The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced the 2019 leaders in sustainable tourism at the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards ceremony.

The Awards, now in their 15th year, took place at a special ceremony during the WTTC Global Summit in Seville, Spain, to celebrate inspirational, world-changing tourism initiatives from around the globe.

The 2019 WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Award Winners are highly commended and recognised for business practices of the highest standards that balance the needs of ‘people, planet and profits’ within the Travel and Tourism sector.

The 2019 winners promote inclusive growth and illustrate a strong commitment to supporting change and transformation in business practices and consumer behaviour towards a more environmentally conscious sector.

The winners of the 2019 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are as follows.

• Climate Action Award – Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba 
• Investing in People Award – Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, India   
• Destination Stewardship Award – St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council, St. Kitts and Nevis 
• Social Impact Award – Awamaki, Peru 
• Changemakers Award – SEE Turtles, USA 

  

The Awards are judged by a panel of independent experts, led by University of Surrey Executive Dean and Professor of Sustainability in Business Prof. Graham Miller.

The panel included academics, business leaders, NGO and governmental representatives who narrowed down the list of 183 applications to just 15 finalists.

The three-stage judging process included a thorough review of all applications, followed by onsite evaluations of the finalists and their initiative.

The winner of each category was determined by the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2019 Winners’ Selection Committee, chaired by Just a Drop Founder and Chairman Fiona Jeffery OBE, and composed of Travel and Tourism Sector Global Hospitality Non-Executive Director and Strategic Advisory Wolfgang M. Neumann; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Akira Yamaguchi Professor of Environmental Health and Human Habitation John Spengler; and World Bank Global Tourism Team Senior Private Sector Specialist Louise Twining-Ward. WTTC represents the global private sector of Travel and Tourism. Its Global Summit is the most important event in the sector worldwide each year.

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara commented: “The finalists in this year’s Tourism for Tomorrow Awards showcase the many ways in which our industry is dedicated to sustainable growth. In 2018, the Travel and Tourism sector contributed 10.4% of global GDP and supported 319 million jobs across the world. It is therefore essential that we continue to grow in the most sustainable and responsible way possible. The new award categories for this year are aligned with WTTC strategic priorities and illustrate that all members of this industry play a key role in driving the sector forward to a more responsible future. I congratulate them all on their fantastic accomplishments and leadership.”

Fiona Jeffery OBE said: “The aim of the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards is to showcase some of the most exceptional examples of sustainable tourism practices in the world, and inspire and encourage our industry to make a positive impact for both current and future generations. Over 15 years, we have seen the industry make great strides towards achieving these goals and we can see positive change happening. Our recent survey results show that 67% of travellers would consider a travel company’s sustainability agenda when booking a trip, whilst 48% of travellers would now pay more money to travel sustainably. Whilst there is still more to be done, we must harness the momentum for change to protect the product that sustains our very own industry.”

AIG Travel President and CEO Jeff Rutledge, Headline Sponsor of the Awards, stated: “From socially-inclusive employment initiatives to establishing one of the first rewinding projects in the Philippines, this year’s WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards finalists have proved to be an incredibly diverse group of changemakers from around the world. They have demonstrated that, regardless of the size or purpose of business, all members of the Travel and Tourism industry can afford to make sustainability a priority, and become part of our collective journey towards a greener future.”

The Bicester Village Shopping Collection Chief Culture Office and Social Enterprise ‘Brides do Good’ Founder Chantal Khoueiry added: “Social impact is not a choice, it affects each and everyone of us both in our personal lives and through our businesses. The combination of small things done with great love can become great things with a sustained impact for generations to come. We have the power to transform intentions into actions. Let’s stop intending. Let’s start doing!”

The full list of winners and finalists are as follows.

