the third consecutive year is billed to draw attention from the industry both local and international says the organizers, the Alumni of Tourism and Hospitality Management of the University of Colombo. The mega event will be held on 4 October at the BMICH while the International Research Symposium will be held …

Sri Lanka Tourism, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Vietnam, arranged a familiarization tour for a TV crew of Nhan Dan (National TV) from 4th -10th August 2017, to create awareness and promote Sri Lanka as a popular destination among the Vietnamese travelers. Since both countries havetheir equal share of religious and cultural heritage, this created an opportunity …

Sri Lanka was voted as a finalist by UK travel trade for Culture and Heritage Holiday Destination Category of the Travel Bulletin Star Awards. This achievement is a great endorsement by the UK Trade and an excellent opportunity for Sri Lanka to showcase its uniqueness a compact island enriched with natural resources and exclusive cultural heritage. Travel Bulletin is one …

The piling of the US$ 650 million Indian developed Krrish Square has now been completed. The first phase of the project which would be the opening of the resurrected Transworks House Colombo would be unveiled end of August. The first stage would see the entry of some of the worlds famed global retail marketing companies opening up its branches in …

La Forteresse (Private) Limited, a fully-owned subsidiary of Dhammika Perera-controlled Fortress Resorts PLC, will go ahead with its planned five-star property in Mirissa. An application for the necessary approvals has been filed with Sri Lanka Tourism Development Bureau and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) and the company has already invested Rs. 364 million during FY16/17 towards the …

For the first time in Sri Lanka’s aviation history, Emirates will launch its double-deck Airbus A380 aircraft on flights to Colombo commencing August 14. An official from Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation said this service would be a once-a-week flight and it would operate with a stopover in a destination in the Far East. The Airbus A380 flies to …

KLM’s brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner is scheduled to operate this winter between Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport connecting its 294 passengers into KLM’s global network of more than 140 destinations. The Netherlands has long historical ties with Sri Lanka, which was known as Dutch Ceylon from 1640-1796 and was a governorate of the Netherlands. In Colombo, …

Sri Lanka, one of the top two emerging hotel and resort markets in Asia, is to host the first Asia Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (AHTIC) at the Hilton Colombo in Sri Lanka on 27 – 29 November 2016. AHTIC will bring together international investors, business leaders, government ministers and officials for two days of networking. The conference program will …

Sri Lanka welcomed The Miss Intercontinental Pageant contestants held in October. This is the first time in 20 years that a global pageant was held in South Asia, and also the first time for Sri Lanka as well. Over 74 contestants from around the world travelled to Colombo for the event together with their respective national directors, family members and …

TUI has planned a charter operation from UK and Scandinavia to Sri Lanka to start in the near future, to cater to the expected increase in arrivals from Germany and the Benelux region. The Lankan tourism industry will benefit greatly from these initiatives which will further generate opportunities to direct & indirect tourism stakeholders in Sri Lanka.

The largest travel agents association in France conducts their annual conference in Colombo. From October 31st to November 4th (SLCB) Sri Lanka Convention Bureau together with MICE industry partners organized, facilitated & successfully concluded this event on a high note. Over 450 French Delegates including tour operators, travel journalists & tourism stakeholders participated in this event.

Embarking on a new chapter in the revival of the tourism industry in the east coast of the country, Sri Lanka Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs in association with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) will hold a conference titled ‘Tourism: A Catalyst for Development, Peace and Reconciliation’ between 11 to 14 July …

Australia’s three-Test series on the tour of Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin from July 26 in Pallekele as authorities seek to avoid a clash between the Kandy Esala Perahera festival and the Test. Australia will also play five ODIs and two T20s on the tour spread between Khettarama, Dambulla and Pallekele from August 21 to September 9. Schedule 1st …