Climate Action Award, for organisations undertaking significant and measurable work to reduce the scale and impact of climate change:

• Winner: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba 
• Finalist: The Brando, Tetiaroa Private Island, French Polynesia 
• Finalist: Tourism Holdings Limited, New Zealand 
• Investing in People Award, for organisations demonstrating leadership in becoming an exciting, attractive, and equitable employer in the sector: 
• Winner: Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, India 
• Finalist: Reserva do Ibitipoca, Brazil 
• Finalist: Shanga by Elewana Collection, Tanzania 
• Destination Stewardship Award, for organisations helping a place to thrive and bring forward its unique identity for the benefit of its residents and tourists: 
• Winner: St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council, St. Kitts and Nevis 
• Finalist: Grupo Rio da Prata, Jardim and Bonito, Brazil 
• Finalist: Masungi Georeserve, Philippines 
• Social Impact Award, for organisations working to improve the people and places where they operate: 
• Winner: Awamaki, Peru 
• Finalist: Intrepid Group, Australia 
• Finalist: Nikoi Island, Indonesia 
• Changemakers Award, this year focused on organisations fighting the illegal wildlife trade through sustainable tourism: 
• Winner: SEE Turtles, USA 
• Finalist: Kelompok Peduli Lingkungan Belitung (KPLB), Indonesia 
• Finalist: The Cardamom Tented Camp, Cambodia

Award categories

The categories for which awards were given are as follows.

• Security and Seamless Travel Experience which recognises leadership in transforming border security and the traveller experience through the use of technology and facial recognition systems
• Infrastructure Investment which recognises leadership in infrastructure development and readiness. Resilience which recognises leadership by a country which has demonstrated success in recovery from adverse events 
• Social Impact which recognises leadership in enabling gender equality and diversity; engaging local communities and making the sector more attractive for future generations 
• Destination Stewardship which recognises leadership in for the work undertaken to overcome seasonality as a way of improving the year-round tourism experience 
• Crisis Preparedness, Management and Recovery which recognises leadership in disaster preparedness and having effective response systems at both national and local levels 
• Innovation and Technology which recognises leadership by a country which has demonstrated success in recovery from adverse events 

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/WTTC-announces-winners-of-2019-Tourism-for-Tomorrow-Awards/27-676181

By Kasun Abeynayaka

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The Parties to CITES are collectively referred to as the Conference of the Parties. Every two to three years, the Conference of the Parties meets to review the implementation of the Convention. These meetings last for about two weeks and are usually hosted by one of the Parties.

CITES is a multi-lateral treaty between governments for protecting the survival of species in the wild, especially, endangered plants and animals and to counter international trade threat. The Conference of the parties to the treaty meets periodically to review the implementation of the Convention and Sri Lanka is being honoured with the hosting of the next conference on the dates mentioned below.

The 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) will be scheduled to be held from 23 May to 3 June 2019 at the BMICH in Colombo, with over 3,000 foreign delegates and media expected to participate.

So Sri Lanka

The global event will raise Sri Lanka’s profile internationally and will showcase to the world our own rich flora and fauna and diverse attractions of tourism value, boosting our country.

Branding 

Sri Lanka is earning a reputation for whale and dolphin watching in the recent past. Mirissa. Trincomalee and Kalpitiya are the three hot spots on whale and dolphins. It is combination of blue and sperm whales, dolphins and turtles can be seen in and around those three destinations. November to April is the peak season for whale and dolphin watching.

There are standards well accepted protocols for sustainable vessel-based whale watching in the world. Similarly, there are well tested commercial permitting systems around the globe that regulate operating procedures, animal protection, vessel quality and safety. There should be a declared whale watching season to prevent off season voyages in unfavourable conditions. Incentives for operators to achieve ecotourism certification should also be introduced

Wildlife safari is significant potential to broaden the range of experiences offered and provide significant strength to the country. Natural assets are well distributed around the islands with five Ramsar wetlands and many areas of high environmental value to the country

Sri Lanka has the second highest coverage of protected areas in Asia, with the Department of wildlife conservation managing nearly 90 natural areas. The Forest Department manages more than 500 areas, many with high levels of biodiversity, endemism and values to the country.

Sri Lanka possesses significant potential to offer excellent ecotourism and interpretation around

Large charismatic species

Endemic species and high levels of terrestrial and marine biodiversity

National parks and wildlife sites are core attraction for visitors to Sri Lanka and play a vital role in the tourism industry. Both marine and terrestrial are critical competitive advantage.

Sri Lanka tourism in the recent past

After 2009 Tourism is sounded right mainly with peace, perfect investment climate and most importantly political stability coupled with proper infrastructure such as aviation and shipping facilities, electricity, telecommunication, transportation, etc. Hence tourism is the number three contributor to the national economy in terms of Foreign Exchange Earnings.

Tourism provided 3.8% of total foreign exchange earnings in 2010. It was the 5th contributor to Gross Domestic Production (GDP) in the same year. Tourism got drastic improvement 3.8% to 14.8% between year 2010 and year 2018. Tourism has continued to contribute majorly to the Gross Domestic Production (GDP) from year 2012. It is significant to the tourism sector as it was recorded 7.9% Total Foreign Exchange Earnings with the rank of number four in 2013. Year 2015 to 2019 tourism maintains the stability to contribute to GDP as the number three ranked contribution whilst it got significantly improved 10.2% to 14.8% in Foreign Exchange Earnings during this period as per Central Bank Report.

Biodiversity hotspot

As per Conservation International (CI), Sri Lanka is one of 34 ‘biodiversity hotspots’ of in the world, with a large proportion of endemic species and a high dependence on its biodiversity for tourism and other social and economic activities

Despite its small size Sri Lanka boasts of one of the highest rates of biological endemism in the world.

Of the 106 species of mammals found in Sri Lanka.: the wildlife enthusiast, generally focuses his/her attention on. Sri Lankan Elephants, Sloth bears, Leopards, Sambars

Meanwhile the sea around Sri Lanka are home to large families of cetaceans including mighty blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins.

Altogether 34 species of cetaceans rule the waters surrounding the country, making it one of the best locations for whale and dolphin watching.

Despite the mighty elephants and rare amphibians found in the country birds are the glory of the Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Boasting nearly 510 bird species of which 33 are endemic.

Although less celebrated, Sri Lanka has one of the richest diversity of amphibians in the world, containing over 119 species of amphibians of over 106 of which are endemic. The country has long claimed to have the highest amphibian species density in the world.

Nature tourism

Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for nature tourism. Year around the climate head to the beach. Feel and run to the Ocean to watch waves to relax, seeing dolphins and whales. Rise with sun to explore flock of birds. Head to the wellness trough tranquillity of natural sounds deep in to the jungle and explore the mangroves.

Brand alignment and content

The content and alignment of the brand should be published in the 100 international media who is expected for CITES CoP 18 facilitates for brand alignment and content. Operate Communication and Media Relations supports the Sri Lanka Tourism in the globe. The country focuses on storytelling, consistent baseline messaging as Sri Lanka is a fauna and flora destination and embrace the authenticity. Also all media crews should emphasised on tailor-made itinerary, VIP programs, best practices and blogs.

Boost Sri Lanka nature tourism in Sri Lanka

There is also considerable potential for Sri Lanka to become the hub for regional and international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora with the nations branding activities must become aware of the array of trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora activities.

CITES works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls. All import, export, re-export and introduction from the sea species covered by the convention has to be authorised through a licensing system. Each party to the convention must designate one more management authorities in charge of administering that licensing system and one or more scientific authorities to advise them on the effects of trade on the status of the species

So Majestic, So Wild, So Welcoming So Sri Lanka

(The writer is the Secretary General, Tourism Leaders’ Summit and International Tourism Research Conference, Department of Economics, University of Colombo.)

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/CITES-CoP-18-in-May-will-boost-Sri-Lanka-nature-tourism/27-676257

CITES remains one of the world’s most powerful tools for wildlife conservation through the regulation of the trade. Thousands of species are internationally traded and used by people in their daily lives for food, healthcare, housing, tourist souvenirs, cosmetic or fashion.

CITES regulates international trade of over 36,000 species of plants and animals, including their products and derivatives, to ensure their survival in the wild with benefits for the livelihoods of local people and the global environment. The CITES permit system seeks to ensure that international trade in listed species is sustainable, legal and traceable.