At the start of the 2016 winter schedule, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will resume direct service to Sri Lanka’s Colombo International Airport from October, the airline said in a statement Monday. The first flight to Colombo is scheduled to depart on Monday, 31 October. This marks KLM’s return to Colombo after an absence of almost 20 years. KLM suspended service …

27th, 28th, 29th May 2016 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) together with Sri Lanka Tourism will organize the 6th edition of Sancharaka Udawa “Tourism Product Trade Fair” in May 2016, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). This exhibition of Tourism products and services will create a …

ITB Berlin GITF China OTM Mumbai MITT Russia

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau in a unique thrust in partnership with SLITO and THASL that has chalked the 1st marketing plan for cruise tourism and was presented to the Minister for Tourism Development and Christian Affairs John Amaratunga at the International Maritime Conference at Galadari Hotel in the presence of top global cruise experts like Vice President Royal Caribbean …

Tourist arrival growth

UTE Beijing on 27th Oct & UTE Shanghai 29th Oct in China WTM London on 2nd – 5th November in UK IBTM Barcelona on 17th-19th November in Spain

Elephant Reach Hotel, Yala, earned top honors as Lonely Planet Magazine, India’s “Best Wildlife Resort (International)”, 2015. Adding to the honor of winning such a prestigious award, Elephant Reach also became the first Sri Lankan hotel to be recognized by an international travel forum. Although, the hotel has always catered to the whims of even the most discerning traveller with …

Considering the volatile technological changes & improvements Nkar has revitalized the look & feel, performance & user friendliness in order to achieve better competition. Visit our new site at www.nkartravelhouse.com & enjoy the new look.

The Travel Industry Exhibition 2015, Sydney – 16th – 17th July IITH Bangalore, India – 10th – 12th July CIBTM 2015, Beijing, China – 5th – 6th August

It is indeed great news to hear of Austrian Airlines decision to fly to Sri Lanka. Austrian Airlines incorporates a third new destination into its route network, along with its new other additions of Mauritius & Miami. From 27th October onwards, Austrian will begin offering a weekly service to Colombo, the Capital of Sri Lanka. The flight will fly out …

www.wherecoolthingshappen.com is a leading travel related website, In an endorsement article they published recently, 98 acres resort in Sri Lanka has been included in “14 Of The Coolest Hotels In The World in 2015” Read the full article click on http://www.wherecoolthingshappen.com/14-of-the-coolest-hotels-in-the-world-in-2015/

ITCM Shanghai China in April KITF Kazakhstan in April ATM Dubai in May IMEX Frankfort Germany in May BITE Beijing China in June

Veteran personality in Sri Lankan tourism industry with over 30 years of experience in travel & tourism who had worked for for renowned blue chip companies in Sri Lanka has joined NKAR as the Chief Operating officer from 1st Feb 2015, he had brought on board to standard & Support the fast expanding incoming tourism business of NKAR Travels & …

The marketing strategy by Sri Lanka Tourism to the market China for 2015 was launched with a private- public partnership in the presence of   the Deputy Mission in Charge of the Sri Lankan embassy of the People Republic of China with the top 65 photographers from Shanghai photographic association capturing the beauty of Sri Lanka under the theme ” Sri …

Apart from the aggressive marketing that Sri Lanka tourism has engaged in the focused markets of China and Germany the country is set to receive a massive boost from in its seventh key market USA with a top billed Disney movie ‘Monkey Kingdom’, a feature-length wildlife documentary billed to debut in US cinemas on 17 April and rolled down to …

For the first time Sri Lanka’s brand value of US$ 79 billion would surpass the country’s GDP of US$ 79 billion in 2015, said Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Rohantha Atukorale. Speaking at a press conference to announce Sri Lanka’s participation at the world’s largest trade show, EXPO Milano 2015 from May 1 to October 15 in Italy, he …

NKAR celebrates today its 35th year of service to its Clients, Suppliers, Service Providers and Stakeholders. The focus with perseverance has evolved considerably over the last 03 decades in-line with the industry changes. Grown from 03 employees to over 100 today NKAR represents the interests of both the Travel & Tourism Sectors. As one of the pioneers in the Tourism …