CITES was signed in Washington D.C. on 3 March 1973 and entered into force on 1 July 1975. As of 30 June 2018, there are 183 Parties (182 Countries + EU) to the CITES.

How CITES works 

CITES works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls. All Import, Export, re-export and introduction from the sea species covered by the convention has to be authorised through a licensing system. Each party to the convention must designate one more management authority in charge of administering that licensing system and one or more scientific authorities to advise them on the effects of trade on the status of the species.

National laws for implementing CITES    

National laws for implementing CITES are critical to ensure that trade in protected species are legal, sustainable and traceable. Legislations empower government officials to act, regulate human behaviour and articulates policy in relation to conservation and trade in wildlife.

CITES cannot be fully implemented until specific domestic measures have been adopted for that purpose. It is therefore absolutely essential that CITES Parties have legislation in place allowing them to implement and enforce all aspect of the convention.

CITES Parties with legislation

The Conference of the Parties directed the CITES Secretariat, within available resources, to identify those parties whose domestic measures do not provide them with the authority to the following.

• Designate at least one management authority and one scientific authority
• Prohibit trade in specimens in violation of the convention
• Penalise such trade
• Confiscate specimens illegally traded or possessed

All four minimum requirements need to be met by the national laws. Under the National Legislation Project (NLP), and in consultation with the concerned party, national legislation is analysed by the secretariat in relation to these four minimum requirements and placed in one of these categories as follows (Legislative Status of Parties as of December 2017).

• Category-1 – Legislation that is believed generally to meet the requirement implementation of CITES (55.2% or 101 Parties)
• Category-2 – Legislation that is believed generally not to meet all of the requirements for the implementation of CITES (21.9% or 40 Parties)
• Category-3 – Legislation that is believed generally not to meet the requirement implementation of CITES (19.1% or 35 Parties and recent parties 3.8% or seven Parties)

CITES Appendices

Appendices I. II and III is to Convention are lists of Species (fauna and flora) which are afforded different levels or types of protection from over-exploitation.

• Appendix I – Species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species are permitted only in exceptional circumstances. As of 2 January 2017, there are 34,569 species and 12 subspecies listed
• Appendix II – Species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilisation incompatible with their survival. As of 2 January 2017, there are 34,569 species and 12 subspecies listed
• Appendix III – Species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES parties for assistance in controlling the trade. Changes to Appendix III follow a distinct procedure from changes to appendices I and II, as each Party’s entitled to make unilateral amendments to it. As of 2 January 2017, there are 202 species, 14 subspecies and one variety listed.

CITES and Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka acceded to the CITES Convention on 4 May 1979. Since then as a Party to the CITES for nearly four decades, Sri Lanka is yet to introduce national laws implementing CITES in the country. Currently Sri Lanka is placed in Category 3, which is for Parties that do not meet the requirements for the implementation of CITES.

Wildlife advocates of Sri Lanka urge and advocate the Sri Lankan authorities to introduce required legislation followed by regulations to implement CITES at a national level. Having local regulation in place to implement CITES in Sri Lanka will help not only to protect its own wildlife smuggled out of the country but also join hands with the international community to apprehend wildlife trafficking taking place at Sri Lankan ports, airports and in Sri Lankan waters.

It is vital to note that national laws will always supersede any CITES regulation. This means that existing laws would not be weakened while CITES would help close loopholes that enable Sri Lanka to be used as a wildlife trade route. CITES would also better regulate trade for species from other countries such as Blood Ivory from Africa, trade of orchids, timber and marine products (like shark fins); all of which have management controls in place at present but are still being traded in large volumes.

CITES is one of the Conventions that comes under the EU’s Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) that provides additional trade incentive to developing countries including Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka lost the GSP+ in 2010 and regained it in 2017 promising to the EU that Sri Lanka would adhere and implement the Conventions under GSP+ consideration.

Sri Lanka’s Fauna and Flora Protection (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2009 and Customs (Amendment) Act. No.  2 of 2003 or other legal instruments do not provide adequate legal provisions for apprehending illicit wildlife trafficking that is taking place in Sri Lanka, in transiting and beyond the Sri Lankan waters.

In the recent past, most of the illicit wildlife trafficking cargos transited via Sri Lanka were detected and detained by other East Asian countries. At the same time, in recent years, wildlife specimens are being taken in and out of Sri Lanka at a very high rate.

Under available legal provisions stipulated in the Customs Act of Sri Lanka and with available limited resources, Sri Lanka Customs is working hard to detect illicit wildlife trafficking at the country’s exit points (ports and airports).

It is worth noting that the recent two biggest wildlife-related detection by the Sri Lanka Customs received international attention. In 2012, Sri Lanka Customs forfeited the African Blood Ivory container which was in transit to Dubai and in 2014 held 28 containers of rose wood from Tanzania which was in transit to East Asia.

For the first time in the South Asian region, Sri Lanka destroyed a Blood Ivory container on 26 January 2016. CITES Secretary General John E. Scanlon came as a special guest of Sri Lankan Government on this occasion.

He was the first CITES Secretary General to visit the South Asian region. Scanlon applauded the Sri Lankan authorities for forfeiting such a massive blood ivory haul and taking steps to destroy it publicly. This event brought a high degree of international positive media attention to Sri Lanka, rivalling any event since country’s independence in 1948.

During Scanlon’s visit to Sri Lanka he had a discussion with Sri Lanka wildlife authorities on the local regulation for implement CITES in Sri Lanka. He emphasised the importance of having CITES local regulation in place and working towards achieving Category-1 status from the current Category.

Hosting CITES CoP 18 will be a major and significant international gathering in Sri Lanka, with 183 Parties, consisting of 182 countries attending. India hosted CoP 3 of the CITES in 1981. After 38 years, Sri Lanka will host CITES in the South Asian region once again.

Reference: 2018; Forum on Disarmament and Development, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Sri Lanka.

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/What-is-Convention-on-International-Trade-in-Endangered-Species/27-676130

From left: CDC Event and Travels Managing Director Imran Hassan, Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators President Harith Perera, Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Kishu Gomes and Sacharaka Udawa 2019 Chairman Nishad Wijetunga – Pix by Ruwan Walpola

The ninth edition of the sole tourism and travel fair in Sri Lanka, Sancharaka Udawa, will be held on 7 and 8 June.

Sancharaka Udawa is organised by Sri Lanka Association of Tour Operators (SLAITO) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).

The momentous announcement of Sancharaka Udawa 2019 was made in the presence of Chief Guest Minister of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Kishu Gomes, Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators President Harith Perera, Sancharakaudawa 2019 Chairman Nishad Wijetunga, and CDC Events and Travels Ltd., (the Event Organiser for Sancharaka Udawa) Managing Director Imran Hassan.

The exhibition offers a unique platform for B2B and B2C sectors, while facilitating industry stakeholders to engage with related Government authorities.

Sancharaka Udawa is scheduled to be held on 7 and 8 June from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to welcome an estimated 300 plus exhibitors and 10,000 plus visitors. The exhibiting space will be open to small, medium and large businesses related to tourism. This year’s edition will also feature outbound tourism industry stakeholders comprising of travel agents and airlines. The exhibition will culminate with a gala fellowship event for newcomers entering the industry and meeting veterans in the field. An award ceremony will also be held for Best Stall Creations.

The main objective of the exhibition is to create a platform for small and medium service providers in the industry to network and build vital links with tour operators and enter the wider tourism industry. The expected benefits will be a substantial increase in bookings to tourism service providers in the regions.

Furthermore, multiple benefits are expected to accrue for exhibitors in the form of brand visibility with Sri Lanka tourism in all digital and print marketing material, while reaffirming the commitment of Sri Lanka Tourism towards capacity building, upgrading infrastructure and resources of the industry.