Antor MICE workshop 2015 – Moscow in January The New York Times Travel Show 2015  – New York in January SATTE 2015 – New Delhi, India in January OTM 2015 – Mumbai, India in February ITB Berlin 2015 – Berlin, Germany in March MEEDEX 2015 – Paris, France in March TUR 2015 – Sweden in March GITF 2015 – Guangzhou, …

The booming Sri Lanka Tourism industry created history by achieving year 2014 arrivals target of 1.5 million in December. The total was 1,527,153 numbers of tourists with 19.8% growth 

World Travel Market – the leading global event for the travel industry – is a vibrant must attend business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to UK and International travel professionals. It is a unique opportunity for the whole global travel trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business. This event will be held on 3rd -6th …

ITB Berlin on 5th -8th March 2014 & will be exhibiting at Hall 5.2 A Stand 114 (Sri Lankan Pavilion) MITT Russia on 19th -22nd March Riyadh Travel fair – Saudi Arabia 15th – 18th April KITF – Kazakhstan 23rd – 25th April

Langdale by Amaya,an exclusive, luxury boutique resort located in Nuwara Eliya, was ranked amongst theTop 25 Luxury Hotels in Sri Lanka, as part of TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards 2014. The property brings to life the concept of ‘Little England’. Located amongst winding brooks and tea gardens that date back to the 18th century, Langdale by Amaya has built a strong …

Sri Lanka Tourism has validated the tourism arrival figures for each month of the year 2013 and according to the latest validation Sri Lanka in total has received 1,274,593 tourists during the year 2013. Which is a great achievement & 26.7% growth compared to the last year. Tourism veterans predict that this trend will continue to grow in the future …

Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals recorded a growth of 20.3 % in May 2014 compared to the same period in year 2013. During the month of May, 2014 recorded 90,046 tourists arrivals in the country compared to the 74,838 arrived in May 2013 which is highest in foreign tourist history for month of May . The cumulative total of foreign tourist …

Generally known as Aluth Avurudda in Sri Lanka, is the new year of the Sri Lanka people in Sri Lanka. It is a major anniversary celebrated by not only the Sinhalese & Tamil people but by most Sri Lankans. The timing of the Sinhala & Tamil New Year coincides with the new year celebrations of many traditional calendars of South …

Asia pacific conference (APC) is the annual convening of AIESEC and its leaders from 24 countries in Asia- Pacific Region, aimed at celebrating youth leadership, cultural diversity and global togetherness. The Purpose of this conference is to be the unique platform to the regional network of AIESEC leaders to gather in order to drive initiatives, implement strategies and develop the …

The annual Tourism Leader Summit which takes place for the third consecutive year is billed to draw attention from the industry both local and international says the organizers, the Alumni of Tourism and Hospitality Management of the University of Colombo. The mega event will be held on 4 October at the BMICH while the International Research Symposium will be held …

Sri Lanka, one of the top two emerging hotel and resort markets in Asia, is to host the first Asia Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (AHTIC) at the Hilton Colombo in Sri Lanka on 27 – 29 November 2016. AHTIC will bring together international investors, business leaders, government ministers and officials for two days of networking. The conference program will …

Sri Lanka welcomed The Miss Intercontinental Pageant contestants held in October. This is the first time in 20 years that a global pageant was held in South Asia, and also the first time for Sri Lanka as well. Over 74 contestants from around the world travelled to Colombo for the event together with their respective national directors, family members and …

Australia’s three-Test series on the tour of Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin from July 26 in Pallekele as authorities seek to avoid a clash between the Kandy Esala Perahera festival and the Test. Australia will also play five ODIs and two T20s on the tour spread between Khettarama, Dambulla and Pallekele from August 21 to September 9. Schedule 1st …