Stalls for tourism related Government departments such as the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Tourist Police and other such organisations will be provided free-of-charge to build good rapport between these organisations and the industry. Several universities such as Colombo Uvawellassa, Kelanya, Sabaragamuwa and Rajarata have also been provided stalls free-of-charge in order to encourage students studying tourism an opportunity to interact with trade officials.

Interesting sessions have been organised concurrently, which will add value to trade visitors and the general public. In order to ensure that Sancharaka Udawa is a well-publicised event, a well-planned campaign will be executed to attract exhibitors, including an advertising campaign using digital and traditional methods and media, along with a road show.

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/-Sancharaka-Udawa–in-June-at-BMICH/27-675533

‘Raid Amazones’, the world’s biggest women’s adventure race kicked off yesterday where teams of participants compete in running, cycling, kayaking, archery and various other challenges over a week.  The successful first leg of the event was held in October 2018 and they are now back for more!

Adventure Race enthusiasts received a warm welcome when they arrived in their official red clad attire on Saturday 23 March at Bandaranayke International Airport (BIA).  The participants of the second leg of this adventure challenge were ushered to Passikudah after a lunch at Aliya Resort and Spa.  After lunch, the teams checked into Amaya Beach Passikudah, the official hospitality partner of the entire event.

Hosting 350 participants over the two legs is no easy task as it is the first event of its kind on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Most activities take the participants deep into countryside villages bordering Thopigala, Kiran and Koralai Pattu where not many tourists or locals have ventured before.

The event is organised by the French organisation ZBO (https://www.zbo.fr/event/) hand in hand with their local partners Connaissance De Ceylan and the Sri Lanka Tourist Promotion Bureau.

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/The-Great-Adventure-Race/27-675287

OZO Colombo Aqua Function Sea View

 OZO Colombo Aqua Meeting

OZO Colombo’s MICE facility, Aqua, provides modern facilities as well as a stunning view for corporate meetings and events. The hotel has a specialised events team, banquet staff and dedicated MICE specialists who ensure seamless and stress-free proceedings while helping to add value. This dedicated team is on hand to take care of all event needs with personalised attention to detail and, of course, the international OZO touch.

With a variety of room configurations, Aqua can accommodate meetings from 20 to 170 people. The banquet is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and modern amenities necessary for prestigious conferences, launches, presentations or gala events.

One of the special features that OZO Colombo takes pride in is in having a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean which offers an abundance of natural day light. Complemented by this breath-taking view, the interior of Aqua radiates sophistication, elegance and OZO’s international expertise.

For smaller, more intimate meeting spaces, Talk can host up to eight guests and is fully equipped.

Banquet and dining menus of OZO Colombo are of an international standard, prepared by a team of skilled chefs from both home and around the world.

Equally important to highly focused work, is restful, quiet sleep. OZO Colombo is known for its specialisation in snooze zones, offering great sleep for on-the-go guests. The hotel comprises of 158 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a trendy rooftop bar and lounge by the open-air swimming pool, and a fully equipped gymnasium.

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/A-meeting-with-a-view-at-OZO-Colombo/27-673661

 IRONMAN Team

• Largest sporting Expo at the Shangri-La Colombo from 21 to 24 February 
• Over 730 athletes from 58 countries 
• Expected revenue for Sri Lanka over $ 3.5m

The country’s biggest international sporting event, So Sri Lanka IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo, is ready to officially kick off on 24 February. The second edition of the event is slated to increase engagement and attention for the country, some of the key benefits of hosting an event of such magnitude in Sri Lanka. The competition will see the participation of over 739 athletes from 58 countries, with another 899 friends and family accompanying the foreign participants to Colombo.

Furthermore, the So Sri Lanka IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo Expo is scheduled to take place from 21-24 February at the Lotus Ballroom of Shangri-La Colombo. The Expo will showcase local and international sports, health and wellness products and services to the IRONMAN 70.3 participants as well as the general public.

“Our goals in bringing the IRONMAN franchise to Sri Lanka last year were to establish the country as a viable destination for sports tourism and outdoor recreation, while encouraging Sri Lankans to get more involved in physically challenging activities. We were delighted with how the event unfolded last year, and with the response we received from locals as well as the foreign participants, most of whom were travelling to our sunny shores for the first time. This gave us the motivation and determination to continue with the second edition of the event this year. The team is working tirelessly to make sure that all participants have a great triathlon, while enjoying true Sri Lankan hospitality,” said Pro Am Serendib Director Yasas Hewage. Last year saw a majority of the athletes travelling to Sri Lanka with friends and family, and reports show that over 70% of them stayed back to tour the country after the race. Over 50% of foreign participants and their travel companions stayed at either four or five star hotels, while the rest opted for non-traditional accommodation such as Airbnb. The average amount spent in Sri Lanka by each of foreign athletes on food, accommodation, internal travel and leisure activities was Rs. 485,000 per athlete.

The top five participating countries in So Sri Lanka IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo are India with 94 triathletes, Great Britain with 55, Australia with 40, France with 34 and Japan with 24. Some of the other nations that will be represented at the triathlon are USA, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, Russia, Maldives and Sri Lanka. The average age of this year’s athletes is 38, with the oldest participant being 76 years of age and the youngest a mere 18 years.  A significant majority of the participants are male, with women constituting 24% of the total number of athletes. This year, IRONMAN is encouraging women’s participation in the sport and have allocated 25 slots from Sri Lanka exclusively for women that finish first to take part in the 2019 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, Nice, France.

“At Pro Am Serendib, we want to encourage Sri Lankans to get up, get out and physically challenge themselves more. Organising endurance sporting events such as So Sri Lanka IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo not only creates awareness for the country on a global level, but it also gives our own people the opportunity to push themselves and feel the true rewards of physical achievement. Having realised that the number of female participants needs to increase for future events, we are organising an ‘in conversation’ with IRONMAN great Julie Moss at the Kingsbury Hotel on 21 February, to encourage and inspire more women to get involved in endurance sports,” added Pro Am Serendib Director Deshabandu Julian Bolling.

The race begins with a single-loop, 1.9km swim starting at the beach adjoining Galle Face Green, followed by a flat and fast 90km bike course and a 21.1km run course that offers scenic country views and a fantastic finish in front of Galle Face Green. This year, the bike course would be extended to Janadhipathi Mawatha, Sir Baron Jayatilaka Mawatha, York Street and BOC Mawatha. The run course will be extended up to Kollupitiya junction by making it more spectator-friendly, the main aim of this year’s the event is to focus on enhancing athlete and spectator experiences with a spectator-friendly course design.

“An event of this magnitude requires the support and commitment of a large number of partners from both the public and private sector in order to be a success. We are grateful to all organisations that have come forward to make So Sri Lanka IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo a reality. From the Ministry of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Telecommunications, Digital Infrastructure, Foreign Employment and Sports, who have been pillars of strength to IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo throughout, the Ministry of Defense for their constant support, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority that have once again been so kind as to open up one of Asia busiest ports for the race, the Colombo Municipal Council which work closely with us to ensure Colombo looks beautiful for all coming down for the race.

“We are also grateful to the over 500 volunteers and 300 strong police force who will come together to ensure the event takes place smoothly and safely. The triathlon is a great opportunity for Sri Lanka to showcase her warm hospitality, her cheerful spirit and moreover, her ability to host large scale international events of this nature,” said Pro Am Serendib Event Director and Director Rajan Thananayagam.

So Sri Lanka IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo is organised by Pro Am Serendib, the title sponsor of the event is Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau. Partner organisations include Shangri-La Colombo, MAS, Sri Lankan Airlines, Ceylinco, MTV/MBC Group, Hayleys Tours, Advantis, Asiri,  Wijeya Group, SIS, Kantra LMRB, Emerging Media, Rotaract, Strategy, Honda, RedBull, Inspire X, Bernard’s, Rainbow, Spinners, the Triathlon Club Colombo and 230i.

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/So-Sri-Lanka-IRONMAN-70-3-Colombo–Sri-Lanka-s-largest-sports-tourism-event/27-673140